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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... May 2020Either blue dye (BD) or radioisotope (RI) is mainly used for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients. Unlike the BD, RI has lower false-negative rate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Versus Blue Dye or Radioisotope Regarding Detection Rate of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Nodes Removed in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Either blue dye (BD) or radioisotope (RI) is mainly used for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients. Unlike the BD, RI has lower false-negative rate of SLNB. However, its lymphoscintigraphy, difficulty in preoperative injection, and undetected sentinel lymph nodes in some cases cause surgeons to rely only on BD. Currently, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence method (ICG-SLNB) is increasingly used as an alternative to the conventional mapping methods in many centers. This systematic review compared ICG with the conventional method of BD or RI in terms of detection rate of SLNB and the number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) removed in.
METHODS
We searched all relevant studies published between January 2000 and October 2019. All data on for evaluation of SLN detection rate, number of SLNs removed per patient, and tumor positive rate of SLNB were extracted.
RESULTS
A total of 30 studies, including 4,216 SLN procedures were retrieved. There was a statistically significant difference between ICG and BD method in terms of SLN detection rate (OR, 6.73; 95% CI, 4.20-10.78). However, there was no significant difference between ICG and RI in this regard (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.40-2.03). The number of SLNs removed per patient were 2.35 (1.46-5.4), 1.92 (1.0-3.64), and 1.72 (1.35-2.08) for ICG, BD, and RI, respectively. Only in 8 studies, the tumor positive rates in SLNB could be analyzed (ICG, 8.5-20.7%; BD, 12.7-21.4%; RI, 11.3-16%).
CONCLUSION
ICG-SLNB could be an additional or an alternative method for axillary node mapping in breast cancer.
.Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Coloring Agents; Female; Fluorescence; Humans; Indocyanine Green; Methylene Blue; Prognosis; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sentinel Lymph Node
PubMed: 32458621
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.5.1187 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2017Nausea is a common symptom in advanced cancer, with a prevalence of up to 70%. While nausea and vomiting can be related to cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Nausea is a common symptom in advanced cancer, with a prevalence of up to 70%. While nausea and vomiting can be related to cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery, a significant number of people with advanced cancer also suffer from nausea unrelated to such therapies. Nausea and vomiting may also cause psychological distress, and have a negative impact on the quality of life of cancer patients; similarly to pain, nausea is often under-treated. The exact mechanism of action of corticosteroids on nausea is unclear, however, they are used to manage a number of cancer-specific complications, including spinal cord compression, raised intracranial pressure, and lymphangitis carcinomatosis. They are also commonly used in palliative care for a wide variety of non-specific indications, such as pain, nausea, anorexia, fatigue, and low mood. However, there is little objective evidence of their efficacy in symptom control, and corticosteroids have a wide range of adverse effects that are dose and time dependent. In view of their widespread use, it is important to seek evidence of their effects on nausea and vomiting not related to cancer treatment.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of corticosteroids on nausea and vomiting not related to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery in adult cancer patients.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, CINAHL EBSCO, Science Citation Index Web of Science, Latin America and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science Web of Science, and clinical trial registries, from inception to 23rd August 2016.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Any double-blind randomised or prospective controlled trial that included adults aged 18 years and over with advanced cancer with nausea and vomiting not related to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery were eligible for the review, when using corticosteroids as antiemetic treatment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
All review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We used arithmetic means and standard deviations for each outcome to report the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE and created a 'Summary of findings' table.
MAIN RESULTS
Three studies met the inclusion criteria, enrolling 451 participants. The trial size varied from 51 to 280 participants. Two studies compared dexamethasone to placebo, and the third study compared a number of additional interventions in various combinations, including metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, tropisetron, and dexamethasone. The duration of the studies ranged from seven to 14 days. We included two studies (127 participants) with data at eight days in the meta-analysis for nausea intensity; no data were available that incorporated the same outcome measures for the third study. Corticosteroid therapy with dexamethasone resulted in less nausea (measured on a scale of 0 to 10, with a lower score indicating less nausea) compared to placebo at eight days (MD 0.48 lower nausea, 95% CI 1.53 lower to 0.57 higher; very low-quality evidence), although this result was not statistically significant (P = 0.37). Frequency of adverse events was not significantly different between groups, and the interventions were well tolerated. Factors limiting statistical analysis included the lack of standardised measurements of nausea, and the use of different agents, dosages, and comparisons. Subgroup analysis according to type of cancer was not possible due to insufficient data. The quality of this evidence was downgraded by three levels, from high to very low due to imprecision, likely selection bias, attrition bias, and the small number of participants in the included studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There are few studies assessing the effects of corticosteroids on nausea and vomiting not related to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery in adult cancer patients. This review found very low-quality evidence which neither supported nor refuted corticosteroid use in this setting. Further high quality studies are needed to determine if corticosteroids are efficacious in this setting.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Chlorpromazine; Dexamethasone; Humans; Indoles; Metoclopramide; Nausea; Neoplasms; Time Factors; Tropisetron; Vomiting
PubMed: 28671265
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012002.pub2 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Apr 2024The aim was to systematically review clinical studies that investigated the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in reducing oral yeasts growth (OYG) in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to systematically review clinical studies that investigated the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in reducing oral yeasts growth (OYG) in individuals wearing implant overdentures (IO).
METHODS
The focused question was "Is aPDT effective in reducing OYG in patients wearing IO?" Literature search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions up to and including January 2024. Clinical studies were included; and letters to the Editor, case-reports/case-series, perspectives/commentaries, in-vitro/ex-vivo studies, studies on animal models and expert opinions were excluded. The risk of bias was also assessed.
RESULTS
Two clinical studies were included and processed for data extraction. The study population comprised of 100 (mean age: 58.5 years) and 53 (mean age: 58.5 years) individuals. The numbers of males and females included in these studies ranged between 33 and 35 males and 18-67 females, respectively. In both studies, follow-up evaluations were performed after 60 days. In both studies, aPDT was performed using a 660 nm diode laser at a power of 100 mW and using methylene-blue as photosensitizer. Results from both studies showed that aPDT is effective in significantly reducing oral yeasts CFU/ml and improvement of OHRQoL of individuals using IO.
CONCLUSION
The aPDT is useful in reducing OYG on IO; however, further well-designed and power-adjusted studies are needed in this area of research.
Topics: Photochemotherapy; Humans; Photosensitizing Agents; Denture, Overlay; Methylene Blue; Lasers, Semiconductor; Yeasts; Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38548040
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104050 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2020Delirium is a syndrome characterised by an acute disturbance of attention and awareness which develops over a short time period and fluctuates in severity over the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Delirium is a syndrome characterised by an acute disturbance of attention and awareness which develops over a short time period and fluctuates in severity over the course of the day. It is commonly experienced during inpatient admission in the terminal phase of illness. It can cause symptoms such as agitation and hallucinations and is distressing for terminally ill people, their families and staff. Delirium may arise from any number of causes and treatment should aim to address these causes. When this is not possible, or treatment is unsuccessful, drug therapy to manage the symptoms may become necessary. This is the second update of the review first published in 2004.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drug therapies to manage delirium symptoms in terminally ill adults.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO from inception to July 2019, reference lists of retrieved papers, and online trial registries.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials of drug therapies in any dose by any route, compared to another drug therapy, a non-pharmacological approach, placebo, standard care or wait-list control, for the management of delirium symptoms in terminally ill adults (18 years or older).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We independently screened citations, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Primary outcomes were delirium symptoms; agitation score; adverse events. Secondary outcomes were: use of rescue medication; cognitive status; survival. We applied the GRADE approach to assess the overall quality of the evidence for each outcome and we include eight 'Summary of findings' tables.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four studies (three new to this update), with 399 participants. Most participants had advanced cancer or advanced AIDS, and mild- to moderate-severity delirium. Meta-analysis was not possible because no two studies examined the same comparison. Each study was at high risk of bias for at least one criterion. Most evidence was low to very low quality, downgraded due to very serious study limitations, imprecision or because there were so few data. Most studies reported delirium symptoms; two reported agitation scores; three reported adverse events with data on extrapyramidal effects; and none reported serious adverse events. 1. Haloperidol versus placebo There may be little to no difference between placebo and haloperidol in delirium symptoms within 24 hours (mean difference (MD) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.07 to 0.75; 133 participants). Haloperidol may slightly worsen delirium symptoms compared with placebo at 48 hours (MD 0.49, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.88; 123 participants with mild- to moderate-severity delirium). Haloperidol may reduce agitation slightly compared with placebo between 24 and 48 hours (MD -0.14, 95% -0.28 to -0.00; 123 participants with mild- to moderate-severity delirium). Haloperidol probably increases extrapyramidal adverse effects compared with placebo (MD 0.79, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.41; 123 participants with mild- to moderate-severity delirium). 2. Haloperidol versus risperidone There may be little to no difference in delirium symptoms with haloperidol compared with risperidone within 24 hours (MD -0.42, 95% CI -0.90 to 0.06; 126 participants) or 48 hours (MD -0.36, 95% CI -0.92 to 0.20; 106 participants with mild- to moderate-severity delirium). Agitation scores and adverse events were not reported for this comparison. 3. Haloperidol versus olanzapine We are uncertain whether haloperidol reduces delirium symptoms compared with olanzapine within 24 hours (MD 2.36, 95% CI -0.75 to 5.47; 28 participants) or 48 hours (MD 1.90, 95% CI -1.50 to 5.30, 24 participants). Agitation scores and adverse events were not reported for this comparison. 4. Risperidone versus placebo Risperidone may slightly worsen delirium symptoms compared with placebo within 24 hours (MD 0.76, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.22; 129 participants); and at 48 hours (MD 0.85, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.38; 111 participants with mild- to moderate-severity delirium). There may be little to no difference in agitation with risperidone compared with placebo between 24 and 48 hours (MD -0.05, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.09; 111 participants with mild- to moderate-severity delirium). Risperidone may increase extrapyramidal adverse effects compared with placebo (MD 0.73 95% CI 0.09 to 1.37; 111 participants with mild- to moderate-severity delirium). 5. Lorazepam plus haloperidol versus placebo plus haloperidol We are uncertain whether lorazepam plus haloperidol compared with placebo plus haloperidol improves delirium symptoms within 24 hours (MD 2.10, 95% CI -1.00 to 5.20; 50 participants with moderate to severe delirium), reduces agitation within 24 hours (MD 1.90, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.80; 52 participants), or increases adverse events (RR 0.70, 95% CI -0.19 to 2.63; 31 participants with moderate to severe delirium). 6. Haloperidol versus chlorpromazine We are uncertain whether haloperidol reduces delirium symptoms compared with chlorpromazine at 48 hours (MD 0.37, 95% CI -4.58 to 5.32; 24 participants). Agitation scores were not reported. We are uncertain whether haloperidol increases adverse events compared with chlorpromazine (MD 0.46, 95% CI -4.22 to 5.14; 24 participants). 7. Haloperidol versus lorazepam We are uncertain whether haloperidol reduces delirium symptoms compared with lorazepam at 48 hours (MD -4.88, 95% CI -9.70 to 0.06; 17 participants). Agitation scores were not reported. We are uncertain whether haloperidol increases adverse events compared with lorazepam (MD -6.66, 95% CI -14.85 to 1.53; 17 participants). 8. Lorazepam versus chlorpromazine We are uncertain whether lorazepam reduces delirium symptoms compared with chlorpromazine at 48 hours (MD 5.25, 95% CI 0.38 to 10.12; 19 participants), or increases adverse events (MD 7.12, 95% CI 1.08 to 15.32; 18 participants). Agitation scores were not reported.
SECONDARY OUTCOMES
use of rescue medication, cognitive impairment, survival There were insufficient data to draw conclusions or assess GRADE.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found no high-quality evidence to support or refute the use of drug therapy for delirium symptoms in terminally ill adults. We found low-quality evidence that risperidone or haloperidol may slightly worsen delirium symptoms of mild to moderate severity for terminally ill people compared with placebo. We found moderate- to low-quality evidence that haloperidol and risperidone may slightly increase extrapyramidal adverse events for people with mild- to moderate-severity delirium. Given the small number of studies and participants on which current evidence is based, further research is essential.
Topics: Adult; Antipsychotic Agents; Chlorpromazine; Delirium; Haloperidol; Humans; Lorazepam; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Terminally Ill
PubMed: 31960954
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004770.pub3 -
The Journal of Pediatrics Nov 2019To synthesize quantitative and qualitative data on pharmacologic interventions of pediatric cyclic vomiting syndrome and their effectiveness in disease management in the...
OBJECTIVES
To synthesize quantitative and qualitative data on pharmacologic interventions of pediatric cyclic vomiting syndrome and their effectiveness in disease management in the acute care setting.
STUDY DESIGN
Using keywords, 799 studies published up from December 1954 to February 2018 were extracted from MEDLINE via Pubmed, Embase via OVID, CINAHL via EBSCO, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry. Studies were evaluated for inclusion and exclusion by 2 independent reviewers using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
The search yielded 84 studies for full review, of which 54 were included in the systematic review. Studies were subsequently separated into 1 group of 6 case series studies containing quantitative data on sumatriptan, ondansetron, phenothiazines, prokinetic agents, carbohydrate, isometheptene, and aprepitant; 1 one group consisting only of qualitative studies containing expert recommendations.
CONCLUSIONS
Ondansetron has the most quantitative and qualitative evidence to support its inclusion in pediatric emergency department protocols as a rescue therapy. Sumatriptan and aprepitant are potential candidates for inclusion as abortive therapies. Qualitative data from retrospective studies and case reports are not applicable to a larger patient population. This report informs a need for controlled, prospective cohort studies and randomized, controlled trials to optimize current management protocols and to develop new medical interventions.
Topics: Child; Critical Care; Disease Management; Humans; Vomiting
PubMed: 31540764
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.06.057 -
Histopathology Apr 2022A number of randomised controlled trials (RCT) have compared different techniques to improve lymph node yield (LNY) in colorectal cancer specimens, but data on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A number of randomised controlled trials (RCT) have compared different techniques to improve lymph node yield (LNY) in colorectal cancer specimens, but data on comparative effectiveness are sparse. Our aim was to compare the relative effectiveness and rank all available techniques. A systematic search of Embase, Cochrane, PubMed and Scopus was performed for randomised trials. Pairwise was meta-analysis performed if more than two homogeneous studies were available for each comparison. Network meta-analysis was used to rank and compare all available techniques. Fifteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Techniques that were compared included methylene blue (MB), glacial acetic acid, ethanol, distilled water and formaldehyde (GEWF), Carnoy solution (CS), patent blue (PB), formalin, fat clearing (FC) and their combinations. The overall quality of studies was found to be fair. In pairwise meta-analysis MB had a higher lymph node yield weighted mean difference (WMD) = 13.67 (4.83-22.51), P < 0.01, lower number of specimens with fewer than 12 lymph nodes log odds ratio = -1.88 (-2.8, -0.91), P < 0.01 and higher LNY in patients with prior chemoradiotherapy [WMD = 9.11 (3.15, 15.08), P = 0.02] compared to formalin. Evaluation of the network plot revealed a well-connected network. In network meta-analysis MBFC had a higher LNY with [mean difference (MD) 13 and 95% credible interval (CrI) = 2.09-23.91] compared to formalin. MBFC probability of being the best technique for LNY was 91.4%. In network meta-analysis MB did not have a statistically significant difference when compared to formalin. MBFCS seems to be the most effective technique for LNY. Further studies are required to make safe conclusions for outcomes such positive lymph nodes and upstaging.
Topics: Acetic Acid; Biopsy; Chemoradiotherapy; Chloroform; Colorectal Neoplasms; Coloring Agents; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Ethanol; Formaldehyde; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Methylene Blue; Neoplasm Staging; Network Meta-Analysis; Rosaniline Dyes
PubMed: 34792803
DOI: 10.1111/his.14600 -
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2020In the early 1990s, several studies reported the misuse of codeine and promethazine hydrochloride cough syrup. Since then, the combination of this pharmaceutical,...
In the early 1990s, several studies reported the misuse of codeine and promethazine hydrochloride cough syrup. Since then, the combination of this pharmaceutical, together with sprite or alcohol, known on the streets as "purple drank" or "lean", has become a popular drug among rap singers who promote its tranquilizing and euphoric effects through their music and videos. This review examines the "purple drank" phenomenon, taking into consideration its clinical and social implications. The study was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science as search engines, applying several inclusion and exclusion criteria and the string "Purple AND drank", resulting in 138 records. Seven papers that met our criteria were found. The risk of bias assessment, when applicable, was also considered, resulting in a low level of risk. Epidemiological data highlighted a heterogeneous diffusion of the misuse of this mixture, which is not exclusively linked to a specific type of user (African-American teenagers, athletes, and rappers), as previously reported in American newspapers and in the social media. New digital tools should be taken into consideration for further social and medical evaluations of this phenomenon.
Topics: Adolescent; Antitussive Agents; Codeine; Cough; Female; Humans; Male; Promethazine; Social Media; Young Adult
PubMed: 32748711
DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1797250 -
European Journal of Surgical Oncology :... Jan 2022Several localization techniques are in use for localization of non palpable breast cancer but data on comparative effectiveness of these techniques are sparse. Our aim... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Several localization techniques are in use for localization of non palpable breast cancer but data on comparative effectiveness of these techniques are sparse. Our aim was to provide the first comparative effectiveness data on the topic.
METHODS
PubMed, Ovid, Scopus and Cochrane library were searched for randomized controlled trials. Pairwise meta-analysis was performed when more than 2 studies reported on the same head-to-head comparison. Network meta-analysis was performed in Stata.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies with 3112 patients were identified. A star shaped network was formed for every outcome as all studies had as common comparator the wire localization technique (WGL). Ultrasound guided surgery (UGS) had decreased positive margin both in the pairwise [OR = 0.19(0.11, 0.35); P < 0.01] and network meta-analysis OR = 0.19 (0.11,0.60). There was also a statistically significant reduction in re-operation rate [OR = 0.19 (0.11, 0.36); P < 0.01] and operative time [MD = -4.24(-7.85,-0.63); P = 0.02] as compared to WGL in pairwise meta-analysis. Re-operation rate and operative time did not hold there statistical significance in network meta-analysis. On network meta-analysis UGS had a statistically significant reduction in positive margin as compared to radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) OR = 0.19 (0.11,0.6) and radioactive seed localization (RSL) OR = 0.26(0.13, 0.52). UGS had a 54.6% of being the best technique for positive margin. All techniques were equivalent for successful excision, localization complications, operative time and overall complications.
CONCLUSIONS
UGS has potential benefits in reduction of positive surgical margin, the rest of the techniques seem to have equivalent efficacy. Further randomized trials are required to verify these results.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Female; Humans; Indocyanine Green; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Margins of Excision; Mastectomy, Segmental; Methylene Blue; Network Meta-Analysis; Operative Time; Radiopharmaceuticals; Reoperation; Surgery, Computer-Assisted; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34656392
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.10.001 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Mar 2021There are investigations on multiple photosensitizers for modulation of caries-related biofilms using PDT. However, much controversy remains about recommended parameters... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There are investigations on multiple photosensitizers for modulation of caries-related biofilms using PDT. However, much controversy remains about recommended parameters mostly on the selection of an efficient photosensitizer.
OBJECTIVE
The study performed a systematic review to identify the answer to the following question: What photosensitizers present high bactericidal efficacy against cariogenic biofilms?
METHODS
Systematic review with meta-analyses were carried out for English language articles from October to December 2019 (PRISMA standards) using MEDLINE, Scopus, Biomed Central, EMBASE, LILACS, and Web of Science. Information on study design, biofilm model, photosensitizer, light source, energy delivery, the incubation time for photosensitizer, and bacterial reduction outcomes were recorded. We performed two meta-analyses to compare bacterial reduction, data was expressed by (1) base 10 Logarithm values and (2) Log reduction RESULTS: After the eligibility criteria were applied (PEDro scale), the selected studies showed that toluidine Blue Ortho (TBO) and methylene blue (MBO) (5-min incubation time and 5-min irradiation) demonstrated better bacterial reduction outcomes. For the data expressed by Log TBO, MBO, curcumin, and Photogem® presented a significant bacterial decrease in comparison to the control (p = 0.042). For the data represented by Log reduction, the bacterial reduction toward S.mutans was not significant for any photosensitizer (p = 0.679).
CONCLUSION
The lack of methodological standardization among the studies still hinders the establishment of photosensitizer and bactericidal efficiency. TBO, MBO, curcumin, and photogem generate greater PDT-based bacterial reduction on caries-related bacteria.. Further clinical studies are necessary in order to obtain conclusive results.
Topics: Biofilms; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Streptococcus mutans; Tolonium Chloride; Triazenes
PubMed: 33031937
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.102046 -
Psychological Medicine Nov 2020Comparisons of antipsychotics with placebo can be biased by unblinding due to side effects. Therefore, this meta-analysis compared the efficacy of antipsychotics for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Comparisons of antipsychotics with placebo can be biased by unblinding due to side effects. Therefore, this meta-analysis compared the efficacy of antipsychotics for acute schizophrenia in trials using barbiturates or benzodiazepines as active placebos.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in acute schizophrenia with at least 3 weeks duration and comparing any antipsychotic with barbiturates or benzodiazepines were eligible. ClinicalTrials.gov, CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, WHO-ICTRP as well as previous reviews were searched up to 9 January 2018. Two separate meta-analyses, one for barbiturates and one for benzodiazepines, were conducted using random-effects models. The primary outcome was response to treatment, and mean values of schizophrenia rating scales and dropouts were analyzed as secondary outcomes. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018086263).
RESULTS
Seven barbiturate-RCTs (number of participants n = 1736), and two benzodiazepine-RCTs (n = 76) were included in the analysis. The studies were published between 1960 and 1968 and involved mainly chronically ill patients. More patients on antipsychotics in comparison to barbiturates achieved a 'good' response (36.2% v. 16.8%; RR 2.15; 95% CI 1.36-3.41; I2 = 48.9) and 'any' response (57.4% v. 27.8%; RR 2.07; 95% CI 1.35-3.18; I2 = 68.2). In a single small trial (n = 60), there was no difference between antipsychotics and benzodiazepines on 'any' response (74.7% v. 65%; RR 1.15; 95% CI 0.82-1.62).
CONCLUSIONS
Antipsychotic drugs were more efficacious than barbiturates, based on a large sample size. Response ratios were similar to those observed in placebo-controlled trials. The results on benzodiazepines were inconclusive due to the small number of studies and participants.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Barbiturates; Benzodiazepines; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 31625485
DOI: 10.1017/S003329171900285X