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Archives of Dermatological Research Dec 2023Androgenetic alopecia is a widespread condition that is the most common type of hair loss affecting approximately 58% and 40% of men and women by the age of 50,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Androgenetic alopecia is a widespread condition that is the most common type of hair loss affecting approximately 58% and 40% of men and women by the age of 50, respectively. Patients have been known to experience severe distress due to androgenetic alopecia, including anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of combination therapy using topical minoxidil and microneedling compared to topical minoxidil alone. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The literature search was performed using Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, and the National Institutes of Health's United States National Library of Medicine from inception through January 20, 2023. Randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of combinational therapy and monotherapy using microneedling and minoxidil on patients with clinically diagnosed androgenetic alopecia were included after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Ten randomized controlled trials, including 466 patients, were selected for this review and eight studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. All eight studies displayed a statistically significant increase in total hair count [standard mean difference (SMD) 1.76; 95% CI 1.26-2.26; P < 0.00001]; however, the evidence did not support a statistically significant increase in hair diameter (SMD 0.82; 95% CI - 0.01 to 1.65; P = 0.05). No scarring nor serious adverse events were reported in any of the studies. The findings of this meta-analysis strongly support the utilization of a multimodal therapeutic approach of minoxidil and microneedling for hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. However, variations in factors such as rating scale measurements, microneedling methods, and areas of treatment may have resulted in confounding. Further randomized controlled, large-sample trials employing rigorous methodologies are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding regarding treatment efficacy, namely the impact of combinational therapy on hair diameter.Clinical trial registrations This study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42023391164) and the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) database (INPLASY202310031).
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Alopecia; Hair; Minoxidil; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37665358
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02688-1 -
Annals of Clinical Psychiatry :... Nov 2016Nonadherence to medication is a major problem for patients with schizophrenia. To counter this problem, pharmaceutical companies began developing depot antipsychotics.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nonadherence to medication is a major problem for patients with schizophrenia. To counter this problem, pharmaceutical companies began developing depot antipsychotics. Although there are currently 5 first-generation and 6 second-generation depot antipsychotics available worldwide, many physicians are still reluctant to use this category of drug initially. This review provides the latest information about the use of depot antipsychotics in schizophrenia treatment as well as several studies in support of depot antipsychotic use as first-line treatment for patients with schizophrenia.
METHODS
A systematic review of 4 milestone schizophrenia studies was performed to provide an aggregate analysis of the history and use of depot antipsychotics. Results and findings from several clinical trials--the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE), European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial (EUFEST), A Comparison of Long-Acting Injectable Medications for Schizophrenia (ACLAIMS), and Paliperidone Palmitate Research in Demonstrating Effectiveness (PRIDE)--were summarized to provide more information on the development and evolution of depot antipsychotics, common factors that contribute to nonadherence, and guidelines for each long-acting injectable currently available.
RESULTS
The CATIE schizophrenia study revealed a 74% rate of discontinuation of oral antipsychotics within 6 months of use. Similar findings from the EUFEST study indicated that 42% of participants discontinued oral medications after 12 months of use. The ACLAIMS study reported no statistically significant difference in efficacy failure rate between haloperidol decanoate and paliperidone palmitate. The PRIDE study found that first hospitalization or arrest was 43% higher among patients in the oral antipsychotic group vs the depot group during the study.
CONCLUSIONS
This review provides clinical evidence to support the use of depot formulations as first-line treatment for patients with schizophrenia, which may improve adherence and thereby lower risk of relapse, suicide, rehospitalization, and incarceration.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Haloperidol; Hospitalization; Humans; Medication Adherence; Paliperidone Palmitate; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 27901520
DOI: No ID Found -
Heart Failure Reviews Mar 2024Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heritable myocardial disorder worldwide. Current pharmacological treatment options are limited. Mavacamten, a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heritable myocardial disorder worldwide. Current pharmacological treatment options are limited. Mavacamten, a first-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, targets the main underlying pathology of HCM. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mavacamten in patients with HCM. PRISMA flow chart was utilized using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases for all up-to-date studies using pre-defined keywords. Pre-specified efficacy outcomes comprised several parameters, including an improvement in peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) and ≥ 1 NYHA class, the need for septal reduction therapy (SRT), change from baseline in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), changes in biochemical markers and LVEF, along with peak left ventricular outflow tract gradient at rest and after Valsalva maneuver. Safety outcomes included morbidity and serious adverse events. This systematic review included five studies, four RCTs and one non-randomized control trial comprised a total of 524 (Mavacamten [273, 54.3%] vs placebo [230, 45.7%] adult (≥ 18 years) patients with a mean age of 56 years. The study. comprised patients with Caucasian and Chinese ethnicity and patients with obstructive (oHCM) and non-obstructive (nHCM) HCM. Most baseline characteristics were similar between the treatment and placebo groups. Mavacamten showed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of the primary composite endpoint (RR = 1.92, 95% CI [1.28, 2.88]), ≥ 1 NYHA class improvement (RR = 2.10, 95% CI [1.66, 2.67]), a significant decrease in LVEF, peak left ventricular outflow tract gradient at rest and after Valsalva maneuver. Mavacamten also showed a significant reduction in SRT rates (RR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.21, 0.40], p < 0.00001), KCCQ clinical summary scores (MD = 8.08, 95% CI [4.80, 11.37], P < 0.00001) troponin levels and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels. However, there was no statistically significant difference between Mavacamten and placebo regarding the change from baseline peak oxygen consumption. Mavacamten use resulted in a small increase in adverse events but no statistically significant increment in serious adverse events. Our study showed that Mavacamten is a safe and effective treatment option for Caucasian and Chinese patients with HCM on the short-term. Further research is needed to explore the long-term safety and efficacy of Mavacamten with HCM. In addition, adequately powered studies including patients with nHCM is needed to ascertain befits of Mavacamten in those patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Heart; Benzylamines; Myocardium; Uracil
PubMed: 38112937
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-023-10375-6 -
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology &... Mar 2015Photoaging is frequently encountered in a dermatologic practice. This systematic literature review aims to explore the etiology of photoaging and address the evidence... (Review)
Review
Photoaging is frequently encountered in a dermatologic practice. This systematic literature review aims to explore the etiology of photoaging and address the evidence behind its current management. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, UpToDate, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Articles were limited to those relating to photoaging. There are two major approaches in the current management of photoaging. This includes strategies to prevent against ultraviolet damage (e.g. sunscreen) and medications that attempt to reverse existing skin damage (topical retinoids and 5-fluorouracil). There has been a large growth in the variety of treatment options in recent years. While it is important for such growth to continue, prevention via sensible photoprotection methods still remains the best current management option.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Fluorouracil; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Retinoids; Skin Aging; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 25351668
DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12145 -
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2021Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widely acquired, relapsing inflammatory skin disease. Biologics are now widely used in patients with moderate-to-severe AD.
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widely acquired, relapsing inflammatory skin disease. Biologics are now widely used in patients with moderate-to-severe AD.
OBJECTIVE
This work aims to summarize both label and off-label biologics on AD treatment in phase II and phase III stages, and compile evidence on the efficacy of the most-studied biologics.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive literature search through PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify all documented biological therapies for AD. The criteria were further refined to focus on those treatments with the highest evidence level for AD with at least one randomized clinical trial supporting their use. Only studies or articles published in English were enrolled in this study.
FINDINGS
Primary searches identified 525 relevant articles and 27 trials. Duplicated articles and papers without a full text were excluded. Only completed trials were enrolled. We included 28 randomized controlled trials, 4 unpublished trials, 2 observational studies, and 1 meta-analysis. Eight kinds of biologics, including IL-4/IL-13 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, anti-IL-13 antibodies, anti-IL-22 antibodies, anti-IL-33 antibodies, thymic stromal lymphopoietin inhibitor (TSLP), OX40 antibodies, and H4R-antagonists were included in this work. Dupliumab, as the most widely used and investigated biologic, was reported in 1 meta-analysis and 4 trials exploring its long-term use and application in both adults and pediatric patients. Besides dupilumab, four other IL-4/IL-13 inhibitors recruited were all randomized, clinical trials at phase 2-3 stage. Six different kinds of JAK inhibitors were summarized with strong evidence revealing their significant therapeutic effects on AD. There were 3 trials for nemolizumab, an anti-IL-13 antibody, all of which were in the phase 2 clinical trial stage. Results showed nemolizumab could be another alternative therapy for moderate-to-severe AD with long-term efficiency and safety.
CONCLUSION
The biological therapies with the most robust evidence on efficacy and long-term safety for AD treatment include dupilumab, barcitinib, abrocitinib, and delgocitinib. Most of the biologics mentioned in this review were still at the exploratory stage. This review will help practitioners advise patients seeking suitable biological therapies and offer experimental study directions for treatment.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Azetidines; Biological Products; Carbamates; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatologic Agents; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; Humans; Nitriles; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Purines; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Sulfonamides
PubMed: 33735876
DOI: 10.1159/000514535 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... Dec 2021To review the evidence concerning treatment-related gynecomastia in patients taking spironolactone, antiandrogens, 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, lipid-lowering and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence concerning treatment-related gynecomastia in patients taking spironolactone, antiandrogens, 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, lipid-lowering and psychotropic drugs.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A search of Medline and EMBASE was performed up to 30 June 2021. We included randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of a drug belonging to these classes versus placebo or versus a drug of the same class.
RESULTS
A total of 32 randomized controlled trials were included in the final review. There was an increased odds of gynecomastia in men receiving antiandrogens (OR = 17.38, 95% CI: 11.26 to 26.82; 6 trials, 9599 participants) and 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors compared to controls (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.53 to 2.06; 7 series out of 6 trials, 34860 participants). The use of spironolactone in mixed gender populations was characterized by significantly higher odds of having gynecomastia compared to controls (OR = 8.39, 95% CI: 5.03 to 13.99; 14 trials, 3745 participants). No placebo-controlled trials focusing on the risk of gynecomastia in patients taking antipsychotic drugs was available, although there was a significant difference in the odds of having gynecomastia in a comparison between risperidone and quetiapine (OR = 4.32, 95% CI: 1.31 to 14.27; 3 trials, 343 participants). Limited evidence about the effects of statins on mammary glands was found.
CONCLUSIONS
Antiandrogens and to a lesser extent 5 alphareductase inhibitors and spironolactone are associated with an increased risk of developing gynecomastia. Such effect can be explained by a modification of the testosterone to estradiol ratio. Gynecomastia (and galactorrhea) associated to the use of conventional and certain atypical antipsychotics can be related to high prolactin levels.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Gynecomastia; Humans; Male; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risperidone
PubMed: 34933535
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2021.4.489 -
Drug Safety Jan 2018Sofosbuvir is a new direct-acting pyrimidine nucleotide analogue antiviral drug that has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of hepatitis C in clinical trials.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Sofosbuvir is a new direct-acting pyrimidine nucleotide analogue antiviral drug that has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of hepatitis C in clinical trials. However, observational anecdotal data have recently suggested an increased risk of serious bradycardia among patients treated with sofosbuvir and amiodarone.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to estimate and characterize the cardiac safety of sofosbuvir by performing a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of RCTs (PROSPERO 2016: CRD42016033109) comparing sofosbuvir and non-sofosbuvir regimens in patients with chronic hepatitis C by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to January 2017. Non-published data were obtained from the sofosbuvir marketing authorization holder. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to derive pooled estimates of relative risks (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Six trials, enrolling 2346 patients (1625 treated with sofosbuvir), were included. The overall risk of bias across studies was moderate. The risk of reported cardiac events (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.41-1.85), arrhythmias (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.34-2.51), bradycardia (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.04-5.20), and tachycardia (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.20-4.20) were not significantly different between sofosbuvir and non-sofosbuvir regimens. The risks of reported syncope, presyncope, loss of consciousness, or palpitations were similar among those receiving sofosbuvir regimens and controls.
CONCLUSIONS
The pooled data from RCTs did not show an increased risk of cardiac outcomes, including arrhythmias (and bradycardia), among sofosbuvir-treated patients, although the overall quality of the evidence supporting this conclusion was very low. Registration: PROSPERO 2016:CRD42016033109 at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ .
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Hepatitis C; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sofosbuvir
PubMed: 28786035
DOI: 10.1007/s40264-017-0586-2 -
Journal of the American Pharmacists... 2023The 2011 Infectious Diseases Society of America and European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guidelines recommend ciprofloxacin or... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The 2011 Infectious Diseases Society of America and European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guidelines recommend ciprofloxacin or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX-TMP) as first-line agents to treat uncomplicated acute pyelonephritis (APN).
OBJECTIVE
With increasing antimicrobial resistance rates and recent changes in practice patterns, the objective of this systematic review was to describe the effectiveness of cephalosporins for uncomplicated APN in more recently published literature.
METHODS
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for reporting. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for publications between January 2010 and September 2022. Eligible articles detailed patients with uncomplicated APN, treated with first- to fourth-generation cephalosporins, and identified a clinical, microbiological, or health care utilization outcome. Studies with more than 30% of complicated APN patients, non-English-language studies, case reports, case series, pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic studies, and in vitro laboratory or animal studies were excluded. Screening, review, and extraction were performed independently by 2 researchers, plus a third for conflict resolution. Critical appraisal of studies was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists.
RESULTS
Eight studies met inclusion, including 5 cohort studies (62.5%), 2 randomized controlled trials (25%), and 1 nonrandomized experimental study (12.5%). Cephalosporins most used across the studies included cefazolin, cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, cefdinir, cefditoren, and ceftriaxone. Outcomes assessed were diverse, including clinical or microbiological success and time to defervescence or symptom resolution. Cephalosporins displayed effectiveness for the treatment of acute uncomplicated APN regardless of study design or the presence of a comparison group. No trials reported inferiority of clinical treatment outcomes compared with a fluoroquinolone or SMX-TMP.
CONCLUSION
Cephalosporins may be viable treatment options for the management of uncomplicated APN.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cephalosporins; Communicable Diseases; Pyelonephritis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
PubMed: 37414282
DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.06.028 -
Journal of Child and Adolescent... Feb 2021To systematically review the impact of genetic variation on antipsychotic pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and adverse drug reactions among children and youth. The...
To systematically review the impact of genetic variation on antipsychotic pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and adverse drug reactions among children and youth. The published literature was systematically searched in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations and critically evaluated using standardized tools and consensus criteria. A total of 20 eligible studies comprising 1078 children and youth were evaluated. The included studies were of fair to moderate quality and included mostly males, individuals of European ancestry, and those treated with risperidone. CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (PMs) were consistently shown to have increased concentrations of risperidone relative to normal metabolizers (NMs). PMs were also consistently shown to have a greater propensity to experience antipsychotic (primarily risperidone) associated adverse drug reactions relative to NMs. However, robust evidence for an association between and efficacy was less apparent. The current knowledge base suggests that genetic variation has an appreciable impact on antipsychotic pharmacokinetics and the propensity for adverse drug reactions, particularly among children receiving risperidone treatment. However, several limitations with the current literature (e.g., sample sizes, study design, sample heterogeneity) should be addressed in future studies. Assuming that future studies support the link between genetic variation and antipsychotic outcomes, we would anticipate an increase in the implementation of -guided antipsychotic drug selection and dose optimization in child and adolescent psychiatric services.
Topics: Adolescent; Antipsychotic Agents; Child; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Humans; Pharmacogenetics; Risperidone; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33074724
DOI: 10.1089/cap.2020.0093 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jun 2024The expanding options in advanced therapies for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) present challenges in treatment selection. Persistence analysis assesses... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The expanding options in advanced therapies for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) present challenges in treatment selection. Persistence analysis assesses drug durability in real-world settings, acting as a surrogate marker for medication efficacy and tolerance. Unlike traditional comparative studies, persistence analysis provides insights extending beyond the initial year of treatment.
AIM
To provide real-world evidence on treatment effectiveness, tolerability and preferences of physicians and patients regarding various advanced therapies for IBD.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of observational studies up to March 2023 assessing advanced therapies' persistence in UC and CD. Advanced therapies under examination included infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, golimumab, certolizumab and tofacitinib. We pooled the persistence of each agent and conducted a meta-analysis to compare the persistence of newer agents with traditional TNF inhibitors (TNFi)-specifically infliximab and adalimumab.
RESULTS
Among 63 observational studies, vedolizumab had the highest 1-year persistence in UC (73.8%, 95% CI: 70.0%-77.6%) and ustekinumab in CD (77.5%, 95% CI: 72.9%-82.1%). Compared to TNFi, vedolizumab demonstrated increased persistence with a relative risk (RR) of 1.30 (95% CI: 1.19-1.41) for UC and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.09-1.20) for CD at 1 year, while ustekinumab demonstrated a RR of 1.15 (95% CI: 1.07-1.23) for CD at 1 year. Vedolizumab exhibited sustained increased persistence in UC over 2 years compared to TNFi (RR: 1.33, 95% CI 1.14-1.54).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis highlights the superior persistence of ustekinumab and vedolizumab over TNFi, and offers valuable insights for clinicians navigating the challenging landscape of UC and CD therapeutic choices.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Agents; Ustekinumab; Crohn Disease; Colitis, Ulcerative; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Treatment Outcome; Observational Studies as Topic; Infliximab; Piperidines; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Pyrimidines
PubMed: 38651771
DOI: 10.1111/apt.18006