A Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials: The Impact of Vitamin C Supplementation on Serum CRP and Serum hs-CRP Concentrations

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (30) ◽  
pp. 3520-3528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadegh Jafarnejad ◽  
Virginia Boccardi ◽  
Banafshe Hosseini ◽  
Mohsen Taghizadeh ◽  
Zahra Hamedifard

Objective: The present meta-analysis was designed to assess the effects of vitamin C supplementation on serum C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive systematic search of the literature in Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar until May 2018. The pooled Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) and its 95% Confidence Interval (CI) in baseline and at the end of the trial were calculated to assess the net change in serum CRP by using random-effects model. The heterogeneity was assessed by I2 test. Combined and stratified analyses were used in the metaanalysis. Results: From 306 articles found and screened in our initial search, 12 studies were included with 446 participants in supplementation groups and 447 in control groups. The pooled effect size analysis showed a significant reducing effect of vitamin C supplementation on circulating CRP level (−0.23 mg/L, 95% CI, −0.44, -0.03, p=0.02), with a significant heterogeneity effect across the studies involved. Subgroup analyses showed that vitamin C supplementation significantly lowered CRP among trials. The most significant effect was found 1) on hs- CRP as the representative inflammatory marker (-0.43 mg/L, 95% CI -0.76, -0.1) 2) in subjects with a baseline CRP≥3 (-1.48 mg/L, 95% CI -2.84, -0.11) 3) in subjects under <60 years old of age (-0.23 mg/L, 95% CI -0.44,- 0.01) 4) or using intravenous administration of vitamin C (-0.89 mg/L, 95% CI -1.49,-0.3). Conclusion: The present meta-analysis shows that vitamin C supplementation reduces serum CRP level, particularly in younger subjects, with higher CRP baseline level, at a lower dosage and intravenous administration.

Author(s):  
Maryam Safabakhsh ◽  
Mohammad Reza Emami ◽  
Mohammad Zeinali Khosroshahi ◽  
Omid Asbaghi ◽  
Shaghayegh Khodayari ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground and purposeC-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker which prognosticates cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have reached mixed conclusions regarding the effect of vitamin C on reducing CRP or hs-CRP level. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to resolve these inconsistencies.Materials and methods: Related articles published up to August 2018 were searched through PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, ISI web of science, Embase, and Cochrane databases by relevant keywords. Clinical trials which examined the effect of either vitamin C supplementation or vitamin C-enriched foods on CRP and hs-CRP levels were included. A total of 11 studies with 14 data sets involving 818 subjects were included.ResultsOverall, the pooled analysis revealed that vitamin C could decrease CRP level relative to placebo group (Weighted mean difference [WMD]=−0.73 mg/L: 95% CI: −1.30 to −0.15, p=0.013) with a considerable heterogeneity (I2=98%, p<0.001). Moreover, subgroup analyses revealed that the beneficial effect of vitamin C on CRP level alternation only was found in male (p=0.003), non-smoker (p=0.041), healthy (p=0.029) and younger participants (p=0.010). Vitamin C could improve CRP level only at doses of less than 500 mg/day (p=0.009). Regarding hs-CRP changes, the pooled analysis did not show any significant effect of vitamin C (WMD=−0.65 mg/L: 95% CI: −2.03 to 0.72, p=0.35). This finding was confirmed by all subgroup analyses expect for high quality articles in which hs-CRP level was elevated after vitamin C supplementation (p=0.026).ConclusionIn conclusion, supplementation with vitamin C might have a significant effect only on CRP reduction. Further studies are needed to confirm this effect.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuo-Chuan Hung ◽  
Min-Hsien Chiang ◽  
Shao-Chun Wu ◽  
Ying-Jen Chang ◽  
Chun-Ning Ho ◽  
...  

AbstractThis meta-analysis aimed at investigating the impact of oral vitamin C supplementation on the post-procedural recovery of orthopedic patients, including functional outcomes and complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I). Literature search using the Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception till March 2021 identified seven eligible randomized controlled trials with 1,361 participants. Forest plot revealed no significant difference in the functional outcomes at 6–12 months [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.00, 95% CI − 0.19 to 0.18, 467 patients], risk of overall complications (RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.39, 426 patients), and pain severity at 3–6 months (SMD = − 0.18, 95% CI − 0.49 to 0.12, 486 patients) between patients with and without oral vitamin C supplementation. Pooled analysis showed that vitamin C treatment reduced the risk of CRPS I regardless of dosage (RR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.85, 1143 patients). In conclusion, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that oral vitamin C supplementation may reduce the risk of complex regional pain syndrome type I but did not improve the functional outcomes in orthopedic patients. Nevertheless, because of the small number of trials included in the present study, further large-scale clinical studies are warranted to support our findings.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Marcella Vaselli ◽  
Daniel Hungerford ◽  
Ben Shenton ◽  
Arwa Khashkhusha ◽  
Nigel A. Cunliffe ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundA year following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, new infections and deaths continue to increase in Europe. Serological studies, through providing evidence of past infection, can aid understanding of the population dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection.ObjectivesThis systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies in Europe was undertaken to inform public health strategies including vaccination, that aim to accelerate population immunity.MethodsWe searched the databases Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and grey literature sources for studies reporting seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Europe published between 01/12/2019 - 30/09/20. We provide a narrative synthesis of included studies. Studies were categorized into subgroups including healthcare workers (HCWs), community, outbreaks, pregnancy and children/school. Due to heterogeneity in other subgroups, we only performed a random effects meta-analysis of the seroprevalence amongst HCWs stratified by their country.Results109 studies were included spanning 17 European countries, that estimated the seroprevalence of SAR-CoV2 from samples obtained between November 2019 – August 2020. A total of 53/109 studies included HCWs with a reported seroprevalence among HCWs ranging from 0.7% to 45.3%, which did not differ significantly by country. In community studies significant heterogeneity was reported in the seroprevalence among different age groups and the majority of studies reported there was no significant difference by gender.ConclusionThis review demonstrates a wide heterogeneity in reported seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies between populations. Continued evaluation of seroprevalence is required to understand the impact of public health measures and inform interventions including vaccination programmes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Berta ◽  
Helena Lindgren ◽  
Kyllike Christensson ◽  
Sollomon Mekonnen ◽  
Mulat Adefris

Abstract Background It is believed that giving birth in an upright position is beneficial for both mother and the infant for several physiologic reasons. An upright positioning helps the uterus to contract more strongly and efficiently, the baby gets in a better position and thus can pass through the pelvis faster. Upright and lateral positions enables flexibility in the pelvis and facilitates the extension of the outlet. Before implementing a change in birthing positions in our clinics we need to review evidences available and context valid related to duration of second stage of labor and birthing positions. Therefore this review aimed to examine the effect of maternal flexible sacrum birth position on duration of second stage of labor. Method The research searched articles using bibliographical Databases: Medline/PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google scholar and Google. All study designs were considered while investigating the impact of maternal flexible sacrum birthing positioning in relation duration of second stage of labor. Studies including laboring mothers with normal labor and delivery. A total of 1985 women were included in the reviewed studies. We included both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results We identified 1680 potential citations, of which 8 articles assessed the effect of maternal upright birth positioning on the reduction during the duration of second stage of labor. Two studies were excluded because of incomplete reports for meta analysis. The result suggested a reduction in duration of second stage of labor among women in a flexible sacrum birthing position, with a mean duration from 3.2–34.8. The pooled weighted mean difference with random effect model was 21.118(CI: 11.839–30.396) minutes, with the same significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 96.8%, p < 000). Conclusion The second stage duration was reduced in cases of a flexible sacrum birthing position. Even though the reduction in duration varies across studies with considerable heterogeneity, laboring women should be encouraged to choose her comfortable birth position. Researchers who aim to compare different birthing positions should consider study designs which enable women to choose birthing position. Prospero registration number [CRD42019120618]


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 778-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Bierer ◽  
Roger Stanzel ◽  
Mark Henderson ◽  
Suvro Sett ◽  
David Horne

Introduction: The use of cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric cardiac surgery is associated with significant inflammation, fluid overload, and end-organ dysfunction yielding morbidity and mortality. For decades, various intraoperative ultrafiltration techniques such as conventional ultrafiltration, modified ultrafiltration (MUF), zero-balance ultrafiltration (ZBUF), and combination techniques (ZBUF-MUF) have been used to mitigate these toxicities and promote improved postoperative outcomes. However, there is currently no consensus on the ultrafiltration technique or strategy that yields the most benefit for infants and children undergoing open heart surgery. Methods: A librarian-conducted PubMed literature search from 1990 to 2018 yielded 90 clinical studies or publications on the various forms of ultrafiltration and the impact on physiologic markers and clinical outcomes. All publications were reviewed, summarized, and conclusions synthesized. The data sets were not combined for systematic or meta-analysis due to significant heterogeneity in study protocols and patient populations. Results: Modified ultrafiltration significantly promotes improved myocardial function, reduction in fluid overload, and reduced bleeding and transfusion complications. Furthermore, ZBUF has shown a consistent reduction in inflammatory cytokines and improved pulmonary function and compliance. There is conflicting evidence that MUF, ZBUF, and ZBUF-MUF culminate in reduced ventilation time and intensive care unit stay. Conclusion: Various modes of ultrafiltration have been shown to be associated with improved physiologic function or clinical outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgery. There are some inconsistent trial results that can be explained by heterogeneity in ultrafiltration, clinical staff preferences, and institution protocols. Ultrafiltration has some essential benefit as it is ubiquitously used at pediatric heart centers; however, the optimal protocol could be yet identified.


Author(s):  
Fernando Magro ◽  
Maria Manuela Estevinho ◽  
Cláudia Camila Dias ◽  
Luís Correia ◽  
Paula Lago ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Interest in histology for ulcerative colitis [UC] has increased recently. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess, for the first time, whether histological outcomes are more informative than endoscopic and clinical outcomes in distinguishing the impact of intervention over placebo in induction trials. Methods MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify randomized placebo-controlled trials [RCTs] enrolling moderate-to-severe UC patients. Studies were assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. We analysed the pooled proportion of patients achieving clinical, endoscopic and histological remission and response after a pharmacological intervention and compared the results with those of placebo-treated patients by using a random-effects model. Results From 889 identified records, 13 RCTs were included. The odds ratio [OR] for remission was higher in patients receiving intervention than in those under placebo for clinical (OR 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–3.43), endoscopic [OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.19–11.18] and histological remission [OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.20–2.84]. Significant differences were observed for all response outcomes [clinical: OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.84–2.85; endoscopic: OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.51–3.10; histological: OR 3.63, 95% CI, 1.41–9.36]. No significant heterogeneity existed; no subgroup effects were found for duration of the induction or histological scale [p &gt; 0.05]. Clinical and histological remission and endoscopic response were concordant in discriminating interventions from placebo. Conclusion Histological outcomes are informative in trials of moderate-to-severe UC. Further studies analysing histology at the end of induction are needed to confirm its relevance in distinguishing the efficacy of an intervention over placebo in comparison to clinical and endoscopic outcomes and to explore its prognostic value.


2020 ◽  
pp. 002221942097019
Author(s):  
Samantha A. Gesel ◽  
Lauren M. LeJeune ◽  
Jason C. Chow ◽  
Anne C. Sinclair ◽  
Christopher J. Lemons

The purpose of this review was to synthesize research on the effect of professional development (PD) targeting data-based decision-making processes on teachers’ knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to curriculum-based measurement (CBM) and data-based decision-making (DBDM). To be eligible for this review, studies had to (a) be published in English, (b) include in-service or pre-service K–12 teachers as participants, (c) use an empirical group design, and (d) include sufficient data to calculate an effect size for teacher outcome variables. The mean effect of DBDM PD on teacher outcomes was g = 0.57 ( p < .001). This effect was not moderated by study quality. These results must be viewed through the lens of significant heterogeneity in effects across included studies, which could not be explained by follow-up sensitivity analyses. In addition, the experimental studies included in this review occurred under ideal, researcher-supported conditions, which impacts the generalizability of the effects of DBDM PD in practice. Implications for research and practice are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. e363-e379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca N Collins ◽  
Naoko Kishita

Abstract Background and Objectives The application of mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions (MABIs) for informal caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) is relatively novel, and the current state of the evidence base is unclear. This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of MABIs on reducing symptoms of depression and burden in informal caregivers of PwD. The quality of included studies was evaluated and moderator variables explored. Research Design and Methods A literature search of six electronic databases (PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, MEDLINE Complete, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and ProQuest) was conducted from the first available date to 20 December 2016. Inclusion criteria involved studies that quantitatively investigated the impact of MABIs on depression and/or burden in informal caregivers of PwD. Results Twelve studies, providing data on 321 caregivers, were included. Most used mindfulness-based stress reduction and were conducted in the United States. The average attrition among participants was 15.83%. The pre–post effect of MABIs was large for depression and moderate for burden. These effects were largely maintained at follow-up. Significant heterogeneity of effect sizes was observed, with no significant moderators identified. Study quality varied from very poor to moderately good. Discussion and Implications The low attrition and moderate to large effects suggest that MABIs are acceptable and beneficial for informal caregivers of PwD. The lack of significant moderators could advocate services using more cost-effective forms of MABIs. Further higher-quality research is needed to improve the robustness of the evidence base and enable a meta-analysis to thoroughly examine and quantify moderator variables.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 364-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Biagi ◽  
M. Raphael ◽  
W. D. King ◽  
W. Kong ◽  
W. J. Mackillop ◽  
...  

364 Background: The optimal timing from CRC surgery to initiation of AC is unknown. We report a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the relationship between time to adjuvant chemotherapy (TTAC) and survival. Methods: A systematic review of literature was done to identify studies that described the relationship between TTAC and survival. Studies were only included if the distribution of relevant prognostic factors was adequately described, and either comparative groups were balanced or results adjusted for the prognostic factors. Hazard ratio (HR) and TTAC for overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) from each study were converted to a regression coefficient (β) and standard error (SE) corresponding to a continuous representation per 4 weeks of TTAC. The adjusted β from individual studies were combined using a fixed-effect model. Inverse-variance (1/SE2) was used to weight individual studies. The possible effect of publication bias was investigated using the trim and fill approach. Results: We identified 9 eligible studies involving 14,357 patients (4 published articles, 5 abstracts). Two studies were randomized trials and 7 were cohort studies. Six studies reported TTAC as a binary variable and 3 reported TTAC as ≥3 categories. An estimate of HR for OS was derived from all 9 studies and estimate for DFS was derived from 5 studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated that a 4-week increase in TTAC was associated with a significant decrease in both OS (HR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.09-1.15), and DFS (HR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.11-1.20). The analysis showed no significant heterogeneity among studies. These TTAC associations remained significant after analysis for potential publication bias, and when the analysis was repeated excluding the two studies of largest weight. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a 12% increase in the risk of death for each 4 week of delay in the start of AC for CRC. These findings indicate the need for clinicians and health systems managers to take the steps necessary to keep TTAC as short as reasonably achievable. In addition, our results suggest there may be some benefit to AC after a 3-month TTAC delay. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 575-575
Author(s):  
Lina Pugliano ◽  
Dimitrios Zardavas ◽  
Marianne Paesmans ◽  
Ivana Sestak ◽  
Richard D. Gelber ◽  
...  

575 Background: Obesity is an adverse prognostic factor in BC. Mixed results are reported for the relative efficacy of AIs compared to tamoxifen (T) in obese ER+ BC patients. Our purpose was to conduct a meta-analysis of adjuvant randomised trials of AIs vs T assessing the impact of body mass index (BMI). Methods: We identified four studies evaluating BMI and endocrine therapy. Of these, 3 were randomised (non-steroidal AIs vs T) and were evaluable for the aggregation of results for DFS and OS in our meta-analysis. We extracted published data from ATAC, ABCSG-12 and BIG01-98, analyzed according to standard meta-analytic techniques. Results: A total of 11,383 patients were included in our study. BMI>25 is associated with reduced disease free survival (DFS) and a trend towards worse overall survival (OS) (Table 1). A significantly shorter DFS was seen for patients with BMI>25 treated with an AI while a trend was seen for OS. Reduced relative efficacy was seen for DFS for AIs compared to T for BMI<25 (HR=0.78; 95%CI 0.66- 0.91; p=0.002) and a trend for BMI>25 (HR=0.85; 95%CI 0.70- 1.02; p=0.08). The test for interaction was not significant (p=0.48), with similar results for OS for BMI<25 (HR=0.79; 95%CI 0.63-0.9; p=0.009) and BMI>25 (HR=0.98; 95%CI 0.61-1.60; p=0.95). The test for interaction was not significant (p=0.37). Notably, significant heterogeneity in patients treated with anastrozole and a BMI>25 did not allow a comparison between anastrozole and letrozole. Conclusions: BMI>25 has a negative prognostic effect in BC. AIs demonstrate improved outcomes in normal weight BC patients (BMI<25). Obesity was associated with observed relative reduced efficacy of AIs; however, we were not able to detect a significant interaction between BMI and treatment effect. Further analyses into the differing impact of type of AIs on BC outcomes in obese patients are warranted. [Table: see text]


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