Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with a Large Ischemic Volume at Presentation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The benefits of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and a large ischemic core (LIC) at presentation are uncertain. We aimed to obtain up-to-date aggregate estimates of the outcomes following MT in patients with volumetrically assessed LIC. We conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-conformed, PROSPERO-registered, systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that included patients with AIS and a baseline LIC treated with MT, reported ischemic core volume quantitatively, and included patients with a LIC defined as a core volume ≥50 mL. The search was restricted to studies published between January 2015 and June 2020. Random-effects-meta-analysis was used to assess the effect of MT on 90-day unfavorable outcome (i.e., modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 3–6), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) occurrence. Sensitivity analyses were performed for imaging-modality (computed tomography-perfusion or magnetic resonance-diffusion weighted imaging) and LIC-definition (≥50 or ≥70 mL). We analyzed 10 studies (954 patients), including six (682 patients) with a control group, allowing to compare 332 patients with MT to 350 who received best-medical-management alone. Overall, after MT the rate of patients with mRS 3–6 at 90 days was 74% (99% confidence interval [CI], 67 to 84; Z-value=7.04; I2=92.3%) and the rate of 90-day mortality was 36% (99% CI, 33 to 40; Z-value=–7.07; I2=74.5). Receiving MT was associated with a significant decrease in mRS 3–6 odds ratio (OR) 0.19 (99% CI, 0.11 to 0.33; P<0.01; Z-value=–5.92; I2=62.56) and in mortality OR 0.60 (99% CI, 0.34 to 1.06; P=0.02; Z-value=–2.30; I2=58.72). Treatment group did not influence the proportion of patients experiencing sICH, OR 0.96 (99% CI, 0.2 to 1.49; P=0.54; Z-value=–0.63; I2=64.74). Neither imaging modality for core assessment, nor LIC definition influenced the aggregated outcomes. Using aggregate estimates, MT appeared to decrease the risk of unfavorable functional outcome in patients with a LIC assessed volumetrically at baseline.

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Endovascular Stroke Treatment and Risk of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Anticoagulated Patients

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.119.026606 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (3) ◽

pp. 892-898 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Thomas R. Meinel ◽

Joachim U. Kniepert ◽

David J. Seiffge ◽

Jan Gralla ◽

Simon Jung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Control Group ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

Therapeutic Anticoagulation ◽

Increased Risk

Background and Purpose— We aimed to determine the safety and mortality after mechanical thrombectomy in patients taking vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Methods— In a multicenter observational cohort study, we used multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate associations of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) with VKA or DOAC prescription before thrombectomy as compared with no anticoagulation. The primary outcomes were the rate of sICH and all-cause mortality at 90 days, incorporating sensitivity analysis regarding confirmed therapeutic anticoagulation. Additionally, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature on this topic. Results— Altogether, 1932 patients were included (VKA, n=222; DOAC, n=98; no anticoagulation, n=1612); median age, 74 years (interquartile range, 62–82); 49.6% women. VKA prescription was associated with increased odds for sICH and mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.55 [95% CI, 1.35–4.84] and 1.64 [95% CI, 1.09–2.47]) as compared with the control group, whereas no association with DOAC intake was observed (aOR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.29–3.35] and 1.35 [95% CI, 0.72–2.53]). Sensitivity analyses considering only patients within the confirmed therapeutic anticoagulation range did not alter the findings. A study-level meta-analysis incorporating data from 7462 patients (855 VKAs, 318 DOACs, and 6289 controls) from 15 observational cohorts corroborated these observations, yielding an increased rate of sICH in VKA patients (aOR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.22–2.17]) but not in DOAC patients (aOR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.60–1.80]). Conclusions— Patients taking VKA have an increased risk of sICH and mortality after mechanical thrombectomy. The lower risk of sICH associated with DOAC may also be noticeable in the acute setting. Improved selection might be advisable in VKA-treated patients. Registration— URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT03496064. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: CRD42019127464.

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Leishmanicidal effects of resveratrol and its derivatives: a systematic review and meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25274/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nasrin Amiri Dashatan ◽

Marzieh Ashrafmansouri ◽

Mehdi Koushki ◽

Nayebali Ahmadi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Important Health ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Leishmaniasis is one of the most important health problems worldwide. The evidence has suggested that resveratrol and its derivatives have anti-leishmanial effects; however, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of resveratrol and its derivatives on the Leishmania viability through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available relevant studies. Methods The electronic databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were queried between October 2000 and April 2020 using a comprehensive search strategy. The eligible articles selected and data extraction conducted by two reviewers. Mean differences of IC50 (concentration leading to reduction of 50% of Leishmania) for each outcome was calculated using random-effects models. Sensitivity analyses and prespecified subgroup were conducted to evaluate potential heterogeneity and the stability of the pooled results. Publication bias was evaluated using the Egger’s and Begg’s tests. We also followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for this review. Results Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. We observed that RSV and its derivatives had significant reducing effects on Leishmania viability in promastigote [24.02 µg/ml; (95% CI 17.1, 30.8); P < 0.05; I2 = 99.8%; P heterogeneity = 0.00] and amastigote [18.3 µg/ml; (95% CI 13.5, 23.2); P < 0.05; I2 = 99.6%; P heterogeneity = 0.00] stages of Leishmania. A significant publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses showed a similar effect size while reducing the heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis indicated that the pooled effects of leishmanicidal of resveratrol and its derivatives were affected by type of stilbenes and Leishmania species. Conclusions Our findings clearly suggest that the strategies for the treatment of leishmaniasis should be focused on natural products such as RSV and its derivatives. Further study is needed to identify the mechanisms mediating this protective effects of RSV and its derivatives in leishmaniasis.

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The Effectiveness of Microneedling Therapy on The Severity of Acne Scars According to Goodman and Baron: A Systematic review and meta-analysis

American Journal of Dermatological Research and Reviews ◽

10.28933/ajodrr-2021-09-1305 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 48

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Control Group ◽

Skin Damage ◽

Acne Scar ◽

Acne Scars ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Acne Scarring ◽

The Mean ◽

Z Value

Background: The emergence of acne scars due to skin damage in the acne healing process and causes psychological effects. The management of acne scars can be done in several methods. Microneedling is a very simple, safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic technique compared to other therapeutic modalities in acne scars. The resulting wound is micro-sized, and promotes the growth of growth factors and collagen production. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of using microneedling as an acne scar treatment option. A systematic review and meta-analysis were qualitatively and quantitatively conducted from RCTs, assessing the effectiveness of microneedling in reducing the severity of acne scars according to Goodman and Baron in the treatment of acne scars. Methods: Medline Pubmed, PMC, Scopus, Google Scholar, and JDC library, eligible search. Ten studies (n=514) were analyzed qualitatively with 2 studies (n=53 subjects) and quantitatively analyzed by 2 studies (n=90 subjects). Both analyzes were included in the meta-analysis. The mean age of the participants was 40.5 years. The application of microneedling intervention as monotherapy or a combination in patients with acne scarring was followed for at least 16 weeks, the results obtained were the mean reduction in the degree of acne scarring after microneedling. Result: The combination of microneedling treatment obtained a qualitative decrease in the degree of acne scars according to Goodman and Baron with a Z value (-4.299) and P=<0.001 lower than the control (PRP) with a significant difference. The quantitative decrease in the degree of acne scars according to Goodman and Baron obtained a Z value (-4.681) and P=<0.001 lower than the control (PRP) with a significant difference. Quantitative reduction in the degree of acne scars according to Goodman and Baron on single therapy between treatment and control with a value of Z (-3.536) and P=<0.001 lower than control (fractional CO2) with a significant difference. The results of the degree of acne scars in the group treated with microneedling alone or in combination were lower than the control group. The mean before and after therapy compared to the control there was a significant difference. Conclusion. The results of a systematic review, concluded that the group treated with microneedling had a decrease in the degree of acne scarring according to Goodman and Baron with P=<0.001 compared to before treatment. The decrease was shown in the difference in Z values, which was significantly greater than the control given other therapies. Microneedling therapy can be an alternative therapy option for acne scar patients who are unresponsive to previous therapy or in conditions where there are contraindications to other therapies.

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Natriuretic peptide-guided treatment for heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ evidence-based medicine ◽

10.1136/bmjebm-2019-111208 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 33-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Julie McLellan ◽

Clare R Bankhead ◽

Jason L Oke ◽

F D Richard Hobbs ◽

Clare J Taylor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Natriuretic Peptide ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Individual Outcomes ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Registration Number ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Meta Analyses

BackgroundGUIDE-IT, the largest trial to date, published in August 2017, evaluating the effectiveness of natriuretic peptide (NP)-guided treatment of heart failure (HF), was stopped early for futility on a composite outcome. However, the reported effect sizes on individual outcomes of all-cause mortality and HF admissions are potentially clinically relevant.ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aims to combine all available trial level evidence to determine if NP-guided treatment of HF reduces all-cause mortality and HF admissions in patients with HF.Study selectionEight databases, no language restrictions, up to November 2017 were searched for all randomised controlled trials comparing NP-guided treatment versus clinical assessment alone in adult patients with HF. No language restrictions were applied. Publications were independently double screened and extracted. Fixed-effect meta-analyses were conducted.Findings89 papers were included, reporting 19 trials (4554 participants), average ages 62–80 years. Pooled risk ratio estimates for all-cause mortality (16 trials, 4063 participants) were 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99 and 0.80, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.89 for HF admissions (11 trials, 2822 participants). Sensitivity analyses, restricted to low risk of bias, produced similar estimates, but were no longer statistically significant.ConclusionsConsidering all the evidence to date, the pooled effects suggest that NP-guided treatment is beneficial in reducing HF admissions and all-cause mortality. However, there is still insufficient high-quality evidence to make definitive recommendations on the use of NP-guided treatment in clinical practice.Trial registration numberSystematic Review Cochrane Database Number: CD008966.

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Physically Active Lessons Meta-Analysis - Norris et al. POST-PRINT

10.31234/osf.io/xdusz ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Emma Norris ◽

Tommy van Steen ◽

Artur Direito ◽

Emmanuel Stamatakis

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Educational Outcomes ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Control Group ◽

Physically Active ◽

Meta Analyses

Objective: This review provides the first meta-analysis of the effects of physically active lessons on lesson-time and overall physical activity (PA), as well as health, cognition and educational outcomes. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Six meta-analyses pooled effects on lesson-time PA, overall PA, in-class educational and overall educational outcomes, cognition and health outcomes. Meta-analyses were conducted using the metafor package in R. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for risk of bias. Data sources: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC and Web of Science, grey literature and reference lists were searched in December 2017 and April 2019. Studies eligibility criteria: Physically active lessons compared to a control group in a randomised or non-randomised design, within single component interventions in general school populations. Results: 42 studies (39 in preschool or elementary school settings, 27 randomised controlled trials) were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and 37 of them were included across the six meta-analyses (n=12,663). Physically active lessons were found to produce large, significant increases in lesson-time PA (d=2.33; 95%CI 1.42, 3.25: k=16) and small, significant effects on overall PA (d= 0.32, 95%CI 0.18, 0.46: k=8). A large, significant effect was shown on lesson-time educational outcomes (d=0.81; 95%CI 0.47, 1.14: k=7) and a small, significant effect on overall educational outcomes (d=0.36, 95%CI [0.09, 0.63], k=25). No effects were seen on cognitive (k=3) or health outcomes (k=3). 25/42 studies had high risk of bias in at least 2 domains. Conclusion: In elementary and preschool settings, when physically active lessons were added into the curriculum they had a positive impact on both physical activity and educational outcomes. These findings support policy initiatives encouraging the incorporation of physically active lessons into teaching in elementary and preschool settings.

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Effect of yoga on sleep quality and insomnia in women with sleep problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.2.12592/v3 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Weili Wang ◽

Kuang-Huei Chen ◽

Ying-Chieh Pan ◽

Szu-Nian Yang ◽

Yuan-Yu Chan

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Serious Adverse Events ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Objectives To examine the effectiveness and safety of yoga for women with sleep problems by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods Medline/PubMed, Clincalkey, ScienceDirect, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were searched throughout the month of June 2019. Randomized controlled trials comparing yoga groups with control groups in women with sleep problems were included. Two reviewers independently evaluated risk of bias by using the risk of bias tool suggested by the Cochrane Collaboration for programming and conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The main outcome measure was sleep quality or the severity of insomnia, which was measured using subjective instruments, such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia severity index (ISI), or objective instruments, such as polysomnography, actigraphy, and safety of the intervention. For each outcome, standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. Results Nineteen studies including 1832 participants were included in this systematic review. Meta-analyses revealed positive effects of yoga using PSQI or ISI scores in 16 randomized control trials (RCTs) compared with the control group in improving sleep quality in women, PSQI (SMD = −0.54; 95% CI = −0.89 to −0.19 ; P = 0.003). However, three RCTs revealed no effects of yoga compared with the control group in reducing the severity of insomnia in women using ISI (SMD = −0.13; 95% CI = −0.74 to 0.48; P = 0.69). Seven RCTs revealed no evidence for effects of yoga compared with the control group in improving sleep quality for women with breast cancer using PSQI (SMD = −0.15 ; 95% CI = −0.31 to 0.01; P = 0.5). Four RCTs revealed no evidence for the effects of yoga compared with the control group in improving the sleep quality for peri-or postmenopausal women using PSQI (SMD = −0.31; 95% CI = −0.95 to 0.33; P = 0.34).Yoga was not associated with serious adverse events. Discussion This systematic review and meta-analysis found that yoga intervention in some groups of women was beneficial in managing sleep problems. Despite certain disadvantages in methodology in the included studies, yoga may be recommended as a complementary therapy to women.

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Anticariogenic action and safety profile of a cacao bean husk extract: A systematic review and meta-analysis

GSC Advanced Research and Reviews ◽

10.30574/gscarr.2021.8.1.0148 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 118-127

Author(s):

Flavio Martinez-Morales ◽

Saray Aranda Romo ◽

Othoniel Hugo Aragon-Martinez

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Safety Profile ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

P Value ◽

Mouth Rinse ◽

P Values ◽

Scientific Databases ◽

Z Value ◽

Cariogenic Bacterium ◽

Meta Analyses

Nowadays, there is not a meta-analytic synthesis of the clinical reports that used a cacao bean husk extract (CBHE) solution as an anticariogenic mouth rinse. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate that information through a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Scientific databases were searched for studies published up to June 2021. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to studies found and then, their data was analyzed. The five selected studies were categorized with a 36.6, 58.5, and 4.9 % of a low, unclear, and high risk of bias, respectively. Under appropriate heterogeneities (I2 values from 0 to 65 %, p values > 0.09) and absent reporting bias (symmetrical funnels), the meta-analyses show that the use of a CBHE mouth rinse reduced the salivary count of Streptococcus mutans (Z values from 2.45 to 10.61, p values < 0.01), similar to the chlorhexidine rinse performance (Z value= 0.55, p value= 0.58), and produced an insignificant presence of adverse events (Z value= 0.92, p value= 0.36) in children and adults, all these effects compared with those volunteers under an ethanol rinse or their pretest conditions. In conclusion, the CBHE mouth rinse reduced a cariogenic bacterium under an acceptable safety profile, but more clinical studies with high quality and more parameters are needed.

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Treatment of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome With Medication: A Systematic Review

Journal of Child Neurology ◽

10.1177/0883073820948679 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (14) ◽

pp. 1004-1016 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bashar Hasan ◽

Jehad Almasri ◽

Bilal Marwa ◽

Kelsey M. Klaas ◽

Philip R. Fischer

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

English Language ◽

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽

Beta Blockers ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Quality Data ◽

Favorable Effect ◽

Control Group ◽

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome ◽

Meta Analyses

Purpose: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome has been recognized for decades, but treatment is largely based on anecdotal experience and expert opinion. Pharmacologic treatment is inconsistent and unstandardized. We did a systematic review to identify controlled studies from which informed treatment decisions can be made. Method: Through a standard systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we identified all English-language studies of a medication treatment for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome that included a comparison or control group and followed outcomes for at least 1 week of treatment. Results: A total of 626 studies were identified by the search criteria, and 8, involving a total of 499 patients, met the criteria. No studies were adequately similar to allow for meta-analysis. Of the identified 8 studies, 2 were randomized controlled trials and 4 had been subjected to peer review. In individual studies, there was some favorable effect with fludrocortisone, beta blockers, midodrine, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Conclusion: There is a paucity of high-quality data about effectiveness of medication in the treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Nonetheless, 2 randomized trials and 6 other reports show some favorable effects of medication.

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Triclosan-Coated Sutures Reduce the Risk of Surgical Site Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2014.22 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 169-179 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Anucha Apisarnthanarak ◽

Nalini Singh ◽

Aila Nica Bandong ◽

Gilbert Madriaga

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Abdominal Surgery ◽

Random Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Surgical Site Infections ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Publication Type ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Meta Regression ◽

Meta Analyses

OBJECTIVETo analyze available evidence on the effectiveness of triclosan-coated sutures (TCSs) in reducing the risk of surgical site infection (SSI).DESIGNSystematic review and meta-analysis.METHODSA systematic search of both randomized (RCTs) and nonrandomized (non-RCT) studies was performed on PubMed Medline, OVID, EMBASE, and SCOPUS, without restrictions in language and publication type. Random-effects models were utilized and pooled estimates were reported as the relative risk (RR) ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). Tests for heterogeneity as well as meta-regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses were performed.RESULTSA total of 29 studies (22 RCTs, 7 non-RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall RR of acquiring an SSI was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.55–0.77; I2=42.4%, P=.01) in favor of TCS use. The pooled RR was particularly lower for the abdominal surgery group (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.41–0.77) and was robust to sensitivity analysis. Meta-regression analysis revealed that study design, in part, may explain heterogeneity (P=.03). The pooled RR subgroup meta-analyses for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61–0.89) and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.42–0.66), respectively, both of which favored the use of TCSs.CONCLUSIONThe random-effects meta-analysis based on RCTs suggests that TCSs reduced the risk of SSI by 26% among patients undergoing surgery. This effect was particularly evident among those who underwent abdominal surgery.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(2): 1–11

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Benzodiazepine Use and Risk of Dementia in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Neuroepidemiology ◽

10.1159/000454881 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (3-4) ◽

pp. 181-191 ◽

Cited By ~ 70

Author(s):

Md. Mohaimenul Islam ◽

Usman Iqbal ◽

Bruno Walther ◽

Suleman Atique ◽

Navneet Kumar Dubey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Random Effects ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Control Group ◽

Clinical Heterogeneity ◽

Dementia Risk ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Benzodiazepine Use

Background: Benzodiazepines are a widely used medication in developed countries, particularly among elderly patients. However, benzodiazepines are known to affect memory and cognition and might thus enhance the risk of dementia. The objective of this review is to synthesize evidence from observational studies that evaluated the association between benzodiazepines use and dementia risk. Summary: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled observational studies to evaluate the risk of benzodiazepines use on dementia outcome. All control observational studies that compared dementia outcome in patients with benzodiazepine use with a control group were included. We calculated pooled ORs using a random-effects model. Ten studies (of 3,696 studies identified) were included in the systematic review, of which 8 studies were included in random-effects meta-analysis and sensitivity analyses. Odds of dementia were 78% higher in those who used benzodiazepines compared with those who did not use benzodiazepines (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.33-2.38). In subgroup analysis, the higher association was still found in the studies from Asia (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.66-3.47) whereas a moderate association was observed in the studies from North America and Europe (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.34-1.65 and OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.16-1.75). Also, diabetics, hypertension, cardiac disease, and statin drugs were associated with increased risk of dementia but negative association was observed in the case of body mass index. There was significant statistical and clinical heterogeneity among studies for the main analysis and most of the sensitivity analyses. There was significant statistical and clinical heterogeneity among the studies for the main analysis and most of the sensitivity analyses. Key Messages: Our results suggest that benzodiazepine use is significantly associated with dementia risk. However, observational studies cannot clarify whether the observed epidemiologic association is a causal effect or the result of some unmeasured confounding variable. Therefore, more research is needed.

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