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The Lancet Regional Health. Western... Jun 2023Previous systematic reviews naïvely combined biased effects of screening radiography or endoscopy observed in studies with various designs. We aimed to synthesize...
BACKGROUND
Previous systematic reviews naïvely combined biased effects of screening radiography or endoscopy observed in studies with various designs. We aimed to synthesize currently available comparative data on gastric cancer mortality in healthy, asymptomatic adults by explicitly classifying the screening effects through study designs and types of intervention effects.
METHODS
We searched multiple databases through October 31, 2022 for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Studies of any design that compared gastric cancer mortality among radiographic or endoscopic screening and no screening in a community-dwelling adult population were included. The method included a duplicate assessment of eligibility, double extraction of summary data, and validity assessment using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool. Bayesian three-level hierarchical random-effects meta-analysis synthesized data corrected for self-selection bias on the relative risk (RR) for per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-screen (ITS) effects. The study registration number at PROSPERO is CRD42021277126.
FINDINGS
We included seven studies in which a screening program was newly introduced (median attendance rate, 31%; at moderate-to-critical risk of bias), and seven cohort and eight case-control studies with ongoing screening programs (median attendance rate, 21%; all at critical risk of bias); thus, data of 1,667,117 subjects were included. For the PP effect, the average risk reduction was significant for endoscopy (RR 0.52; 95% credible interval: 0.39-0.79) but nonsignificant for radiography (0.80; 0.60-1.06). The ITS effect was not significant for both radiography (0.98; 0.86-1.09) and endoscopy (0.94; 0.71-1.28). The magnitude of the effects depended on the assumptions for the self-selection bias correction. Restricting the scope to East Asian studies only did not change the results.
INTERPRETATION
In limited-quality observational evidence from high-prevalence regions, screening reduced gastric cancer mortality; however, the effects diminished at a program level.
FUNDING
National Cancer Center Japan; and Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development.
PubMed: 37424675
DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100741 -
Tobacco Induced Diseases 2023Cigarette smoking is a well-known cancer-causing behavior and a leading cause of death from cancer. However, according to previously published research and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Cigarette smoking is a well-known cancer-causing behavior and a leading cause of death from cancer. However, according to previously published research and meta-analyses, cigarette smoking has a significant inverse association with prostate cancer incidence. Therefore, this study aims to investigate this association based on updated evidence by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A search for relevant articles was performed in PubMed and Scopus databases to obtain the pooled relative risk (RR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of prostate cancer incidence among smokers compared to non-smokers. Our search was limited to prospective cohort studies.
RESULTS
A total of 17 cohort studies were included in the systematic review. Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis and showed that cigarette smoking has an inverse association with prostate cancer incidence with a relative risk of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91). From all cohorts included in this systematic review, five studies examined the association between current smokers and the risk of death from prostate cancer. Therefore, a meta-analysis of these cohort studies was performed and showed that current smokers had a 42% higher risk of death from prostate cancer when compared to non-smokers with a relative risk of 1.42 (95% CI: 1.20-1.68).
CONCLUSIONS
Data from observational studies suggest that cigarette smoking has an inverse association with prostate cancer incidence. However, smokers have an increased risk of death from prostate cancer. Important to realize that this lower risk for smokers might be attributed to low prostate cancer screening uptake among smokers, misclassification bias, or selection bias from the included original studies. In summary, our results indicate that the incidence of prostate cancer is lower among smokers. Nevertheless, smokers who develop the disease have a significantly worse prognosis.
PubMed: 36762260
DOI: 10.18332/tid/157231 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Jul 2022To assess whether antenatal corticosteroid treatment is associated with improved neonatal outcomes in twins. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether antenatal corticosteroid treatment is associated with improved neonatal outcomes in twins.
DATA SOURCES
We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, from inception through August 12, 2021. We did not search ClinicalTrials.gov because our inclusion criteria were restricted to nonrandomized studies.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
Records (n=7,802) were screened in Rayyan by two independent reviewers. We included all nonrandomized studies that compared antenatal corticosteroid treatment with no treatment in twins. Our outcomes of interest were neonatal mortality, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia, and retinopathy of prematurity.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
We used the ROBINS-I tool (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions) to assess risk of bias. We performed random-effects meta-analyses of estimates from studies without critical risk of bias due to confounding, and reported summary adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs. Eighteen cohort studies (that reported on 33,152 neonates) met inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies restricted to preterm gestational ages, and 11 defined exposed neonates based on an optimal corticosteroid administration-to-birth interval. Limitations due to confounding and selection bias were common concerns for the risk-of-bias assessments (n=14 at critical or higher), and 11 studies did not account for clustering within twin pairs in their analyses. All included studies had at least moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed that antenatal corticosteroid administration was associated with lower odds of neonatal mortality (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43-0.80, I2 69%, five studies, 20,312 neonates) and RDS (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57-0.86, I2 67%, seven studies, 20,628 neonates) in twins. Results were inconclusive for the other outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Evidence from nonrandomized studies suggests antenatal corticosteroids are associated with lower incidence of neonatal mortality and RDS in twins.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, CRD42020205302.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Child; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; Twins
PubMed: 35849452
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004835 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2017Individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise capacity and quality of life. Despite initial concerns that exercise training may worsen symptoms in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise capacity and quality of life. Despite initial concerns that exercise training may worsen symptoms in this group, several studies have reported improvements in functional capacity and well-being following exercise-based rehabilitation in PH.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of exercise-based rehabilitation for people with PH. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity, adverse events during the intervention period and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary outcomes included cardiopulmonary haemodynamics, functional class, clinical worsening during follow-up, mortality and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Airways Specialised Register of Trials up to August 2016, which is based on regular searches of CINAHL, AMED, Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and registries of clinical trials. In addition we searched CENTRAL and the PEDro database up to August 2016 and handsearched relevant journals.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on exercise-based rehabilitation programmes for PH.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers extracted data independently. For binary outcomes, we calculated odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval (CI), on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous data, we estimated the mean difference (MD) between groups and its 95% CI. We employed a random-effects model for analyses. We assessed risk of bias for included studies and created 'Summary of findings' tables using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six RCTs and were able to extract data from five studies. The majority of participants were Group I pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Study duration ranged from three to 15 weeks. Exercise programmes included both inpatient- and outpatient-based rehabilitation that incorporated both upper and lower limb exercise. The mean six-minute walk distance following exercise training was 60.12 metres higher than control (30.17 to 90.07 metres, n = 165, 5 RCTs, low-quality evidence; minimal important difference was 30 metres), the mean peak oxygen uptake was 2.4 ml/kg/minute higher (1.4 to 3.4 ml/kg/min, n = 145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence) and the mean peak power in the intervention groups was 16.4 W higher (10.9 to 22.0 higher, n = 145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence). The mean change in HRQoL for the SF-36 physical component score was 4.63 points higher (0.80 to 8.47 points, n = 33, 2 RCTs, low-quality evidence) and for the SF-36 mental component score was 4.17 points higher (0.01 to 8.34 points; n = 33; 2 RCTs, low-quality evidence). One study reported a single adverse event, where a participant stopped exercise training due to lightheadedness.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In people with PH, exercise-based rehabilitation results in clinically relevant improvements in exercise capacity. Exercise training was not associated with any serious adverse events. Whilst most studies reported improvements in HRQoL, these may not be clinically important. Overall, we assessed the quality of the evidence to be low. The small number of studies and lack of information on participant selection makes it difficult to generalise these results across the spectrum of people with PH.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Hemodynamics; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Middle Aged; Oxygen Consumption; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selection Bias; Walk Test
PubMed: 28099988
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011285.pub2 -
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral... Jan 2017Deformational plagiocephaly (includes plagiocephaly and brachycephaly) is a common pediatric condition. Infants who present with altered head shape often experience... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Deformational plagiocephaly (includes plagiocephaly and brachycephaly) is a common pediatric condition. Infants who present with altered head shape often experience developmental delay. It is uncertain how common developmental delay is in infants with plagiocephaly and how sustained this is, when present. This review explores the association between plagiocephaly and developmental delay to guide clinical practice.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic review was conducted. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro databases were searched. Data from relevant studies were extracted regarding study: sample, follow-up, design, and findings. Methodological quality of each study was rated using a critical appraisal tool.
RESULTS
The search recovered 1315 articles of which 19 met the inclusion criteria. In the included studies, the children's ages ranged from 3 months to 10 years. Study limitations included selection bias, nonblinding of assessors, and reuse of the same study population for multiple papers. Most papers (11/19) rated "moderate" on methodological quality. A positive association between plagiocephaly and developmental delay was reported in 13 of 19 studies, including 4 of 5 studies with "strong" methodological quality. Delay was more frequently in studies with children ≤24 months of age (9/12 studies) compared with >24 months of age (3/7 studies). Motor delay was the most commonly affected domain reported in high-quality papers (5/5 studies).
CONCLUSION
This review suggests plagiocephaly is a marker of elevated risk of developmental delays. Clinicians should closely monitor infants with plagiocephaly for this. Prompt referral to early intervention services such as physiotherapy may ameliorate motor delays and identify infants with longer term developmental needs.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Developmental Disabilities; Humans; Infant; Plagiocephaly
PubMed: 28009719
DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000376 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2021Evidence indicates that reducing dietary salt may reduce the incidence of heart disease and delay decline in kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Evidence indicates that reducing dietary salt may reduce the incidence of heart disease and delay decline in kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is an update of a review first published in 2015.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of altering dietary salt for adults with CKD.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 6 October 2020 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing two or more levels of salt intake in adults with any stage of CKD.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed studies for eligibility, conducted risk of bias evaluation and evaluated confidence in the evidence using GRADE. Results were summarised using random effects models as risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes or mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
We included 21 studies (1197 randomised participants), 12 in the earlier stages of CKD (779 randomised participants), seven in dialysis (363 randomised participants) and two in post-transplant (55 randomised participants). Selection bias was low in seven studies, high in one and unclear in 13. Performance and detection biases were low in four studies, high in two, and unclear in 15. Attrition and reporting biases were low in 10 studies, high in three and unclear in eight. Because duration of the included studies was too short (1 to 36 weeks) to test the effect of salt restriction on endpoints such as death, cardiovascular events or CKD progression, changes in salt intake on blood pressure and other secondary risk factors were examined. Reducing salt by mean -73.51 mmol/day (95% CI -92.76 to -54.27), equivalent to 4.2 g or 1690 mg sodium/day, reduced systolic/diastolic blood pressure by -6.91/-3.91 mm Hg (95% CI -8.82 to -4.99/-4.80 to -3.02; 19 studies, 1405 participants; high certainty evidence). Albuminuria was reduced by 36% (95% CI 26 to 44) in six studies, five of which were carried out in people in the earlier stages of CKD (MD -0.44, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.30; 501 participants; high certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of lower salt intake on weight, as the weight change observed (-1.32 kg, 95% CI -1.94 to -0.70; 12 studies, 759 participants) may have been due to fluid volume, lean tissue, or body fat. Lower salt intake may reduce extracellular fluid volume in the earlier stages of CKD (-0.87 L, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.58; 3 studies; 187 participants; low certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of lower salt intake on reduction in antihypertensive dose (RR 2.45, 95% CI 0.98 to 6.08; 8 studies; 754 participants). Lower salt intake may lead to symptomatic hypotension (RR 6.70, 95% CI 2.40 to 18.69; 6 studies; 678 participants; moderate certainty evidence). Data were sparse for other types of adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found high certainty evidence that salt reduction reduced blood pressure in people with CKD, and albuminuria in people with earlier stage CKD in the short-term. If such reductions could be maintained long-term, this effect may translate to clinically significant reductions in CKD progression and cardiovascular events. Research into the long-term effects of sodium-restricted diet for people with CKD is warranted.
Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Bias; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Edema; Humans; Hypertension; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Selection Bias; Sodium Chloride, Dietary
PubMed: 34164803
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010070.pub3 -
Pediatric Research Nov 2021Two meta-analyses concluded that jaundice was associated with an increased risk of autism. We hypothesize that these findings were due to methodological limitations of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Two meta-analyses concluded that jaundice was associated with an increased risk of autism. We hypothesize that these findings were due to methodological limitations of the studies included. Neonatal jaundice affects many infants and risks of later morbidity may prompt physicians towards more aggressive treatment.
METHODS
To conduct a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis of the association between neonatal jaundice and autism with particular attention given to low risk of bias studies. Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched for publications until February 2019. Data was extracted by use of pre-piloted structured sheets. Low risk of bias studies were identified through predefined criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis of six low risk of bias studies showed no association between neonatal jaundice and autism; cohort studies risk ratio 1.09, 95% CI, 0.99-1.20, case-control studies odds ratio 1.29 95% CI 0.95, 1.76. Funnel plot of all studies suggested a high risk of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
We found a high risk of publication bias, selection bias, and potential confounding in all studies. Based on the low risk of bias studies there was no convincing evidence to support an association between neonatal jaundice and autism.
IMPACT
Meta-analysis of data from six low risk of bias studies indicated no association between neonatal jaundice and autism spectrum disorder. Previous studies show inconsistent results, which may be explained by unadjusted confounding and selection bias. Funnel plot suggested high risk of publication bias when including all studies. There is no evidence to suggest jaundice should be treated more aggressively to prevent autism.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Jaundice, Neonatal; Risk Factors
PubMed: 33526883
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01272-x -
Preventive Medicine Jun 2016Overweight and obesity are among the most important modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases and premature death. The aim of this review was to systematically assess... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Overweight and obesity are among the most important modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases and premature death. The aim of this review was to systematically assess and analyze the effects of yoga on weight-related outcomes.
METHODS
Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were screened through March 2015 for randomized controlled trials on yoga for weight-related outcomes in the general population or overweight/obese individuals. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool on the following domains: selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias, and other bias.
RESULTS
Out of 445 records identified during literature search, 30 trials with a total of 2173 participants were included. No effects on weight, body mass index, body fat percentage or waist circumference were found. In studies with healthy adult participants an effect of yoga compared to usual care was found regarding waist/hip ratio (SMD=--1.00; 95% CI=--1.44, -0.55; p<0.001). In studies with overweight/obese participants only, effects relative to usual care were found for body mass index (SMD=-0.99; 95% CI=-1.67, -0.31; p=0.004). Effects however were not robust against selection bias; and publication bias could not be ruled out. No intervention-related adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite methodological drawbacks, yoga can be preliminarily considered a safe and effective intervention to reduce body mass index in overweight or obese individuals.
Topics: Body Weight; Health Status; Humans; Obesity; Recreation; Risk Factors; Weight Loss; Yoga
PubMed: 27058944
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.03.013 -
Pediatrics Oct 2021Daily outdoor play is encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Existing evidence is unclear on the independent effect of nature exposures on child health.
CONTEXT
Daily outdoor play is encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Existing evidence is unclear on the independent effect of nature exposures on child health.
OBJECTIVE
We systematically evaluated evidence regarding the relationship between nature contact and children's health.
DATA SOURCES
The database search was conducted by using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychInfo, ERIC, Scopus, and Web of Science in February 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. In all searches, the first element included nature terms; the second included child health outcome terms.
DATA EXTRACTION
Of the 10 940 studies identified, 296 were included. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed.
RESULTS
The strongest evidence for type of nature exposure was residential green space studies ( = 147, 50%). The strongest evidence for the beneficial health effects of nature was for physical activity ( = 108, 32%) and cognitive, behavioral, or mental health ( = 85, 25%). Physical activity was objectively measured in 55% of studies, and 41% of the cognitive, behavioral, or mental health studies were experimental in design.
LIMITATIONS
Types of nature exposures and health outcomes and behaviors were heterogenous. Risk of selection bias was moderate to high for all studies. Most studies were cross-sectional ( = 204, 69%), limiting our ability to assess causality.
CONCLUSIONS
Current literature supports a positive relationship between nature contact and children's health, especially for physical activity and mental health, both public health priorities. The evidence supports pediatricians in advocating for equitable nature contact for children in places where they live, play, and learn.
Topics: Child; Child Behavior; Child Development; Child Health; Environment; Exercise; Humans; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Play and Playthings
PubMed: 34588297
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-049155 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Feb 2017Same-day discharge has been suggested to safe and acceptable following minimally invasive hysterectomy. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Same-day discharge has been suggested to safe and acceptable following minimally invasive hysterectomy.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the feasibility of same-day discharge following minimally invasive hysterectomy and to identify associated factors.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched using the terms "same day discharge", "minimally invasive surgery", and "hysterectomy" between October 1 and October 31, 2015. No language or publication date restrictions were included.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating same-day discharge before midnight on the day of minimally invasive hysterectomy were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Study characteristics, pre-operative selection criteria, and predictive factors for same-day discharge were analyzed.
MAIN RESULTS
There were 15 observational studies with 11 992 patients included. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the studies, and publication and selection bias could have potentially affected the results. All the studies concluded that same-day discharge was feasible. However, some factors were associated with a decreased possibility of same-day discharge; these were older age, beginning surgery later than 1:00 pm and completing surgery later than 6:00 pm, longer duration of operation, and high estimated blood loss.
CONCLUSIONS
Same-day discharge appears feasible for a majority of patients who undergo minimally invasive hysterectomies if adequate emphasis is placed on pre-surgical planning and careful patient selection.
Topics: Age Factors; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Operative Time; Patient Discharge; Patient Readmission; Postoperative Complications; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 28099736
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12023