scholarly journals Which Probiotic Is the Most Effective for Treating Acute Diarrhea in Children? A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4319
Author(s):  
Zengbin Li ◽  
Guixian Zhu ◽  
Chao Li ◽  
Hao Lai ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
...  

Acute diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five. Probiotics are beneficial for treating acute diarrhea in children, but unclear which specific probiotic is the most effective. We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to examine the comparative effectiveness of probiotics. By searching EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library up to 31 March 2021, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on probiotics for treating acute diarrhea in children were included. Primary outcomes included the duration of diarrhea and diarrhea lasting ≥2 days, and secondary outcomes included the mean stool frequency on day 2 and duration of hospitalization, fever, and vomiting. We assessed the certainty of the evidence of outcomes according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guideline. Eighty-four studies with twenty-one different interventions in 13,443 children were included. For the primary outcomes, moderate evidence indicated that, Lactobacillus reuteri [mean difference (MD) = −0.84 day; 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.39, −0.29], Bifidobacterium lactis (MD = −0.98 day; 95%CI, −1.82, −0.14), Saccharomyces boulardii (MD = −1.25 day; 95%CI, −1.59, −0.91), Lactobacillus species (spp.) plus Bifidobacterium spp. plus Saccharomyces spp. (MD = −1.19 day; 95%CI, −1.81, −0.58), and Bacillus spp. plus Enterococcus spp. plus Clostridium spp. (MD = −1.1 day; 95%CI, −1.84, −0.35) significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea when compared with placebo. Saccharomyces boulardii [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.22; 95%CI, 0.11, 0.41] and Lactobacillus reuteri (OR = 0.23; 95%CI, 0.090, 0.60) significantly reduced the risk of diarrhea lasting ≥2 days when compared with placebo or no treatment, with moderate evidence. Among all probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii may be the most effective in reducing both duration of diarrhea (compared with placebo) and risk of diarrhea lasting ≥2 days (compared with placebo or no treatment), with moderate evidence. To be conclusive, Saccharomyces boulardii may be the most effective probiotic for treating acute diarrhea in children, followed by several other single-strain and multi-strain probiotics.

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.


Author(s):  
Roja Rahimi ◽  
Shekoufeh Nikfar ◽  
Masoud Sadeghi ◽  
Mohammad Abdollahi ◽  
Reza Heidary Moghaddam ◽  
...  

Background: It has been found that there is a link between hypertension and elevated risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, a meta-analysis based on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was used to assess the effect of antihypertensive drugs on cognition and behavioral symptoms of AD patients. Method: The three databases – PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library- were searched up to March 2020. The quality of the studies included in the meta-analysis was evaluated by the Jadad score. Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) included in two studies, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) included in three studies, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) in three studies were the main outcomes in this systematic review. Results: Out of 1506 studies retrieved in the databases, 5 RCTs included and analyzed in the meta-analysis. The pooled mean differences of CGIC, MMSE, and NPI in patients with AD receiving antihypertensive drugs compared to placebo was -1.76 with (95% CI = -2.66 to -0.86; P=0.0001), 0.74 (95% CI = 0.20 to 1.28; P= 0.007), and -9.49 (95% CI = -19.76 to 0.79; P = 0.07), respectively. Conclusion: The findings of the present meta-analysis show that antihypertensive drugs may improve cognition and behavioral symptoms of patients with AD. However, more well-designed RCTs with similar drugs are needed to achieve more conclusive results.


Author(s):  
Mahmoud H Mohammaden ◽  
Mohamed Elfil ◽  
Mohamed Fahmy Doheim ◽  
Agostinho Camara Pinheiro ◽  
Alhamza R Al‐Bayati ◽  
...  

Introduction : Direct transfer to angiography suite (DTAS) for patients with suspected large vessel occlusion strokes potentially requiring mechanical thrombectomy has been shown to shorten treatment times and improve outcomes compared to conventional imaging (CI) selection. This meta‐analysis compares both approaches to build more concrete evidence. Methods : The potentially relevant studies that were published in four electronic databases/search engines (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) till August 2021 were reviewed. Eligible studies were included if they enrolled >10 patients in both groups, were published in English and reported baseline and procedural characteristics and 90‐day outcomes. Relevant data were then extracted and analyzed. Results : Among 4514 searched studies, six qualified for the analysis. Time from door to puncture (MD = ‐26.76minutes, 95 % CI [‐39.48, ‐14.03], P< 0.0001) as well as door to reperfusion (MD = ‐27.21 minutes,95% CI [‐47.42, ‐7.01], P = 0.008) were significantly shorter and the rates of functional independence(mRS0‐2: RR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.03, 1.60], P = 0.03) at 90‐days were significantly higher in the DTAS versus the CI approach. There was no statistically significant difference between DTAS and CI groups in terms of successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infraction [mTICI] score2B‐3: RR = 0.99, 95% CI [0.93, 1.06], P = 0.86), near complete/ full reperfusion (mTICI 2C‐3: RR = 0.84,95% CI [0.68, 1.04], P = 0.11), or fair outcomes at 90‐days (mRS 0–3: RR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.67, 1.64],P = 0.84). Moreover, there was no difference between groups regarding symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (RR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.55, 1.17], P = 0.26) or 90 day‐mortality (RR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.59, 1.24],P = 0.41). Conclusions : Our meta‐analysis showed that DTAS significantly improves time metrics and functional outcome with comparable safety to the CI approach. Multicenter randomized clinical trials are ongoing to confirm these results.


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Serenelli ◽  
F Vitali ◽  
R Pavasini ◽  
E Tonet ◽  
G Pompei ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are not guideline-recommanded treatment for left ventricular thrombus.  Purpose: the aim of this meta-analysis is to compare NOACs versus vitamin-K atagonsits (VKAs) efficacy in treating left ventricular thrombus (LVT). Methods: we systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Biomed Central, and Web of Science for trials comparing NOACs versus VKAs in the setting of LVT. Five studies, out of the 74 initially selected after first screening, were included in the meta-analysis. For the development of this meta-analysis, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The shortlisted studies were retrieved as full articles and appraised independently by two unblinded reviewers. The Mantel-Haensel method with a random effect model was used for the pooled analysis. The primary outcome was the occurrence of stroke and systemic embolism. Secondary outcome was occurrence of left ventricular thrombosis resolution during treatment.  Results: 707 patients were included in the analysis for the primary outcome. Of these, 230 were treated with NOACs and 477 with VKAs. The pooled OR for the primary outcome was 0.71 (95% CI 0.18-2.86, I2 67%), thus showing similar effect in term of ischaemic protection. A total of 698 patients, 228 on NOACs and 470 on VKAs were included in the analysis of the secondary outcome. The pooled OR for the secondary outcome pooled OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.56-1.68, I2 46%. Conclusions and Relevance: NOACs seem to have a similar efficacy profile compare to VKAs and so they should be considered as an alternative treatment for left ventricular thrombosis. Large prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this exploratory finding. Abstract Figure 1


Circulation ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Sekikawa ◽  
Nobutake Hirooka ◽  
Abhishek Vishnu ◽  
Vashudha Ahuja ◽  
Emmanuel Sampene ◽  
...  

Introduction: Although marine n-3 fatty acids are believed to be cardioprotective through their anti-arrhythmic, anti-thrombotic, anti-atherogenic and other effects, results from recent meta-analyses of marine n-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular disease (CVD) are controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of marine n-3 fatty acids on CVD outcomes in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to test the hypothesis that marine n-3 fatty acids are anti-atherogenic. We also tested the hypothesis that such benefit is dose-dependent. Methods: A systematic review of English language articles using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library through Aug 2012 was performed selecting RCTs evaluating the effect of marine n-3 fatty acids intake for 2 years or more on cardiovascular diseases, coronary disease, arteriosclerosis, cardiac imaging techniques, and carotid artery ultrasound. Descriptive and quantitative information was extracted. Odds ratios were calculated for cardiac event outcome. Correlation coefficients were obtained from studies of which outcome is intima-media thickness (IMT) and coronary lumen diameter (CD). We converted the estimates into a single effect size; the log odds ratio and its corresponding standard error. Results: Of 14,236 citations retrieved, 13 studies were selected, including studies reporting IMT (n=3) and CD (n=2) and major CVD events (n=8). Overall, marine n-3 fatty acids significantly reduced atherosclerotic CVD (RR 0.94: 95%CI 0.90 to 0.99, p<0.05). There was no evidence of heterogeneity (p=0.65) or publication bias (p=0.37, Begg’s test). A sub-analysis among 8 studies of major CVD events showed the similar results (RR 0.94: 95% CI 0.89 to 0.99, p<0.05). Another sub-analysis among 4 studies excluding sudden cardiac death as an outcome showed RR of 0.91 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.02, p=0.097). A meta-regression analysis shows that dose of marine n-3 fatty acids was inversely associated with CVD outcome, although the association was not statistically significant (p=0.06). Conclusions: The result of our meta-analysis supports a modest anti-atherogenic effect of marine n-3 fatty acids. This benefit may be proportional to the amount of marine n-3 fatty acids consumed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Badami ◽  
Sunil Upadhaya ◽  
Ravi Kanth Velagapudi ◽  
Pushyami Mikkilineni ◽  
Ranju Kunwor ◽  
...  

Background. We performed meta-analysis to gather more evidence regarding clinical-molecular subgroups associated with better overall survival (OS) in advanced melanoma treated with checkpoint inhibitors. Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial.gov. Randomized clinical trials that compared a checkpoint inhibitor (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) with investigator choice chemotherapy or ipilimumab were included in our study. Hazard ratios (HR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated for progression-free survival (PFS) and OS for each subgroup using generic inverse model along with the random effect method. Results. A total of 6 clinical trials were eligible for the meta-analysis. OS was prolonged in wild BRAF subgroup (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.85, p 0.002), Programmed cell death subgroup (PD-1+) (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41-0.80, p 0.001), and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level subgroup (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.95, p 0.03). Similarly, we found increased OS in eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) 1, males and age >65 years subgroups. Conclusions. Checkpoint inhibitors significantly increased OS in patients with wild BRAF, positive PD-1, and high LDH. However, results should be interpreted keeping in mind associated significant heterogeneity. The results of this study should help in designing future clinical trials.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e022142
Author(s):  
Jun Wang ◽  
Yin Wang ◽  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Ming Lu ◽  
Weilu Gao ◽  
...  

IntroductionOsteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that eventually leads to disability and poor quality of life. The main symptoms are joint pain and mobility disorders. If the patient has severe pain or other analgesics are contraindicated, opioids may be a viable treatment option. To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of opioids in the treatment of knee or hip osteoarthritis, we will integrate direct and indirect evidence using a Bayesian network meta-analysis to establish hierarchies of these drugs.Methods and analysisWe will search the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases as well as published and unpublished research in international registries and regulatory agency websites for osteoarthritis reports published prior to 5 January 2018. There will be no restrictions on the language. Randomised clinical trials that compare oral or transdermal opioids with other various opioids, placebo or no treatment for patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis will be included. The primary outcomes of efficacy will be pain and function. We will use pain and function scales to evaluate the main outcomes. The secondary outcomes of safety will be defined as the proportion of patients who have stopped treatment due to side effects. Pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian network meta-analyses will be performed for all related outcome measures. We will conduct subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our findings. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework will be used to assess the quality of the evidence contributing to each network assessment.Ethics and disseminationThis study does not require formal ethical approval because individual patient data will not be included. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018085503.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Tian ◽  
Yan-Fei Jin ◽  
Zhao-Li Zhang ◽  
Hui Chen ◽  
Wei-Qing Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Enteral immunonutrition (EIN) has been extensively applied in cancer patients, however its role in esophageal cancer (EC) patients receiving esophagectomy remains unclear. We performed this network meta-analysis to investigate the impact of EIN on patients undergoing surgery for EC and further determine the optimal time of applying EIN.Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and China National Knowledgement Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify eligible studies. Categorical data was expressed as the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI), and continuous data was expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% CI. Pair-wise and network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of EIN on clinical outcomes using RevMan 5.3 and ADDIS V.1.16.8 softwares. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was calculated to rank all nutritional regimes.Results: Total 14 studies involving 1071 patients were included. Pair-wise meta-analysis indicated no difference between EIN regardless of the application time and standard EN (SEN), however subgroup analyses found that postoperative EIN was associated with decreased incidence of total infectious complications (OR=0.47; 95%CI=0.26 to 0.84; p=0.01) and pneumonia (OR=0.47; 95%CI=0.25 to 0.90; p=0.02) and shortened LOH (MD=-1.01; 95%CI=-1.44 to -0.57; p<0.001) compared to SEN, which were all supported by network meta-analyses. Ranking probability analysis further indicated that postoperative EIN has the highest probability of being the optimal option in terms of these three outcomes.Conclusions: Postoperative EIN should be preferentially utilized in EC patients undergoing esophagectomy because it has optimal potential of decreasing the risk of total infectious complications and pneumonia and shortening LOH.OSF registration number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/KJ9UY.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Xiaofei Wang ◽  
Peipei Ge ◽  
Aizhen Hu ◽  
Xuexun Li

Abstract Background Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor which is a type of drug used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, has been reported by many trials that it could be beneficial for patients with established heart failure. A meta-analysis on this subject could obtain more reliable estimates of the efficacy and safety outcomes. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of SGLT2 inhibitor in patients with heart failure was conducted. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for trials published from inception to March, 2018. PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used to conduct the review. For quality assessment of included studies. The methodological quality of the included trials was assessed using the Cochrane tool for assessing randomized clinical trials (RCT). Efficacy outcomes included hospitalization for heart failure and all-cause death. Safety outcomes consisted of serious adverse event (SAE) and volume depletion. Results We included data from 5 identified studies and 8775 patients (aged 64.9, female 29.8%). A total of 3930 (44.8%) patients were known to have diabetes mellitus. Compared with placebo, SGLT2 inhibitor decrease the incidence of hospitalization for heart failure (RR 0.692; 95%CI, 0.611-0.784 P<0.001), and all-cause death (RR 0.824; 95%CI, 0.736-0.922 P=0.001). The incidence of SAE in patients with a treatment of SGLT2 inhibitor was low (RR 0.869; 95%CI, 0.779-0.970 P=0.012). SGLT2 inhibitor didn’t increase the incidence of volume depletion (RR1.165, 95%CI, 0.977-1.390 P=0.089). Conclusion Our results confirm that SGLT2 inhibitor is effective and safe for patients with heart failure regardless of presence of diabetes mellitus.


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