scholarly journals The efficacy and safety of interferons for the treatment of patients with COVID-19: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afsaneh Noormandi ◽  
Mohammad Fathalipour ◽  
Reza Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara ◽  
Soheil Hassanipour
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Time Of Administration

Background and objective: COVID-19 has since been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), infecting millions worldwide. The use of Interferon (INF) subtypes previously examined in the treatment of SARS and MERS is also being initiated in some clinical trials. Although different clinical trials were evaluated IFNs in the treatment of COVID-19, their efficacy and safety remain unknown. Therefore, this study aims to systematically assess IFNs efficacy and safety in treating patients with COVID-19. Methods: The protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register (CRD42020200643) on 24 July 2020. This protocol has been arranged according to the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) 2015 checklist. Discussion: Due to lack of approved medication for the covid-19 treatment and also various mutations of this virus, evaluated the efficacy and safety of medications by various studies could help for finding treatments with high effectiveness. IFNs are one of the medications that have been administered in covid-19 infection.  Moreover, the best time of administration and dose of this medication was unknown. Although meta-analysis is a potent source for assessing the accuracy of subjects, heterogeneity of articles is a potent limitation of our work.

scholarly journals The impact of inclusion, dose and duration of pyrazinamide (PZA) on efficacy and safety outcomes in tuberculosis: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Millard ◽  
Elizabeth A. Mackay ◽  
Laura J. Bonnett ◽  
Geraint R. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Safety Outcomes ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Indirect Comparisons

Abstract Background Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a key component of current and future regimens for tuberculosis (TB). Inclusion of PZA at higher doses and for longer durations may improve efficacy outcomes but must be balanced against the potential for worse safety outcomes. Methods We will search for randomised and quasi-randomised clinical trials in adult participants with and without the inclusion of PZA in TB treatment regimens in the Cochrane infectious diseases group’s trials register, Cochrane central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) and the World Health Organization (WHO) international clinical trials registry platform. One author will screen abstracts and remove ineligible studies (10% of which will be double-screened by a second author). Two authors will review full texts for inclusion. Safety and efficacy data will be extracted to pre-piloted forms by one author (10% of which will be double-extracted by a second author). The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess study quality. The study has three objectives: the association of (1) inclusion, (2) dose and (3) duration of PZA with efficacy and safety outcomes. Risk ratios as relative measures of effect for direct comparisons within trials (all objectives) and proportions as absolute measures of effect for indirect comparisons across trials (for objectives 2 and 3) will be calculated. If there is insufficient data for direct comparisons within trials for objective 1, indirect comparisons between trials will be performed. Measures of effect will be pooled, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p values. Meta-analysis will be performed using the generalised inverse variance method for fixed effects models (FEM) or the DerSimonian-Laird method for random effects models (REM). For indirect comparisons, meta-regression for absolute measures against dose and duration data will be performed. Heterogeneity will be quantified through the I2-statistic for direct comparisons and the τ2 statistic for indirect comparisons using meta-regression. Discussion The current use of PZA for TB is based on over 60 years of clinical trial data, but this has never been synthesised to guide rationale use in future regimens and clinical trials. Systematic review registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42019138735

scholarly journals Vaccines and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 364-369
Author(s):  
Pyoeng Gyun Choe
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The World ◽  
Polymerase Inhibitor ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
Health Organization

In December 2019, a new strain of betacoronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerged in Wuhan, China. Subsequently, the virus quickly spread worldwide and the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. In response to the pandemic, many researchers are working on repurposing existing drugs to alter the course of severe COVID-19, and are testing experimental treatments. Among antiviral agents, remdesivir, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, showed clinical benefit in a randomized clinical trial. In October 2020, the Food and Drug Administration approved remdesivir for treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19, making it the first drug approved for the disease. The race to produce safe, effective vaccines is also progressing at unprecedented speed, with over 200 under development and 45 candidates already being tested in human clinical trials (as of October 2020).

scholarly journals The worldwide prevalence of the Dupuytren disease: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nader Salari ◽  
Mohammadbagher Heydari ◽  
Masoud Hassanabadi ◽  
Mohsen Kazeminia ◽  
Nikzad Farshchian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
World Health ◽  
Palmar Fascia ◽  
The World ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Dupuytren Disease

Abstract Background The Dupuytren disease is a benign fibroproliferative disorder that leads to the formation of the collagen knots and fibres in the palmar fascia. The previous studies reveal different levels of Dupuytren’s prevalence worldwide; hence, this study uses meta-analysis to approximate the prevalence of Dupuytren globally. Methods In this study, systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted on the previous studies focused on the prevalence of the Dupuytren disease. The search keywords were Prevalence, Prevalent, Epidemiology, Dupuytren Contracture, Dupuytren and Incidence. Subsequently, SID, MagIran, ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases and Google Scholar search engine were searched without a lower time limit and until June 2020. In order to analyse reliable studies, the stochastic effects model was used and the I2 index was applied to test the heterogeneity of the selected studies. Data analysis was performed within the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software version 2.0. Results By evaluating 85 studies (10 in Asia, 56 in Europe, 2 in Africa and 17 studies in America) with a total sample size of 6628506 individuals, the prevalence of Dupuytren disease in the world is found as 8.2% (95% CI 5.7–11.7%). The highest prevalence rate is reported in Africa with 17.2% (95% CI 13–22.3%). According to the subgroup analysis, in terms of underlying diseases, the highest prevalence was obtained in patients with type 1 diabetes with 34.1% (95% CI 25–44.6%). The results of meta-regression revealed a decreasing trend in the prevalence of Dupuytren disease by increasing the sample size and the research year (P < 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study show that the prevalence of Dupuytren disease is particularly higher in alcoholic patients with diabetes. Therefore, the officials of the World Health Organization should design measures for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

scholarly journals Factors influencing the relationship between fluoride in drinking water and dental fluorosis: a ten-year systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 845-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. Akuno ◽  
G. Nocella ◽  
E. P. Milia ◽  
L. Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Dental Fluorosis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The relationship between naturally fluoridated groundwater and dental fluorosis has received large attention from researchers around the world. Despite recognition that several factors influence this relationship, there is a lack of systematic studies analyzing the heterogeneity of these results. To fill such a gap, this study performs a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand which factors influence this relationship and how. Selected studies were sampled between 2007 and 2017 from Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus using keywords and Boolean operators. Results of the systematic review show that dental fluorosis affects individuals of all ages, with the highest prevalence below 11, while the impact of other factors (gender, environmental conditions, diet and dental caries) was inconclusive. Meta-regression analysis, based on information collected through systematic review, indicates that both fluoride in drinking water and temperature influence dental fluorosis significantly and that these studies might be affected by publication bias. Findings show that fluoride negatively affects people's health in less developed countries. The conclusions discuss policy tools and technological innovations that could reduce fluoride levels below that of the World Health Organization (WHO) (&lt;1.5 mg/L).

High-dose or multi-day praziquantel for imported schistosomiasis? A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Cucchetto ◽  
Dora Buonfrate ◽  
Valentina Marchese ◽  
Paola Rodari ◽  
Anna Ferrari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Endemic Areas ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background Schistosomiasis affects more than 260 million people worldwide, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 280 000 deaths per year are estimated. In the past few years, the increasing flow of migrants from endemic areas and the upward number of international travels have caused the emergence of the disease also in non-endemic areas. A single course of praziquantel (PZQ) 40 mg/kg is the first-line treatment recommended by the World Health Organization, mainly based on clinical trials conducted in endemic countries. No trials have been performed in non-endemic areas. Methods We carried out a systematic review of case reports and case series published between 1956 and August 2017 on cases of chronic schistosomiasis (infection acquired >3 months before) diagnosed in non-endemic areas and treated with PZQ. Primary outcome was to assess the number of different therapeutic regimens deployed and their frequency of use, calculated as the number of reports for each regimen over the total number of included cases. Results The final database included 99 case reports and 51 case series, for a total of 1433 patients. In 57 of the 150 records (38%) the administered treatment was different from the one recommended by the World Health Organization. The proportion of ‘alternative’ regimens included increased doses of PZQ (up to 80 mg/kg) and/or prolonged duration of treatment and/or doses repeated some days/weeks apart. About 50% of the records regarding Western short-term travellers reported a non-standard treatment. Conclusion This is the first complete catalogue of the published experience with PZQ outside of endemic areas in the situation where reinfection is not an issue. We found a wide heterogeneity of the therapeutic regimens reported. Multicenter clinical trials conducted in non-endemic areas and guidelines specifically addressing the treatment of imported cases of chronic schistosomiasis are needed.

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of antidepressants for the treatment of back pain and osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. m4825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni E Ferreira ◽  
Andrew J McLachlan ◽  
Chung-Wei Christine Lin ◽  
Joshua R Zadro ◽  
Christina Abdel-Shaheed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Osteoarthritis Pain

Abstract Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of antidepressants for back and osteoarthritis pain compared with placebo. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception to 15 November and updated on 12 May 2020. Eligibility criteria for study selection Randomised controlled trials comparing the efficacy or safety, or both of any antidepressant drug with placebo (active or inert) in participants with low back or neck pain, sciatica, or hip or knee osteoarthritis. Data extraction and synthesis Two independent reviewers extracted data. Pain and disability were primary outcomes. Pain and disability scores were converted to a scale of 0 (no pain or disability) to 100 (worst pain or disability). A random effects model was used to calculate weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Safety (any adverse event, serious adverse events, and proportion of participants who withdrew from trials owing to adverse events) was a secondary outcome. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and certainty of evidence with the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) framework. Results 33 trials (5318 participants) were included. Moderate certainty evidence showed that serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) reduced back pain (mean difference −5.30, 95% confidence interval −7.31 to −3.30) at 3-13 weeks and low certainty evidence that SNRIs reduced osteoarthritis pain (−9.72, −12.75 to −6.69) at 3-13 weeks. Very low certainty evidence showed that SNRIs reduced sciatica at two weeks or less (−18.60, −31.87 to −5.33) but not at 3-13 weeks (−17.50, −42.90 to 7.89). Low to very low certainty evidence showed that tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) did not reduce sciatica at two weeks or less (−7.55, −18.25 to 3.15) but did at 3-13 weeks (−15.95, −31.52 to −0.39) and 3-12 months (−27.0, −36.11 to −17.89). Moderate certainty evidence showed that SNRIs reduced disability from back pain at 3-13 weeks (−3.55, −5.22 to −1.88) and disability due to osteoarthritis at two weeks or less (−5.10, −7.31 to −2.89), with low certainty evidence at 3-13 weeks (−6.07, −8.13 to −4.02). TCAs and other antidepressants did not reduce pain or disability from back pain. Conclusion Moderate certainty evidence shows that the effect of SNRIs on pain and disability scores is small and not clinically important for back pain, but a clinically important effect cannot be excluded for osteoarthritis. TCAs and SNRIs might be effective for sciatica, but the certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020158521.

The relevance of dietetic approach of Ayurveda from the perspective of COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 748-752
Author(s):  
Swapnali Khabade ◽  
Bharat Rathi ◽  
Renu Rathi
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Healthy Person ◽  
World Health ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The People ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Individual

A novel, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causes severe acute respiratory syndrome and spread globally from Wuhan, China. In March 2020 the World Health Organization declared the SARS-Cov-2 virus as a COVID- 19, a global pandemic. This pandemic happened to be followed by some restrictions, and specially lockdown playing the leading role for the people to get disassociated with their personal and social schedules. And now the food is the most necessary thing to take care of. It seems the new challenge for the individual is self-isolation to maintain themselves on the health basis and fight against the pandemic situation by boosting their immunity. Food organised by proper diet may maintain the physical and mental health of the individual. Ayurveda aims to promote and preserve the health, strength and the longevity of the healthy person and to cure the disease by properly channelling with and without Ahara. In Ayurveda, diet (Ahara) is considered as one of the critical pillars of life, and Langhana plays an important role too. This article will review the relevance of dietetic approach described in Ayurveda with and without food (Asthavidhi visheshaytana & Lanhgan) during COVID-19 like a pandemic.

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