scholarly journals Acupuncture Treatments for Post-stroke Depression: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Author(s):  
Lam Wai Ching ◽  
Hui Juan Li ◽  
Jianwen Guo ◽  
Liang Yao ◽  
Janita Chau ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Depression is one of the most common complications after stroke, with a prevalence of 30-33%. Patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) usually experience anxiety, hopelessness, and insomnia, which have a negative impact on their daily activities and post-stroke rehabilitation. In this review, we aimed to explore the impact of acupuncture in alleviating symptoms of PSD and to evaluate the difference in effectiveness between acupuncture combined with pharmacotherapies and various non-pharmacotherapies in order to provide guides and advice for clinical personnel. Methods: Six databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chongqing VIP Database) and two clinical trials registration platforms were searched from inception to May 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing needle-based acupuncture with pharmacotherapy, and other non-pharmacotherapy or invalid group were included. Two independent reviewers identified eligible studies. Two reviewers independently abstracted and recorded data into a pre-made form. A Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to assess and compare different techniques using RStudio 3.6.0. The primary outcome was the change in scores of scales measuring depressive symptoms. The secondary outcomes were changes in serotonin levels and in quality of life. Results: Fifty-nine RCTs were included. The results of this NMA showed that compared with western medicine (WM), acupuncture alone or with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS), Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) alone or with WM, were superior for alleviating depression symptoms. Compared to Usual Care, acupuncture alone or plus other therapies could significantly decrease scores of the Hamilton Depression Rating scale. However, there was no significant difference found among acupuncture, WM, TCM with AC plus any of other treatment.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that acupuncture alone or combined with other therapies appear to be effective in improving depression symptoms of stroke survivors. Moreover, in comparison with WM, acupuncture alone or plus RTMS, TCM, TCM with WM, or WM, were more effective in improving depression symptoms. Also, acupuncture with RTMS seems to be the most effective with the highest probability.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ran Liu ◽  
Kun Zhang ◽  
Qiu-yu Tong ◽  
Guang-wei Cui ◽  
Wen Ma ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Acupuncture for post-stroke depression (PSD) has been evolving, but uncertainty remains. To assess the existing evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for PSD, we sought to draw conclusions by synthesizing RCTs. Methods An exhaustive literature search was conducted in seven electronic databases from their inception dates to April 19, 2020, to identify systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on this topic. The primary RCTs included in the SRs/MAs were identified. We also conducted a supplementary search for RCTs published from January 1, 2015, to May 12, 2020. Two reviewers extracted data separately and pooled data using RevMan 5.3 software. The quality of evidence was critically appraised with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results A total of 17 RCTs involving 1402 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that participants who received a combination of acupuncture and conventional treatments exhibited significantly lower scores on the HAM-D17, HAM-D24 and HAM-D (MD, − 5.08 [95% CI, − 6.48 to − 3.67], I2 = 0%), (MD, − 9.72 [95% CI, − 14.54 to − 4.91], I2 = 65%) and (MD, − 2.72 [95% CI, − 3.61 to − 1.82], respectively) than those who received conventional treatment. However, there was no significant difference in acupuncture versus antidepressants in terms of the 17-item, 24-item and HAM-D scales (MD, − 0.43 [95% CI, − 1.61 to 0.75], I2 = 51%), (MD, − 3.09 [95% CI, − 10.81 to 4.63], I2 = 90%) and (MD, − 1.55 [95% CI, − 4.36 to 1.26], I2 = 95%, respectively). For adverse events, acupuncture was associated with fewer adverse events than antidepressants (RR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.39], I2 = 35%), but there was no significant difference in the occurrence of adverse events between the combination of acupuncture and conventional treatments versus conventional treatments (RR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.21 to 1.83], I2 = 38%). The quality of evidence was low to very low due to the substantial heterogeneity among the included studies. Conclusions The current review indicates that acupuncture has greater effect on PSD and better safety profile than antidepressants, but high-quality evidence evaluating acupuncture for PSD is still needed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 06 (06) ◽  
pp. E637-E645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio Aquino ◽  
Wanderley Bernardo ◽  
Diogo de Moura ◽  
Flávio Morita ◽  
Rodrigo Rocha ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives To compare the insufflation of CO2 and ambient air in enteroscopy. Search sources The investigators researched the electronic databases MedLine, Cochrane Library, Central, LILACS, BVS, Scopus and Cinahl. The grey search was conducted in the base of theses of the University of São Paulo, books of digestive endoscopy and references of selected articles and in previous systematic revisions. Study eligibility criteria The evaluation of eligibility was performed independently, in a non-blind manner, by two reviewers, firstly by title and abstract, followed by complete text. Disagreements between the reviewers were resolved by consensus. Data collection and analysis method Through the spreadsheet of data extraction, where one author extracted the data and a second author checked the extraction. Disagreements were resolved by debate between the two reviewers. The quality analysis of the studies was performed using the Jadad score. The software RevMan 5 version 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. Results Four randomized clinical trials were identified, totaling 473 patients submitted to enteroscopy and comparing insufflation of CO2 and ambient air. There was no statistical difference in the intubation depth between the two groups. When CO2 insufflation was reduced, there was a significant difference in pain levels 1 hour after the procedure (95 % IC, –2.49 [–4.72, –0.26], P: 0.03, I2: 20%) and 3 hours after the procedure (95% IC, –3.05 [–5.92, –0.18], P: 0.04, I2: 0 %). There was a usage of lower propofol dosage in the CO2 insufflation group, with significant difference (95 % IC, –67.68 [–115.53, –19.84], P: 0.006, I2: 0 %). There was no significant difference between the groups in relation to the use of pethidine and to the oxygen saturation. Limitations Restricted number of randomized clinical trials and nonuniformity of data were limitations to the analysis of the outcomes. Conclusion The use of CO2 as insufflation gas in enteroscopy reduces the pain levels 1 hour and 3 hours after the procedure, in addition to the reduction of the sedation (propofol) dosage used.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Xie ◽  
Hao Yu ◽  
Fangyuan Wang ◽  
Juehua Jing ◽  
Jun Li

Abstract Background Tourniquets are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the issue of their safety remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on TKA blood loss, duration of surgery, and hemostatic drugs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials published before April 17, 2020, that compared the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative DVT, knee circumference, D-dimers, and pain measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Results Fourteen clinical trials that included 1321 unique participants were included in the meta-analysis. Among the total, 721 and 600 participants were randomized to the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups, respectively. The incidence of postoperative thrombosis in the tourniquet group was significantly higher than in the non-tourniquet group (RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.51–3.49, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th to 21st days, and 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, the knee circumference difference of the tourniquet group was significantly larger than that of the non-tourniquet group (P < 0.05). However, 4 to 6 months after the surgery, no significant difference in knee circumference was found between the two groups (MD 0.14, 95% CI −0.02–0.31, P = 0.09, I2 = 0%). The VAS score of the tourniquet group was higher than the non-tourniquet group on the 3rd and 5th days after surgery (P < 0.05). However, this difference was not significant (MD 0.31, 95% CI −0.05–0.66, P = 0.09, I2 = 89%). Conclusion Results of this meta-analysis indicate that tourniquet application could increase the incidence of postoperative DVT and aggravate postoperative pain and swelling in the short term. Level of evidence Level III


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Xie ◽  
Hao Yu ◽  
Fangyuan Wang ◽  
Juehua Jing ◽  
Jun Li

Abstract Background Tourniquets are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the issue of their safety remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on TKA blood loss, duration of surgery, and hemostatic drugs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials published before April 17, 2020 that compared the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative DVT, knee circumference, D-dimers, and pain measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results Fourteen clinical trials that included 1321 unique participants were included in the meta-analysis. Among the total, 721 and 600 participants were randomized to the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups, respectively. The incidence of postoperative thrombosis in the tourniquet group was significantly higher than in the non-tourniquet group (RR 2.30, 95% CI: 1.51–3.49, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th to 21st days, and 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, the knee circumference difference of the tourniquet group was significantly larger than that of the non-tourniquet group (P < 0.05). However, 4 to 6 months after the surgery, no significant difference in knee circumference was found between the two groups (MD 0.14, 95% CI: -0.02-0.31, P = 0.09, I2 = 0%). The VAS score of the tourniquet group was higher than the non-tourniquet group on the 3rd and 5th days after surgery (P < 0.05). However, this difference was not significant (MD 0.31, 95% CI: -0.05-0.66, P = 0.09, I2 = 89%). Conclusion Results of this meta-analysis indicate that tourniquet application could increase the incidence of postoperative DVT and aggravate postoperative pain and swelling in the short term. Level of evidence III.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahman Amani ◽  
Ahmad Khanijahani ◽  
Behnam Amani

AbstractBackground & ObjectiveThe efficacy and safety of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in treating coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic is disputed. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of HCQ plus the standard of care in COVID-19 patients.MethodsPubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and web of sciences were searched up to June 1, 2020. The references list of the key studies was reviewed for additional relevant resources. Clinical studies registry databases were searched for identifying potential clinical trials. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software (version 5.3).ResultsThree randomized controlled trials with total number of 242 patients were identified eligible for meta-analysis. No significant differences were observed between HCQ and standard care in terms of viral clearance (Risk ratio [RR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91, 1.16; P = 0.68), disease progression (RR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.10, 0.81; P = 0.94), Chest CT (RR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.91; P = 0.03). There is a significant difference between HCQ and standard care for adverse events (RR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.50, 5.54; P = 0.002).ConclusionAlthough the current meta-analysis failed to confirm the efficacy and safety of HCQ in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, further rigorous randomized clinical trials are necessary to evaluate conclusively the efficacy and safety of HCQ against COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenlu Li ◽  
Qianqiu Che ◽  
Mao Li ◽  
Jianping Liu ◽  
Rao Du ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Tocilizumab (TCZ) is an anti-interleukin-6 antibody that has been used to treat patients with 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Numerous retrospective studies have shown beneficial treatment efficacy. Several recent randomized clinical trials have questioned the efficacy of TCZ in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab recently used for treating patients with COVID-19. Methods Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and comparative studies that compared the outcomes between TCZ and standard of care (SOC) were analysed. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (inception to November 20, 2020) were systematically searched. Primary outcomes included mortality and the rate of requirement for mechanical ventilation (MV). In addition, several subgroup analyses stratified by disease severity, publication type and TCZ administration were performed. Results Three RCTs, twenty-one cohort studies and nine case-control studies including 11,206 patients were finally included. The TCZ group included 2,794 patients (24.93%) and the SOC group included 8,412 patients (75.07%). The mortality rate (>14 days) of the TCZ group, 29.63% (590/1,991), was lower than the SOC group, 41.51% (2,380/5,734) (OR 0.64, 0.57 to 0.73; p <0.00001). However, no significant difference in-14-day mortality rates was observed between the two groups (13.53% vs 22.92%, p = 0.21). Meanwhile, the rate of MV was significantly decreased in the TCZ group compared with the SOC group (OR 0.42, 0.22 to 0.83; p = 0.01). According to the results of the subgroup analysis stratified by disease severity, TCZ only reduced the mortality rate for critical patients with COVID-19 compared with SOC (OR 0.60, 0.52 to 0.71; P < 0.00001), particularly for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) or patients requiring MV. No statistically significant increase was recognized in the rates of secondary infections or thrombosis between the two groups. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis found that the addition of tocilizumab to the SOC might reduce mortality after 14 days in patients with COVID-19, particularly critical patients requiring MV. More extensive RCTs with longer follow-up periods are needed to validate these findings.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S69-S70
Author(s):  
L. Deng

BackgroundPost-stroke depression (PSD) constitutes an important complication of stroke, leading to great disability as well as increased mortality. Since which treatment for PSD should be preferred are still matters of controversy, we aimed to compare and rank these treatments.MethodsWe did a network meta-analysis to incorporate both direct and indirect evidence from relevant trials by Bayesian random effects model. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Embase for randomized controlled trials of different PSD treatments. The primary outcomes were efficacy and tolerability. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE framework.ResultFrom 1347 citations, 27 randomised trials with a total of 1620 participants were included in this network meta-analysis. In terms of primary outcome, only for reboxetione (standardised mean difference [SMD] −12.84, 95% credible interval [CrI] −23.13 to −2.65) and nortriptyline (SMD −7.95, 95% CrI −14.85 to −1.75) enough evidence existed to support superiority compared with placebo. No significant difference was observed in terms tolerability. Considering patient response rate, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was statistically more effective than sertraline plus nimodipine (Relative risk [RR] 5.53, 95% CrI 1.36 to 23.86) and fluoxetine (RR 10.74, 95% CrI 3.55 to 35.97)ConclusionCompared with placebo, reboxetione and nortriptyline offered a clear advantage for PSD patients. rTMS is probably the best option to consider in addition of pharmacological treatment. Nevertheless, doctors need to consider our results together with all known safety and economy information when selecting the strategy for individual patients.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenlu Li ◽  
Qianqiu Che ◽  
Mao Li ◽  
Jianping Liu ◽  
Rao Du ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Tocilizumab (TCZ) is an anti-interleukin-6 antibody that has been used to treat patients with 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Numerous retrospective studies have shown beneficial treatment efficacy. Several recent randomized clinical trials have questioned the efficacy of TCZ in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab recently used for treating patients with COVID-19. Methods Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and comparative studies that compared the outcomes between TCZ and standard of care (SOC) were analysed. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (inception to November 20, 2020) were systematically searched. Primary outcomes included mortality and the rate of requirement for mechanical ventilation (MV). In addition, several subgroup analyses stratified by disease severity, publication type and TCZ administration were performed. Results Three RCTs, twenty-one cohort studies and nine case-control studies including 11,206 patients were finally included. The TCZ group included 2,794 patients (24.93%) and the SOC group included 8,412 patients (75.07%). The mortality rate (>14 days) of the TCZ group, 29.63% (590/1,991), was lower than the SOC group, 41.51% (2,380/5,734) (OR 0.64, 0.57 to 0.73; p <0.00001). However, no significant difference in-14-day mortality rates was observed between the two groups (13.53% vs 22.92%, p = 0.21). Meanwhile, the rate of MV was significantly decreased in the TCZ group compared with the SOC group (OR 0.42, 0.22 to 0.83; p = 0.01). According to the results of the subgroup analysis stratified by disease severity, TCZ only reduced the mortality rate for critical patients with COVID-19 compared with SOC (OR 0.60, 0.52 to 0.71; P < 0.00001), particularly for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) or patients requiring MV. No statistically significant increase was recognized in the rates of secondary infections or thrombosis between the two groups. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis found that the addition of tocilizumab to the SOC might reduce mortality after 14 days in patients with COVID-19, particularly critical patients requiring MV. More extensive RCTs with longer follow-up periods are needed to validate these findings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 589-597
Author(s):  
BGS Casado ◽  
EP Pellizzer ◽  
JR Souto Maior ◽  
CAA Lemos ◽  
BCE Vasconcelos ◽  
...  

Clinical Relevance The use of laser light during bleaching will not reduce the incidence or severity of sensitivity and will not increase the degree of color change compared with nonlaser light sources. SUMMARY Objective: To evaluate whether the use of laser during in-office bleaching promotes a reduction in dental sensitivity after bleaching compared with other light sources. Methods: The present review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and is registered with PROSPERO (CDR42018096591). Searches were conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant articles published up to August 2018. Only randomized clinical trials among adults that compared the use of laser during in-office whitening and other light sources were considered eligible. Results: After analysis of the texts retrieved during the database search, six articles met the eligibility criteria and were selected for the present review. For the outcome dental sensitivity, no significant difference was found favoring any type of light either for intensity (mean difference [MD]: −1.60; confidence interval [CI]: −3.42 to 0.22; p=0.09) or incidence (MD: 1.00; CI: 0.755 to 1.33; p=1.00). Regarding change in tooth color, no significant differences were found between the use of the laser and other light sources (MD: −2.22; CI: −6.36 to 1.93; p=0.29). Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, laser exerts no influence on tooth sensitivity compared with other light sources when used during in-office bleaching. The included studies demonstrated that laser use during in-office bleaching may have no influence on tooth color change.


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