Pediatric asthma control during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: During the current ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, studies had reported that patients with asthma would experience increased asthma-associated morbidity because of the respiratory virus SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on experience with other respiratory viral infections. However, some studies suggested that there was no apparent increase in asthma related morbidity in children with asthma, it is even possible that due to reduced exposures due to confinement, such children may have improved outcomes. In order to understand the impact of Covid-19 on asthma control in children, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library to find literature from December 2019 to June 2021 related to Covid-19 and children’s asthma control, among which results such as abstracts, comments, letters, reviews and case reports were excluded. The level of asthma control during the COVID-19 pandemic was synthesized and discussed. Results: A total of 20456 subjects were included in 7 studies. Random effect model is used to account for the data. Compared to the same period before the COVID-19 pandemic, asthma exacerbation, asthma admission, emergency room visit reduced a lot. The outcome of use of inhaled corticosteroids and Beta-2 agonists shows no significant difference. Conclusion: Compared to the same period before the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures in response to it, the level of asthma control has been significantly improved. We need to understand the exact factors leading to these improvements and find methods to sustain it.

Download Full-text

School reopening and risks accelerating the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0260189 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0260189

Author(s):

Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior ◽

Priscila Carminati Siqueira ◽

Ethel Leonor Noia Maciel

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

British Library ◽

The Impact ◽

Analysis Protocol

Background One of the most recent concerns of this pandemic regards the role of schools reopening in disease transmission, as well as the impact of keeping schools closed. While school reopening seems critical for the education and mental health of children, adolescents, and adults, so far the literature has not systematically reached a consensus whether to recommend the return to schools in a way that would be safe for students and staff. Objective To synthesize and critically evaluate the scientific evidence on the potential risk of accelerating the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with school reopening. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was elaborated following the PRISMA-P. We will include all observational study designs, which report on the potential risk of accelerating the COVID-2019 pandemic with school reopening. Electronic databases included were MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and CNKI. Additional sources will be also retrieved, including Clinical trials.gov-NIH, The British Library, Pro Quest Dissertations Database, Public Health Gray Literature Sources and Health Evidence, Google Scholar, and pre-prints [medRXiv]. No restriction to language or date will be used as search strategy. In an independently manner, two investigators will select studies, perform data extraction, as well as perform a critical appraisal of the risk of bias and overall quality of the selected observational studies, based on their designs. The heterogeneity among the studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic test. According to the results of this test, we will verify whether a meta-analysis is feasible. If feasibility is confirmed, a random-effect model analysis will be carried out. For data analysis, the calculation of the pooled effect estimates will consider a 95% CI and alpha will be set in 0.05 using the R statistical software, v.4.0.4. In addition, we will rate the certainty of evidence based on Cochrane methods and in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Expected results This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide better insights into safety in the return to school in the context of the COVID-2019 pandemic, at a time when vaccination advances unevenly in several countries around the world. Hence, consistent data and robust evidence will be provided to help decision-makers and stakeholders in the current pandemic scenario. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021265283; https://clinicaltrials.gov.

Download Full-text

Evaluating the effect of the temporal intra-oral skeletal anchorage device (TISADs) for facilitating the anchorage reinforcement: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Journal of Contemporary Medical Sciences ◽

10.22317/jcms.v7i1.932 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ali Amiri ◽

Setareh Khosravi ◽

Shiva Torabi ◽

Hadi Golshekan ◽

Fan Qi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Objective: In this meta-analysis and systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the TISADs to facilitates anchorage reinforcement. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ISI, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar, were used from the electronic databases until 2020 perform systematic literature. Two reviewers extracted data blindly and independently from various abstracts as well as full texts of articles they considered for data extraction. Using the Cochrane collaboration's tool, we evaluated the publications' quality. Then, we computed the mean difference of TISADs and conventional anchorage groups with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%, restricted maximum likelihood (REML), and random effect model of the mesial movement of molars and their tipping. Moreover, we employed Stata/MP 16 that has been considered the most rapid version of Stata for evaluating meta-analysis. Results: According to our electronic searches, 134 topics and abstracts with potential relevance were identified according to the research design. Finally, five publications matched the required inclusion criteria of the study. In addition, the Cochrane collaboration instrument exhibited all studies with low to moderate biases. Also, the mean difference of mesial molar movement showed less anchorage loss in the TISADs group vs. the controls, and a significant difference between these two groups (MD= -1.74 with a CI of 95%, -2.76, -0.71. P = 0.00). Conclusions: TISADs can reduce treatment time, and TISADs are more effective in enables the anchorage than other methods and higher tipping in the TISADs.

Download Full-text

Breast Cancer Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Update Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/453012 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Guo Tian ◽

Jia-Ning Liang ◽

Zhuo-Yun Wang ◽

Dian Zhou

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Breast Cancer Risk ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

The Impact

Background. The incidence of breast cancer in RA patients remains controversial. Thus we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the impact of RA on breast cancer.Methods. Published literature was available from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Pooled standardized incidence rate (SIR) was computed by random-effect model analysis.Results. We identified 16 separate studies in the present study, in which the number of patients ranged from 458 to 84,475. We did not find the increased cancer risk in RA patients (SIR=0.86, 95%CI=0.72–1.02). However, subgroup analysis showed that breast cancer risk in RA patients was positively different in Caucasians (SIR=0.82, 95%CI=0.73–0.93) and non-Caucasians (SIR=1.21, 95%CI=1.19–1.23), respectively. In subgroup analysis by style, a reduced incidence was found in hospital-based case subjects (SIR=0.82, 95%CI=0.69–0.97). Similarly, subgroup analysis for adjusted factors indicated that in A3 (age and sex) and A4 (age, sex, and race/ethnicity) the risk was decreased (SIR=0.87, 95%CI=0.76–0.99;SIR=0.63, 95%CI=0.59–0.67).Conclusions. The meta-analysis revealed no increased breast cancer risk in RA patients. However, in the subgroup analysis, the risk of breast cancer is increased in non-Caucasians patients with RA while it decreased in Caucasian population, hospital-based case subjects, and A3 group. Such relationship may provide preference for risk of breast cancer in different population.

Download Full-text

Do Corticosteroids Affect Prenatal Biophysical Parameters? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

International Journal of Women s Health and Reproduction Sciences ◽

10.15296/ijwhr.2020.42 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 259-264

Author(s):

Sanaz Musavi ◽

Leila Nikniaz ◽

Hosein Hoseinifard ◽

Arezou Hamzehzadeh ◽

Shabnam Vazifekhah

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Heart Rate Variability ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Effect Model ◽

Biophysical Profile ◽

Betamethasone And Dexamethasone

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of betamethasone and dexamethasone on biophysical profile (BPP) parameters. In addition, it was performed in 2017, using several databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane library, ISI Web of science, Proquest, and Google scholar, along with Magiran SID and IranMedex. Eligible studies were selected by two reviewers and the outcomes of interest were extracted as well. Meta-analysis was done using the random effect model. Further, I-square statistic test was used for heterogeneity analysis and the presence of publication bias was also checked. At last, 12 studies were included and a random and fixed effect model was used for analysis. The pooled event rates were 4.5% (95% CI = 0.01-64.3, P=0.1), 76.8% (% 95 CI=33.5-95.6, P=0.21), 71.8% (% 95 CI=38.8-91.1, P=0.18), 70.9% (%95 CI=38.4-90.5, P=0.20), and 92.3% (%95 CI=76.0-97.8, P<0.001) for the reduced amniotic fluid volume, baseline fetal heart rate reactivity, fetal breathing, fetal movement, and heart rate variability, respectively. In summary, a significant decrease was observed in heart rate variability following betamethasone and dexamethasone administration. However, further systematic reviews are necessary to differentiate steroid induced changes in the fetal BPP from those due to fetal compromise

Download Full-text

Repurposing of drugs for Covid-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/2020.06.07.20124677 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pinky Kotecha ◽

Alexander Light ◽

Enrico Checcucci ◽

Daniele Amparore ◽

Cristian Fiori ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Clinical Improvement ◽

Case Reports ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the data currently available regarding the repurposing of different drugs for Covid-19 treatment. Participants with suspected or diagnosed Covid-19 will be included. The interventions being considered are drugs being repurposed, and comparators will include standard of care treatment or placebo.MethodsWe searched Ovid-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, clinical trial registration site in the UK(NIHR), Europe (clinicaltrialsregister.eu), US (ClinicalTrials.gov) and internationally (isrctn.com), and reviewed the reference lists of articles for eligible articles published up to April 22, 2020. All studies in English that evaluated the efficacy of the listed drugs were included. Cochrane RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tool were used to assess study quality. This systematic review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol is available at PROSPERO (CRD42020180915).ResultsFrom 708 identified studies or clinical trials, 16 studies and 16 case reports met our eligibility criteria. Of these, 6 were randomized controlled trials (763 patients), 7 cohort studies (321 patients) and 3 case series (191 patients). Chloroquine (CQ) had a 100% discharge rate compared to 50% with lopinavir-ritonavir at day 14, however a trial has recommended against a high dosage due to cardiotoxic events. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has shown no significant improvement in negative seroconversion rate which is also seen in our meta-analysis (p=0.68). Adverse events with HCQ have a significant difference compared to the control group (p=0.001). Lopinavir-ritonavir has shown no improvement in time to clinical improvement which is seen in our meta-analyses (p=0.1). Remdesivir has shown no significant improvement in time to clinical improvement but this trial had insufficient power.DiscussionDue to the paucity in evidence, it is difficult to establish the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of Covid-19 as currently there is no significant clinical effectiveness of the repurposed drugs. Further large clinical trials are required to achieve more reliable findings. A risk-benefit analysis is required on an individual basis to weigh out the potential improvement in clinical outcome and viral load reduction compared to the risks of the adverse events. (1-16)

Download Full-text

Regional and chronological differences in prevalences of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a systemic review and meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-58460/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jeong-Whun Kim ◽

Seung Cheol Han ◽

Hyung Dong Jo ◽

Sung-Woo Cho ◽

Jin Youp Kim

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Olfactory Dysfunction ◽

Systemic Review ◽

Effect Model ◽

Geographical Regions ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Subgroup Analyses

Abstract Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction are frequently reported in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the reported prevalence of olfactory and/or gustatory dysfunction varies widely, and the reason for the inter-study differences is unclear. Hence, in this meta-analysis, we performed subgroup analyses to investigate the factors that contribute to the inter-study variability in the prevalence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. Out of 943 citations, we included 55 eligible studies with 13,527 patients with COVID-19 for a systematic review. The overall pooled prevalences of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction were 51.4% and 47.5%, respectively, in the random-effect model. In subgroup analyses, the prevalences of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction were significantly different among four geographical regions (both P < 0.001, respectively). Although the prevalences of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction did not significantly differ according to the time of enrollment, the subgroup analyses including only studies from the same geographical region (Europe) revealed a significant difference in olfactory dysfunction according to the time of enrollment. The regional and chronological differences in the prevalences of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions partly explain the wide inter-study variability.

Download Full-text

ESD versus EMR in non-ampullary superficial duodenal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Endoscopy International Open ◽

10.1055/a-0579-9050 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 06 (08) ◽

pp. E998-E1007 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Enrique Pérez-Cuadrado-Robles ◽

Lucille Quénéhervé ◽

Walter Margos ◽

Tom G. Moreels ◽

Ralph Yeung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Local Recurrence ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Complete Resection ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Resection Rate ◽

En Bloc ◽

Delayed Bleeding ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been developed as an option for treatment of esophageal, gastric and colorectal lesions. However, there is no consensus on the role of ESD in duodenal tumors. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis compared ESD and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in sporadic non-ampullary superficial duodenal tumors (NASDTs), including local experience. We conducted a search in PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane library up to August 2017 to identify studies that compared both techniques reporting at least one main outcome (en-bloc/complete resection, local recurrence). Pooled outcomes were calculated under fixed and random-effect models. Subgroup analyses were conducted. Results A total of 753 patients presenting with 784 NASDTs (242 ESD, 542 EMR) in 14 studies were included. Tumor size (MD: 5.88, [CI95 %: 2.15, 9.62], P = 0.002, I2 = 79 %) and procedure time (MD: 65.65, [CI95 %: 40.39, 90.92], P < 0.00001, I2 = 88 %) were greater in the ESD group. En-bloc resection rate was significantly higher in Asian studies (OR: 2.16 [CI95 %: 1.15, 4.08], P = 0.02, I2: 46 %). ESD provided a higher complete resection rate (OR: 1.63 [I95 %: 1.06, 2.50], P = 0.03, I2: 59 %), but there was no risk difference in the risk of local recurrence (RD: – 0.03 [CI95 %: – 0.07, 0.01], P = 0.15, I2: 0 %) or delayed bleeding. ESD was associated with an increased number of intraoperative perforations [RD: 0.12 (CI95 %: 0.04, 0.20), P = 0.002, I2: 56 %] and emergency surgery for delayed perforations. The inclusion of eligible studies was limited to retrospective series with inequalities in comparative groups. Conclusions Duodenal ESD for NASDTs may achieve higher en-bloc and complete resections at the expense of a greater perforation rate compared to EMR. The impact on local recurrence remains uncertain.

Download Full-text

Profiling Inflammatory Cytokines Following Zinc Supplementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114521000192 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-28

Author(s):

Amir Hossein Faghfouri ◽

Behzad Baradaran ◽

Alireza Khabbazi ◽

Yaser Khaje Bishak ◽

Meysam Zarezadeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Sensitivity Analysis ◽

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Trim And Fill ◽

The Impact

Abstract Chronic inflammation has been considered as the main cause of chronic diseases. Zn has anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the expression of inflammatory markers. The present systematic review and meta-analysis study aims to evaluate the impact of Zn supplementation on inflammation. Pubmed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched up to December 10th, 2020. Randomized placebo-controlled trials have investigated the effects of Zn supplementation on serum/plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines in >15 years’ subjects were included. A pooled meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the robustness of the observed effect sizes. Potential causes of heterogeneity were determined using subgroup analyses. The relationship between effect size and co-variables was explored using meta-regression. In the cases of the presence of publication bias, trim and fill analysis was carried out. Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was used for assessing the quality of the included studies. A total of 12 studies was included in meta-analysis. Zn could decrease IL-6 levels (SMD= -0.76 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.28, -0.24; P= 0.004). There was no significant change in TNF-α (SMD= 0.42 pg/ml; 95% CI: -0.31, 1.16; P= 0.257) and IL-2 levels (SMD= 1.64 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.31, 4.59; P= 0.277) following Zn supplementation. However, Zn could increase IL-2 significantly after deletion of one arm in sensitivity analysis (SMD= 2.96 pg/ml; 95% CI: 2.03, 3.88; P< 0.05). Conclusively, Zn supplementation can decrease the IL-6 level. Zn increased IL-2 level after sensitivity analysis. Zn supplementation has not ameliorative effects on TNF-α.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Delirium On Prognosis In Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies

10.21203/rs.3.rs-750658/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

jing zhang ◽

xin wang ◽

jie wang ◽

kai liu ◽

tao he ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hospital Stay ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Clinical Problem ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Inpatient Mortality ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The outcomes of post-stroke delirium are inconsistent. Therefore, we conduct a meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive description of the impact of delirium on the outcomes including including length of hospital stay and inpatient mortality after stroke. Methods We searched electronic databases including PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases up to April, 2021. Fixed-effect or random-effect model was used to summary odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD ) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results 13 individual studies with total of 3592 patients met the inclusion criteria. The summary results revealed that stroke patients with delirium increased risk of inpatient mortality (OR = 6.35, 95% CI: 4.35–9.25, p < 0.0001), and had longer length of hospital stay (MD = 5.93, 95% CI: 2.79–9.07, p < 0.0001) compared to non-delirious patients. Conclusions Delirium is associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with stroke, particularly in higher inpatient mortality and longer length of stay. We should pay more attention to this clinical problem and managed appropriately to prevent poor prognosis.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.4314/ejhs.v29i1.17 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Meysam Behzadifar ◽

Sanaz Heydarvand ◽

Masoud Behzadifar ◽

Nicola Luigi Bragazzi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

And Gender

BACKGROUND: Infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) increases the hepatotoxicity of anti-tuberculosis drugs. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the prevalence of HCV infection in patients with tuberculosis (TB).METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Sciences, CINAHL, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched from January 2000 to March 2018. The overall prevalence of HCV in patients with TB was calculated using the random-effect model with 95% confidence interval (CI). To evaluate heterogeneity, I2 test was used. Egger's regression test was utilized to check publication bias.RESULTS: Twenty-one articles were selected for the final analysis based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 15,542 patients with TB participated in the studies. The overall prevalence of HCV infection in patients with TB was 7% [95%CI: 6-9]. Subgroup analysis revealed that diagnostic test (P=0.0039), geographical background (P=0.0076) and gender distribution (P=0.0672) were statistically significant moderators. Men had a higher risk for HCV than women (Odds Ratio, OR=2.02; 95%CI: 1.28-3.18).CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlighted the importance of screening HCV in TB patients. Knowing whether HCV is present or not in these patients can be helpful in effectively treating them.

Download Full-text