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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2016Any type of seizure can be observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Antiepileptic drugs seem to prevent the recurrence of epileptic seizures in most people with AD. There... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Any type of seizure can be observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Antiepileptic drugs seem to prevent the recurrence of epileptic seizures in most people with AD. There are pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for epilepsy in people with AD. There are no current systematic reviews to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the treatment. This review aims to review those different modalities.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and tolerability of the treatment of epilepsy for people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) (including sporadic AD and dominantly inherited AD).
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register (1 February 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1 February 2016), MEDLINE (Ovid, 1 February 2016) and ClinicalTrials.gov (1 February 2016). In an effort to identify further published, unpublished and ongoing trials, we searched ongoing trials' registers, reference lists and relevant conference proceedings, and contacted authors and pharmaceutical companies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials investigating treatment for epilepsy in people with AD, with the outcomes of proportion of seizure freedom or experiencing adverse events.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of identified records, selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, cross-checked the data for accuracy and assessed the methodological quality. We performed no meta-analyses due to the limited available data.
MAIN RESULTS
We included one randomised controlled trial with 95 participants. Concerning the proportion of participants with seizure freedom, no significant differences were found in levetiracetam (LEV) versus lamotrigine (LTG) (risk ratio (RR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 2.71), in levetiracetam versus phenobarbital (PB) (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.19), or in LTG versus PB (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.02). It seemed that LEV could improve cognition and LTG could relieve depression; while PB and LTG could worsen cognition, and LEV and PB could worsen mood. We judged the quality of the evidence to be very low.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review does not provide sufficient evidence to support LEV, PB and LTG for the treatment of epilepsy in people with AD. Regarding the efficacy and tolerability, no significant differences were found between LEV, PB and LTG. In the future, large randomised, double-blind, controlled, parallel-group clinical trials are required to determine the efficacy and tolerability of treatment for epilepsy in people with AD.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alzheimer Disease; Anticonvulsants; Cognition; Depression; Epilepsy; Female; Humans; Lamotrigine; Levetiracetam; Male; Phenobarbital; Piracetam; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triazines
PubMed: 27805721
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011922.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2021Tophi develop in untreated or uncontrolled gout. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2014. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Tophi develop in untreated or uncontrolled gout. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2014. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of non-surgical and surgical treatments for the management of tophi in gout.
SEARCH METHODS
We updated the search of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and Embase databases to 28 August 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials examining interventions for tophi in gout in adults.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
We included one trial in our original review. We added four more trials (1796 participants) in this update. One had three arms; pegloticase infusion every two weeks (biweekly), monthly pegloticase infusion (pegloticase infusion alternating with placebo infusion every two weeks) and placebo. Two studies looked at lesinurad 200 mg or 400 mg in combination with allopurinol. One trial studied lesinurad 200 mg or 400 mg in combination with febuxostat. One trial compared febuxostat 80 mg and 120 mg to allopurinol. Two trials were at unclear risk of performance and detection bias due to lack of information on blinding of participants and personnel. All other trials were at low risk of bias. Moderate-certainty evidence (downgraded for imprecision; one study; 79 participants) showed that biweekly pegloticase resolved tophi in 21/52 participants compared with 2/27 on placebo (risk ratio (RR) 5.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38 to 21.54; number needed to treat for a benefit (NNTB) 3, 95% CI 2 to 6). Similar proportions of participants receiving biweekly pegloticase (80/85) had an adverse event compared to placebo (41/43) (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.07). However, more participants on biweekly pegloticase (15/85) withdrew due to an adverse event compared to placebo (1/43) (RR 7.59, 95% CI 1.04 to 55.55; number needed to treat for a harm (NNTH) 7, 95% CI 4 to 16). More participants on monthly pegloticase (11/52) showed complete resolution of tophi compared with placebo (2/27) (RR 2.86, 95% CI 0.68 to 11.97; NNTB 8, 95% CI 4 to 91). Similar numbers of participants on monthly pegloticase (84/84) had an adverse event compared to placebo (41/43) (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.14). More participants on monthly pegloticase (16/84) withdrew due to adverse events compared to placebo (1/43) (RR 8.19, 95% CI 1.12 to 59.71; NNTH 6, 95% CI 4 to 14). Infusion reaction was the most common reason for withdrawal. Moderate-certainty evidence (2 studies; 103 participants; downgraded for imprecision) showed no clinically significant difference for complete resolution of target tophus in the lesinurad 200 mg plus allopurinol arm (11/53) compared to the placebo plus allopurinol arm (16/50) (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.04 to 4.57), or in the lesinurad 400 mg plus allopurinol arm (12/48) compared to the placebo plus allopurinol arm (16/50) (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.49). An extension study examined lesinurad 200 mg or 400 mg in combination with febuxostat, or placebo (low-certainty evidence, downgraded for indirectness and imprecision). Participants on lesinurad in the original study continued (CONT) on the same dose. Lesinurad 400 mg plus febuxostat may be beneficial for tophi resolution; 43/65 in the lesinurad 400 mg CONT arm compared to 38/64 in the lesinurad 200 mg CONT arm had tophi resolution (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.46). Lesinurad 400 mg plus febuxostat may result in no difference in adverse events; 57/65 in the lesinurad 400 mg CONT arm had an adverse event compared to 50/64 in lesinurad 200 mg CONT arm (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.32). Lesinurad 400 mg plus febuxostat may result in no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events; 10/65 participants in the lesinurad 400 mg CONT arm withdrew due to an adverse event compared to 10/64 participants in the lesinurad 200 mg CONT arm (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.20). Lesinurad 400 mg plus febuxostat may result in no difference in mean serum uric acid (sUA), which was 3 mg/dl in the lesinurad 400 mg CONT group compared to 3.9 mg/dl in the lesinurad 200 mg CONT group (mean difference -0.90, 95% CI -1.51 to -0.29). Participants who were not on lesinurad in the original study were randomised (CROSS) to lesinurad 200 mg or 400 mg, both in combination with febuxostat. Low-certainty evidence downgraded for indirectness and imprecision showed that lesinurad 400 mg (CROSS) may result in tophi resolution (17/34) compared to lesinurad 200 mg (CROSS) (14/33) (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.98). Lesinurad 400 mg in combination with febuxostat may result in no difference in adverse events (33/34 in the lesinurad 400 mg CROSS arm compared to 27/33 in the lesinurad 200 mg (CROSS); RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.41). Lesinurad 400 mg plus febuxostat may result in no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events, 5/34 in the lesinurad 400 mg CROSS arm withdrew compared to 2/33 in the lesinurad 200 mg CROSS arm (RR 2.43, 95% CI 0.51 to 11.64). Lesinurad 400 mg plus febuxostat results in no difference in sUA (4.2 mg/dl in lesinurad 400 mg CROSS) compared to lesinurad 200 mg (3.8 mg/dl in lesinurad 200 mg CROSS), mean difference 0.40 mg/dl, 95% CI -0.75 to 1.55.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Moderate-certainty evidence showed that pegloticase is probably beneficial for resolution of tophi in gout. Although there was little difference in adverse events when compared to placebo, participants on pegloticase had more withdrawals due to adverse events. Lesinurad 400 mg plus febuxostat may be beneficial for tophi resolution compared with lesinurad 200 mg plus febuxostat; there was no difference in adverse events between these groups. We were unable to determine whether lesinurad plus febuxostat is more effective than placebo. Lesinurad (400 mg or 200 mg) plus allopurinol is probably not beneficial for tophi resolution, and there was no difference in adverse events between these groups. RCTs on interventions for managing tophi in gout are needed, and the lack of trial data is surprising given that allopurinol is a well-established treatment for gout.
Topics: Allopurinol; Febuxostat; Gout; Gout Suppressants; Humans; Polyethylene Glycols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thioglycolates; Triazoles; Urate Oxidase
PubMed: 34379791
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010069.pub3 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Mar 2016Cervical cancer screening is offered to women to identify and treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cervical cancer screening is offered to women to identify and treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
OBJECTIVES
To support WHO guidelines, a systematic review was performed to compare test accuracy of the HPV test, cytology (cervical smear), and unaided visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA); and to determine test accuracy of HPV and colposcopy impression.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Medline and Embase were searched up to September 2012, and experts were contacted for references.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Studies of at least 100 nonpregnant women (aged ≥18years) not previously diagnosed with CIN were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two investigators independently screened and collected data. Pooled sensitivity and specificity, and absolute differences were calculated, and the quality of evidence assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation).
MAIN RESULTS
High to moderate quality evidence was found. The greatest difference in overtreatment occurred with VIA instead of the cervical smear (58 more per 1000 women). Differences in missed treatment ranged from 2-5 per 1000 women. For 1000 women screened positive and then sent to colposcopy, 464 would be falsely diagnosed with CIN grade 2-3 and treated.
CONCLUSIONS
Although differences in sensitivity between tests could be interpreted as large, absolute differences in missed diagnoses were small. By contrast, small differences in specificity resulted in fairly large absolute differences in overtreatment.
Topics: Acetic Acid; Colposcopy; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Papanicolaou Test; Papillomaviridae; Sensitivity and Specificity; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaginal Smears; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia
PubMed: 26851054
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.07.024 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2016The ideal intravenous fluid for kidney transplantation has not been defined, despite the common use of normal saline during the peri-operative period. The high chloride... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The ideal intravenous fluid for kidney transplantation has not been defined, despite the common use of normal saline during the peri-operative period. The high chloride content of normal saline is associated with an increased risk of hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis, which may in turn increase the risk of hyperkalaemia and delayed graft function. Balanced electrolyte solutions have a lower chloride content which may decrease this risk and avoid the need for dialysis due to hyperkalaemia in the immediate post-transplant period. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) addressing this issue have used biochemical outcomes to compare fluids and have been underpowered to address patient-centred outcomes such as delayed graft function.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the effect of lower-chloride solutions versus normal saline on delayed graft function, hyperkalaemia and acid-base status in kidney transplant recipients.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant's Specialised Register to 26 November 2015 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review.
SELECTION CRITERIA
RCTs of kidney transplant recipients that compared peri-operative intravenous lower-chloride solutions to normal saline were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two independent investigators assessed studies for eligibility and risk of bias. Data from individual studies were extracted using standardised forms and pooled according to a published protocol. Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes.
MAIN RESULTS
Six studies (477 participants) were included in the review. All participants were adult kidney transplant recipients and 70% of participants underwent live-donor kidney transplantation. The overall risk of bias was low for selection bias and unclear for remaining domains. There was no difference in the risk of delayed graft function (3 studies, 298 participants: RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.70) or hyperkalaemia (2 studies, 199 participants: RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.04 to 6.10) for participants who received balanced electrolyte solutions compared to normal saline. Intraoperative balanced electrolyte solutions compared to normal saline were associated with higher blood pH (3 studies, 193 participants: MD 0.07, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.09), higher serum bicarbonate (3 studies, 215 participants: MD 3.02 mEq/L, 95% CI 2.00 to 4.05) and lower serum chloride (3 studies, 215 participants: MD -9.93 mmol/L, 95% CI -19.96 to 0.11). There were four cases of graft loss in the normal saline group and one in the balanced electrolyte solution group, and four cases of acute rejection in the normal saline group compared to two cases in the balanced electrolyte solution group.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Balanced electrolyte solutions are associated with less hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis compared to normal saline, however it remains uncertain whether lower-chloride solutions lead to improved graft outcomes compared to normal saline.
Topics: Adult; Delayed Graft Function; Gluconates; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hyperkalemia; Infusions, Intravenous; Isotonic Solutions; Kidney; Kidney Transplantation; Magnesium Chloride; Potassium Chloride; Ringer's Solution; Sodium Acetate; Sodium Chloride; Solutions
PubMed: 27502170
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010741.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2017Fibromyalgia (FM) is a clinically well-defined chronic condition of unknown aetiology characterised by chronic widespread pain that often co-exists with sleep problems... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a clinically well-defined chronic condition of unknown aetiology characterised by chronic widespread pain that often co-exists with sleep problems and fatigue. People often report high disability levels and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Drug therapy focuses on reducing key symptoms and disability, and improving HRQoL. Anticonvulsants (antiepileptic drugs) are drugs frequently used for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the benefits and harms of anticonvulsants for treating FM symptoms.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Issue 8, 2013), MEDLINE (1966 to August 2013), PsycINFO (1966 to August 2013), SCOPUS (1980 to August 2013) and the reference lists of reviewed articles for published studies and www.clinicaltrials.gov (to August 2013) for unpublished trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We selected randomised controlled trials of any formulation of anticonvulsants used for the treatment of people with FM of any age.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted the data of all included studies and assessed the risks of bias of the studies. We resolved discrepancies by discussion.
MAIN RESULTS
We included eight studies: five with pregabalin and one study each with gabapentin, lacosamide and levetiracetam. A total of 2480 people were included into anticonvulsants groups and 1099 people in placebo groups. The median therapy phase of the studies was 13 weeks. The amount and quality of evidence were insufficient to draw definite conclusions on the efficacy and safety of gabapentin, lacosamide and levetiracetam in FM. The amount and quality of evidence was sufficient to draw definite conclusions on the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in FM. Therefore, we focused on our interpretation of the evidence for pregabalin due to our greater certainty about its effects and its greater relevance to clinical practice. All pregabalin studies had a low risk of bias. Reporting a 50% or greater reduction in pain was more frequent with pregabalin use than with a placebo (risk ratio (RR) 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33 to 1.90; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 12; 95% CI 9 to 21). The number of people who reported being 'much' or 'very much' improved was higher with pregabalin than with placebo (RR 1.38; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.55; NNTB 9; 95% CI 7 to 15). Pregabalin did not substantially reduce fatigue (SMD -0.17; 95% CI -0.25 to -0.09; 2.7% absolute improvement on a 1 to 50 scale) compared with placebo. Pregabalin had a small benefit over placebo in reducing sleep problems by 6.2% fewer points on a scale of 0 to 100 (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.35; 95% CI -0.43 to -0.27). The dropout rate due to adverse events was higher with pregabalin use than with placebo use (RR 1.68; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.07; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 13; 95% CI 9 to 23). There was no significant difference in serious adverse events between pregabalin and placebo use (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.71 to 1.49). Dizziness was reported as an adverse event more frequently with pregabalin use than with placebo use (RR 3.77; 95% CI 3.06 to 4.63; NNTH 4; 95% CI 3 to 5).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The anticonvulsant, pregabalin, demonstrated a small benefit over placebo in reducing pain and sleep problems. Pregabalin use was shown not to substantially reduce fatigue compared with placebo. Study dropout rates due to adverse events were higher with pregabalin use compared with placebo. Dizziness was a particularly frequent adverse event seen with pregabalin use. At the time of writing this review, pregabalin is the only anticonvulsant drug approved for treating FM in the US and in 25 other non-European countries. However, pregabalin has not been approved for treating FM in Europe. The amount and quality of evidence were insufficient to draw definite conclusions on the efficacy and safety of gabapentin, lacosamide and levetiracetam in FM.
Topics: Acetamides; Amines; Anticonvulsants; Conflict of Interest; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Fibromyalgia; Gabapentin; Humans; Lacosamide; Levetiracetam; Piracetam; Pregabalin; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
PubMed: 28991361
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010782.pub2 -
Pharmacological Research Jan 2024Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the main metabolites of gut microbiota, have been associated with lower blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic mice. However, a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the main metabolites of gut microbiota, have been associated with lower blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic mice. However, a comprehensive summary and comparison of the effects of different SCFA interventions on blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic mice is currently unavailable. This study aims to compare and rank the effects of different types of SCFAs on blood glucose and lipid levels by collecting relevant animal research. A systematic search through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science database was conducted to identify relevant studies from inception to March 17, 2023. Both pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were used for statistical analyses. In total, 18 relevant studies involving 5 interventions were included after screening 3793 citations and 53 full-text articles. Notably, butyrate therapy (mean difference [MD] = -4.52, 95% confidence interval [-6.29, -2.75]), acetate therapy (MD = -3.12, 95% confidence interval [-5.79, -0.46]), and propionate therapy (MD = -2.96, 95% confidence interval [-5.66, -0.26]) significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels compared to the control group; butyrate therapy was probably the most effective intervention, with a surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value of 85.5%. Additionally, acetate plus propionate therapy was probably the most effective intervention for reducing total cholesterol (SUCRA = 85.8%) or triglyceride levels (SUCRA = 88.1%). These findings underscore the potential therapeutic implications of SCFAs for addressing metabolic disorders, particularly in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Acetates; Bayes Theorem; Blood Glucose; Butyrates; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Network Meta-Analysis; Propionates
PubMed: 38128856
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107041 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2022This systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy of herbal agents with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) in removing the smear layer during root canal... (Review)
Review
This systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy of herbal agents with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) in removing the smear layer during root canal instrumentation. The research question in the present study was to assess: "Is there a significant difference in reducing smear layer comparing EDTA and herbal agents?" Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched from their start dates to April 2022 using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and reviewed following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines. Only in vitro studies comparing herbal agents with EDTA were included in the current systematic review. Two reviewers independently assessed the included articles. A total of 625 articles were obtained from an electronic database. Eighteen papers were included for review of the full text, out of which, ten papers were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Finally, eight articles were included in the systematic review. The present systematic review considered only in vitro studies; hence, the result cannot be completely translated to strict clinical conditions. The results of the present systematic review have shown that extract, and neem show better smear layer removal compared to other herbal agents, whereas they showed reduced smear layer removal when compared with EDTA. Although, it was seen that most of the included studies did not report a high quality of evidence. Hence, the present systematic review concludes that herbal agents have reported to show inferior smear layer removal when compared to EDTA. Thus, as far as herbal based alternatives are concerned, there is no highest level of evidence to state its real benefit when used as a chelating root canal irrigant.
Topics: Acetic Acid; Chelating Agents; Edetic Acid; Ethylenes; Humans; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Root Canal Preparation; Smear Layer; Sodium Hypochlorite
PubMed: 35682452
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116870 -
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Sep 2022Linezolid is often used for the infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Recent studies suggest that large between-subject variability (BSV) and... (Review)
Review
AIMS
Linezolid is often used for the infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Recent studies suggest that large between-subject variability (BSV) and within-subject variability could alter drug pharmacokinetics (PK) during linezolid therapy due to pathophysiological changes. This review synthesized information on linezolid population PK studies and summarized the significant covariates that influence linezolid PK.
METHODS
A literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science and Embase from their inception to 30 September 2021. Published studies were included if they contained data analysing linezolid PK parameters in humans using a population approach with a nonlinear mixed-effects model.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies conducted in adults and five in paediatrics were included. One- and two-compartment models were the commonly used structural models for linezolid. Body size (weight, lean body weight and body surface area), creatinine clearance (CLcr) and age significantly influenced linezolid PK. The median clearance (CL) values (ranges) in infants (0.128 L/h/kg [0.121-0.135]] and children (0.107 L/h/kg [0.088-0.151]] were higher than in adults (0.098 L/h/kg [0.044-0.237]]. For patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr ≤ 30 mL/min), the CL was 37.2% (15.2-55.3%) lower than in patients with normal renal function.
CONCLUSION
The optimal linezolid dosage should be adjusted based on the patient's body size, renal function and age. More studies are needed to explore the exact mechanism of linezolid elimination and evaluate the PK characteristics in paediatric patients.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Humans; Linezolid; Models, Biological; Nonlinear Dynamics; Renal Insufficiency
PubMed: 35484096
DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15368 -
Gynecologic Oncology Reports Aug 2019Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Tanzania. After excluding human immunodeficiency virus, lower respiratory infections, malaria, diarrheal diseases, and... (Review)
Review
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Tanzania. After excluding human immunodeficiency virus, lower respiratory infections, malaria, diarrheal diseases, and tuberculosis, cervical cancer kills more women than any other form of illness in the country. Unfortunately, Tanzania has a low doctor-to-patient ratio (1:50,000) and nearly 7000 women die each year from this disease. The clinical problem is further magnified by the country's lack of resources and prevailing poverty, sporadic cervical cancer screening, prevalence of high-risk oncogenic human papillomavirus subtypes, and relatively high rates of human immunodeficiency virus co-infection. In recent years, addressing the cervical cancer problem has become a priority for the Tanzanian government. In this systematic review of 39 peer-reviewed publications that appeared in the PubMed/MEDLINE (NCBI) database from 2013 to 2018, we synthesize the growing body of literature to capture current trends in Tanzania's evolving cervical cancer landscape. Six domains were identified, including risk factors, primary prevention, barriers to screening, treatment, healthcare worker education, and sustainability. In addition to traditional risk factors associated with sexual behavior, acetowhite changes observed during visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid, lower education, rural setting, and HIV positivity also have a noteworthy clinical impact.
PubMed: 31309135
DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2019.05.008 -
Brain and Behavior Nov 2022To compare the efficacy and safety of Levetiracetam (LEV) and Oxcarbazepine (OXC) as monotherapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of Levetiracetam (LEV) and Oxcarbazepine (OXC) as monotherapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed focal epilepsy.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2000 to May 11, 2022, with no language restrictions along with The ClinicalTrials.gov website and the WHO International Controlled Trials Registry platforms. We pooled the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the efficacy and safety outcomes. The quality of included trials was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool.
RESULTS
Two RCTs included a total of 574 newly diagnosed focal epilepsy patients (the LEV group [282 patients] and the OXC group [292 patients]). LEV group when compared with the OXC group had no significant difference in the pooled estimate of seizure freedom at week 24. (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.62-1.05, p = .11). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the pooled estimate of withdrawal due to adverse events (AEs) (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.34-2.23, p = .77). The commonly reported AEs in both trials were dizziness, headache, rash, somnolence, and nasopharyngitis with zero medication-related death and few serious AEs.
CONCLUSIONS
LEV is noninferior to OXC in terms of seizure freedom at week 24 and treatment withdrawal rate due to AEs among adults but long-term treatment data is still missing. Future multicentric double-blinded RCTs and real-world studies are of great need.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Oxcarbazepine; Levetiracetam; Anticonvulsants; Epilepsies, Partial
PubMed: 36184821
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2779