scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety of Ofatumumab Therapy in Children With Difficult-to-treat Nephrotic Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-228
Author(s):  
Yalda Ravanshad ◽  
◽  
Mohadeseh Golsorkhi ◽  
Sahar Ravanshad ◽  
Mohammad Esmaeeli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Remission Rate ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Effective Drug ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Key Terms

Context: Different studies have been done so far on drug safety and efficacy in children with refractory nephrotic syndrome (NS). Ofatumumab might be an effective drug for this syndrome; however, the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of ofatumumab treatment have not been comprehensively assessed.  Objectives: This study aims to perform a systematic review of the efficacy and safety of ofatumumab in children with difficult-to-treat NS. Study Selection: An electronic literature search was conducted to identify appropriate studies. The search key terms were as follows: (“nephrotic syndrome” OR “minimal change disease” OR “focal segmental glomerulosclerosis” OR “membranous”) AND (“Ofatumumab” or “CD20” or “Arzerra” or “HuMax-CD20”).  Data Extraction: Data were extracted from the articles according to the selection criteria by two independent reviewers. Results: A total of 83 potentially relevant articles were identified. Thirty-two articles were removed due to duplication. Then 26 more articles were excluded because they were book sections and review papers and therefore not relevant. Another 14 items were removed after reviewing the full text of selected papers because the topics did not fit our study subject. Finally, 11 studies were selected in our systematic review. The benchmark considered to assess the efficacy of ofatumumab in children with nephrotic syndrome in most of the studies was a complete remission rate. Conclusions: In conclusion, our systematic review showed that ofatumumab may be an effective drug in refractory NS treatment in children and could bring down the use of steroids and immunosuppressants. However, further large randomized trials are suggested.

scholarly journals Bevacizumab Treatment of Radiation-Induced Brain Necrosis: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guixiang Liao ◽  
Muhammad Khan ◽  
Zhihong Zhao ◽  
Sumbal Arooj ◽  
Maosheng Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Gadolinium Enhancement ◽  
Brain Necrosis ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Bevacizumab Treatment ◽  
Radiation Induced

BackgroundRadiation brain necrosis (RBN) is a serious complication in patients receiving radiotherapy for intracranial disease. Many studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in patients with RBN. In the present study, we systematically reviewed the medical literature for studies reporting the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab, as well as for studies comparing bevacizumab with corticosteroids.Materials and MethodsWe searched PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception through 1 March, 2020 for studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in patients with RBN. Two investigators independently performed the study selection, data extraction, and data synthesis.ResultsOverall, the present systematic review included 12 studies (eight retrospective, two prospective, and two randomized control trials [RCTs]) involving 236 patients with RBN treated who were treated with bevacizumab. The two RCTs also had control arms comprising patients with RBN who were treated with corticosteroids/placebo (n=57). Radiographic responses were recorded in 84.7% (200/236) of patients, and radiographic progression was observed in 15.3% (36/236). Clinical improvement was observed in 91% (n=127) of responding patients among seven studies (n=113). All 12 studies reported volume reduction on T1 gadolinium enhancement MRI (median: 50%, range: 26%–80%) and/or T2 FLAIR MRI images (median: 59%, range: 48%–74%). In total, 46 responding patients (34%) had recurrence. The two RCTs revealed significantly improved radiographic response in patients treated with bevacizumab (Levin et al.: p = 0.0013; Xu et al.: p < 0.001). Both also showed clinical improvement (Levin et al.: NA; Xu et al.: p = 0.039) and significant reduction in edema volume on both T1 gadolinium enhancement MRI (Levin et al.: p=0.0058; Xu et al.: p=0.027) and T2 FLAIR MRI (Levin et al.: p=0.0149; Xu et al.: p < 0.001). Neurocognitive improvement was significantly better after 2 months of treatment in patients receiving bevacizumab than in those given corticosteroids, as assessed by the MoCA scale (p = 0.028). The recurrence rate and side effects of the treatments showed no significant differences.ConclusionsPatients with RBN respond to bevacizumab, which can improve clinical outcomes and cognitive function. Bevacizumab appears to be more efficacious than corticosteroid-based treatment. The safety profile was comparable to that of the corticosteroids.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in animals in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji ◽  
Jean Joel Bigna ◽  
Sebastien Kenmoe ◽  
Fredy Brice N. Simo ◽  
Marie A. Amougou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Language Restriction

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide and have high burden in the resource-limited countries. Better knowledge of the epidemiology of hepatitis in animals in Africa can help to understand the epidemiology among humans. The objective of this study was to summarize the prevalence of HEV infection and distribution of HEV genotypes among animals in Africa. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and Africa Index Medicus from January 1st, 2000 to March 22th, 2020 without any language restriction. We considered cross-sectional studies of HEV infection in animals in Africa. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality of included studies were done independently by two investigators. Prevalence data were pooled using the random-effects meta-analysis. This review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018087684. Results Twenty-five studies (13 species and 6983 animals) were included. The prevalence (antibodies or ribonucleic acid [RNA]) of HEV infection in animals varied widely depending on biological markers of HEV infection measured: 23.4% (95% confidence interval; 12.0–37.2) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins G, 13.1% (3.1–28.3) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins M, and 1.8% (0.2–4.3) for RNA; with substantial heterogeneity. In subgroup analysis, the immunoglobulins G seroprevalence was higher among pigs 37.8% (13.9–65.4). The following HEV genotypes were reported in animals: Rat-HEV genotype 1 (rats and horses), HEV-3 (pigs), HEV-7 (dromedaries), and Bat hepeviruses (bats). Conclusions We found a high prevalence of HEV infection in animals in Africa and HEV genotypes close to that of humans. Some animals in Africa could be the reservoir of HEV, highlighting the need of molecular epidemiological studies for investigating zoonotic transmission.

scholarly journals Prioritising recommendations following analyses of adverse events in healthcare: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e000843
Author(s):  
Kelly Bos ◽  
Maarten J van der Laan ◽  
Dave A Dongelmans
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Personal Opinion ◽  
User Friendly

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review was to identify an appropriate method—a user-friendly and validated method—that prioritises recommendations following analyses of adverse events (AEs) based on objective features.Data sourcesThe electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO (Ovid) and ERIC (Ovid) were searched.Study selectionStudies were considered eligible when reporting on methods to prioritise recommendations.Data extractionTwo teams of reviewers performed the data extraction which was defined prior to this phase.Results of data synthesisEleven methods were identified that are designed to prioritise recommendations. After completing the data extraction, none of the methods met all the predefined criteria. Nine methods were considered user-friendly. One study validated the developed method. Five methods prioritised recommendations based on objective features, not affected by personal opinion or knowledge and expected to be reproducible by different users.ConclusionThere are several methods available to prioritise recommendations following analyses of AEs. All these methods can be used to discuss and select recommendations for implementation. None of the methods is a user-friendly and validated method that prioritises recommendations based on objective features. Although there are possibilities to further improve their features, the ‘Typology of safety functions’ by de Dianous and Fiévez, and the ‘Hierarchy of hazard controls’ by McCaughan have the most potential to select high-quality recommendations as they have only a few clearly defined categories in a well-arranged ordinal sequence.

Methodological systematic review of studies on social inequalities in smoking among young adults: A field coming of age?

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 566-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Gagné ◽  
Joseph G L Lee ◽  
Madeleine Steinmetz-Wood ◽  
Katherine L Frohlich
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Coming Of Age ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Life Transitions ◽  
Parental Characteristics ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Study Characteristics ◽  
Measurement Strategies

ObjectiveSocioeconomic circumstances are critically important to addressing smoking. In young adulthood (ages 18–25), dynamic transitions in education, employment, family and housing complicate the measurement of socioeconomic circumstances. To better understand approaches to capturing these circumstances, this methodological systematic review examined how socioeconomic characteristics used to identify social inequalities in smoking among young adults are measured.Data sourcesWe searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, ERIC and Sociological Abstracts, and used three prior reviews. We updated the search in March 2018.Study selectionTwo reviewers independently screened peer-reviewed records from OECD countries published in English, French, German or Spanish after 1995 whose samples covered at least 1 year between the ages of 18 and 25. We included 89 of 1320 records.Data extractionOne reviewer extracted study characteristics, indicators used to operationalise socioeconomic circumstances and each indicator’s relation to results on smoking (ie, significance and direction). We found 39 indicators of socioeconomic circumstances related to six broad domains. These indicators were used in 425 results.Data synthesisWe descriptively analysed the extracted data using evidence tables. Educational attainment was most common. Evidence of inequalities varied by indicator used. For example, there was inconsistent evidence regarding the role of parental characteristics and transition stages and insufficient evidence regarding personal income on smoking.ConclusionDespite its importance, studies have disproportionally examined inequalities among young adults using traditional indicators. The mismatch between young adults’ life transitions and measurement strategies may attenuate evidence of inequalities. We suggest strategies to improve future measurement.

scholarly journals Aromatherapy for Symptom Relief in Patients with Burn: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Hye Won Lee ◽  
Lin Ang ◽  
Jung Tae Kim ◽  
Myeong Soo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Review Author ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background and Objectives: This review aimed to provide an updated review of evidence regarding the effects of aromatherapy in relieving symptoms of burn injuries, focusing on pain and physiological distress. Materials and Methods: Fifteen databases (including five English databases, four Korean medical databases, and four Iranian databases) and trial registries were searched for studies published between their dates of inception and July 2021. Two review authors individually performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, and any discrepancies were solved by a third review author. Results: Eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this updated systematic review. Our meta-analyses revealed that inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care showed beneficial effects in relieving pain after dressing, as compared to placebo plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and routine care alone (p = 0.02). Additionally, inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and aromatherapy massage plus routine care (p < 0.0001) also showed superior effects in calming anxiety, as compared to routine care alone. None of the included studies reported on AEs. Overall, the risk of bias across the studies was concerning. Conclusions: This updated review and synthesis of the studies had brought a more detailed understanding of the potential application of aromatherapy for easing the pain and anxiety of burn patients.

scholarly journals The Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab for Childhood Steroid-Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidi Liu ◽  
Chuying Gui ◽  
Zhenzhen Lu ◽  
Huijie Li ◽  
Zhike Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Remission Rate ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Steroid Dependent ◽  
Alternative Treatment Option ◽  
Control Study ◽  
Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome

Objectives: Rituximab (RTX), a possible alternative treatment option, is recognized as a new therapeutic hope for the treatment of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) in children. However, the efficacy and safety of RTX in the treatment of childhood SDNS are still controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RTX treatment in children with SDNS.Study Design: Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one retrospective comparative control study data from studies, performed before January 2021 were collected, from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. The studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of RTX in childhood SDNS were included.Results: Six RCTs and one retrospective comparative control study were included in our analysis. Compared with the control group, the RTX treatment group achieved a higher complete remission rate (OR = 5.21; 95% CI, 3.18–8.54; p &lt; 0.00001), and we found significant differences between the two groups on serum albumin level (MD = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.43–1.33; p = 0.0001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (MD = 6.43; 95% CI, 2.68–10.19; p = 0.0008). However, RTX treatment did not significantly lower serum creatinine levels nor did it significantly reduce the occurrence of proteinuria. In addition, we found no advantages with RTX on treatment safety.Conclusions: RTX has shown satisfactory characteristics in terms of efficacy and may be a promising treatment method for SDNS in children. However, the long-term effects have not been fully evaluated and should be further studied through randomized clinical trials.

scholarly journals Effects of Composite Attachments on Orthodontic Clear Aligners Therapy: A Systematic Review

Materials ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 533
Author(s):  
Riccardo Nucera ◽  
Carolina Dolci ◽  
Angela Mirea Bellocchio ◽  
Stefania Costa ◽  
Serena Barbera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Bias Assessment ◽  
Bodily Movement ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Medium Risk ◽  
Clear Aligner ◽  
Anterior Root

This systematic review aims to highlight the differences between different clear aligner therapies that differ in the presence of attachments or in attachment configuration. Eight electronic databases were searched up to March 2020. Two authors independently proceeded to study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The analysis of the results was carried out examining six groups of movements (mesio-distal tipping/bodily movement; anterior bucco-lingual tipping/root torque; posterior bucco-lingual tipping/expansion; intrusion; extrusion; rotation). Five clinical trials were selected and all of them showed a medium risk of bias. Literature showed that attachments mostly increase the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, improving anterior root torque, rotation, and mesio-distal (M-D) movement; they are also important to increase posterior anchorage. However, some articles showed contradictory or not statistically significant results. Attachments also seem to improve intrusion, but the evidence about this movement, as well as extrusion, is lacking. No studies evaluated posterior bucco-lingual tipping/expansion. Further clinical trials are strongly suggested to clarify the influence of attachments and their number, size, shape, and position on each orthodontic movement.

Pharmacological Treatment for Obesity in Adults: An Umbrella Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 691-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanan Khalil ◽  
Laura Ellwood ◽  
Heidi Lord ◽  
Ritin Fernandez
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
Umbrella Review ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
The Us ◽  
Key Terms

Objective: To synthesize the evidence from systematic reviews of clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of pharmacological therapies approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration and the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of obesity in adults. Data Sources: A 3-step literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PubMed databases was conducted between March and May 2019. The key terms used were obesity, pharmacological therapy, antiobesity agent, antiobesity medication, weight loss, and systematic review. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Systematic reviews that evaluated the effectiveness of pharmacological therapies for the management of obesity in patients with a body mass index of or greater than 25 kg/m2. Data Synthesis: Nine systematic reviews involving three pharmacotherapies, liraglutide, orlistat, and naltrexone-bupropion were identified. The results indicate that the pharmacotherapies reduced weight when compared with placebo. Orlistat was effective in significantly reducing fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. All reviews discussed the presence or risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects including diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea related to orlistat and liraglutide. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This umbrella review compares the efficacy and safety of antiobesity medications for reducing weight and a discussion on their weight loss and metabolic control to guide clinicians when prescribing medications for obesity. Conclusions: All pharmacological therapies included in this review are superior to placebo in reducing weight. Clinicians should consider patient comorbidities and risk of adverse events when recommending medications for weight loss.

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