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Emerging Microbes & Infections Sep 2016Cryptococcal meningitis is an important fungal infection among systemic lupus erythematosus patients. We conducted a pooled analysis and systematic review to describe... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Cryptococcal meningitis is an important fungal infection among systemic lupus erythematosus patients. We conducted a pooled analysis and systematic review to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of cryptococcal meningitis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. From two hospitals in China and nine literature databases, cases and prevalence data were collected for pooled analysis and meta-analysis, respectively. Categorical variables of cases were compared using a χ(2)-test on the statistical program of SAS. A multiple regression analysis was performed to ascertain independent predictors significantly correlated with prognosis. Meta-analysis was conducted by the statistical program of R. The prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients was 0.5%. Patients were predominantly females and adults. A prednisone equivalent of more than 30 mg/day before infection was associated with higher mortality (odds ratio (OR)=9.69 (1.54, 60.73)). In all, 36.8-38.9% patients showed low lupus activity when they developed the crytococcal infection. Moreover, 38.2% of the patients were misdiagnosed. The estimated case-fatality rate was 23.6%. Our results suggest that more emphasis should be placed to further understand lupus-related cryptococcal meningitis and to develop better prophylaxis and management strategies to combat this condition.
Topics: Age Factors; China; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Male; Meningitis, Cryptococcal; Mortality; Prednisone; Prevalence; Sex Factors; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 27599471
DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.93 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2016Leprosy causes nerve damage that can result in nerve function impairment and disability. Corticosteroids are commonly used for treating nerve damage, although their... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Leprosy causes nerve damage that can result in nerve function impairment and disability. Corticosteroids are commonly used for treating nerve damage, although their long-term effect is uncertain. This is an update of a review first published in 2007, and previously updated in 2009 and 2011.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of corticosteroids on nerve damage in leprosy.
SEARCH METHODS
On 16 June 2015, we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, and LILACS. We also checked clinical trials registers and contacted trial authors.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of corticosteroids for nerve damage in leprosy. The comparators were no treatment, placebo treatment, or a different corticosteroid regimen.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The primary outcome was improvement in nerve function after one year. Secondary outcomes were change in nerve pain, limitations in activities of daily living, limitations in participation, and adverse events. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. When data were lacking, we contacted trial authors for additional information.
MAIN RESULTS
We included five RCTs involving 576 people. The trials were largely at low risk of bias, but we considered the quality of the evidence from these trials as moderate to low, largely due to imprecision from small sample sizes. Two out of the five trials reported on improvement in nerve function at one year. These two trials compared prednisolone with placebo. One trial, with 84 participants, treated mild sensory impairment of less than six months' duration, and the other, with 95 participants, treated nerve function impairment of 6 to 24 months' duration. There was no significant difference in nerve function improvement after 12 months between people treated with prednisolone and those treated with placebo. Adverse events were not reported significantly more often with corticosteroids than with placebo. The other three trials did not report on the primary outcome measure. One (334 participants) compared three corticosteroid regimens for severe type 1 reactions. No serious side effects of steroids were reported in any participant during the follow-up period. Another trial (21 participants) compared low-dose prednisone with high-dose prednisone for ulnar neuropathy. Two participants on the higher dose of prednisone reported adverse effects. The last (42 participants) compared intravenous methylprednisolone and oral prednisolone with intravenous normal saline and oral prednisolone. The trial found no significant differences between the groups in the occurrence of adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Corticosteroids are used for treating acute nerve damage in leprosy, but moderate-quality evidence from two RCTs treating either longstanding or mild nerve function impairment did not show corticosteroids to have a superior effect to placebo on nerve function improvement. A third trial showed significant benefit from a five-month steroid regimen over a three-month regimen in terms of response to treatment (need for additional corticosteroids). Further RCTs are needed to establish optimal corticosteroid regimens and to examine the efficacy and safety of adjuvant or new therapies for treating nerve damage in leprosy. Future trials should address non-clinical aspects, such as costs and impact on quality of life, which are highly relevant indicators for both policymakers and participants.
Topics: Glucocorticoids; Humans; Leprosy; Methylprednisolone; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Prednisolone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Somatosensory Disorders
PubMed: 27210895
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005491.pub3 -
The Journal of Arthroplasty Sep 2015The effect of varying corticosteroid regimens on hip osteonecrosis incidence remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis and systematic literature review to determine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effect of varying corticosteroid regimens on hip osteonecrosis incidence remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis and systematic literature review to determine osteonecrosis occurrences in patients taking corticosteroids at varying mean and cumulative doses and treatment durations, and whether medical diagnoses affected osteonecrosis incidence. Fifty-seven studies (23,561 patients) were reviewed. Regression analysis determined significance between corticosteroid usage and osteonecrosis incidence. Osteonecrosis incidence was 6.7% with corticosteroid treatment of >2 g (prednisone-equivalent). Systemic lupus erythematosus patients had positive correlations between dose and osteonecrosis incidence. Each 10 mg/d increase was associated with a 3.6% increase in osteonecrosis rate, and >20 mg/d resulted in a higher osteonecrosis incidence. Clinicians must be wary of osteonecrosis in patients on high corticosteroid regimens, particularly in systematic lupus erythematosus.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Incidence; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Middle Aged; Osteonecrosis; Pelvic Bones; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 25900167
DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2015.03.036 -
Lupus Science & Medicine Jan 2022We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on central nervous system (CNS) infections in patients with SLE, in order to describe their clinical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on central nervous system (CNS) infections in patients with SLE, in order to describe their clinical and microbiological characteristics, and outcomes. A systematic search of PubMed/Medline and Embase electronic databases was performed (March 2021) to identify all published studies on CNS infections and their characteristics in patients with SLE. A random-effects model was adopted and findings were reported with 95% CI. Overall, 6 studies involving 17 751 patients with SLE and 209 SLE cases with CNS infection were included in our meta-analysis. The frequency rate of CNS infections in patients with SLE was 0.012 (95% CI: 0.008 to 0.018). Meningitis was the most common clinical syndrome (93.5%, n=109/114, 95% CI: 82.6% to 97.8%) and (35.9%, n=55, 95% CI: 27.2% to 45.7%) and (27.1%, n=43, 95% CI: 14.6% to 44.8%) were the most common causative pathogens. Our patient-pool showed a mean SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score of 7.9 (95% CI: 6.1 to 9.6), while 92.4% (n=72/76, 95% CI: 83.0% to 96.8%) of cases were on oral systemic corticosteroids, with a prednisone equivalent mean daily dose of 30.9 mg/day (95% CI: 18.0 to 43.7). Our meta-analysis revealed a mortality rate of 29.0% (95% CI: 15.0% to 48.6%). Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for cryptococcal and tuberculosis (TB) meningitis in patients with SLE with suspected CNS infection, particularly in those with higher SLEDAI and on higher doses of systemic corticosteroids. In conclusion, initiation of empiric antituberculous treatment for patients with SLE who are highly suspected to have CNS TB is warranted while awaiting the results of diagnostic tests. Antifungals might also be potentially useful empirically in patients with SLE who are suspected to have fungal CNS infections. However, with respect to side effects such as toxicity and high cost of antifungals, decision regarding early antifungal therapy should be guided by early and less time-consuming fungal diagnostic tests.
Topics: Central Nervous System Infections; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Prednisone
PubMed: 34980679
DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000560 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2015In nephrotic syndrome protein leaks from the blood to the urine through the glomeruli resulting in hypoproteinaemia and generalised oedema. While most children with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In nephrotic syndrome protein leaks from the blood to the urine through the glomeruli resulting in hypoproteinaemia and generalised oedema. While most children with nephrotic syndrome respond to corticosteroids, 80% experience a relapsing course. Corticosteroids have reduced the mortality rate to around 3%. However corticosteroids have well recognised potentially serious adverse effects such as obesity, poor growth, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and behavioural disturbances. This is an update of a review first published in 2000 and updated in 2003, 2005 and 2007.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to assess the benefits and harms of different corticosteroid regimens in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The benefits and harms of therapy were studied in two groups of children 1) children in their initial episode of SSNS, and 2) children who experience a relapsing course of SSNS.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register to 26 February 2015 through contact with the Trials Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) performed in children (three months to 18 years) in their initial or subsequent episode of SSNS, comparing different durations, total doses or other dose strategies using any corticosteroid agent.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Results were expressed as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
Ten new studies were identified so a total of 34 studies (3033 total participants) were included in the 2015 review update. The risk of bias attributes were frequently poorly performed. Low risk of bias was reported in 18 studies for sequence generation, 16 studies for allocation concealment, seven for performance and detection bias, 15 for incomplete reporting and 16 for selective reporting. Three months or more of prednisone significantly reduced the risk of frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) (6 studies, 582 children: RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.00) and of relapse by 12 to 24 months (8 studies, 741 children: RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.00) compared with two months. Five or six months of prednisone significantly reduced the risk of relapse (7 studies, 763 children: RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.85) but not FRNS (5 studies, 591 children: RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.22) compared with three months. However there was significant heterogeneity in the analyses. Subgroup analysis stratified by risk of bias for allocation concealment showed that the risk for FRNS did not differ significantly between two or three months of prednisone and three to six months among studies at low risk of bias but was significantly reduced in extended duration studies compared with two or three months in studies at high risk or unclear risk of bias. There were no significant differences in the risk of adverse effects between extended duration and two or three months of prednisone. Four studies found that in children with FRNS, daily prednisone during viral infections compared with alternate-day prednisone or no treatment significantly reduced the rate of relapse.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In this 2015 update the addition of three well-designed studies has changed the conclusion of this review. Studies of long versus shorter duration of corticosteroids have heterogeneous treatment effects, with the older high risk of bias studies tending to over-estimate the effect of longer course therapy, compared with more recently published low risk of bias studies. Among studies at low risk of bias, there was no significant difference in the risk for FRNS between prednisone given for two or three months and longer durations or total dose of therapy indicating that there is no benefit of increasing the duration of prednisone beyond two or three months in the initial episode of SSNS.The risk of relapse in children with FRNS is reduced by the administration of daily prednisone at onset of an upper respiratory tract or viral infection. Three additional studies have increased the evidence supporting this conclusion. This management strategy may be considered for children with FRNS. A paucity of data on prednisone use in relapsing nephrotic syndrome remains. In particular there are no data from RCTs evaluating the efficacy and safety of prolonged courses of low dose alternate-day prednisone although this management strategy is recommended in current guidelines.
Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Administration Schedule; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Infant; Nephrotic Syndrome; Prednisone; Pregnenediones; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Respiratory Tract Infections; Secondary Prevention; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 25785660
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001533.pub5 -
Cancers Aug 2023Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are treated with rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP).... (Review)
Review
Consolidative Radiotherapy after Complete Remission following R-CHOP Immunochemotherapy in Stage III-IV Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are treated with rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). The role of consolidative radiation therapy (RT) remains unclear among patients with advanced DLBCL who achieved complete remission (CR) after R-CHOP immunochemotherapy. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the role of consolidative RT among these patients. The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies comparing RT to no RT following CR after R-CHOP immunochemotherapy in Ann Arbor stage III-IV DLBCL patients. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint, and disease-free survival (DFS) was the secondary endpoint. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the primary and secondary outcomes. Review Manager (version 5.4) was used to analyze the data. Six retrospective studies involving 813 patients who received R-CHOP ± consolidative RT were identified. OS was higher in the consolidative RT group, with an HR of 2.01 and a 95% CI of 1.30 to 3.12 ( = 0.002). DFS was also higher in the RT group, with an HR of 2.18 and a 95% CI of 1.47 to 3.24 ( < 0.0001). The results suggested that consolidative RT improved OS and DFS compared to no RT among advanced-stage DLBCL patients. Further research is needed to determine the optimal radiation fields and the appropriate indications for consolidative RT for advanced-stage DLBCL patients in the rituximab era.
PubMed: 37568756
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153940 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... Jul 2015We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the efficacy and the safety of second-line agents targeting metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Efficacy and safety of second-line agents for treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer progressing after docetaxel. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the efficacy and the safety of second-line agents targeting metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that has progressed after docetaxel. Pooled-analysis was also performed, to assess the effectiveness of agents targeting the androgen axis via identical mechanisms of action (abiraterone acetate, orteronel).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We included phase III randomized controlled trials that enrolled patients with mCRPC progressing during or after first-line docetaxel treatment. Trials were identified by electronic database searching. The primary outcome of the review was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and severe adverse effects (grade 3 or higher).
RESULTS
Ten articles met the inclusion criteria for the review. These articles reported the results of five clinical trials, enrolling in total 5047 patients. The experimental interventions tested in these studies were enzalutamide, ipilimumab, abiraterone acetate, orteronel and cabazitaxel. Compared to control cohorts (active drug-treated or placebo-treated), the significant overall survival advantages achieved were 4.8 months for enzalutamide (hazard ratio for death vs. placebo: 0.63; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.75, P < 0.0001), 4.6 months for abiraterone (hazard ratio for death vs. placebo: 0.66, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.75, P < 0.0001) and 2.4 months for cabazitaxel (hazard ratio for death vs. mitoxantrone-prednisone: 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.83, p < 0.0001). Pooled analysis of androgen synthesis inhibitors orteronel and abiraterone resulted in significantly increased overall and progression-free survival for anti-androgen agents, compared to placebo (hazard ratio for death: 0.76, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.87, P < 0.0001; hazard ratio for radiographic progression: 0.7, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.77, P < 0.00001). Androgen synthesis inhibitors induced significant increases in risk ratios for adverse effects linked to elevated mineralocorticoid secretion, compared to placebo (risk ratio for hypokalemia: 5.75, 95% CI 2.08 to 15.90; P = 0.0008; risk-ratio for hypertension: 2.29, 95% CI 1.02 to 5.17; P = 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
In docetaxel-pretreated patients enzalutamide, abiraterone-prednisone and cabazitaxel-prednisone can improve overall survival of patients, compared to placebo or to best of care at the time of study (mitoxantrone-prednisone). Agents targeting the androgen axis (enzalutamide, abiraterone, orteronel) significantly prolonged rPFS, compared to placebo. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the benefit of combination or sequential administration of these agents. Large-scale studies are also necessary to evaluate the impact of relevant toxic effects observed in a limited number of patients (e.g., enzalutamide-induced seizures, orteronel-induced pancreatitis, and others).
Topics: Abiraterone Acetate; Androstenes; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Benzamides; Disease Progression; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Imidazoles; Ipilimumab; Male; Naphthalenes; Nitriles; Phenylthiohydantoin; Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Survival Analysis; Taxoids; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26150028
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2015.2.121 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2016Review withdrawn from Issue 4, 2016. Replaced by new reviews 'Short‐course oral steroids alone for chronic rhinosinusitis' (Head 2016a) and 'Short‐course oral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Review withdrawn from Issue 4, 2016. Replaced by new reviews 'Short‐course oral steroids alone for chronic rhinosinusitis' (Head 2016a) and 'Short‐course oral steroids as an adjunct therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis' (Head 2016b). The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Humans; Nasal Obstruction; Nasal Polyps; Olfaction Disorders; Prednisone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Steroids
PubMed: 27111708
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005232.pub4 -
Cureus Dec 2023Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is an aggressive systemic large B-cell lymphoma that is a rare cause of stroke. The clinical characteristics of stroke associated with IVL... (Review)
Review
Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is an aggressive systemic large B-cell lymphoma that is a rare cause of stroke. The clinical characteristics of stroke associated with IVL remain underexplored, contributing to diagnostic complexities and a high mortality rate. This study endeavors to elucidate the salient clinical and investigative features of stroke linked to this condition. A systematic review was performed using the PubMed database from the incident to August 2023 including search categories for IVL and stroke. All studies, excluding review articles, were included in this study. There were 58 cases with a confirmed diagnosis of IVL associated with stroke, with a mean age of 62.9 ± 9.6 years (female 50%). Classical lateralizing stroke symptoms were noted in only 69% of cases. Other clinical syndromes included altered sensorium (31%), rapidly progressive cognitive impairment (23%), seizures (22%), and gait disturbances (19%). Common hematological abnormalities included elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, 97%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, 79%), C-reactive protein (CRP, 61%), interleukin-2, microglobulins, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein. CSF flow cytometry was not diagnostic, and cytology was mostly negative. The dynamic pattern for DWI/T2 lesions was predominant and primarily located in the subcortical regions. Diffuse background slowing (64%) was a major finding in the electroencephalogram. Seventy-one percent of cases died (n=45) mostly due to delayed diagnosis. Only 31% were treated with first-line R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy, among whom 25% died. This study suggests that IVL-associated strokes carry a high mortality rate, largely due to challenges in timely diagnosis and therapy. Unlike classical stroke syndrome, key indicators to aid in early diagnosis include a clinical syndrome of multiple non-lateralizing neurological symptoms, dynamic MRI DWI/T2-lesions primarily located in subcortical regions, elevated serum LDH, ESR, CRP, interleukins, microglobulin, CSF protein, and CSF polymerase chain reaction analysis, apart from tissue examination. Larger studies should be performed to establish diagnostic and predictive scores.
PubMed: 38249220
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50896 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2015Optic neuritis is an inflammatory disease of the optic nerve. It usually presents with an abrupt loss of vision and recovery of vision is almost never complete. It... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Optic neuritis is an inflammatory disease of the optic nerve. It usually presents with an abrupt loss of vision and recovery of vision is almost never complete. It occurs more commonly in women than in men. Closely linked in pathogenesis, optic neuritis may be the initial manifestation for multiple sclerosis. In some people, no underlying cause can be found.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of corticosteroids on visual recovery in eyes with acute optic neuritis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library 2015, Issue 4), MEDLINE (January 1950 to April 2015), EMBASE (January 1980 to April 2015), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (January 1982 to April 2015), PubMed (January 1946 to April 2015), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov), and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). There were no date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. The metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) was last searched on 6 March 2014. The electronic databases were last searched on 7 April 2015. We also searched reference lists of identified trial reports for additional trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated systemic corticosteroids, in any form, dose or route of administration, in people with acute optic neuritis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six RCTs with a total of 750 participants. Each trial was conducted in a different country: Denmark, Germany, India, Japan, UK, and United States. Additionally, we identified two ongoing trials not due to be completed until 2016. Among the six trials included in this review, we judged one to be at high risk of bias. The remaining five trials were judged to be at either low or uncertain risk of biases.Five trials compared only two intervention groups and one trial had a three-arm comparison of oral corticosteroids or intravenous corticosteroids with placebo. Of the five trials with only two intervention groups, two trials compared oral corticosteroids versus placebo, two trials compared intravenous corticosteroids with placebo, and one trial compared intravenous dexamethasone with intravenous methylprednisolone plus oral prednisolone.Three trials evaluating oral corticosteroids used varying doses of corticosteroids versus placebo. In the meta-analyses to assess visual acuity, the risk ratio (RR) was 1.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 to 1.23; participants = 398) at one month; 0.92 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.11; participants = 355) at six months; and 0.93 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.24; participants = 368) at one year. In the meta-analyses of two trials evaluating corticosteroids with total dose greater than 3000 mg administered intravenously, the RR of normal visual acuity (defined as 20/20 Snellen fraction or equivalent) in the intravenous corticosteroids group compared with the placebo group was 1.05 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.26; participants = 346) at six months. The RR of contrast sensitivity in the normal range for the same comparison was 1.11 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.33; participants = 346) at six months follow-up. The RR of normal visual field for this comparison was 1.08 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.21; 346 participants) at six months; and 1.01 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.19; participants = 316) at one year. Four trials reported adverse events primarily related to gastrointestinal symptoms and sleep disturbance; one trial reported minor adverse event of acne.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no conclusive evidence of benefit in terms of recovery to normal visual acuity, visual field or contrast sensitivity six months after initiation with either intravenous or oral corticosteroids at the doses evaluated in trials included in this review.
Topics: Acute Disease; Administration, Oral; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Contrast Sensitivity; Dexamethasone; Female; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Methylprednisolone; Optic Neuritis; Prednisone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 26273799
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001430.pub4