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Asian Journal of Surgery Dec 2023
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Humans; Lidocaine; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; Anesthetics, Local; Pain Management; Analgesia; Pain; Pain, Postoperative; Analgesics, Opioid
PubMed: 37597985
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.07.132 -
Neonatology 2020While epidural analgesia (EA) is associated with maternal fever during labor, the impact on the risk for maternal and/or neonatal sepsis is unknown. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
While epidural analgesia (EA) is associated with maternal fever during labor, the impact on the risk for maternal and/or neonatal sepsis is unknown.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of epidural-related intrapartum fever on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
METHODS
OVID MEDLINE, OVID Embase, the Cochrane Library, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, and clinical trial registries were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational cohort studies from inception to November 2018. A total of 761 studies were identified with 100 eligible for full-text review. Only articles investigating the relationship between EA and maternal fever during labor were eligible for inclusion. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool and National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Two meta-analyses - one each for the RCT and observational cohort groups - were performed using the random-effects model of Mantel-Haenszel to produce summary risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI.
RESULTS
Twelve RCTs and 16 observational cohort studies involving 579,157 parturients were included. RRs for maternal fever for the RCT and cohort analyses were 3.54 (95% CI 2.61-4.81) and 5.60 (95% CI 4.50-6.97), respectively. Meta-analyses of RR for maternal infection in both groups were infeasible given few occurrences. Meta-analysis of data from observational studies showed an increased risk for maternal antibiotic treatment in the epidural group (RR 2.60; 95% CI 1.31-5.17). For both analyses, neonates born to women with an epidural were not evaluated more often for suspected sepsis. Neither analysis reported an increased rate of neonatal bacteremia or neonatal antibiotic treatment after EA, although data precluded conclusiveness.
CONCLUSION
EA increases the risk of intrapartum fever and maternal antibiotic treatment. However, a definite conclusion on whether EA increases the risk for a proven maternal and/or neonatal bacteremia cannot be drawn due to the low quality of data. Further research on whether epidural-related intrapartum fever is of infectious origin or not is therefore needed.
Topics: Analgesia, Epidural; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Female; Fever; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Morbidity; Parturition; Pregnancy
PubMed: 31991422
DOI: 10.1159/000504805 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2016Epidural analgesia offers greater pain relief compared to systemic opioid-based medications, but its effect on morbidity and mortality is unclear. This review was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Epidural analgesia offers greater pain relief compared to systemic opioid-based medications, but its effect on morbidity and mortality is unclear. This review was originally published in 2006 and was updated in 2012 and again in 2016.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the benefits and harms of postoperative epidural analgesia in comparison with postoperative systemic opioid-based analgesia for adults undergoing elective abdominal aortic surgery.
SEARCH METHODS
In the updated review, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and five trial registers in November 2014, together with reference checking to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomized controlled trials comparing postoperative epidural analgesia and postoperative systemic opioid-based analgesia for adults who underwent elective open abdominal aortic surgery.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information and data when required. We assessed the level of evidence according to the scale provided by the GRADE working group.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 15 trials published from 1987 to 2009 with 1498 participants in this updated review. Participants had a mean age between 60.5 and 71.3 years. The percentage of women in the included studies varied from 0% to 28.1%. Adding an epidural to general anaesthesia for people undergoing abdominal aortic repair reduced myocardial infarction (risk ratio (RR) 0.54 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 0.97); I(2) statistic = 0%; number needed to treat for one additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 28 (95% CI 19 to 1423), visual or verbal analogical scale (VAS) scores up to three days after the surgery (mean difference (MD) -1.78 (95% CI -2.32 to -1.25); I(2) statistic = 0% for VAS scores on movement at postoperative day one), time to tracheal extubation (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.42 (95% CI -0.70 to -0.15); I(2) statistic = 83%; equivalent to a mean reduction of 36 hours), postoperative respiratory failure (RR 0.69 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.85); I(2) statistic = 0%; NNTB 8 (95% CI 6 to 16)), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 0.20 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.65); I(2) statistic = 0%; NNTB 32 (95% CI 27 to 74)) and time spent in the intensive care unit (SMD -0.23 (95% CI -0.41 to -0.06); I(2) statistic = 0%; equivalent to a mean reduction of six hours). We did not demonstrate a reduction in the mortality rate up to 30 days (RR 1.06 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.86); I(2) statistic = 0%). The level of evidence was low for mortality and time before tracheal extubation; moderate for myocardial infarction, respiratory failure and intensive care unit length of stay; and high for gastrointestinal bleeding and VAS scores.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Epidural analgesia provided better pain management, reduced myocardial infarction, time to tracheal extubation, postoperative respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and intensive care unit length of stay compared with systemic opioid-based drugs. For mortality, we did not find a difference at 30 days.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Analgesia, Epidural; Analgesics, Opioid; Aorta, Abdominal; Cause of Death; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction; Pain Management; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiration, Artificial; Time Factors
PubMed: 26731032
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005059.pub4 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Dec 2020Several neuromodulation methods exists for migraine treatment. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Several neuromodulation methods exists for migraine treatment. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on migraine treatment using neurostimulation methods.
METHODS
We searched Medline and Embase up to July 1, 2020 for RCTs reporting acute or preventive treatment of migraine with either non-invasive or invasive neurostimulation methods. Two researchers independently assessed the eligibility of the retrieved studies and extracted data. Outcomes for the quantitative synthesis were 2 h pain free for acute treatment and headache days per month for preventive treatment. We performed subgroup analyses by treatment (stimulation method and site of application). Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight articles were included in the qualitative analysis (7 acute, 31 preventive) and 34 in the quantitative evaluation (6 acute, 28 preventive). Remote electrical neuromodulation (REN) was effective for acute treatment. Data were insufficient to draw conclusions for any other techniques (single studies). Invasive occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) was effective for migraine prevention, with a large effect size but considerable heterogeneity, whereas supra-orbital transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) were effective, with small to medium effect sizes. Vagus-nerve stimulation, left prefrontal cortex rTMS, and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the M1 had no significant effect and heterogeneity was high.
CONCLUSION
Several neuromodulation methods are of potential interest for migraine management, but the quality of the evidence is very poor. Future large and well-conducted studies are needed and could improve on the present results.
Topics: Humans; Migraine Disorders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 33302882
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-020-01204-4 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2014Since the time of publication of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, menopausal symptom management has become more complex because of increased awareness of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Since the time of publication of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, menopausal symptom management has become more complex because of increased awareness of the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Currently, a wide range of management options is available. Some women take prescription drugs, and others use self care strategies, including lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter preparations and complementary and alternative therapies, such as herbal preparations, exercise programmes and relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques consist of a group of behavioural interventions. They are considered relatively harmless, but their effectiveness in treating vasomotor symptoms and sleep disturbances remains debatable.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness of relaxation techniques as treatment for vasomotor symptoms and associated sleep disturbances in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
SEARCH METHODS
Searches of the following electronic bibliographic databases were performed in February 2014 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs): the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, Social Science Citation Index and CINAHL. Handsearches of trial registers, relevant journals and published conference abstracts were also performed.
SELECTION CRITERIA
RCTs were included if they compared any type of relaxation intervention with no treatment or other treatments (except hormones) for vasomotor symptoms in symptomatic perimenopausal/postmenopausal women.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors selected studies, assessed quality and extracted data. Included studies were combined, if appropriate, by using a random-effects model to calculate pooled mean differences and 95% confidence intervals.
MAIN RESULTS
Four studies were eligible for inclusion (281 participants): Two studies compared relaxation with electroacupuncture or superficial needling, one study compared relaxation with paced respiration or placebo control (α-wave electroencephalographic biofeedback) and one study compared relaxation with no treatment.No evidence was found of a difference between relaxation and acupuncture or superficial needle insertion in the number of hot flushes per 24 hours (mean difference (MD) 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.33 to 1.43, two studies, 72 participants, I(2) = 0%; very low-quality evidence). Nor did any evidence suggest a difference between the two interventions in hot flush severity, measured using the Kupperman Index (MD -1.32, 95% CI -5.06 to 2.43, two studies, 72 participants, I(2) = 0%; very low-quality evidence).The other two studies found no clear evidence of a difference in hot flush frequency between relaxation and paced respiration, placebo or no treatment. The data for these comparisons were unsuitable for analysis.None of these studies reported night sweats, sleep disturbances associated with night sweats or adverse effects as an outcome.The main limitations of identified evidence were lack of data, imprecision and failure to report study methods in adequate detail.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Evidence is insufficient to show the effectiveness of relaxation techniques as treatment for menopausal vasomotor symptoms, or to determine whether this treatment is more effective than no treatment, placebo, acupuncture, superficial needle insertion or paced respiration.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Electroacupuncture; Female; Hot Flashes; Humans; Middle Aged; Neurofeedback; Perimenopause; Postmenopause; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Relaxation Therapy
PubMed: 25039019
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008582.pub2 -
Brain & Spine 2021During lumbar decompressive spine surgery, the epidural space is easily accessible. This intraoperative situation allows surgeons to apply an epidural bolus of analgesia... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
During lumbar decompressive spine surgery, the epidural space is easily accessible. This intraoperative situation allows surgeons to apply an epidural bolus of analgesia at the end of the surgical procedure. In literature, several papers about the methods and effectiveness of delivering local analgesia during lumbar decompressive spine surgery have been published.
RESEARCH QUESTION
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summaries the current literature on the effectiveness and safety of intraoperative epidural analgesia in lumbar decompressive surgery, delivered as a bolus.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
A systematic search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials or comparative cohort studies of patients aged 18 years or older who underwent decompressive lumbar spine surgery. Nonsteroidal epidural analgesia had to be administered as a bolus, intraoperatively, as an adjunct to standard analgesia therapy. Primary outcome measures were reduction in postoperative pain scores, analgesics consumption and length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were adverse events.
RESULTS
Eight studies evaluating the effectiveness of intraoperative epidural analgesia were included. Seven studies reported statistically significant reductions in postoperative VAS-pain scores. Six studies reported a statistically significant decrease in postoperative analgesics consumption. Four studies reported on the length of hospital stay, with no statistically significant difference between study groups.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that additional intraoperative epidural nonsteroidal analgesia, delivered as a bolus, can reduce postoperative pain and postoperative analgesics consumption in patients undergoing decompressive spinal surgery. Further well-powered research is needed to bolster the evidence.
PubMed: 36247401
DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2021.100306 -
Medicine Aug 2023Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common clinical poststroke complication that adversely affects cognitive and physical function rehabilitation. Scalp acupuncture (SA)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common clinical poststroke complication that adversely affects cognitive and physical function rehabilitation. Scalp acupuncture (SA) can significantly improve somatic dysfunction and emotional disorder in stroke patients. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SA in the treatment of PSD.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wan Fang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and China Biology Medicine databases until December 20, 2022, to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of SA in the treatment of PSD. Two independent researchers screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We performed a meta-analysis of the eligible literature using RevMan 5.4.1 and Stata 15.0 software.
RESULTS
This study comprised a total of 14 randomized controlled trials, 10 of which used SA and 4 of which used SA in combination with electroacupuncture therapy. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that the effective rate of the SA group was significantly higher than that of the Western medicine group (relative risk = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.02, 1.16], P = .008). Moreover, compared to the Western medicine group, the SA group demonstrated significant improvements in Hamilton depression scale scores (mean difference = -2.29, 95% CI [-3.88, -0.70], P = .005) and neurological function deficit scores (mean difference = -3.06, 95% CI [-5.91, -0.21], P = .04). Additionally, the SA group has a lower incidence of adverse events than the western medicine group (relative risk = 0.12, 95% CI [0.05, 0.29], P < .00001).
CONCLUSION
SA has superior efficacy and safety compared to Western medicine for PSD. These findings suggest that SA could be a promising alternative treatment for the assessed condition. Due to the limited number and quality of the included literature, the above conclusions must be confirmed by additional high-quality research.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Scalp; Acupuncture Therapy; Electroacupuncture; Stroke; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37543780
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034561 -
Medicine Jun 2023To explore the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for secondary insomnia through a meta-analysis and a systematic review. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To explore the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for secondary insomnia through a meta-analysis and a systematic review.
METHODS
The CNKI, Wanfang, VIP database, Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were retrieved. The retrieval date was February 28, 2023. Two independent reviewers conducted literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias (ROB) assessment. The revised Cochrane ROB tool was used to assess the ROB in included studies. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 15.0.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled studies were included, involving 820 patients, including 414 patients in EA group and 406 patients in the control group. Compared with the control group, EA could improve secondary insomnia overall responses (relative risk = 3.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.87, 8.13], P < .001), reduce Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (mean difference [MD] = -2.26, 95% CI [-4.14, -0.37], P = .02), reduce Athens Insomnia Scale score (MD = -0.57, 95% CI [-2.70, 1.56], P = .60), prolonged total sleep time (MD = 2.63, 95% CI [-0.59, 5.86], P = .11), and not increase adverse events (relative risk = 0.50, 95% CI [0.18, 1.44], P = .20).
CONCLUSION
EA may be a promising treatment for secondary sleep disorders; however, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Topics: Humans; Electroacupuncture; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Control Groups; Data Analysis; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37390293
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034150 -
The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology... 2021To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, dosing, efficacy, and safety of ketorolac in postoperative patients younger than 6 months of age. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, dosing, efficacy, and safety of ketorolac in postoperative patients younger than 6 months of age.
METHODS
PubMed (1988-July 2020), Medline (1946-July 2020), and EBSCO Discovery Service (1988-July 2020) were searched to identify relevant published articles using the following search terms: ketorolac, neonate, infant. English-language articles evaluating the use of ketorolac in infants younger than 6 months of age were included.
RESULTS
Eight reports that included 239 infants receiving ketorolac were included. Of the included patients, 237 were younger than 6 months of age. Ketorolac exhibits rapid elimination of the analgesia-producing S (-) isomer, elimination half-life of 0.83 hours. Most patients received 0.5 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours for 48 to 72 hours. Analgesia was demonstrated by reduced use of open-label morphine and significant lowering of Neonatal/Infant Pain Scale scores. Adverse effects were minimal when ketorolac was used in term neonates and infants without baseline renal dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS
Randomized placebo-controlled trials of ketorolac use in this population are lacking; however, most published reports noted efficacy and safety with ketorolac in properly selected infants.
PubMed: 33833624
DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-26.3.240 -
PloS One 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assessment effects of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy on intractable facial paralysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assessment effects of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy on intractable facial paralysis.
METHODS
The articles of EA treatment for intractable facial paralysis were retrieved from seven databases, the publication period was from its inception to November 30, 2022. Primary measure was the total effective rate, and other measures included the cure rate, Portmann scores, House-Brackmann scores, Sunnybrook scores and adverse events. The effect size of meta-analysis was expressed using relative risk (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies with 1,119 participants were included, all of them had various aspects of bias risk. Meta-analysis results revealed that EA ways improved total effective rate more effectively compared with non-EA counterparts (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17-1.31, I2 = 0%, 18 studies, 1119 participants), and improved cure rate more significantly than non-EA groups (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.70-2.44, I2 = 0%, 18 studies, 1119 participants). None of studies reported adverse events.
CONCLUSION
EA therapy is more beneficial for patients with intractable facial paralysis than non-EA, but we lack sufficient evidence to evaluate its safety and follow-up effect. Therefore, more clinical trials with high quality methodologies are needed to further verify long-term effects of EA for IFP and improve the level of evidence.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registration number: CRD42021278541.
Topics: Humans; Electroacupuncture; Facial Paralysis
PubMed: 37440529
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288606