scholarly journals Effectiveness of Interventions for Prevention of Common Infections in People Who Use Opioids: A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews

Author(s):  
Irina Kudrina ◽  
Svetlana Puzhko ◽  
Kristian B. Filion ◽  
Genevieve Gore ◽  
Elena Paraskevopoulos ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. The North American opioid crisis is driven by opioid-related mortality and morbidity, including opioid use-associated infections (OUAIs), resulting in a substantial burden for society. Users of legal and illegal opioids are at an increased risk of OUAIs compared to individuals not using opioids. As reported for hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), bacterial, fungal, and other infections, OUAIs transmission and acquisition risks may be modifiable. Several systematic reviews (SRs) synthetized data regarding interventions to prevent infections in persons using drugs (e.g., opioid substitution therapy, needle and syringes exchange programs, psycho-social interventions); however, their conclusions varied. Therefore, SR of published SRs is needed to synthesize the highest level of evidence on the scope and effectiveness of interventions to prevent OUAIs in people using opioids legally or illegally. Methods. We will comprehensively search for SRs in the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos and Google Scholar databases from inception to November 2020. Data selection and extraction for each SR will be performed independently by two researchers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. All SRs regarding interventions with evaluated effectiveness to prevent OUAI in legal and/or illegal opioid users will be eligible. Risk of bias assessment will be performed using the AMSTAR2 tool. The results will be qualitatively synthesized, and a typology of interventions’ effectiveness with a statement on the strength of evidence for each category will be created. Discussion. Our pilot search of PubMed resulted in 379 SRs analyzing the effectiveness of interventions to prevent HCV and HIV in persons who inject different types of drugs, including opioids. Of these 379 SRs, eight evaluated primary studies where participants used opioids and would therefore be eligible for inclusion. The search results thus justify the application of SR of SRs approach. Comprehensive data on the scope and effectiveness of existing interventions to prevent OUAIs will help policy makers to plan and implement preventive interventions and will assist clinicians in the guidance for their patients using opioids. SR registration: Registered in PROSPERO on July 30, 2020 (#195929).

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Kudrina ◽  
Svetlana Puzhko ◽  
Kristian B. Filion ◽  
Genevieve Gore ◽  
Elena Paraskevopoulos ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The North American opioid crisis is driven by opioid-related mortality and morbidity, including opioid use-associated infections (OUAIs), resulting in a substantial burden for society. Users of legal and illegal opioids are at an increased risk of OUAIs compared to individuals not using opioids. As reported for hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), bacterial, fungal, and other infections, OUAIs transmission and acquisition risks may be modifiable. Several systematic reviews (SRs) synthetized data regarding interventions to prevent infections in persons using drugs (e.g., opioid substitution therapy, needle and syringes exchange programs, psycho-social interventions); however, their conclusions varied. Therefore, SR of published SRs is needed to synthesize the highest level of evidence on the scope and effectiveness of interventions to prevent OUAIs in people using opioids legally or illegally. Methods We will comprehensively search for SRs in the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar databases from inception to November 2020. Data selection and extraction for each SR will be performed independently by two researchers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. All SRs regarding interventions with evaluated effectiveness to prevent OUAI in legal and/or illegal opioid users will be eligible. Risk of bias assessment will be performed using the AMSTAR2 tool. The results will be qualitatively synthesized, and a typology of interventions’ effectiveness with a statement on the strength of evidence for each category will be created. Discussion Our pilot search of PubMed resulted in 379 SRs analyzing the effectiveness of interventions to prevent HCV and HIV in persons who inject different types of drugs, including opioids. Of these 379 SRs, 8 evaluated primary studies where participants used opioids and would therefore be eligible for inclusion. The search results thus justify the application of SR of SRs approach. Comprehensive data on the scope and effectiveness of existing interventions to prevent OUAIs will help policy-makers to plan and implement preventive interventions and will assist clinicians in the guidance for their patients using opioids. Systematic review registration Registered in PROSPERO on 30 July 2020 (#195929).


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Tendais Almeida ◽  
Ana Luísa Esteves ◽  
Filipa Martins ◽  
Isabel Palma

Introduction: Statins are among the most effective drugs in lowering cholesterol levels and, consequently, in reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Although generally well tolerated, they have adverse effects that may reduce patient adherence to therapy. The objective of this evidence-based review is to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of alternative management strategies in patients with intolerance to statins.Material and Methods: A literature search including clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted, in January 2017, in major international databases, and considered articles published in the last 10 years. The search was complemented with research papers published over the past three years and found in the PubMed database. The level of evidence and strength of recommendation were determined using the scale Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy - SORT.Results: We included eight guidelines, six systematic reviews and one research paper.Discussion: The strategies proposed by the different studies vary according to the severity of symptoms of intolerance including maintenance of the statin therapy (dose reduction, addition of a statin of equal or lower intensity or alternate days’ uptake) and lipid-lowering therapy with other drugs (ezetimibe monotherapy or association with statin tolerated dose). Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 or vitamin D, in order to improve adherence to treatment with statins, is not recommended.Conclusion: This review highlights some alternatives to address patients’ intolerance to statins; however, these are mostly based on recommendations with low to moderate evidence. Therefore, further research with randomized studies involving greater number of patients is required, in order to obtain a more robust recommendation.


2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy C. Ryken ◽  
Robert F. Heary ◽  
Paul G. Matz ◽  
Paul A. Anderson ◽  
Michael W. Groff ◽  
...  

Object The objective of this systematic review was to use evidence-based medicine to examine the efficacy of cervical laminectomy for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Methods The National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Database were queried using MeSH headings and keywords relevant to cervical laminectomy and CSM. Abstracts were reviewed after which studies meeting inclusion criteria were selected. The guidelines group assembled an evidentiary table summarizing the quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Disagreements regarding the level of evidence were resolved through an expert consensus conference. The group formulated recommendations that contained the degree of strength based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network. Validation was done through peer review by the Joint Guidelines Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Results Laminectomy has improved functional outcome for symptomatic cervical myelopathy (Class III). The limitations of the technique are an increased risk of postoperative kyphosis compared to anterior techniques or laminoplasty or laminectomy with fusion (Class III). However, the development of kyphosis may not necessarily to diminish the clinical outcome (Class III). Conclusions Laminectomy is an acceptable therapy for near-term functional improvement of CSM (Class III). It is associated with development of kyphosis, however.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 849-857
Author(s):  
Maggie L McCorkle ◽  
David F Kisor ◽  
Caroline E Freiermuth ◽  
Jon E Sprague

Genetics play an important role in opioid use disorder (OUD); however, few specific gene variants have been identified. Therefore, there is a need to further understand the pharmacogenomics influences on the pharmacodynamics of opioids. The Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), a database that links genetic variation and drug interaction in the body, was queried to identify polymorphisms associated with heroin dependence in the context of opioid related disorders/OUD. Eight genes with 22 variants were identified as linked to increased risk of heroin dependence, with three genes and variants linked to decreased risk, although the level of evidence was moderate to low. Therefore, continued exploration of biomarker influences on OUD, reward pathways and other contributing circuitries is necessary to understand the true impact of genetics on OUD before integration into clinical guidelines.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 232596711984957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miranda J. Rogers ◽  
Temitope F. Adeyemi ◽  
Jaewhan Kim ◽  
Travis G. Maak

Background: Hip arthroscopic surgery has become an increasingly common surgical technique to diagnose and treat various hip abnormalities. While increased efficacy has been reported, debate remains regarding appropriate surgical indications. Multiple factors including patient demographics, surgical procedure, and underlying disease have been associated with poor surgical outcomes. Preoperative diagnostic and treatment interventions including physical therapy and injections may affect surgical indications and outcomes. Purpose: To identify patient characteristics and preoperative factors associated with an increased risk of early revision surgery and/or extended postoperative medical care after index hip arthroscopic surgery. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Utah’s All Payer Claims Database, a state-mandated registry containing data from all payers, including private insurance, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid, was queried to identify patients who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery during a 3-year period (January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015). Demographics, comorbidities, nonoperative care modalities, pain medications, and revision procedures were collected using claims data at 6 months preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 1283 patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopic surgery were analyzed, of whom 57.6% (n = 739) were female. Within 1 year of index surgery, 7.8% and 2.1% of patients underwent revision hip arthroscopic surgery and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), respectively. Patients older than 60 years and male patients were more likely to undergo revision arthroscopic surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; P < .001 and OR, 1.59; P = .04, respectively) and convert to THA (OR, 1.03; P = .01 and OR, 2.25; P = .05, respectively). Preoperative opioid use was significantly associated with increased odds of revision surgery (OR, 1.64; P = .05) and THA (OR, 2.70; P = .03). No significant relationship existed between preoperative physical therapy or intra-articular hip injections and revision hip arthroscopic surgery (OR, 1.20; P = .45 and OR, 1.18; P = .52, respectively) or conversion to THA (OR, 0.89; P = .79 and OR, 0.71; P = .46, respectively). Conclusion: This study showed that predictable patient factors can effectively guide preoperative decision making and may improve prognosis. Certain patient pools require optimization preoperatively, and a subset of patients appears to require additional surgical indications.


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 697
Author(s):  
Chih-Cheng Lai ◽  
Ya-Hui Wang ◽  
Kuang-Hung Chen ◽  
Chao-Hsien Chen ◽  
Cheng-Yi Wang

This study aimed to investigate the association between the risk of aortic aneurysm (AA)/aortic dissection (AD) and the use of fluoroquinolones (FQs). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for relevant articles to 21st February 2021. Studies that compared the risk of AA/AD in patients who did and did not receive FQs or other comparators were included. The pooled results of nine studies with 11 study cohorts showed that the use of FQs increased the risk of AA/AD by 69% (pooled risk ratio (RR) = 1.69 (95% CI = 1.08, 2.64)). This significant association remained unchanged using leave-one-out sensitivity test analysis. Similar results were found for AA (pooled RR = 1.58 (1.21, 2.07)) but no significant association was observed for AD (pooled RR = 1.23 (0.93, 1.62)). Stratified by the comparators, the use of FQs was associated with a significantly higher risk of AA/AD compared to azithromycin (pooled RR = 2.31 (1.54, 3.47)) and amoxicillin (pooled RR = 1.57 (1.39, 1.78)). In contrast, FQ was not associated with a higher risk of AA/AD, when compared with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or ampicillin/sulbactam (pooled RR = 1.18 (0.81, 1.73)), sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim (pooled RR = 0.89 (0.65, 1.22)) and other antibiotics (pooled RR = 1.14 (0.90, 1.46)). In conclusion, FQs were associated with an increased risk of AA or AD, although the level of evidence was not robust. However, FQs did not exhibit a higher risk of AA or AD compared with other broad-spectrum antibiotics. Further studies are warranted to clarify the role of FQs in the development of AA or AD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdis Hashemi ◽  
Nadine Sturbois-Nachef ◽  
Marry Ann Keenan ◽  
Paul Winston

Introduction: Spasticity is the main complication of many upper motor neuron disorders. Many studies describe neuro-orthopedic surgeries for the correction of joint and limb deformities due to spasticity, though less in the upper extremity. The bulk of care provided to patients with spasticity is provided by rehabilitation clinicians, however, few of the surgical outcomes have been summarized or appraised in the rehabilitation literature.Objective: To review the literature for neuro-orthopedic surgical techniques in the upper limb and evaluate the level of evidence for their efficacy in adult patients with spasticity.Method: Electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for English, French as well as Farsi languages human studies from 1980 to July 2, 2020. After removing duplicated articles, 2,855 studies were screened and 80 were found to be included based on the criteria. The studies were then divided into two groups, with 40 in each trial and non-trial. The results of the 40 trial articles were summarized in three groups: shoulder, elbow and forearm, and wrist and finger, and each group was subdivided based on the types of intervention.Results: The level of evidence was evaluated by Sackett's approach. There were no randomized control trial studies found. About, 4 studies for shoulder, 8 studies for elbow and forearm, 26 studies for wrist and finger (including 4 for the thumb in palm deformity), and 2 systematic reviews were found. Around, two out of 40 trial articles were published in the rehabilitation journals, one systematic review in Cochrane, and the remaining 38 were published in the surgical journals.Conclusion: Most surgical procedures are complex, consisting of several techniques based on the problems and goals of the patient. This complexity interferes with the evaluation of every single procedure. Heterogenicity of the participants and the absence of clinical trial studies are other factors of not having a single conclusion. This review reveals that almost all the studies suggested good results after the surgery in carefully selected cases with goals of reducing spasticity and improvement in function, pain, hygiene, and appearance. A more unified approach and criteria are needed to facilitate a collaborative, evidence-based, patient referral, and surgical selection pathway.


BMC Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan A. Cupp ◽  
Margarita Cariolou ◽  
Ioanna Tzoulaki ◽  
Dagfinn Aune ◽  
Evangelos Evangelou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although neutrophils have been linked to the progression of cancer, uncertainty exists around their association with cancer outcomes, depending on the site, outcome and treatments considered. We aimed to evaluate the strength and validity of evidence on the association between either the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) or tumour-associated neutrophils (TAN) and cancer prognosis. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to 29 May 2020 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies on neutrophil counts (here NLR or TAN) and specific cancer outcomes related to disease progression or survival. The available evidence was graded as strong, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak or uncertain through the application of pre-set GRADE criteria. Results A total of 204 meta-analyses from 86 studies investigating the association between either NLR or TAN and cancer outcomes met the criteria for inclusion. All but one meta-analyses found a hazard ratio (HR) which increased risk (HR > 1). We did not find sufficient meta-analyses to evaluate TAN and cancer outcomes (N = 9). When assessed for magnitude of effect, significance and bias related to heterogeneity and small study effects, 18 (9%) associations between NLR and outcomes in composite cancer endpoints (combined analysis), cancers treated with immunotherapy and some site specific cancers (urinary, nasopharyngeal, gastric, breast, endometrial, soft tissue sarcoma and hepatocellular cancers) were supported by strong evidence. Conclusion In total, 60 (29%) meta-analyses presented strong or highly suggestive evidence. Although the NLR and TAN hold clinical promise in their association with poor cancer prognosis, further research is required to provide robust evidence, assess causality and test clinical utility. Trial registration PROSPERO CRD42017069131.


Author(s):  
Neill Y. Li ◽  
Alexander S. Kuczmarski ◽  
Andrew M. Hresko ◽  
Avi D. Goodman ◽  
Joseph A. Gil ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction This article compares opioid use patterns following four-corner arthrodesis (FCA) and proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and identifies risk factors and complications associated with prolonged opioid consumption. Materials and Methods The PearlDiver Research Program was used to identify patients undergoing primary FCA (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 25820, 25825) or PRC (CPT 25215) from 2007 to 2017. Patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative opioid use, and postoperative complications were assessed. Opioids were identified through generic drug codes while complications were defined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions, Clinical Modification codes. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results A total of 888 patients underwent FCA and 835 underwent PRC. Three months postoperatively, more FCA patients (18.0%) continued to use opioids than PRC patients (14.7%) (p = 0.033). Preoperative opioid use was the strongest risk factor for prolonged opioid use for both FCA (odds ratio [OR]: 4.91; p < 0.001) and PRC (OR: 6.33; p < 0.001). Prolonged opioid use was associated with an increased risk of implant complications (OR: 4.96; p < 0.001) and conversion to total wrist arthrodesis (OR: 3.55; p < 0.001) following FCA. Conclusion Prolonged postoperative opioid use is more frequent in patients undergoing FCA than PRC. Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and complications associated with prolonged postoperative opioid use after these procedures may help physicians counsel patients and implement opioid minimization strategies preoperatively.


2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent G. Glance ◽  
Andrew W. Dick ◽  
Dana B. Mukamel ◽  
Fergal J. Fleming ◽  
Raymond A. Zollo ◽  
...  

Background The impact of intraoperative erythrocyte transfusion on outcomes of anemic patients undergoing noncardiac surgery has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was to examine the association between blood transfusion and mortality and morbidity in patients with severe anemia (hematocrit less than 30%) who are exposed to one or two units of erythrocytes intraoperatively. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of the association of blood transfusion and 30-day mortality and 30-day morbidity in 10,100 patients undergoing general, vascular, or orthopedic surgery. We estimated separate multivariate logistic regression models for 30-day mortality and for 30-day complications. Results Intraoperative blood transfusion was associated with an increased risk of death (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.62). Patients receiving an intraoperative transfusion were more likely to have pulmonary, septic, wound, or thromboembolic complications, compared with patients not receiving an intraoperative transfusion. Compared with patients who were not transfused, patients receiving one or two units of erythrocytes were more likely to have pulmonary complications (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.48-2.09), sepsis (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.21-1.68), thromboembolic complications (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.32-2.38), and wound complications (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.47-2.37). Conclusions Intraoperative blood transfusion is associated with a higher risk of mortality and morbidity in surgical patients with severe anemia. It is unknown whether this association is due to the adverse effects of blood transfusion or is, instead, the result of increased blood loss in the patients receiving blood.


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