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European Journal of Clinical... Dec 2020To investigate the comparative effectiveness of dopamine agonists and monoamine oxidase type-B (MAO-B) inhibitors available for treatment of Parkinson's disease. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To investigate the comparative effectiveness of dopamine agonists and monoamine oxidase type-B (MAO-B) inhibitors available for treatment of Parkinson's disease.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search identifying randomized controlled trials investigating 4 dopamine agonists (cabergoline, pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine) and 3 MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline, rasagiline, safinamide) for Parkinson's disease. We extracted and pooled data from included clinical trials in a joint model allowing both direct and indirect comparison of the seven drugs. We considered dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors given as monotherapy or in combination with levodopa. Selected endpoints were change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score, serious adverse events and withdrawals. We estimated the relative effectiveness of each dopamine agonist and MAO-B inhibitor versus comparator drug.
RESULTS
Altogether, 79 publications were included in the analysis. We found all the investigated drugs to be effective compared with placebo when given as monotherapy except safinamide. When considering combination treatment, the estimated relative effects of selegiline, pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine, cabergoline, rasagiline and safinamide were 2.316 (1.819, 2.951), 2.091 (1.889, 2.317), 2.037 (1.804, 2.294), 1.912 (1.716, 2.129), 1.664 (1.113, 2.418), 1.584 (1.379, 1.820) and 1.179 (1.031, 1.352), respectively, compared with joint placebo and levodopa treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Dopamine agonists were found to be effective as treatment for Parkinson's disease, both when given as monotherapy and in combination with levodopa. Selegiline and rasagiline were also found to be effective for treating Parkinson's disease, and selegiline was the best option in combination with levodopa among all the drugs investigated.
Topics: Dopamine Agonists; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Indans; Levodopa; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Parkinson Disease; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selegiline; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32710141
DOI: 10.1007/s00228-020-02961-6 -
Reproductive Biomedicine Online Aug 2019This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by comparing their effect with that of metformin. Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, WanFang Database, CNKI) dating from their establishment to June 2018 were searched to find all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists versus metformin for patients with PCOS. Therapeutic variables included menstrual cycle, sex hormone and clinical manifestations, glucose metabolism and other metabolic indexes. Eight RCTs among 462 related articles were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists were more effective in improving insulin sensitivity (standard mean difference [SMD] -0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.74 to -0.06, P = 0.02) and reducing body mass index (SMD -1.02, 95% CI -1.85 to -0.19, P = 0.02) and abdominal girth (SMD -0.45, 95% CI -0.89 to -0.00, P = 0.05). GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with a higher incidence of nausea and headache than metformin, but there were no significant differences in other data. Therefore, compared with metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists might be a good choice for obese patients with PCOS, especially those with insulin resistance. The available evidence is, however, inconclusive given its moderate to low quality. More high-quality research is needed to assess the efficacy of a GLP-1 receptor agonist on women with PCOS.
Topics: Adult; Androgens; Blood Glucose; Female; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Homeostasis; Humans; Metformin; Obesity; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reproducibility of Results; Sample Size; Testosterone; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 31229399
DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.04.017 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2021Asthma affects 350 million people worldwide including 45% to 70% with mild disease. Treatment is mainly with inhalers containing beta₂-agonists, typically taken as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Asthma affects 350 million people worldwide including 45% to 70% with mild disease. Treatment is mainly with inhalers containing beta₂-agonists, typically taken as required to relieve bronchospasm, and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) as regular preventive therapy. Poor adherence to regular therapy is common and increases the risk of exacerbations, morbidity and mortality. Fixed-dose combination inhalers containing both a steroid and a fast-acting beta₂-agonist (FABA) in the same device simplify inhalers regimens and ensure symptomatic relief is accompanied by preventative therapy. Their use is established in moderate asthma, but they may also have potential utility in mild asthma.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of single combined (fast-onset beta₂-agonist plus an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)) inhaler only used as needed in people with mild asthma.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal. We contacted trial authors for further information and requested details regarding the possibility of unpublished trials. The most recent search was conducted on 19 March 2021.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cross-over trials with at least one week washout period. We included studies of a single fixed-dose FABA/ICS inhaler used as required compared with no treatment, placebo, short-acting beta agonist (SABA) as required, regular ICS with SABA as required, regular fixed-dose combination ICS/long-acting beta agonist (LABA), or regular fixed-dose combination ICS/FABA with as required ICS/FABA. We planned to include cluster-randomised trials if the data had been or could be adjusted for clustering. We excluded trials shorter than 12 weeks. We included full texts, abstracts and unpublished data.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data. We analysed dichotomous data as odds ratios (OR) or rate ratios (RR) and continuous data as mean difference (MD). We reported 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used Cochrane's standard methodological procedures of meta-analysis. We applied the GRADE approach to summarise results and to assess the overall certainty of evidence. Primary outcomes were exacerbations requiring systemic steroids, hospital admissions/emergency department or urgent care visits for asthma, and measures of asthma control.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six studies of which five contributed results to the meta-analyses. All five used budesonide 200 μg and formoterol 6 μg in a dry powder formulation as the combination inhaler. Comparator fast-acting bronchodilators included terbutaline and formoterol. Two studies included children aged 12+ and adults; two studies were open-label. A total of 9657 participants were included, with a mean age of 36 to 43 years. 2.3% to 11% were current smokers. FABA / ICS as required versus FABA as required Compared with as-required FABA alone, as-required FABA/ICS reduced exacerbations requiring systemic steroids (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.60, 2 RCTs, 2997 participants, high-certainty evidence), equivalent to 109 people out of 1000 in the FABA alone group experiencing an exacerbation requiring systemic steroids, compared to 52 (95% CI 40 to 68) out of 1000 in the FABA/ICS as-required group. FABA/ICS as required may also reduce the odds of an asthma-related hospital admission or emergency department or urgent care visit (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.60, 2 RCTs, 2997 participants, low-certainty evidence). Compared with as-required FABA alone, any changes in asthma control or spirometry, though favouring as-required FABA/ICS, were small and less than the minimal clinically-important differences. We did not find evidence of differences in asthma-associated quality of life or mortality. For other secondary outcomes FABA/ICS as required was associated with reductions in fractional exhaled nitric oxide, probably reduces the odds of an adverse event (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.95, 2 RCTs, 3002 participants, moderate-certainty evidence) and may reduce total systemic steroid dose (MD -9.90, 95% CI -19.38 to -0.42, 1 RCT, 443 participants, low-certainty evidence), and with an increase in the daily inhaled steroid dose (MD 77 μg beclomethasone equiv./day, 95% CI 69 to 84, 2 RCTs, 2554 participants, moderate-certainty evidence). FABA/ICS as required versus regular ICS plus FABA as required There may be little or no difference in the number of people with asthma exacerbations requiring systemic steroid with FABA/ICS as required compared with regular ICS (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.07, 4 RCTs, 8065 participants, low-certainty evidence), equivalent to 81 people out of 1000 in the regular ICS plus FABA group experiencing an exacerbation requiring systemic steroids, compared to 65 (95% CI 49 to 86) out of 1000 FABA/ICS as required group. The odds of an asthma-related hospital admission or emergency department or urgent care visit may be reduced in those taking FABA/ICS as required (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.91, 4 RCTs, 8065 participants, low-certainty evidence). Compared with regular ICS, any changes in asthma control, spirometry, peak flow rates (PFR), or asthma-associated quality of life, though favouring regular ICS, were small and less than the minimal clinically important differences (MCID). Adverse events, serious adverse events, total systemic corticosteroid dose and mortality were similar between groups, although deaths were rare, so confidence intervals for this analysis were wide. We found moderate-certainty evidence from four trials involving 7180 participants that FABA/ICS as required was likely associated with less average daily exposure to inhaled corticosteroids than those on regular ICS (MD -154.51 μg/day, 95% CI -207.94 to -101.09).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found FABA/ICS as required is clinically effective in adults and adolescents with mild asthma. Their use instead of FABA as required alone reduced exacerbations, hospital admissions or unscheduled healthcare visits and exposure to systemic corticosteroids and probably reduces adverse events. FABA/ICS as required is as effective as regular ICS and reduced asthma-related hospital admissions or unscheduled healthcare visits, and average exposure to ICS, and is unlikely to be associated with an increase in adverse events. Further research is needed to explore use of FABA/ICS as required in children under 12 years of age, use of other FABA/ICS preparations, and long-term outcomes beyond 52 weeks.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; Adult; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Beclomethasone; Budesonide; Child; Disease Progression; Drug Combinations; Formoterol Fumarate; Hospitalization; Humans; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Prednisolone; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Terbutaline
PubMed: 33945639
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013518.pub2 -
Annals of Internal Medicine May 2024Newer diabetes medications may have beneficial effects on mortality, cardiovascular outcomes, and renal outcomes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Newer diabetes medications may have beneficial effects on mortality, cardiovascular outcomes, and renal outcomes.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the effectiveness, comparative effectiveness, and harms of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors, and long-acting insulins as monotherapy or combination therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2010 through January 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
RCTs lasting at least 52 weeks that included at least 500 adults with T2DM receiving eligible medications and reported any outcomes of interest.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data were abstracted by 1 reviewer and verified by a second. Independent, dual assessments of risk of bias and certainty of evidence (CoE) were done.
DATA SYNTHESIS
A total of 130 publications from 84 RCTs were identified. CoE was appraised using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria for direct, indirect, and network meta-analysis (NMA); the highest CoE was reported. Compared with usual care, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 agonists reduce all-cause mortality (high CoE) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (moderate to high CoE), SGLT2 inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure hospitalizations and GLP1 agonists reduce stroke (high CoE), and SGLT2 inhibitors reduce serious adverse events and severe hypoglycemia (high CoE). The threshold for minimally important differences, which was predefined with the American College of Physicians Clinical Guidelines Committee, was not met for these outcomes. Compared with usual care, insulin, tirzepatide, and DPP4 inhibitors do not reduce all-cause mortality (low to high CoE). Compared with insulin, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 agonists reduce all-cause mortality (low to moderate CoE). Compared with DPP4 inhibitors, GLP1 agonists reduce all-cause mortality (moderate CoE). Compared with DPP4 inhibitors and sulfonylurea (SU), SGLT2 inhibitors reduce MACE (moderate to high CoE). Compared with SU and insulin, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 agonists reduce severe hypoglycemia (low to high CoE).
LIMITATIONS
Infrequent direct comparisons between drugs of interest; sparse data for NMA on most outcomes; possible incoherence due to differences in baseline patient characteristics and usual care; insufficient data on predefined subgroups, including demographic subgroups, patients with prior cardiovascular disease, and treatment-naive persons.
CONCLUSION
In adults with T2DM, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 agonists (but not DPP4 inhibitors, insulin, or tirzepatide) reduce all-cause mortality and MACE compared with usual care. SGLT2 inhibitors reduce CKD progression and heart failure hospitalization and GLP1 agonists reduce stroke compared with usual care. Serious adverse events and severe hypoglycemia are less frequent with SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 agonists than with insulin or SU.
PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE
American College of Physicians. (PROSPERO: CRD42022322129).
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Hypoglycemic Agents; Network Meta-Analysis; Insulin; Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Hypoglycemia; Drug Therapy, Combination
PubMed: 38639549
DOI: 10.7326/M23-1490 -
CNS Drugs Apr 2022Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic relapsing-remitting psychiatric disorder. Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances persist during acute mood episodes of the disorder... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic relapsing-remitting psychiatric disorder. Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances persist during acute mood episodes of the disorder and during euthymia. However, the treatment potential of hypnotic agents that might be used to manage sleep disturbance in BD is not well understood. Similarly, melatonin and medications with a melatonin-receptor agonist mechanism of action may have chronotherapeutic potential for treating people with the disorder, but the impact of these substances on sleep and circadian rhythms and core symptoms in BD is unclear.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the current evidence for hypnotic and melatonin/melatonin-receptor agonist pharmacotherapy for symptoms of sleep disturbance, mania, and depression in patients with BD.
METHODS
AMED, Embase, MEDLINE and PsychINFO databases were searched for studies published in English from the date of inception to 31 October 2021. Studies included in this review were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-controlled/non-randomised studies for BD that examined hypnotic medications selected based on a common pattern of usage for treating insomnia (i.e. chloral, clomethiazole, diphenhydramine, doxepin, doxylamine, promethazine, suvorexant, zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone) and melatonin and the melatonin-receptor agonist drugs ramelteon and agomelatine. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 and AXIS tools. Pooled effect sizes for RCT outcomes were estimated using random-effects models.
RESULTS
A total of eleven studies (six RCTs and five experimental feasibility studies) involving 1279 participants were included. Each study examined melatonin or melatonin-receptor agonists. No studies of hypnotics were found that fulfilled the review inclusion criteria. Pilot feasibility studies suggested beneficial treatment effects for symptoms of sleep disturbance, depression, and mania. However, the pooled effect of the two available RCT studies assessing sleep quality via Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores was not statistically significant (g = - 0.04 [95% CI - 0.81 to 0.73]) and neither was the pooled effect for depressive symptoms (four studies; g = - 0.10 [95% CI - 0.27 to 0.08]). Some RCT evidence suggests ramelteon might prevent relapse into depression in BD. The largest efficacy signal detected was for manic symptoms (four studies; g = - 0.44 [95% CI - 1.03 to 0.14]) but there was substantial heterogeneity between studies and patient characteristics. In the two RCTs assessing manic symptoms during acute mania, adjunctive melatonin demonstrated superior treatment effects versus placebo.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a paucity of studies examining pharmacological interventions for sleep and circadian rhythm disturbance in BD. Few studies assessed sleep-related symptoms, and none quantitatively examined endogenous melatonin patterns or other circadian rhythms. Melatonin may be a promising candidate for the adjunctive treatment of bipolar mania. However, dose-finding studies and studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm its efficacy. We recommend parallel monitoring of sleep and circadian rhythms in future trials. Chronobiology-informed trial designs are needed to improve the quality of future studies.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42020167528).
Topics: Bipolar Disorder; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Mania; Melatonin; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 35305257
DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00911-7 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2020A frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle is when one or more embryos (frozen during a previous treatment cycle) are thawed and transferred to the uterus. Some women undergo... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle is when one or more embryos (frozen during a previous treatment cycle) are thawed and transferred to the uterus. Some women undergo fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles with embryos derived from donated oocytes. In both situations, the endometrium is primed with oestrogen and progestogen in different doses and routes of administration.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the most effective endometrial preparation for women undergoing transfer with frozen embryos or embryos from donor oocytes with regard to the subsequent live birth rate (LBR).
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, LILACS, trials registers and abstracts of reproductive societies' meetings were searched in June 2020 together with reference checking and contact with study authors and experts in the field to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating endometrial preparation in women undergoing fresh donor cycles and frozen embryo transfers.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. We analysed all available interventions versus placebo, no treatment, or between each other. The primary review outcome was live birth rate. Secondary outcomes were clinical and multiple pregnancy, miscarriage, cycle cancellation, endometrial thickness and adverse effects.
MAIN RESULTS
Thirty-one RCTs (5426 women) were included. Evidence was moderate to very low-quality: the main limitations were serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of methods, and serious imprecision. Stimulated versus programmed cycle We are uncertain whether a letrozole-stimulated cycle compared to a programmed cycle, for endometrial preparation, improves LBR (odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49 to 3.26; 100 participants; one study; very low-quality evidence). Stimulating with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), letrozole or clomiphene citrate may improve clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.38; 656 participants; five studies; I = 11%; low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if they reduce miscarriage rate (MR) (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.71; 355 participants; three studies; I = 0%; very low-quality evidence). Endometrial thickness (ET) may be reduced with clomiphene citrate (mean difference(MD) -1.04, 95% CI -1.59 to -0.49; 92 participants; one study; low-quality evidence). Other outcomes were not reported. Natural versus programmed cycle We are uncertain of the effect from a natural versus programmed cycle for LBR (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.28; 1285 participants; four studies; I = 0%; very low-quality evidence) and CPR (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.01; 1249 participants; five studies; I = 60%; very low-quality evidence), while a natural cycle probably reduces the cycle cancellation rate (CCR) (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.82; 734 participants; one study; moderate-quality evidence). We are uncertain of the effect on MR and ET. No study reported other outcomes. Transdermal versus oral oestrogens From low-quality evidence we are uncertain of the effect transdermal compared to oral oestrogens has on CPR (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.25; 504 participants; three studies; I = 58%) or MR (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.09; 414 participants; two studies; I = 0%). Other outcomes were not reported. Day of starting administration of progestogen When doing a fresh ET using donated oocytes in a synchronised cycle starting progestogen on the day of oocyte pick-up (OPU) or the day after OPU, in comparison with recipients that start progestogen the day prior to OPU, probably increases the CPR (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.08; 282 participants; one study, moderate-quality evidence). We are uncertain of the effect on multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) or MR. It probably reduces the CCR (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.74; 282 participants; one study; moderate-quality evidence). No study reported other outcomes. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist versus control A cycle with GnRH agonist compared to without may improve LBR (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.19 to 5.78; 234 participants; one study; low-quality evidence). From low-quality evidence we are uncertain of the effect on CPR (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.43; 1289 participants; eight studies; I = 20%), MR (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.36 to 2.00; 828 participants; four studies; I = 0%), CCR (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.17; 530 participants; two studies; I = 0%) and ET (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.16; 697 participants; four studies; I = 4%). No study reported other outcomes. Among different GnRH agonists From very low-quality evidence we are uncertain if cycles among different GnRH agonists improves CPR or MR. No study reported other outcomes. GnRH agonists versus GnRH antagonists GnRH antagonists compared to agonists probably improves CPR (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.90; 473 participants; one study; moderate-quality evidence). We are uncertain of the effect on MR and MPR. No study reported other outcomes. Aspirin versus control From very low-quality evidence we are uncertain whether a cycle with aspirin versus without improves LBR, CPR, or ET. Steroids versus control From very low-quality evidence we are uncertain whether a cycle with steroids compared to without improves LBR, CPR or MR. No study reported other outcomes.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence on the use of any particular intervention for endometrial preparation in women undergoing fresh donor cycles and frozen embryo transfers. In frozen embryo transfers, low-quality evidence showed that clinical pregnancy rates may be improved in a stimulated cycle compared to a programmed one, and we are uncertain of the effect when comparing a programmed cycle to a natural cycle. Cycle cancellation rates are probably reduced in a natural cycle. Although administering a GnRH agonist, compared to without, may improve live birth rates, clinical pregnancy rates will probably be improved in a GnRH antagonist cycle over an agonist cycle. In fresh synchronised oocyte donor cycles, the clinical pregnancy rate is probably improved and cycle cancellation rates are probably reduced when starting progestogen the day of or day after donor oocyte retrieval. Adequately powered studies are needed to evaluate each treatment more accurately.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Bias; Clomiphene; Cryopreservation; Drug Administration Schedule; Embryo Implantation; Embryo Transfer; Embryo, Mammalian; Endometrium; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Letrozole; Live Birth; Oocyte Donation; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Progesterone; Progestins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 33112418
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006359.pub3 -
Techniques in Coloproctology Jul 2016Prucalopride is a new prokinetic agent, recently available in Europe for the treatment of functional constipation in adults in whom treatment with laxatives failed to... (Review)
Review
Prucalopride is a new prokinetic agent, recently available in Europe for the treatment of functional constipation in adults in whom treatment with laxatives failed to provide adequate relief. However, due to its intrinsic properties (highly selective agonist activity and high affinity for 5-HT4 receptors, neuroprotection), this drug has shown the potential to be used in other pathologic conditions, in and outside of the gastrointestinal tract. We performed a systematic review of the evidence supporting these possible alternative uses of prucalopride. Further studies in this area are, however, mandatory.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Benzofurans; Colonic Diseases; Constipation; Humans; Ileus; Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction; Multiple Sclerosis; Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Agonists; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 27174045
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-016-1477-8 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023Pramipexole is a dopamine full agonist approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome. Its high affinity for the D3 receptor and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pramipexole is a dopamine full agonist approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome. Its high affinity for the D3 receptor and neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity provides a rationale for the treatment of depression. In this paper, we review studies on the effectiveness and safety of antidepressant pramipexole augmentation in treatment-resistant depression.
METHODS
This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies on pramipexole-antidepressant augmentation included patients with resistant unipolar and bipolar depression. The primary outcome measure was the treatment response, measured at the study endpoint.
RESULTS
We identified 8 studies including 281 patients overall, 57% women and 39.5% with bipolar disorder and 60.5% with major depressive disorder. The mean follow-up duration was 27.3 weeks (range 8-69). The pooled estimate of treatment response was 62.5%, without significant differences between unipolar and bipolar depression. Safety was good, with nausea and somnolence the most frequent side effects.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this systematic review, needing further confirmation, show that off-label use of pramipexole as augmentation of antidepressant treatment could be a useful and safe strategy for unipolar and bipolar treatment-resistant depression.
PubMed: 37109571
DOI: 10.3390/life13041043 -
Women's Health (London, England) 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common reproductive endocrine condition that affects women of fertile age and is characterized by three main features, including... (Review)
Review
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common reproductive endocrine condition that affects women of fertile age and is characterized by three main features, including hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. In addition, half of women with polycystic ovary syndrome have insulin resistance, and obesity or overweight, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are the most common metabolic abnormalities affecting (30%) women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Weight loss is regarded as the first-line treatment as it can potentially improve polycystic ovary syndrome parameters (androgen levels, menstrual cyclicity, lipid and glucose metabolism). However, achieving and maintaining weight loss can be challenging, and pharmacological agents could be essential to achieve optimal glycemic control and improve the endocrine disturbance associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist has been demonstrated as monotherapy or in combination with metformin for managing obesity and insulin resistance associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. Yet, its effect on endocrine and metabolic parameters remains elusive, and further research is needed to close the gap. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist monotherapy and/or a combined treatment between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist and metformin for improving anthropometric measurements, endocrine and metabolic parameters in lean and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A systematic review of longitudinal cohort studies was conducted across databases including Ovid Medline, PubMed Central, and Cochrane Library between 2015 and 2022. Eligible studies included participants with polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosed according to the 2003 Rotterdam or the 1990 National Institutes of Health criteria. A total of eight studies including 486 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were analyzed. The mean age was between 18 and 45 years with mean follow-up period between 12 and 32 weeks. In all these studies, results were comparable for the reduction in body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass, and visceral fat mass; however, it was more in combination therapy versus comparator. In conclusion, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists effectively reduce body weight and improve some of the endocrine and metabolic parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome. A combined treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist and metformin had significant effects on weight loss and favorable results on endocrine and metabolic parameters, yet further research is needed to discover the long-term safety of combined therapy in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity or overweight.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists; Insulin Resistance; Longitudinal Studies; Metformin; Obesity; Overweight; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; United States; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38444070
DOI: 10.1177/17455057241234530 -
Pituitary Oct 2023Giant prolactinomas are a rare entity, representing approximately 5% of all prolactinomas. A systematic review of 196 adult cases was performed. A comparison of the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Giant prolactinomas are a rare entity, representing approximately 5% of all prolactinomas. A systematic review of 196 adult cases was performed. A comparison of the clinical, biochemical and radiological characteristics, management and therapeutic outcomes in men versus women is made.
METHODS
A structured search was conducted using the term 'giant prolactinoma'. Following inclusion criteria were used: diameter ≥ 40 mm, prolactin levels > 1000 ng/ml and no concomitant GH/ ACTH secretion.
RESULTS
196 cases were included [age: 38 (28-50) years, F/M ratio: 1/3.6]. Median tumor diameter was 53 (43-69) mm. Pituitary deficiency was present in 91% of cases, with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism being the most frequent. Most common presenting symptoms were visual impairment (73%) and headache (50%) in men and amenorrhea (58%) in women. 82% of cases were treated with a dopamine agonist (DA) as first-line treatment which led to normoprolactinemia, tumor shrinkage and visual improvement in 51%, 88% and 85% of cases, respectively. Surgery was performed in 29% of cases and all showed tumor remnant and persistent hyperprolactinemia. Women had a lower prolactin level and a smaller tumor diameter at diagnosis but pituitary deficiencies were more frequent and outcome was worse.
CONCLUSION
Giant prolactinomas are rare and have a male predominance. Visual impairment is the most frequent presenting symptom in men and amenorrhea in women. The gender-related difference in tumor size and level of prolactin was confirmed in this analysis where men had a larger diameter and a higher baseline prolactin level. DAs are the treatment of choice, irrespective of tumor size and presence of visual impairment. As only half of the cases achieved normoprolactinemia we do not, in contrast to previous literature, state giant prolactinomas to be exquisitely sensitive to DAs. Patient characteristics associated with persistent hyperprolactinemia after treatment with a DA were female gender, higher baseline prolactin and larger tumor size . This analysis did show TSH- and ACTH-deficiency to be more frequent after surgery which was not seen for LH/FSH deficiency.
Topics: Female; Adult; Male; Humans; Prolactinoma; Pituitary Neoplasms; Hyperprolactinemia; Prolactin; Amenorrhea; Dopamine Agonists; Hypopituitarism; Vision Disorders; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
PubMed: 37544978
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-023-01337-0