scholarly journals Efficacy of Allergen Specific Immunotherapy for Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Author(s):  
Madonna Nader Adly ◽  
Mahmoud Fawzy Mandour ◽  
Mahmoud Foad Abd Elaziz ◽  
Magdy Eisa Saafan

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common disease that affect nose causing sneezing, watery nose, nasal itching and redness that affect quality of life, productivity at work or school and may underlies complications (e.g. Asthma) for patients and are often accompanied by itchy eye, redness and lacrimation. Aim of the Work: The objective of this study is to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy treatment for patients with Allergic Rhinitis. Method: Our initial search generated a total of 23330 possible relevant titles. Titles, abstracts were preliminary screening so that 22565 were excluded. 154 articles were retrieved in full text the number of studies excluded after assessment of the full text 145, 9 articles met the eligibility criteria and fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the review. Data Sources: Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, ScienceDirect. EMF-Portal) and all materials available on the Internet upto 2018. Data Extraction: If the studies did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, they were excluded. Study quality assessment included whether ethical approval was gained, eligibility criteria specified, appropriate controls, and adequate information and defined assessment measures. Conclusion: Our systematic review provides evidence that Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets effectively relieve rhinitis symptoms in adults with allergic rhinitis, improve their quality of life and provide data about safety of Sublingual Immunotherapy as there were no serious side effects of using SLIT tablets. Nevertheless, the current evidence may be limited due to sample size and the heterogeneity between studies. Large sample size and multiple center RCTs on the efficacy of different formulations of SLIT drugs are still needed to provide further evidence and more precise recommendations.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V M Mingrone ◽  
S Paduano ◽  
F Venturelli ◽  
I Marchesi ◽  
F Valeriani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Thermal mud therapy alone or in combination with thermal water baths is widely used in clinical practice for the management of rheumatic and dermatologic diseases in many countries. Despite its long history and tradition, its biological action and its clinical effectiveness are still not clear. The aim of this systematic review is to synthetize the current evidence on the mud therapy effects on pain, function and quality of life in patients with rheumatic and dermatologic diseases. Methods PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles about the comparative effectiveness of mud therapy alone or combined with other therapies on pain, function and quality of life in adults with rheumatic or dermatological diseases without any restrictions of severity. Studies were searched up to 15 October 2019. We included randomized and non-randomized trials and comparative cohort studies, as well as non-comparative case series and case reports only for safety outcomes. The following outcomes were considered: pain assessed by validated scales or through painkillers drugs consumption, function (i.e. muscle tone, joint motility and stiffness) assessed by validated scores, quality of life and autonomy assessed by validated scales and adverse events. Laboratory inflammation parameters were investigated as secondary outcomes. Results A total of 2,455 articles were retrieved through database search, remaining 1,914 records after duplicates removed. The selection by title and abstract led to include 140 studies for full-text evaluation. The screening of full-text is still being carried out. The majority of 140 records assess the effects of mud therapy in patients with osteoarthritis (51 articles), osteoarthrosis (12) and psoriasis (10). Conclusions Our results will provide a synthesis of the current evidence on the mud therapy effectiveness, useful to evaluate its inclusion within clinical protocols for the treatment of rheumatic and dermatologic diseases. Key messages The majority of studies report the treatment with mud for rheumatic diseases. The synthesis of the evidence is useful to evaluate the mud therapy as treatment for rheumatic and dermatologic diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 773
Author(s):  
Wei-Ting Wu ◽  
Tsung-Min Lee ◽  
Der-Sheng Han ◽  
Ke-Vin Chang

The association of sarcopenia with poor clinical outcomes has been identified in various medical conditions, although there is a lack of quantitative analysis to validate the influence of sarcopenia on patients with lumbar degenerative spine disease (LDSD) from the available literature. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with LDSD and examine its impact on clinical outcomes. The electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) were systematically searched from inception through December 2020 for clinical studies investigating the association of sarcopenia with clinical outcomes in patients with LDSD. A random-effects model meta-analysis was carried out for data synthesis. This meta-analysis included 14 studies, comprising 1953 participants. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with LDSD was 24.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3%–34.3%). The relative risk of sarcopenia was not significantly increased in patients with LDSD compared with controls (risk ratio, 1.605; 95% CI, 0.321–8.022). The patients with sarcopenia did not experience an increase in low back and leg pain. However, lower quality of life (SMD, −0.627; 95% CI, −0.844–−0.410) were identified postoperatively. Sarcopenia did not lead to an elevated rate of complications after lumbar surgeries. Sarcopenia accounts for approximately one-quarter of the population with LDSD. The clinical manifestations are less influenced by sarcopenia, whereas sarcopenia is associated with poorer quality of life after lumbar surgeries. The current evidence is still insufficient to support sarcopenia as a predictor of postoperative complications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte C.M. van Laake-Geelen ◽  
Rob J.E.M. Smeets ◽  
Suzan P.A.B. Quadflieg ◽  
Jos Kleijnen ◽  
Jeanine A. Verbunt

Abstract Background and aims Approximately 25% of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMII) develop painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). PDN is known to affect both mental and physical wellbeing, resulting in anxiety, depression, low quality of life and physical disability. Pharmacological treatment of PDN aims at pain relief and is often ineffective and/or has many side effects. Rehabilitation treatment modalities that are designed to help the patient deal with PDN related complaints, are mostly focussed on either physical (e.g. exercise therapy) or psychological aspects (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT). There is emerging evidence that PDN can be approached from a biopsychosocial perspective, in which physical and psychosocial aspects are integrated. From this biopsychosocial approach it is plausible that integrated treatment modalities such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or exposure in vivo (EXP) could be effective in patients with PDN. The objective of this review was to provide an overview of the current evidence on the effects of rehabilitation treatments that combine exercise therapies with psychological therapies in order to improve physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with PDN. Methods Systematic review of the current literature. EMBASE, MEDLINE, Medline In-Process citations and e-Pubs ahead-of-print, Pedro, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched. All studies on interventions combining exercise therapy with psychological interventions in patients with PDN, aged >18 years, were included. Outcome measures were PA, QoL. Results The search resulted in 1603 records after removing duplicates. After screening on titles and abstracts, 100 records remained. From these, not one study reported on interventions that combined exercise therapy with psychological interventions. Through a secondary hand search, a total of three reviews were identified that described a total of five studies regarding either physical or psychological interventions in patients with PDN. These studies reported moderate effects of (1) mindfulness meditation on QoL, (2) CBT on pain severity, (3) mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention on function, health-related QoL, pain catastrophizing and depression, (4) aerobic exercise on QoL and (5) Tai Chi on glucose control, balance, neuropathic symptoms, and some dimensions of QoL in patients with PDN. All studies were of a moderate quality, and results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions Based on increasing knowledge in the domain of chronic pain, it could be assumed that integrated rehabilitation treatments for patients with PDN are beneficial. There is no literature to support this and more research should be done on integrated biopsychosocial interventions in patients with PDN. Implications This empty review highlights the importance that more research should be done on integrated biopsychosocial interventions in patients with PDN. Currently, our research group is performing a study on the effects of EXP treatment in patients with PDN.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Da Silva Souza ◽  
Carolina Barbosa Souza Santos ◽  
Raimeyre Marques Torres ◽  
Mayara Sousa Silva ◽  
Ana Carla Carvalho Coelho ◽  
...  

Aim: systematic review of the literature on the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine in the follow-up of asthmatics. Method: Systematic review of the PUBMED / MEDLINE, LILACS and Cochrane Central databases. Articles published in English, Portuguese or Spanish were considered in the period from 2005 to 2018 according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 1363 articles were identified, of which 59 were read in their entirety. Only five met the eligibility criteria, and all were made in European countries and totaled 2,497 participants. The interventions were performed by nurses (4 of 5 studies), remaining from 16 weeks to 12 months. Telemedicine costs were similar or slightly lower compared to usual treatments. Telemedicine had a beneficial effect on asthma control (1 of 5 studies), quality of life (3 out of 5 studies) and hospitalizations (1 of 5 studies). Conclusion: Telemedicine slightly reduces costs with asthma management and may have an impact on morbidity indicators


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary S. Morris ◽  
Amanda Lowery ◽  
Demetrios S. Theodoropoulos ◽  
R. Daniel Duquette ◽  
David L. Morris

Due to its excellent safety profile, ease of administration, and economic considerations, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is becoming a preferred form of allergen specific immunotherapy. The efficacy of SLIT is still debated. The purpose of this act of practice trial is to evaluate quality of life outcomes in patients treated with SLIT. Fifty one patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis demonstrated by skin testing completed the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) at initiation, at four months and at 10–12 months of SLIT. Significant improvement () on six of seven domain categories of the RQLQ questionnaire was noted. Total RQLQ scores also showed significant improvement. This study supports SLIT as a modality effective in controlling allergic symptoms.


2016 ◽  
Vol 130 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Y Soh ◽  
M Thalayasingam ◽  
S Ong ◽  
E X L Loo ◽  
L P Shek ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground:Sublingual immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis sensitised to house dust mites is safe, but its efficacy is controversial and sublingual immunotherapy withBlomia tropicalishas not yet been studied. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite extract in children and adults with house dust mite allergic rhinitis over a period of two years.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted of children and adults diagnosed with house dust mite allergic rhinitis who were treated with sublingual immunotherapy from 2008 to 2012. Total Nasal Symptom Scores, Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life scores and medication usage scores were assessed prospectively.Results:Thirty-nine patients, comprising 24 children and 15 adults, were studied. Total Nasal Symptom Scores and Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life scores dropped significantly at three months into therapy, and continued to improve. Medication usage scores improved at one year into immunotherapy.Conclusion:Sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite extracts, includingB tropicalis, is efficacious as a treatment for patients with house dust mite allergic rhinitis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Evans ◽  
Hannah Fraser ◽  
Olalekan Uthman ◽  
Osemeke Osokogu ◽  
Samantha Johnson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Previous research is inconclusive on the effects of mode of delivery on maternal health-related quality-of-life. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence for associations between mode of delivery and postpartum health-related quality-of-life. Methods: Electronic databases MEDLINE ALL (OVID), Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and EMBASE (OVID) were searched for English written articles investigating the relationship between mode of delivery and quality-of-life published form inception to 15th October 2020. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, assessed full texts, and extracted data. Meta-analysis was conducted where possible.Results: Twenty-one studies, including 19,879 women, met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of 18 studies found HRQoL scores were significantly higher for women after vaginal delivery in comparison to caesarean (emergency and elective combined) (Effect Size (ES) 0.17, 95% CI 0.01-0.25, n=7665) with highest scores after assisted vaginal delivery (ES 0.21, 95% CI 0.13-0.30, n=2547). Physical functioning (ES 11.18, 95% CI=2.29-20.06, n=1746), physical role (ES 13.10, 95% CI=1.16-25.05, n=1471), vitality (ES 6.31, 95% CI=1.14-10.29, n=1746) and social functioning (ES 5.69, 95% CI=1.26-10.11, n=1746) were significantly higher after vaginal delivery compared to caesarean. There was no significant difference in bodily pain, emotion role, mental health and general health scores were higher after vaginal delivery compared to caesarean.Conclusions: Health-related quality-of-life scores were higher for women after vaginal delivery in comparison to caesarean section. Consequently, women should be encouraged to deliver vaginally where possible. The findings of this research should be available to the relevant population to help support informed choice


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-13
Author(s):  
Hafiza Javeria ◽  
Yusra Obaid ◽  
Ismail Naseem

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cupping Therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine for treating variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Number of studies indicated the efficacy of various cupping methods in decreasing neck or back pain intensity within short duration and improves quality of life. DATABASES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The experimental studies were searched on the electronic databases including Google Scholar, PEDro, PubMed and Cochrane Library from June 2015 to December 2019. It was ensured that all articles were full-text in English language whereas screening was executed on relevant titles and abstracts, evaluated on the basis of cupping therapy and its effects on musculoskeletal pain. RESULTS A total of eight out of ten experimental studies showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in spinal pain in result of cupping therapy except for the two studies that demonstrated no significant pre-post group differences (p>0.05).


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
CAJ Van Der Heijden ◽  
E Bidar ◽  
R Vos ◽  
J Maessen ◽  
T Athanasiou ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Although one-year success of arrhythmia surgery for atrial fibrillation (AF) has long been defined as freedom from supraventricular tachyarrhythmia, patient-reported quality of life (QOL) has become increasingly important. Purpose We aimed to analyze current evidence of QOL following both concomitant and stand-alone arrhythmia surgery for AF. Methods Studies reporting on QOL of patients undergoing arrhythmia surgery for AF, stand-alone or concomitant, who provided essential data for the analysis, were included in this systematic review. A meta-analysis was performed on inter-study heterogeneity of changes in QOL in 9 of 12 included studies who used the Short-Form (SF) 36 tool. The metric standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to compare one year outcomes with baseline scores per variable of the SF-36 QOL questionnaire (total patients n = 545). Finally, meta-regression based on rhythm outcome after one year and add-on arrhythmia surgery as covariate were performed. Results QOL scores improved one year after surgical ablation for AF, evaluated by several questionnaires. In standalone arrhythmia procedures, meta-regression showed a significant improvement between the QOL and the procedural effectiveness after one year (Physical Functioning p = 0.015, Role Physical p = 0.006, General Health p = 0.002, Social Functioning p = 0.043. Forest plot Physical Functioning: SMD = 1.105; heterogeneity: I²=90.6%, p &lt; 0.001). While this association was also suggested in concomitant procedures, only the variable Physical Role demonstrated a significant improvement when comparing QOL of cardiac surgery with and without add-on surgical AF ablation (p = 0.037). Conclusion Arrhythmia surgery for AF improves QOL. Both in standalone and concomitant procedures, the improvement in QOL seems to be related to the procedural effectiveness to maintain sinus rhythm after 12 months. Abstract Figure. SF-36 variable Physical Functioning


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