Global epidemiology of acromegaly: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Crisafulli ◽  
Nicoletta Luxi ◽  
Janet Sultana ◽  
Andrea Fontana ◽  
Federica Spagnolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Global Epidemiology ◽  
Study Heterogeneity ◽  
Quality Assessments

Objective: To date, no systematic reviews and meta-analysis on the global epidemiology of acromegaly are available in literature. The aims of this study are to provide a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the global epidemiology of acromegaly and to evaluate the quality of study reporting for the identified studies. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies assessing the epidemiology of acromegaly from inception until 31st January 2020. We included original observational studies written in English, reporting acromegaly prevalence and/or incidence for a well-defined geographic area. Two reviewers independently extracted data and performed quality assessments. Prevalence and incidence pooled estimates were derived performing a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: A total of 32 studies were included in the systematic review, and 22 of them were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of acromegaly was 5.9 (95%CI: 4.4-7.9) per 100,000 persons, while the incidence rate (IR) was 0.38 (95%CI: 0.32-0.44) cases per 100,000 person-years. For both prevalence and IR, a considerable between-study heterogeneity was found (I2= 99.3% and 86.0%, respectively). The quality of study reporting was rated as medium for 20 studies and low for 12 studies. Conclusions: Although the largest amount of heterogeneity was due to the high precision of the studies’ estimates, data source and geographic area could represent relevant study-levels factors which could explain about 50% of the total between-study variability. Large-scale high quality studies on the epidemiology of acromegaly are warranted to help the public health system in making decisions.

Long COVID: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Symptomatology and Treatment Approaches

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Okechukwu Nna ◽  
Michael Abel Alao ◽  
Canice Anyachukwu ◽  
Adanze Onyenonachi Asinobi ◽  
Babatunde Ogunbosi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Treatment Approaches ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Registration Number

Abstract Background:The burden of SAR COV-2 infection is not limited to the acute viraemia and its symptomatology but extends far beyond to include the long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome,which may soon reach public health significance. We set out to produce a protocol for reliable and accurate systematic review and meta-analysis of the symptomatology and treatment approaches of long COVID globally.Methods:We developed a search strategy using MeSH terms, text words and entry terms. Nine databases will be searched: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, AJOL, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Researchgate and Scopus. Only observational studies retrievable in the English Language will be included. The primary measurable outcome is the pooled prevalence of the symptoms of long COVID. The secondary outcomes include the summary effect sizes of the treatment approaches to the long COVID; the geographic, race, gender and age variations in symptomatology, and the quality of life of patients with long COVID. Identified studies will be screened, deduplicated, selected and data items extracted using DistillerSR software. All studies will be assessed for methodological, clinical and statistical heterogeneity. Assessment of meta-bias in the selected studies will be performed using the NIH Quality assessment tool for observational studies. Publication bias will be assessed using the funnel plot and Egger’s regression intercept. The pooled prevalence will be expressed with SE and 95% CI. The strength of evidence from this analysis will be assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis.Discussion: This analysis will map globally the symptoms of long COVID and its correlates, exploring the influences of geographic locations, race, age and gender, thereby enabling a severity index on a global scale. It will examine in detail the treatment approaches to the long COVID and their impacts on the quality of life of patients. The evidence from this study will inform health policies toward the management of post-COVID-19 syndrome. The outcome of this study will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journal.Trial Registration Number:This protocol is registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42021236457

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Antalgic Therapies in Patients with Vertebral Bone Metastasis: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3991
Author(s):  
Antonio Jose Martin-Perez ◽  
María Fernández-González ◽  
Paula Postigo-Martin ◽  
Marc Sampedro Pilegaard ◽  
Carolina Fernández-Lao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bone Metastasis ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Vertebral Metastasis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

There is no systematic review that has identified existing studies evaluating the pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention for pain management in patients with bone metastasis. To fill this gap in the literature, this systematic review with meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different antalgic therapies (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) in the improvement of pain of these patients. To this end, this protocol has been written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020135762). A systematic search will be carried out in four international databases: Medline (Via PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, to select the randomized controlled clinical trials. The Risk of Bias Tool developed by Cochrane will be used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the identified studies. A narrative synthesis will be used to describe and compare the studies, and after the data extraction, random effects model and a subgroup analyses will be performed according to the type of intervention, if possible. This protocol aims to generate a systematic review that compiles and synthesizes the best and most recent evidence on the treatment of pain derived from vertebral metastasis.

scholarly journals Lumbar Roll Usage While Sitting Reduces the Forward Head Posture in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5171
Author(s):  
Yusuke Handa ◽  
Kenya Okada ◽  
Hiroshi Takasaki
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grade System ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Forward Head Posture ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Head Posture ◽  
Head Extension ◽  
The Cochrane Library

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of a lumbar roll reduced forward head posture (FHP) while sitting among individuals with or without musculoskeletal disorders. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to August 2020. The quality of evidence for variables used in the meta-analysis was determined using the GRADE system. Five studies satisfied the criteria for data analysis. All studies included individuals without any spinal symptoms. Data from five studies on neck angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.02) overall effect (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.77), indicating a lesser neck flexion angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. Data from two studies on head angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.04) overall effect (SMD = 0.47), indicating a lesser head extension angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. In each meta-analysis, the quality of evidence was very low in the GRADE system. The use of a lumbar roll while sitting reduced FHP among individuals without spinal symptoms.

scholarly journals The prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sohail Akhtar ◽  
Jamal Abdul Nasir ◽  
Amara Javed ◽  
Mariyam Saleem ◽  
Sundas Sajjad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Included Study ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Meta Regression

Abstract Background The aim of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and its associated risk factors in Afghanistan through a systematic review and meta–analysis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library, carried out from inception to April 312,020, without language restriction. Meta–analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. The existence of publication bias was initially assessed by visual inspection of a funnel plot and then tested by the Egger regression test. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. This systematic review was reported by following the PRISMA guidelines and the methodological quality of each included study was evaluated using the STROBE guidelines. Results Out of 64 potentially relevant studies, only 06 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of diabetes in the general population based on population-based studies were 12.13% (95% CI: 8.86–16.24%), based on a pooled sample of 7071 individuals. Results of univariate meta-regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of diabetes increased with mean age, hypertension and obesity. There was no significant association between sex (male vs female), smoking, the methodological quality of included articles or education (illiterate vs literate) and the prevalence of diabetes. Conclusions This meta-analysis reports the 12.13% prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan,with the highest prevalence in Kandahar and the lowest in Balkh province. The main risk factors include increasing age, obesity and hypertension. Community-based care and preventive training programmes are recommended. Trial registration This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020172624).

scholarly journals Traditional Chinese Herb Combined with Surgery versus Surgery for Varicocele Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong-liang Dun ◽  
Min Yao ◽  
Long Yang ◽  
Xue-jun Cui ◽  
Jian-min Mao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Chinese Herb ◽  
Chinese Herbs ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Dichotomous Data ◽  
Surgery Group ◽  
Traditional Chinese Herb ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Objective. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery for male varicocele infertility compared to surgery.Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) data of traditional Chinese herbs combined with surgery for male varicocele fertility versus surgery were collected by searching the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Chinese databases. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Handbook. Study outcomes were presented as risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data.Results. Seventeen of 72 potentially relevant trials met the inclusion criteria. The methodological qualities of the RCTs were low. Compared with the surgery group, the traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery group had superiority in pregnancy rate at 3-month (RR=1.76, andP=0.008), 6-month (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005), and 2-year (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005) follow-ups. No RCT was found to describe the side effects.Conclusion. On considering the low methodological quality of RCTs, there was no enough evidence on traditional Chinese herb with surgery for male varicocele infertility, and more high-quality RCTs of large sample sizes are required.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e015748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Joel Bigna ◽  
Marie A Amougou ◽  
Serra Lem Asangbeh ◽  
Angeladine Malaha Kenne ◽  
Jobert Richie Nansseu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Representative Study ◽  
East Region ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Rural Settings

ObjectiveBetter knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence at the national level can help to implement pertinent strategies to address the HCV-related burden. The aim of this paper was to estimate the seroprevalence of HCV infection in Cameroon.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.ParticipantsPeople residing in Cameroon.Data sourcesElectronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, AJOL, WHO-Afro Library, Africa Index Medicus, National Institute of Statistics and National AIDS Control Committee, Cameroon from 1 January 2000 to 15 December 2016 were searched. English and French languages papers were considered. Two independent investigators selected studies. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.Results31 studies including 36 407 individuals were finally considered. There was no national representative study. The overall pooled prevalence was 6.5% (95% CI 4.5% to 8.8%; I²=98.3%). A sensitivity analysis of individuals at low risk of HCV infection showed a pooled prevalence of 3.6% (95% CI 2.3% to 5.2%, I²=97.7%, 18 studies) among 22 860 individuals (general population, blood donors and pregnant women), which was higher than for a high-risk population (healthcare workers and people with other identified comorbidities), 12.2% (95% CI 4.9% to 22.2%; I²=98.3%, 13 studies); p=0.018. The prevalence was higher in the East region, in rural settings, and when using an enzyme immunoassay technique for detecting HCV antibodies. Sex, sites, study period, sample size, timing of data collection and methodological quality of studies were not sources of heterogeneity.LimitationOne-third of studies (29.0%) had a low risk bias in their methodology and most were facility-based (87.1%).ConclusionThe seroprevalence of HCV infection in Cameroon indicates the need for comprehensive and effective strategies to interrupt HCV transmission in the Cameroonian population. Specific attention is needed for the East region of the country, rural settings and high-risk populations. A national representative study is needed to provide better estimates.

scholarly journals Safety and Efficacy of Therapeutic Taping in Primary Dysmenorrhea: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bandara EMIA ◽  
Kularathne WNI ◽  
K Brain ◽  
Weerasekara I
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Primary Dysmenorrhea ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Pain Anxiety

Abstract Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological complaint among adolescents and adult women. Various pharmacological and alternative therapies such as therapeutic taping have been used as a treatment of PD. Although several studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapeutic taping in PD, these studies have not provided adequate level of evidence related to the safety and efficacy of therapeutic taping in PD. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapeutic taping in PD. The following databases; Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, PEDro, CINAHL and any other gray literature sources were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used therapeutic taping to treat PD from inception to June 2021 with the language restricted to English. Independently screened articles by two reviewers were extracted according to the study objectives. A total of nine studies were included in the systematic review, involving 577 participants. Three studies were eligible for meta-analysis to find the pooled effect of taping on pain intensity. The review indicates that therapeutic taping is an effective measure in improving pain, anxiety and quality of life of women with PD. Meta-analysis conducted to compare the effect of elastic therapeutic taping (ETT) to sham taping showed that the ETT is an effective measure in improving pain among women with PD (MD = -3.12 (95% CI -5.64, -0.60); p=0.02; I2=95 %). The quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale and the included RCTs indicated a fair to good level of quality. Our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that therapeutic taping is an effective intervention for PD. However, RCTs with higher quality and larger sample sizes are necessary to verify the current results of the review.

scholarly journals Impact of eating disorders on paid or unpaid work participation and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Safi ◽  
Anna M. Aniserowicz ◽  
Heather Colquhoun ◽  
Jill Stier ◽  
Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Work Participation ◽  
Unpaid Work ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Eating disorders (ED) can reduce quality of life by limiting participation and performance in social and occupational roles, including paid or unpaid work. The association between ED pathologies and work participation and performance must be well understood to strengthen vocational rehabilitation programmes and prevent occupational disruptions in the ED population. The aims of this study are: (1) to examine the degree of association between ED pathologies and work participation and performance in 15-year-olds and older; (2) to highlight the specific ED symptoms that are most correlated with changes in work performance and participation; (3) to compile the most common metrics and assessments used to measure work participation and performance with ED. Methods Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library will be searched for observational and experimental studies that meet the following criteria: (1) a clinical sample of typical or atypical ED; (2) paid or unpaid employment or training; (3) an association between ED pathologies and work participation or performance. Unpublished data will also be examined. Title and abstract, and full-text screening will be conducted in duplicate. Risk of bias and quality of evidence assessments will be completed. A random-effect meta-analysis will be performed. Discussion This synthesis can clarify knowledge and gaps around the impact of ED on work functioning, thereby allowing better evaluation, improvements and development of current workplace assessments, interventions, and policies. Trial registration The registration number for this systematic review on PROSPERO is CRD42021255055.

scholarly journals Does propofol ameliorate occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction after general anaesthesia? A protocol of systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Zhao ◽  
Ze-qing Huang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Biomedical Literature ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure

Abstract Background Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common condition after general anesthesia (GA). Previous studies have reported that propofol can ameliorate the occurrence of such disorder. However, its results are still inconsistent. Therefore, this systematic review will assess the efficacy and safety of propofol on POCD after GA. Methods Literature sources will be sought from inception to the present in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the administration of propofol on POCD after GA. All searches will be carried out without limitations to language and publication status. Outcomes comprise of cognitive impairments changes, impairments in short-term memory, concentration, language comprehension, social integration, quality of life, and adverse events. Cochrane risk of bias tool will be utilized to assess study quality. We will evaluate the quality of evidence for each outcome using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A narrative synthesis or a meta-analysis will be undertaken as appropriate. Discussion This study will systematically and comprehensively search literature and integrate evidence on the efficacy and safety of propofol on POCD after GA. Our findings will be of interest to clinicians and health-related policy makers. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020164096

scholarly journals Occupational Related Upper and Low Back Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dechasa Adare Mengistu ◽  
Yohannes Mulugeta Demmu ◽  
Addisu Alemu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Boolean Logic ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background: Back pains, such as low and upper back pains are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions that can cause major public health and socioeconomic problems. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability that reduces worker performance and well-being and increases absence from work, which can cause an enormous economic burden. In developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia, there is no adequate evidence on the overall prevalence of occupational-related low and upper back pains and remain less prioritized and empirically unrepresented. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational-related low and upper back pains among the working population of Ethiopia.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English, and published from 2017-2020. Articles were searched from nine electronic databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online database and Science Direct) using a combination of Boolean logic operators, Medical Subject Headings and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the articles to the study. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence, the 95% confidence interval, and the degree of heterogeneity among the included studies. Sensitivity analyzes were performed to identify the influence of outliers and to identify sources of heterogeneity.Results: Of the 1,114 studies identified from the included databases, 20 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain in the previous year was 27.1% [95% CI: 18.4, 37.9] and 54.2% [95% CI: 48.2, 60.0], respectively. Based on a subgroup analysis by publication year, study population and countries where the studies are conducted, the prevalence of upper back pain was 43.8% [95% CI: 39.3, 47.7], 34.7% [95% CI: 33.1, 36.2], and 36.2% [95% CI: 33.6, 39.0], respectively, while the prevalence of low back pain was 61.8% [95% CI: 58.9, 64.6], 52.8% [95% CI: 51.3, 54.3] and 55.2% [95% CI: 51.4, 59.0], respectively.Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 54.2% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous year, while 27.1% experienced upper back pain. These problems may be reduced by considering proper observation of the principles of ergonomics in the workplace, and performing physical exercises on a regular basis.

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