-
Journal of Psychosomatic Research Nov 2021Polydipsia is defined at the intake of excessive fluid (>3 L daily). Psychogenic polydipsia (PPD) presents without an identifiable medical cause and is often seen in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Polydipsia is defined at the intake of excessive fluid (>3 L daily). Psychogenic polydipsia (PPD) presents without an identifiable medical cause and is often seen in patients with diagnoses of schizophrenia, OCD, anxiety, alcohol use disorder, and other psychotic disorders. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the therapeutic effect of various non-antipsychotic medications on patients with a stable psychotic illness and concurrent PPD.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE with Full Text, CINAHL complete, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Cochrane methodology register, MasterFILE Premier, APA PsychArticles, APA PsychInfo, APA PsycBooks, APA PsycTests, TRIP, Nursing and Allied Health. The quality of each retained study was assessed using appropriate risk of bias tools based on study design.
RESULTS
The initial search resulted in 1422 articles from which 22 articles were included for qualitative synthesis. Study designs ranged from case reports to double blind, placebo controlled randomized trials and was interpreted uniquely based on study design. Acetazolamide was effective in improving some PPD outcomes. Fluoxetine at high doses was effective in reducing fluid intake and polydipsia. Other medications included in this review performed equivocally for reduction of numerous parameters evaluating PPD.
CONCLUSION
No one drug appeared to be the most efficacious; however, some did show promise in specific populations. Those in need of pharmacotherapeutic options for PPD may consider one of the included agents to assist with co-morbid state. Further high-quality research is needed to provide better treatment guidance for PPD.
PubMed: 34856427
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110674 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... Mar 2024Recent evidence suggests that acetazolamide may be beneficial as an adjunctive diuretic therapy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF). We aim to pool... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Recent evidence suggests that acetazolamide may be beneficial as an adjunctive diuretic therapy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF). We aim to pool all the studies conducted until now and provide updated evidence regarding the role of acetazolamide as adjunctive diuretic in patients with acute decompensated HF.
METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched from inception until July 2023, for randomized and nonrandomized studies evaluating acetazolamide as add-on diuretic in patients with acute decompensated HF. Data about natriuresis, urine output, decongestion, and the clinical signs of congestion were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Data were pooled using a random effects model. Results were presented as risk ratios (RRs), odds ratios (ORs), or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Certainty of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant in all cases.
RESULTS
A total of 5 studies (n = 684 patients) were included with a median follow-up time of 3 months. Pooled analysis demonstrated significantly increased natriuresis (MD 55.07, 95% CI 35.1-77.04, P < 0.00001; I = 54%; moderate certainty), urine output (MD 1.04, 95% CI 0.10-1.97, P = 0.03; I = 79%; moderate certainty) and decongestion [odds ratio (OR) 1.62, 95% CI 1.14-2.31, P = 0.007; I = 0%; high certainty] in the acetazolamide group, as compared with controls. There was no significant difference in ascites (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.23-1.36, P = 0.20; I = 0%; low certainty), edema (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.52-2.0, P = 0.95; I = 45%; very low certainty), raised jugular venous pressure (JVP) (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.63-1.17, P = 0.35; I = 0%; low certainty), and pulmonary rales (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.44-1.51, P = 0.52; I = 25%; low certainty) between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Acetazolamide as an adjunctive diuretic significantly improves global surrogate endpoints for decongestion therapy but not all individual signs and symptoms of volume overload.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
This systematic review was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ), registration number CRD498330.
Topics: Humans; Acetazolamide; Diuretics; Heart Failure
PubMed: 38416359
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-024-00633-9 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... May 2016(1) Review evidence for the use of oral diuretic medications in the management of Ménière's disease. (2) Analyze therapy-related hearing and vertigo outcomes. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
(1) Review evidence for the use of oral diuretic medications in the management of Ménière's disease. (2) Analyze therapy-related hearing and vertigo outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
Literature was obtained through directed searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, EBSCO Host, Cochrane Reviews, and linked citations through seminal papers. We searched independent electronic databases for articles that reported the use of diuretics in patients with Ménière's disease.
REVIEW METHODS
All articles of level 4 evidence or higher, per the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, were included with no limit for number of patients, duration of therapy, or follow-up period. Two independent investigators reviewed the articles for inclusion eligibility. Outcomes were tabulated, including subjective or quantitative measures of hearing, tinnitus, vertigo episode frequency, and medication adverse effects.
RESULTS
Nineteen articles were included from 1962 to 2012 from 11 countries. Twelve retrospective case series, 4 randomized controlled trials, 2 case-control trials, and 1 prospective case series were identified. Six studies investigated isosorbide; 5, hydrochlorothiazide; 2, acetazolamide; 2, chlorthalidone; and 1 each of betahistine, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, acetazolamide, hydrochlorothiazide-triamterene, and nimodipine. Eight (42.1%) studies reported hearing outcomes improvement. Fifteen (79.0%) studies reported vertigo outcomes improvement. Ten (52.6%) studies reported no side effects, and 4 studies (21.1%) reported abdominal discomfort. No significant morbidity or mortality was reported in any study.
CONCLUSION
Multiple low evidence-level studies report that oral diuretic therapy may be beneficial in the medical management of Ménière's disease. Improvement in vertigo episode frequency was consistently reported, with less convincing evidence for improvement in hearing outcomes.
Topics: Diuretics; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Meniere Disease; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 26932948
DOI: 10.1177/0194599816630733 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2023The term central sleep apnoea (CSA) encompasses diverse clinical situations where a dysfunctional drive to breathe leads to recurrent respiratory events, namely apnoea... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The term central sleep apnoea (CSA) encompasses diverse clinical situations where a dysfunctional drive to breathe leads to recurrent respiratory events, namely apnoea (complete absence of ventilation) and hypopnoea sleep (insufficient ventilation) during sleep. Studies have demonstrated that CSA responds to some extent to pharmacological agents with distinct mechanisms, such as sleep stabilisation and respiratory stimulation. Some therapies for CSA are associated with improved quality of life, although the evidence on this association is uncertain. Moreover, treatment of CSA with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is not always effective or safe and may result in a residual apnoea-hypopnoea index.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of pharmacological treatment compared with active or inactive controls for central sleep apnoea in adults.
SEARCH METHODS
We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 30 August 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included parallel and cross-over randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated any type of pharmacological agent compared with active controls (e.g. other medications) or passive controls (e.g. placebo, no treatment or usual care) in adults with CSA as defined by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders 3rd Edition. We did not exclude studies based on the duration of intervention or follow-up. We excluded studies focusing on CSA due to periodic breathing at high altitudes.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were central apnoea-hypopnoea index (cAHI), cardiovascular mortality and serious adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were quality of sleep, quality of life, daytime sleepiness, AHI, all-cause mortality, time to life-saving cardiovascular intervention, and non-serious adverse events. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four cross-over RCTs and one parallel RCT, involving a total of 68 participants. Mean age ranged from 66 to 71.3 years and most participants were men. Four trials recruited people with CSA associated with heart failure, and one study included people with primary CSA. Types of pharmacological agents were acetazolamide (carbonic anhydrase inhibitor), buspirone (anxiolytic), theophylline (methylxanthine derivative) and triazolam (hypnotic), which were given for between three days and one week. Only the study on buspirone reported a formal evaluation of adverse events. These events were rare and mild. No studies reported serious adverse events, quality of sleep, quality of life, all-cause mortality, or time to life-saving cardiovascular intervention. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors versus inactive control Results were from two studies of acetazolamide versus placebo (n = 12) and acetazolamide versus no acetazolamide (n = 18) for CSA associated with heart failure. One study reported short-term outcomes and the other reported intermediate-term outcomes. We are uncertain whether carbonic anhydrase inhibitors compared to inactive control reduce cAHI in the short term (mean difference (MD) -26.00 events per hour, 95% CI -43.84 to -8.16; 1 study, 12 participants; very low certainty). Similarly, we are uncertain whether carbonic anhydrase inhibitors compared to inactive control reduce AHI in the short term (MD -23.00 events per hour, 95% CI -37.70 to 8.30; 1 study, 12 participants; very low certainty) or in the intermediate term (MD -6.98 events per hour, 95% CI -10.66 to -3.30; 1 study, 18 participants; very low certainty). The effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors on cardiovascular mortality in the intermediate term was also uncertain (odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% CI 0.02 to 2.48; 1 study, 18 participants; very low certainty). Anxiolytics versus inactive control Results were based on one study of buspirone versus placebo for CSA associated with heart failure (n = 16). The median difference between groups for cAHI was -5.00 events per hour (IQR -8.00 to -0.50), the median difference for AHI was -6.00 events per hour (IQR -8.80 to -1.80), and the median difference on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for daytime sleepiness was 0 points (IQR -1.0 to 0.00). Methylxanthine derivatives versus inactive control Results were based on one study of theophylline versus placebo for CSA associated with heart failure (n = 15). We are uncertain whether methylxanthine derivatives compared to inactive control reduce cAHI (MD -20.00 events per hour, 95% CI -32.15 to -7.85; 15 participants; very low certainty) or AHI (MD -19.00 events per hour, 95% CI -30.27 to -7.73; 15 participants; very low certainty). Hypnotics versus inactive control Results were based on one trial of triazolam versus placebo for primary CSA (n = 5). Due to very serious methodological limitations and insufficient reporting of outcome measures, we were unable to draw any conclusions regarding the effects of this intervention.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to support the use of pharmacological therapy in the treatment of CSA. Although small studies have reported positive effects of certain agents for CSA associated with heart failure in reducing the number of respiratory events during sleep, we were unable to assess whether this reduction may impact the quality of life of people with CSA, owing to scarce reporting of important clinical outcomes such as sleep quality or subjective impression of daytime sleepiness. Furthermore, the trials mostly had short-term follow-up. There is a need for high-quality trials that evaluate longer-term effects of pharmacological interventions.
Topics: Male; Adult; Humans; Aged; Female; Sleep Apnea, Central; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; Buspirone; Apnea; Triazolam; Theophylline; Acetazolamide; Heart Failure; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence
PubMed: 36861808
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012922.pub2 -
Indian Journal of Endocrinology and... 2023The data on the characteristics of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) following levothyroxine (LT4) replacement are limited. Here, we report a case... (Review)
Review
The data on the characteristics of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) following levothyroxine (LT4) replacement are limited. Here, we report a case and systematically review published cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) following levothyroxine (LT4) replacement. The systematic review was performed as per the PRISMA guidelines. Our patient is a 46-year-old lady with hypothyroidism (thyrotropin: 319 mIU/L, free thyroxine: 0.04 ng/dl), treated with 100 μg.d of LT4 and presented a month later with headache, visual diminution, bilateral lateral rectus palsies, and papilledema. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure was 32 cmH2O. Drainage of CSF, oral acetazolamide, and modification of LT4 dose resulted in prompt symptomatic improvement and complete reversal of IIH. In the systematic review (n = 21), the median age of patients (7 males) was 13 (IQR: 8.8- 26.5) years. The median duration of hypothyroid symptoms was 4 (n = 10, IQR: 0.44-6.25) years whereas that from initiation of LT4 replacement to the diagnosis of IIH was 2 (n = 20, IQR: 1.17-4) months. Initial median serum thyrotropin and thyroxine were 100 (n = 14, IQR: 72.5-421.6) mIU/L, and 1.13 (n = 12, IQR: 1.0-2.45) μg/dl which changed to 2.2 (n = 7; IQR: 0.23-3.40) mIU/L and 8.90 μg/dl (n = 8, IQR: 6.43-14.85 μg/dl), respectively at diagnosis of IIH after LT4 treatment with median daily LT4 doses of 0.89 (n = 8, IQR: 0.60 - 1.17) times the maximum recommended dose for age. To conclude, we report an adult woman with IIH following LT4 replacement for primary hypothyroidism, a rare entity. Pediatric age, prolonged symptom duration, and use of higher LT4 replacement dose may be associated with IIH following LT4 replacement.
PubMed: 37215264
DOI: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_439_22 -
The Laryngoscope Sep 2017Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and considered a manifestation of idiopathic intracranial... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and considered a manifestation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Although postoperative acetazolamide and placement of CSF shunt systems are considered valuable interventions for elevated ICP, the impact on recurrence rate remains unclear. The objective of this study was to systematically review evidence from reported literature to evaluate whether postoperative ICP management reduces recurrence rates after primary endoscopic repair.
STUDY DESIGN
Prospective case series and systematic review.
METHODS
Demographics, defect location, success rates, and ICP management in spontaneous CSF leak patients were prospectively collected over 8 years. A search was also conducted in PubMed to identify studies reporting cases of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea.
RESULTS
Fifty-six articles with nonduplicated data were identified and combined with a prospective series of 108 patients for a total of 679 patients treated for spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Average age was 50.4 years with 77% female. Average body mass index was 35.8 kg/m . Defects were most commonly located in the sphenoid sinus (n = 334) followed by the ethmoid (n = 318) and the frontal sinus (n = 46). Successful primary repair was 92.82% in patient cohorts where ICP evaluation and intervention with acetazolamide or CSF shunt systems was performed, but was significantly decreased to 81.87% in series with no active management of elevated ICP (P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
Evaluation and intervention for elevated ICP in spontaneous CSF leaks is associated with significantly improved success rates following primary endoscopic repair.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
4. Laryngoscope, 127:2011-2016, 2017.
Topics: Acetazolamide; Anticonvulsants; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; Combined Modality Therapy; Ethmoid Sinus; Female; Humans; Intracranial Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Sphenoid Sinus; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28512741
DOI: 10.1002/lary.26612 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2018Acute high altitude illness is defined as a group of cerebral and pulmonary syndromes that can occur during travel to high altitudes. It is more common above 2500... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Acute high altitude illness is defined as a group of cerebral and pulmonary syndromes that can occur during travel to high altitudes. It is more common above 2500 metres, but can be seen at lower elevations, especially in susceptible people. Acute high altitude illness includes a wide spectrum of syndromes defined under the terms 'acute mountain sickness' (AMS), 'high altitude cerebral oedema' and 'high altitude pulmonary oedema'. There are several interventions available to treat this condition, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological; however, there is a great uncertainty regarding their benefits and harms.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the clinical effectiveness, and safety of interventions (non-pharmacological and pharmacological), as monotherapy or in any combination, for treating acute high altitude illness.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL, Wanfang database and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing studies on 10 August 2017. We did not apply any language restriction.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for individuals suffering from acute high altitude illness: acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary oedema or high altitude cerebral oedema.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of study reports, the risk of bias for each and performed the data extraction. We resolved disagreements through discussion with a third author. We assessed the quality of evidence with GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 13 studies enrolling a total of 468 participants. We identified two ongoing studies. All studies included adults, and two studies included both teenagers and adults. The 13 studies took place in high altitude areas, mostly in the European Alps. Twelve studies included participants with acute mountain sickness, and one study included participants with high altitude pulmonary oedema. Follow-up was usually less than one day. We downgraded the quality of the evidence in most cases due to risk of bias and imprecision. We report results for the main comparisons as follows.Non-pharmacological interventions (3 studies, 124 participants)All-cause mortality and complete relief of AMS symptoms were not reported in the three included trials. One study in 64 participants found that a simulated descent of 193 millibars versus 20 millibars may reduce the average of symptoms to 2.5 vs 3.1 units after 12 hours of treatment (clinical score ranged from 0 to 11 ‒ worse; reduction of 0.6 points on average with the intervention; low quality of evidence). In addition, no complications were found with use of hyperbaric chambers versus supplementary oxygen (one study; 29 participants; low-quality evidence).Pharmacological interventions (11 trials, 375 participants)All-cause mortality was not reported in the 11 included trials. One trial found a greater proportion of participants with complete relief of AMS symptoms after 12 and 16 hours when dexamethasone was administered in comparison with placebo (47.1% versus 0%, respectively; one study; 35 participants; low quality of evidence). Likewise, when acetazolamide was compared with placebo, the effects on symptom severity was uncertain (standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.15, 95% CI -2.56 to 0.27; 2 studies, 25 participants; low-quality evidence). One trial of dexamethasone in comparison with placebo in 35 participants found a reduction in symptom severity (difference on change in the AMS score: 3.7 units reported by authors; moderate quality of evidence). The effects from two additional trials comparing gabapentin with placebo and magnesium with placebo on symptom severity at the end of treatment were uncertain. For gabapentin versus placebo: mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 2.92 versus 4.75, respectively; 24 participants; low quality of evidence. For magnesium versus placebo: mean scores of 9 and 10.3 units, respectively; 25 participants; low quality of evidence). The trials did not find adverse events from either treatment (low quality of evidence). One trial comparing magnesium sulphate versus placebo found that flushing was a frequent event in the magnesium sulphate arm (percentage of flushing: 75% versus 7.7%, respectively; one study; 25 participants; low quality of evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is limited available evidence to determine the effects of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in treating acute high altitude illness. Low-quality evidence suggests that dexamethasone and acetazolamide might reduce AMS score compared to placebo. However, the clinical benefits and harms related to these potential interventions remain unclear. Overall, the evidence is of limited practical significance in the clinical field. High-quality research in this field is needed, since most trials were poorly conducted and reported.
Topics: Acetazolamide; Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Altitude Sickness; Amines; Anticonvulsants; Atmospheric Pressure; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Dexamethasone; Gabapentin; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Magnesium; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
PubMed: 29959871
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009567.pub2 -
Survey of Ophthalmology 2018There are various treatments for cystoid macular edema (CME) secondary to retinitis pigmentosa; however, the evidence for these treatments has not been previously... (Review)
Review
There are various treatments for cystoid macular edema (CME) secondary to retinitis pigmentosa; however, the evidence for these treatments has not been previously systematically reviewed. Our review that includes 23 studies shows that oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (including acetazolamide and methazolamide) and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide and brinzolamide) are effective first-line treatments. In patients unresponsive to carbonic anhydrase inhibitor treatment, intravitreal steroids (triamcinolone acetonide and sustained-release dexamethasone implants), oral corticosteroid (deflazacort), intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agents (ranibizumab and bevacizumab), grid laser photocoagulation, pars plana vitrectomy, or ketorolac were also effective in improving CME secondary to retinitis pigmentosa. Oral acetazolamide has the strongest clinical basis for treatment and was superior to topical dorzolamide. Rebound of CME was commonly seen in the long term, regardless of the choice of treatment. Oral acetazolamide should be the first-line treatment in CME secondary to retinitis pigmentosa. Topical dorzolamide is an appropriate alternative in patients intolerant to adverse effects of oral acetazolamide. More studies are required to investigate the management of rebound CME.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; Humans; Laser Coagulation; Macular Edema; Retinitis Pigmentosa; Steroids; Vitrectomy
PubMed: 28987613
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.09.009 -
Thorax Oct 2023Metabolic alkalosis may lead to respiratory inhibition and increased need for ventilatory support or prolongation of weaning from ventilation for patients with chronic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Acetazolamide for metabolic alkalosis complicating respiratory failure with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or obesity hypoventilation syndrome: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Metabolic alkalosis may lead to respiratory inhibition and increased need for ventilatory support or prolongation of weaning from ventilation for patients with chronic respiratory disease. Acetazolamide can reduce alkalaemia and may reduce respiratory depression.
METHODS
We searched Medline, EMBASE and CENTRAL from inception to March 2022 for randomised controlled trials comparing acetazolamide to placebo in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity hypoventilation syndrome or obstructive sleep apnoea, hospitalised with acute respiratory deterioration complicated by metabolic alkalosis. The primary outcome was mortality and we pooled data using random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 (Risk of Bias 2) tool, heterogeneity was assessed using the I value and χ test for heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) methodology.
RESULTS
Four studies with 504 patients were included. 99% of included patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. No trials recruited patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. 50% of trials recruited patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Risk of bias was overall low to some risk. There was no statistically significant difference with acetazolamide in mortality (relative risk 0.98 (95% CI 0.28 to 3.46); p=0.95; 490 participants; three studies; GRADE low certainty) or duration of ventilatory support (mean difference -0.8 days (95% CI -7.2 to 5.6); p=0.36; 427 participants; two studies; GRADE: low certainty).
CONCLUSION
Acetazolamide may have little impact on respiratory failure with metabolic alkalosis in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. However, clinically significant benefits or harms are unable to be excluded, and larger trials are required.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021278757.
Topics: Humans; Acetazolamide; Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Alkalosis; Respiratory Insufficiency
PubMed: 37217290
DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2023-219988 -
Annals of Thoracic Medicine 2021Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a benign and self-limiting syndrome, but can progress to life-threatening conditions if leave untreated. This study aimed to assess the...
BACKGROUND
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a benign and self-limiting syndrome, but can progress to life-threatening conditions if leave untreated. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of acetazolamide for the prophylaxis of AMS, and disclose factors that affect the treatment effect of acetazolamide.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials comparing the use of acetazolamide versus placebo for the prevention of AMS were included. The incidence of AMS was our primary endpoint. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore factors that associated with acetazolamide efficacy. Trial sequential analyses were conducted to estimate the statistical power of the available data.
RESULTS
A total of 22 trials were included. Acetazolamide at 125, 250, and 375 mg/bid significantly reduced incidence of AMS compared to placebo. TAS indicated that the current evidence was adequate confirming the efficacy of acetazolamide at 125, 250, and 375 mg/bid in lowering incidence of AMS. There was no evidence of an association between efficacy and dose of acetazolamide, timing at start of acetazolamide treatment, mode of ascent, AMS assessment score, timing of AMS assessment, baseline altitude, and endpoint altitude.
CONCLUSION
Acetazolamide is effective prophylaxis for the prevention of AMS at 125, 250, and 375 mg/bid. Future investigation should focus on personal characteristics, disclosing the correlation between acetazolamide efficacy and body mass, height, degree of prior acclimatization, individual inborn susceptibility, and history of AMS.
PubMed: 34820021
DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_651_20