Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Lumbar Sprain: a Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Acute lumbar sprain is a common cause of acute low back pain. Motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT; a combination of acupuncture and motion therapy) has been used for patients with acute lumbar sprain, but evidence of its efficacy is inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to determine the effectiveness and security of motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT) for acute lumbar sprain and to determine whether long-term effectiveness exists.Methods: Eight databases will be searched, including PubMed, SoniMed, Cochrane Library, EMBAS, Springer, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang date, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from inception to February 1, 2021, will be restricted to English and Chinese. Methodologic quality was independently screened and graded by two blind reviewers using the Cochrane Collaborative bias risk tool. Meta-analysis was performed in at least three studies, and sub-group and sensitivity analyses were conducted when I2>50%. When the quantitative evaluation is not available, we will provide a qualitative description of the results of the individual study.Discussion: The conclusion of this protocol will provide evidence to judge the potential benefits of motion style acupuncture and conduct clinical decision-making for acute lumbar sprain treatment.Systematic review registration: A protocol had been registered in PROSPERO CRD42020192876.

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Is dezocine effective and safe in preventing opioids-induced cough during general anaesthesia induction? A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035691 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. e035691

Author(s):

Li-xian He ◽

Ken Shao ◽

Jie Ma ◽

Yuan-yuan Zhao ◽

Yun-tai Yao

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Treatment Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Systemic Review ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Significant Heterogeneity ◽

Anaesthesia Induction

IntroductionCough is often observed when administrating a bolus of opioids. Opioid-induced cough (OIC) is mostly transient, benign and self-limiting, but could be associated with adverse effects. Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been used to manage OIC with controversial efficacy and safety. Recent studies suggested that, pretreatment of intravenous dezocine (DZC) could completely suppress OIC during anaesthesia induction. To address this knowledge lack, we will perform a systemic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of DZC on OIC and possible complications. We provide here a protocol that will outline the methods and analyses planned for the systematic review.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science as well as Chinese BioMedical Literature & Retrieval System (SinoMed), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data and VIP Data will be searched from 1978 to 31 December 2019 to identify all randomised controlled trials comparing DZC with placebo on the incidence and severity of OIC. Primary outcomes of interest include the incidence and severity of OIC. Secondary outcomes of interest include possible complications or adverse effects of DZC. Two authors will independently extract relevant variables and outcome data. For continuous variables, treatment effects will be calculated as weighted mean difference and 95% CI. For dichotomous data, treatment effects will be calculated as OR and 95% CI. Each outcome will be tested for heterogeneity, and randomised-effects or fixed-effects model will be used in the presence or absence of significant heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses will be done by examining the influence of statistical model and individual trial(s) on estimated treatment effects. Publication bias will be explored through visual inspection of funnel plots of the outcomes. Statistical significance will be defined as p<0.05.Ethics and disseminationThis study is a protocol of meta-analysis of previously published literatures, ethical approval was not necessary according to the Ethical Committee of Fuwai Hospital. The study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated via research presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019141255.

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

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-021-01610-y ◽

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

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Safety and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil in treating neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040371 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e040371

Author(s):

Mengyu Han ◽

Luqi Nong ◽

Ziqiang Liu ◽

You Chen ◽

Yang Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽

Neuromyelitis Optica ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders ◽

Spectrum Disorders

IntroductionNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is an inflammatory and heterogeneous astrocyte disorder of the central nervous system with the characteristic of higher incidence in women and Asian people. Most patients with NMOSD have a course of recurrence and remission that is prone to cause paralysis and blindness. Several studies have confirmed the efficacy and promising prospect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of NMOSD. Yet its therapeutic effect and safety are controversial. Although there has been two published literature that is relevant to the topic of this study, both of them have certain defects, and they can only provide answers about the efficacy or safety of MMF in the treatment of NMOSD from partial perspectives or conclusions. This research aims to perform a direct and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate MMF’s effectiveness and safety in treating NMOSD.Methods and analysisThis systematic review will cover all comparative researches, from randomised controlled trials to cohort studies, and case–control study. A relevant literature search will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from their inception to 31 June 2020. We will also search registers of clinical trials, potential grey literature and abstracts from conferences. There are no limits on language and publication status. The reporting quality and risk of bias will be assessed by two researchers independently. Expanded Disability Status Scales and annualised relapse rate will be evaluated as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes will consist of the frequency and severity of adverse events, best-corrected visual acuity, relapse-free rate and time to the next attack. A meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan V.5.3 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration and Stata V.12.0.Ethics and disseminationBecause the data used for this systematic review will be exclusively extracted from published studies, ethical approval and informed consent of patients will not be required. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at conferences and will be shared on social media platforms.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020164179.

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Efficacy of zinc as adjunctive pneumonia treatment in children aged 2 to 60 months in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000662 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. e000662 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nick Brown ◽

Antti Juhani Kukka ◽

Andreas Mårtensson

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Treatment Failure ◽

Low Income ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Severe Pneumonia ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries

BackgroundDespite advances in vaccination and case management, pneumonia remains the single largest contributor to early child mortality worldwide. Zinc has immune-enhancing properties, but its role in adjunctive treatment of pneumonia in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is controversial and research still active.MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of zinc and placebo in pneumonia in children aged 2 to 60 months in LMICs. Databases included MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, SciELO, the WHO portal, Scopus, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov. Inclusion criteria included accepted signs of pneumonia and clear measure of outcome. Risk of bias was independently assessed by two authors. ORs with 95% CI were used for calculating the pooled estimate of dichotomous outcomes including treatment failure and mortality. Time to recovery was expressed as HRs. Sensitivity analyses considering risk of bias and subgroup analyses for pneumonia severity were performed.ResultsWe identified 11 trials published between 2004 and 2019 fulfilling the a priori defined criteria, 7 from South Asia and 3 from Africa and 1 from South America. Proportional treatment failure was comparable in both zinc and placebo groups when analysed for all patients (OR 0.95 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.14)) and only for those with severe pneumonia (OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.14)). No difference was seen in mortality between zinc and placebo groups (OR 0.64 (95% CI 0.31 to 1.31)). Time to recovery from severe pneumonia did not differ between the treatment and control groups for patients with severe pneumonia (HR 1.01 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.14)). Removal of four studies with high risk of bias made no difference to the conclusions.ConclusionThere is no evidence that adjunctive zinc treatment improves recovery from pneumonia in children in LMICs.Trial registration numberCRD42019141602.

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Pulmonary rehabilitation for pneumoconiosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025891 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. e025891 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hulei Zhao ◽

Yang Xie ◽

Jiajia Wang ◽

Xuanlin Li ◽

Jiansheng Li

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Diffuse Fibrosis ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Ethical Approval ◽

St George's Respiratory Questionnaire ◽

Randomised Controlled

IntroductionPneumoconiosis is characterised by diffuse fibrosis in lung tissue, and its incidence is on the rise. At present, there are limited therapeutic options for pneumoconiosis. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has been widely used to treat pneumoconiosis，however, there is limited evidence concerning its efficacy. Therefore, we plan to conduct a systematic review to investigate the efficacy and safety of PR for pneumoconiosis.Methods and analysisThe following databases will be searched from their inception to 1 April 2019: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP and Wanfang Data. Randomised controlled trials of PR for pneumoconiosis will be included. Primary outcomes will include 6 min walk distance and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. Study selection, extraction of data and assessment of study quality each will be independently undertaken. Statistical analysis will be conducted using Review Manager software.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review will provide up-to-date information on PR for pneumoconiosis. The review does not require ethical approval and will be disseminated electronically through a peer-reviewed publication or conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018095266.

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Manual Acupuncture for Optic Atrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/1735967 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fang-Yuan Zhi ◽

Jie Liu ◽

Xiao-Peng Ma ◽

Jue Hong ◽

Ji Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Optic Atrophy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Manual Acupuncture ◽

Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Clinical Trials Registry

Objectives. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the efficacy of manual acupuncture for optic atrophy. Eight English and Chinese databases, including Cochrane Library, EMbase, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), as well as ongoing trials registered with the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, were searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying manual acupuncture for optic atrophy compared to medication alone. The quality of evidence was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.3. Nine studies were identified and included for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed significant differences in favor of manual acupuncture or manual acupuncture plus medication compared with medication alone in the following outcome measures: visual acuity (MD = 0.18, 95% CI [0.17, 0.20], P < 0.00001), mean sensitivity of visual field (MD = 2.11, 95% CI [1.90, 2.32], P < 0.00001), the latent period of P-VEP100 (MD = -6.80, 95% CI [-8.94, -4.66], P < 0.00001), the total effectiveness (264 eyes) (OR = 3.22, 95% CI [1.88, 5.51], P<0.0001), and the total effectiveness (344 participants) (OR = 4.29, 95% CI [2.56, 7.19], P < 0.00001). Despite statistical advantages of manual acupuncture in the literature, due to serious methodological flaws in study design, it cannot be concluded that manual acupuncture is more effective than medicine alone. It is essential that a properly controlled clinical trial is designed and controls are established to exclude placebo effects.

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The Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis of the Knee – a Systematic Review

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/aim.24.suppl.40 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 24 (1_suppl) ◽

pp. 40-48 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Adrian White ◽

Nadine Foster ◽

Mike Cummings ◽

Panos Barlas

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Acupuncture Treatment ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Internal Validity ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ◽

Reduction Of Pain ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

And Function

Objective To determine the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for pain and function of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods A systematic review of randomised controlled trials was performed, including a meta-analysis which combined the results of trials that used adequate acupuncture treatment and used WOMAC scores to measure the effect. The internal validity (quality) and heterogeneity of studies were taken into account. Results Thirteen studies were available, of which eight, involving 2362 patients, could be combined. For both reduction of pain and improvement of function, acupuncture was significantly superior to sham acupuncture (P<0.05 for all comparisons) in both the short term and the long term. Compared with no additional intervention (usual care), acupuncture was again significantly superior for pain and function. The treatment effects were maintained after taking account of quality and heterogeneity in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion Acupuncture is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Its overall effect size is 0.8, and it can be considered instead of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for patients whose symptoms are not controlled by education, exercise, weight loss if appropriate and simple analgesics. Further research is necessary into the most efficient way of delivering acupuncture, and its longer term benefits.

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Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Rituximab for Steroid-Dependent or Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome in Children

Frontiers in Pediatrics ◽

10.3389/fped.2021.626323 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Xia Gao ◽

Yan Wang ◽

Zichuan Xu ◽

Huiying Deng ◽

Huabin Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Nephrotic Syndrome ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome ◽

Steroid Dependent ◽

Number Of Patients

Objective: To explore the effectiveness and safety of rituximab (RTX) for steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome via a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods: All the literature about RTX therapy for childhood nephrotic syndrome (NS) on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Chinese biomedical literature database published before November 1, 2019, were conducted and selected according to the preset criteria. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the literature included. The outcome data were analyzed by RevMan 5.3 software.Results: There were six RCT studies that met the inclusion criteria with a moderate quality after evaluation. At the end of the treatment, the relapse rate of NS in the RTX group reduced significantly when compared with that in the control group [odds ratio (OR) = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.03, 0.43), p = 0.001]. The number of patients in the RTX group used less steroid or/and calcineurin inhibitors significantly than that in the control group [OR = 0.05, 95% CI (0.01, 0.28), p = 0.0007]. For children who were steroid-dependent, RTX treatment significantly reduced the dosage of the steroid, compared with that in control [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −1.49, 95% CI (−2.00, −0.99), p < 0.00001]. There was no significant reduction in protein excretion between the two groups [SMD = −0.33, 95% CI (−0.71, 0.04), p = 0.08]. Fewer serious adverse reactions of RTX in the six studies were reported and most adverse events were mild.Conclusion: RTX is effective and safe for children with steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome.Systematic Review Registration: Identifier: CRD 42020150933. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. This review has been registered to the PROSPERO on 27 Feb 2020.

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Can Smartphone Apps Increase Physical Activity? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.12053 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Amelia Romeo ◽

Sarah Edney ◽

Ronald Plotnikoff ◽

Rachel Curtis ◽

Jillian Ryan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Target Population ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Smartphone Apps ◽

Intervention Effects ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Steps Per Day

BACKGROUND Smartphone apps are a promising tool for delivering accessible and appealing physical activity interventions. Given the large growth of research in this field, there are now enough studies using the “gold standard” of experimental design—the randomized controlled trial design—and employing objective measurements of physical activity, to support a meta-analysis of these scientifically rigorous studies. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of smartphone apps for increasing objectively measured physical activity in adults. METHODS A total of 7 electronic databases (EMBASE, EmCare, MEDLINE, Scopus, Sport Discus, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched from 2007 to January 2018. Following the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome and Study Design format, studies were eligible if they were randomized controlled trials involving adults, used a smartphone app as the primary or sole component of the physical activity intervention, used a no- or minimal-intervention control condition, and measured objective physical activity either in the form of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes or steps. Study quality was assessed using a 25-item tool based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist. A meta-analysis of study effects was conducted using a random effects model approach. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine whether intervention effectiveness differed on the basis of intervention length, target behavior (physical activity alone vs physical activity in combination with other health behaviors), or target population (general adult population vs specific health populations). RESULTS Following removal of duplicates, a total of 6170 studies were identified from the original database searches. Of these, 9 studies, involving a total of 1740 participants, met eligibility criteria. Of these, 6 studies could be included in a meta-analysis of the effects of physical activity apps on steps per day. In comparison with the control conditions, smartphone apps produced a nonsignificant (P=.19) increase in participants’ average steps per day, with a mean difference of 476.75 steps per day (95% CI −229.57 to 1183.07) between groups. Sensitivity analyses suggested that physical activity programs with a duration of less than 3 months were more effective than apps evaluated across more than 3 months (P=.01), and that physical activity apps that targeted physical activity in isolation were more effective than apps that targeted physical activity in combination with diet (P=.04). Physical activity app effectiveness did not appear to differ on the basis of target population. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis provides modest evidence supporting the effectiveness of smartphone apps to increase physical activity. To date, apps have been most effective in the short term (eg, up to 3 months). Future research is needed to understand the time course of intervention effects and to investigate strategies to sustain intervention effects over time.

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Global Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-17868/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Amer Alsaied ◽

Nazmul Islam ◽

Lukman Thalib

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Necrotizing Enterocolitis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Vlbw Infants ◽

Funnel Plots ◽

Substantial Heterogeneity

Abstract Background: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), yet the global incidence of NEC has not been systematically evaluated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies reporting the incidence of NEC in infants with Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW).Methods: The databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and grey literature. Eligible studies were cohort or population-based studies of newborns including registry data reporting incidence of NEC. Data were extracted from the selected papers included incidence of NEC cases and size of population at risk, author and publication details, follow up period covered by the study, location and setting of the study and whether it was VLBW infants or preterm infants. Additionally, risk of bias assessment of the included studies were carried out using a validated tool. Bias adjusted Quality Effect Model (QEM) were used to pool the estimates. In the presence of substantial heterogeneity, Random Effect Models (REM) were used as an additionally sensitivity analyses. The heterogeneity between studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Q statistics and Higgin’s I2 value. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plots as appropriate for ratio measures were used to assess publication bias. Results: A systematic and comprehensive search of databases identified 27 cohort studies reporting the incidence of NEC. The pooled estimate of the global incidence of NEC was 6.0% (95% CI: 4.0%-9.0%). There were substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 100%) between studies. Funnel plots showed no evidence of publication bias.Conclusion: Seven out of 100 of all VLBW infants in NICU are likely to develop NEC. However, there were considerable heterogeneity between studies. High quality studies assessing incidence of NEC along with associated risk factors are warranted.

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