scholarly journals Skin care for infants: A systematic review of the evidence-based

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-65
Author(s):  
Halil Ibrahim Tasdemir ◽  
Emine Efe

Objective: Newborns require special care because their skin is much more sensitive and thinner than adults. From the products to be selected to the umbilical cord care; prevention of the pus; Parents and health professionals should pay attention to some important points in so many issues ranging from bathing conditions. In this study, it is aimed to systematically examine the studies about skin care of newborns. Materials and Methods: A total of 2792 studies published between 2012 and 2019 were examined. A total of nine publications were included in the study and evaluated in terms of comparison, limitations and results. Results: From the few studies with comparable data, there was no evidence that there was no significant difference between the tested washing products and the water or the tested baby wipes and water. There was some evidence to suggest daily use of emollients in a full-body bath. However, the use of olive oil or sunflower oil for the baby's dry skin may adversely affect the skin barrier. There was no evidence of hair/scalp care or baby massage. Conclusion: Although there is evidence of significant randomized controlled trials comparing the use of certain products to water or another product alone for bathing, cleaning and diaper care, the strength of this evidence is low due to the inconsistency of the outcome measures in terms of treatment area or time. It is recommended to increase the number of randomized controlled trials with the appropriate methodology for skin care of newborns. Keywords: Newborn, Skin care, Nursing care

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammed Rashid ◽  
Madhan Ramesh ◽  
K. Shamshavali ◽  
Amit Dang ◽  
Himanshu Patel ◽  
...  

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the sixth primary cause of cancer death. However, conflicts are present about the efficacy and safety of Non-steroidal anti-androgens (NSAA) for its treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of NSAAs versus any comparator for the treatment of advanced or metastatic PCa (mPCa). Methodology: MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched. References of included studies and clinicaltrials.gov were also searched for relevant studies. Only English language studies after 1990 were considered for review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy and safety of NSAAs as compared with any other comparator including surgery or chemotherapy in mPCa patients were included. The outcomes include efficacy, safety and the tolerability of the treatment. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used for quality assessment. Two authors were independently involved in the selection, extraction and quality assessment of included studies and disagreements were resolved by discussion or by consulting a third reviewer. Results: Fifty-eight out of 1307 non-duplicate RCTs with 29154 patients were considered for the review. NSAA showed significantly better progression-free survival [PFS] (Hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.78; P=0.0001), time to distant metastasis or death [TTD] (HR, 0.80; 95% CI 0.73-0.91; p<0.0001), objective response (Odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% CI 1.06-2.54; P=0.03) and clinical benefits (OR, 1.33; 95% CI 1.08-1.63; P=0.006) as compared to the control group. There was no significant difference observed between the groups in terms of overall survival (HR, 0.95; 95%CI, 0.87-1.03; P=0.18) and time to progression (HR, 0.93; 95% CI 0.77-1.11; P=0.43). Treatment-related adverse events were more with the NSAA group, but the discontinuation due to lack of efficacy reason was 43% significantly lesser than the control group in patients with mPCa. Rest of the outcomes were appeared to be non-significant. Conclusion: Treatment with NSAA was appeared to be better efficacious with respect to PFS, TTD, and response rate with considerable adverse events when compared to the control group in patients with metastatic PCa.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinod Solipuram ◽  
Akhila Mohan ◽  
Roshniben Patel ◽  
Ruoning Ni

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease. The combination therapy of methotrexate (MTX) and Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) is commonly used. Patients with RA are at increased risk of malignancy, however, it remains unclear whether the combination therapy is associated with a higher risk. Objective To assess the malignancy risk among patients with RA receiving combination therapy of JAKi and MTX compared to MTX alone. Methods PubMed, Cochrane and Embase were thoroughly searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with RA receiving JAKi and MTX, from inception to July 2020. Primary endpoints were malignancy events, Non melanomatous skin cancer (NMSC) and malignancy excluding NMSC and secondary endpoints were serious adverse events (SAE), deaths. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI were calculated using the Mantel–Haenszel random-effect method. Results 659 publications were screened and 13 RCTs with a total of 6911 patients were included in the analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in malignancy [RR = 1.42; 95% CI (0.59, 3.41)], neither NMSC [RR = 1.44 (0.36, 5.76)] nor malignancies excluding NMSC [RR = 1.12 (0.40, 3.13)]. No statistically significant difference between the two groups for SAE [RR = 1.15 (0.90, 1.47)] and deaths [RR = 1.99 (0.75, 5.27)] was found. Conclusion The adjunction of JAKi to MTX is not associated with an increased risk of malignancy when compared to MTX alone. There is no increased risk of SAE and deaths when compared to MTX alone in patients with RA.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382110247
Author(s):  
Haya Ibrahim Ali Abu Maloh ◽  
Kim Lam Soh ◽  
Mohannad Eid AbuRuz ◽  
Seng Choi Chong ◽  
Siti Irma Fadhilah Ismail ◽  
...  

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Benson’s relaxation technique on anxiety and depression among patients undergoing hemodialysis. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Searching databases included EBSCO Host, PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, Sage Journals, Ovid, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to September 2020. Five randomized controlled trials were identified. Findings revealed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety score. Concerning depression; one RCT showed a statistically significant decrease and two RCTs revealed a non-significant difference in depression level. The overall quality of the RCTs was not high. Despite that the RCTs showed benefits of BRT in managing anxiety. However, this is not the same for depression. The lack of high-quality scientific evidence supporting its retinue use indicates that additional well designed randomized controlled trials in multiple countries are warranted to support the efficacy of Benson’s relaxation technique on anxiety and depression among patients undergoing hemodialysis.


2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Abdulkarim ◽  
Prasad Ellanti ◽  
Nicola Motterlini ◽  
Tom Fahey ◽  
John M. O’Byrne

The optimal method of fixation for primary total hip replacements (THR), particularly fixation with or without the use of cement is still controversial. In a systematic review and metaanalysis of all randomized controlled trials comparing cemented versus uncemented THRS available in the published literature, we found that there is no significant difference between cemented and uncemented THRs in terms of implant survival as measured by the revision rate. Better short-term clinical outcome, particularly an improved pain score can be obtained with cemented fixation. However, the results are unclear for the long-term clinical and functional outcome between the two groups. No difference was evident in the mortality and the post operative complication rate. On the other hand, the radiographic findings were variable and do not seem to correlate with clinical findings as differences in the surgical technique and prosthesis design might be associated with the incidence of osteolysis. We concluded in our review that cemented THR is similar if not superior to uncemented THR, and provides better short term clinical outcomes. Further research, improved methodology and longer follow up are necessary to better define specific subgroups of patients in whom the relative benefits of cemented and uncemented implant fixation can be clearly demonstrated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-298
Author(s):  
Yinyin Guo ◽  
Yanxin Luo ◽  
Hui Zhao ◽  
Liangliang Bai ◽  
Juan Li ◽  
...  

Background. A substantial proportion of patients undergoing colorectal surgery receive a temporary stoma, and the timing for stoma closure remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of early stoma closure (ESC) compared with routine stoma closure (RSC) after colorectal surgery. Methods. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials that compared ESC and RSC after colorectal surgery. Results. A total of 7 randomized controlled trials with 814 enrolled patients were identified for this meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the ESC and RSC groups regarding the complications of stoma closure (26.8% and 16.6%, respectively; odds ratio [OR]: 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-1.90; P = .17). A subgroup analysis was conducted by Clavien-Dindo grade of complication, and no significant difference was observed in any subgroup ( P > .05). However, the ESC group had a significantly higher risk of wound complications than the RSC group (17.6% and 7.8%, respectively; OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.43-4.76; P = .002), and the RSC group had more cases of small bowel obstruction than the ESC group (3.1% and 8.4%, respectively; OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15-0.87; P = .02). Conclusions. ESC is a safe and effective therapeutic approach in patients who have undergone colorectal surgery; it is associated with a reduced risk of bowel obstruction but a higher risk of wound complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3151
Author(s):  
Chang-Hoon Koo ◽  
Jin-Woo Park ◽  
Jung-Hee Ryu ◽  
Sung-Hee Han

Virtual reality (VR), a technology that provides a stimulated sensory experience, has recently been implemented in various fields of medicine. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of VR on preoperative anxiety. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to validate whether VR could relieve preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing surgery. Electronic databases were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of VR on preoperative anxiety. The primary outcome was defined as the preoperative anxiety scores. We estimated the effect size using the standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random effect model. Ultimately, 10 RCTs, with a total of 813 patients, were included in the final analysis. Preoperative anxiety was significantly lower in the VR group than in the control group (SMD −0.64, 95% CI −1.08 to −0.20, p = 0.004). In a subgroup analysis, the preoperative anxiety scores were lower in the VR group than in the control group in pediatric patients (SMD −0.71, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.27, p = 0.002), whereas a significant difference was not observed between the two groups in adult patients (p = 0.226). The results of this meta-analysis indicated that VR could decrease preoperative anxiety, especially in pediatric patients.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeng-Hua Bai ◽  
Zhi-Xing Zhang ◽  
Chun-Ri Li ◽  
Mei Wang ◽  
Meong-Ju Kim ◽  
...  

There were applications of eye acupuncture for stroke patients. Unfortunately, similar to many other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments, it lacks comprehensive evaluation and system review for its effect and safety.Objective. This study is a systematic review to appraise the safety and effectiveness of eye acupuncture for stroke.Methods. “Eye acupuncture therapy” in eleven databases was searched by randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials. The search activity was ended in April 2014. The data were extracted and assessed by three independent authors. Rev Man 5.0 software was used for data analysis with effect estimate presented as relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval.Results. Sixteen trials (1120 patients) were involved with generally poor methodological quality. The study indicated that when eye acupuncture was combined with western medicine compared to western medicine, there was a significant difference in the areas of mental state, swallow function, and NDS. When eye acupuncture was combined with western medicine and rehabilitation compared to western medicine and rehabilitation, there was significant difference in the changes of SSS, FMA, and constipation symptoms evaluation. No adverse events or side effects have been reported.Conclusions. The current evidence is insufficient and the rigorously designed trials are warranted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin M. Vissers ◽  
Edith J.M. Feskens ◽  
Johannes B. van Goudoever ◽  
Arieke J. Janse

Background: What is the appropriate time to start complementary feeding for preterm infants? The answer to this question is yet under debate. The timing of initiating complementary feeding may be associated with overweight in term infants. This systematic review aimed to study the effect of the timing of initiating complementary feeding on overweight in preterm infants. Predefined search items included preterm infants, complementary feeding, overweight, and their synonyms. Summary: The search identified 15,749 articles, of which 5 articles were included. Three studies presented data of randomized controlled trials and 2 studies were cohort studies. Two randomized controlled trials found no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) Z-score between the intervention groups at 12 months of age. One randomized controlled trial presented a significant greater mean rate of growth in length per week until 12 months in the preterm weaning strategy-group compared with the current best practices. One observational study concluded that each month the infants received complementary food later, the Z-score for length and weight was reduced by 0.1. Key Messages: No clear conclusion could be drawn from the included studies. This review illustrates the need for further research to access the effect of the timing of initiating complementary feeding on overweight in preterm infants.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 208 ◽  
Author(s):  
I-Ling Cheng ◽  
Yu-Hung Chen ◽  
Chih-Cheng Lai ◽  
Hung-Jen Tang

This meta-analysis aims to compare intravenous colistin monotherapy and colistin-based combination therapy against carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (GNB) infections. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched up to July 2018. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating colistin alone and colistin-based combination therapy in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant GNB infections were included. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Five RCTs including 791 patients were included. Overall, colistin monotherapy was associated with a risk ratio (RR) of 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.89–1.20, I2 = 0%) for all-cause mortality compared with colistin-based combination therapy. The non-significant difference was also detected in infection-related mortality (RR, 1.23, 95% CI, 0.91–1.67, I2 = 0%) and microbiologic response (RR, 0.86, 95% CI, 0.72–1.04, I2 = 62%). In addition, no significant difference was observed in the subgroup analysis—high or low dose, with or without a loading dose, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections, and in combination with rifampicin. Finally, colistin monotherapy was not associated with lower nephrotoxicity than colistin combination therapy (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.84–1.21, I2 = 0%). Based on the analysis of the five RCTs, no differences were found between colistin monotherapy and colistin-based combination therapy against carbapenem-resistant GNB infections, especially for A. baumannii infections.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huikai Miao ◽  
Rongzhen Li ◽  
Dongni Chen ◽  
Jia Hu ◽  
Youfang Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Chemotherapy often causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), but effective prevention measures are still lacking. Whether vitamin E can prevent peripheral neurotoxicity caused by chemotherapy is inconclusive. Therefore, we collected related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and conducted a meta-analysis to examine whether vitamin E could prevent CIPN. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases in November 2019 for eligible trials. Two reviewers conducted the analysis independently when studies were homogeneous enough. Results Eight RCTs, involving 555 patients, were identified. Upon pooling these RCTs, patients who received vitamin E supplementation of 600 mg/day had a significantly lower incidence of peripheral neuropathy (RR 0.31; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.65; P = 0.002) induced by chemotherapy compared with the placebo group. Vitamin E played a key role in decreasing the incidence of peripheral neuropathy in the cisplatin chemotherapy group (RR 0.28; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.54; P = 0.0001). With regard to improvements in sural amplitude, vitamin E supplementation significantly decreased patients’ sural amplitude after three rounds of chemotherapy (RR -2.66; 95% CI -5.09 to -0.24; P =0.03) in contrast with that of placebo supplementation, while no significant difference was observed when patients were treated with vitamin E after six rounds of chemotherapy. In addition, the vitamin E group had better improvement in the neurotoxicity score (RR -2.65; 95% CI -4.01to -1.29; P = 0.0001) and a lower incidence of reflexes and distal paraesthesias (RR 0.50; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.87; P = 0.01) compared to the control group. Conclusion Available data included in this meta-analysis showed that vitamin E supplementation can confer modest improvement in the prevention of CIPN. However, large-scale, well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm the exact role of vitamin E supplementation in the prevention of CIPN.


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