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Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2021For perioperative mechanical ventilation under general anesthesia, modern respirators aim at combining the benefits of pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) and... (Review)
Review
Comparison of Volume-Guaranteed or -Targeted, Pressure-Controlled Ventilation with Volume-Controlled Ventilation during Elective Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
For perioperative mechanical ventilation under general anesthesia, modern respirators aim at combining the benefits of pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) and volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) in modes typically named "volume-guaranteed" or "volume-targeted" pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV-VG). This systematic review and meta-analysis tested the hypothesis that PCV-VG modes of ventilation could be beneficial in terms of improved airway pressures (P, P, P), dynamic compliance (C), or arterial blood gases (PO, PCO) in adults undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. Three major medical electronic databases were searched with predefined search strategies and publications were systematically evaluated according to the Cochrane Review Methods. Continuous variables were tested for mean differences using the inverse variance method and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Based on the assumption that intervention effects across studies were not identical, a random effects model was chosen. Assessment for heterogeneity was performed with the χ test and the I statistic. As primary endpoints, P, P, P, C, PO, and PCO were evaluated. Of the 725 publications identified, 17 finally met eligibility criteria, with a total of 929 patients recruited. Under supine two-lung ventilation, PCV-VG resulted in significantly reduced P (15 studies) and P (9 studies) as well as higher C (9 studies), compared with VCV [random effects models; P: CI -3.26 to -1.47; < 0.001; I = 82%; P: -3.12 to -0.12; = 0.03; I = 90%; C: CI 3.42 to 8.65; < 0.001; I = 90%]. For one-lung ventilation (8 studies), PCV-VG allowed for significantly lower P and higher PO compared with VCV. In Trendelenburg position (5 studies), this effect was significant for P only. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that volume-targeting, pressure-controlled ventilation modes may provide benefits with respect to the improved airway dynamics in two- and one-lung ventilation, and improved oxygenation in one-lung ventilation in adults undergoing elective surgery.
PubMed: 33808607
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061276 -
Journal of Global Antimicrobial... Sep 2020Antimicrobial stewardship is one of the strategic objectives of the WHO global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. This paper sought to review the extent of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Antimicrobial stewardship is one of the strategic objectives of the WHO global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. This paper sought to review the extent of implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) in African countries and the reported outcomes.
METHODS
We searched five electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library, African Journal Online, CINAHL and Google scholar for papers published between 1990 and March 2019. We combined the names of countries in the five regions of Africa with antimicrobial stewardship terms. Studies of any design, employing any stewardship strategies were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) quality assessment tool for before and after studies.
RESULTS
Of 1752 titles identified, 13 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Seven of the studies were conducted in South Africa, three in Kenya and one each in Sudan, Tanzania and Egypt. Eleven studies were of high quality with low risk of bias. The included studies mainly assessed the outcome using process measures and these were associated with improved compliance with antibiotic guidelines, appropriateness of prescribing, reduction in antibiotic use and cost savings. Decrease in rate of surgical site infections and nonsignificant change in mortality and 30-day readmission rate were reported in two studies respectively.
CONCLUSION
Findings of this review show the paucity of data on implementation of ASPs in African countries. Although the continent is faced with challenges which impact on effective implementation of ASPs, the successes reported in the included studies show that other African countries can implement these programmes.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antimicrobial Stewardship; Egypt; South Africa; Tanzania
PubMed: 32247077
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2020.03.009 -
American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Apr 2021Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process starting with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and eventually leading to life-threatening arterial plaques. Exercise...
Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process starting with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and eventually leading to life-threatening arterial plaques. Exercise generally improves endothelial function in a dose-dependent manner by altering hemodynamics, specifically by increased arterial pressure, pulsatility, and shear stress. However, athletes who regularly participate in high-intensity training can develop arterial plaques, suggesting alternative mechanisms through which excessive exercise promotes vascular disease. Understanding the mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis in sedentary versus exercise states may lead to novel rehabilitative methods aimed at improving exercise compliance and physical activity. Preclinical tools, including in vitro cell assays, in vivo animal models, and in silico computational methods, broaden our capabilities to study the mechanisms through which exercise impacts atherogenesis, from molecular maladaptation to vascular remodeling. Here, we describe how preclinical research tools have and can be used to study exercise effects on atherosclerosis. We then propose how advanced bioengineering techniques can be used to address gaps in our current understanding of vascular pathophysiology, including integrating in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies across multiple tissue systems and size scales. Improving our understanding of the antiatherogenic exercise effects will enable engaging, targeted, and individualized exercise recommendations to promote cardiovascular health rather than treating cardiovascular disease that results from a sedentary lifestyle.
Topics: Animals; Arteries; Atherosclerosis; Bioengineering; Cells, Cultured; Computer Simulation; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium, Vascular; Exercise Therapy; Hemodynamics; Humans; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Models, Cardiovascular; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Sedentary Behavior
PubMed: 33385323
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00719.2020 -
BioMed Research International 2020This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for pneumoconiosis. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for pneumoconiosis. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed, CNKI, VIP databases and Wanfang Data from their inception to June 1, 2019. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PR for pneumoconiosis was conducted and reported in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed bias risk. All statistical analyses were performed using the RevMan software. Sixteen RCTs with 1307 subjects were ultimately included for analysis. Compared with routine treatment, PR was able to improve the 6-minute walking distance (mean difference (MD) 69.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 61.95-76.25); the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey total score (MD 17.60, 95% CI 13.59-21.61); physical function score (MD 15.45, 95% CI 3.20-27.69); role physical score (MD 17.87, 95% CI 12.06-23.69); body pain score (MD 14.34, 95% CI 10.33-18.36); general health score (MD 20.86, 95% CI 16.87-24.84); vitality score (MD 11.66, 95% CI 0.18-23.13); social function score (MD 9.67, 95% CI 1.27-18.08); mental health score (MD 20.60, 95% CI 13.61-27.59); forced vital capacity (FVC) (MD 0.20, 95% CI 0.12-0.29); forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (MD 0.23, 95% CI 0.09-0.38); FEV1% (MD 5.19, 95% CI 1.48-8.90); maximal voluntary ventilation (MD 4.47, 95% CI 1.14-7.81); reduction in the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score (MD -9.60, 95% CI -16.40 to -2.80); and the modified Medical Research Council Scale score. Furthermore, PR did not increase the FEV1/FVC (MD 3.61, 95% CI -3.43 to 10.65), nor the emotional score (MD 6.18, 95% CI -23.01 to 35.38) compared with the control. We found no reports of adverse events associated with PR. Thus, to some extent, PR can improve functional capacity and quality of life in patients with pneumoconiosis. However, these results should be interpreted with caution because of high heterogeneity. This trial is registered with registration number CRD42018095266.
Topics: Exercise Tolerance; Humans; Lung; Pneumoconiosis; Quality of Life; Respiratory Function Tests
PubMed: 32802860
DOI: 10.1155/2020/6174936 -
Journal of Thoracic Oncology : Official... Jan 2022Lung cancer screening (LCS) is effective in reducing mortality, particularly when patients adhere to follow-up recommendations standardized by the Lung CT Screening... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Lung cancer screening (LCS) is effective in reducing mortality, particularly when patients adhere to follow-up recommendations standardized by the Lung CT Screening Reporting & Data System (Lung-RADS). Nevertheless, patient adherence to recommended intervals varies, potentially diminishing benefit from screening. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of patient adherence to Lung-RADS-recommended screening intervals. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and major radiology and oncology conference archives between April 28, 2014, and December 17, 2020. Eligible studies mentioned patient adherence to the recommendations of Lung-RADS. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020189326). We identified 24 eligible studies for qualitative summary, of which 21 were suitable for meta-analysis. The pooled adherence rate was 57% (95% confidence interval: 46%-69%) for defined adherence (e.g., an annual incidence screen was performed within 15 mo) among 6689 patients and 65% (95% confidence interval: 55%-75%) for anytime adherence among 5085 patients. Large heterogeneity in adherence rates between studies was observed (I = 99% for defined adherence, I = 98% for anytime adherence). Heterogeneous adherence rates were associated with Lung-RADS scores, with significantly higher adherence rates among Lung-RADS 3 to 4 than Lung-RADS 1 to 2 (p < 0.05). Patient adherence to Lung-RADS-recommended screening intervals is suboptimal across clinical LCS programs in the United States, especially among patients with results of Lung-RADS categories 1 to 2. To improve adherence rates, future research may focus on implementing tailored interventions after identifying barriers to LCS. We also propose a minimum standardized set of data elements for future pooled analyses of LCS adherence on the basis of our findings.
Topics: Early Detection of Cancer; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Patient Compliance; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; United States
PubMed: 34624528
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.09.013 -
Acta Medica Philippina 2024For several decades now, the use of uncuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) is the gold standard in providing airway and ventilatory support to children under anesthesia....
BACKGROUND
For several decades now, the use of uncuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) is the gold standard in providing airway and ventilatory support to children under anesthesia. However, there has been a change in focus from the application of uncuffed ETT to cuffed ETT among children, and this matter has been debated for years. In fact, several studies have shown that even across and within countries, the attitudes and practices of anesthesiologists on the use of types of endotracheal tubes differed.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the current attitudes and practices of anesthesiologists regarding the use of uncuffed or cuffed ETT for children.
METHODS
A systematic review of observational studies on the current attitudes and practices of pediatric anesthesiologists regarding the use of cuffed and uncuffed ETT was conducted from May to November 2020. Cochrane reviews, Medline, Pubmed, and EMBASE were searched and yielded five relevant studies.
RESULTS
The use of cuffed ETT ranged between 11%-61% in the included studies and all reported that there were no consensus or standard on whether cuffed or uncuffed ETT was better. Reported factors for cuffed ETT use included: 1) Personal choice, 2) Department protocol, 3) Availability of resources, and 4) Specific conditions such as obesity, planned or emergency procedure, and reduced lung compliance. In terms of ETT size, reported criteria were: 1) Use of a formula, 2) Use of abacus/calculator, and 3) In relation to the fifth finger's width.
CONCLUSIONS
The current systematic review demonstrated that there is wide variation in current attitudes and practices of anesthesiologists regarding the use of uncuffed or cuffed endotracheal tubes in children. Likewise, factors affecting choice of ETT and criteria for selection varied in the published literature. The results of this systematic review highlight the need for a standard guideline to help clinicians choose if cuffed or uncuffed ETT is better in certain scenarios and to help them decide in selecting the most appropriate ETT size.
PubMed: 38836076
DOI: 10.47895/amp.v58i9.8743 -
British Journal of Health Psychology Sep 2019To systematically review the evidence for health coaching as an intervention to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reduce hospital admissions in people... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Does health coaching improve health-related quality of life and reduce hospital admissions in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
To systematically review the evidence for health coaching as an intervention to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reduce hospital admissions in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from database inception to August 2018 to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of health coaching for people with COPD. Eligible health coaching interventions had to include three components: goal setting, motivational interviewing, and COPD-related health education. Data were extracted on study characteristics and the effects of the intervention on HRQoL, hospital admissions, physical activity, self-care behaviour, and mood. Study quality was appraised by two authors using the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in RCTs. Effect sizes (standardized mean differences [SMD] or odds ratios [OR]) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and pooled using random effects meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Of 1578 articles, 10 RCTs were included. Meta-analysis showed that health coaching has a significant positive effect on HRQoL (SMD = -0.69, 95% CI: -1.28, -0.09, p = .02, from k = 4) and leads to a significant reduction in COPD-related hospital admissions (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.69, p = .0001, from k = 5), but not in all-cause hospital admissions (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.41-1.12, p = .20, from k = 3). Three of four studies reported significant improvements to self-care behaviours such as medication adherence and exercise compliance.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first systematic review to show that health coaching may be a candidate intervention to improve HRQoL and reduce costly hospital admissions in people with COPD. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide and considerably reduces HRQoL. In turn, HRQoL is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes in COPD. Health coaching is a self-management intervention for people with long-term conditions such as COPD. Studies have examined whether health coaching improves HRQOL and other health outcomes in people with COPD, but no systematic review has been conducted. What does this study add? The first systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs of health coaching for people with COPD. Health coaching may be a candidate intervention for improving HRQoL and reducing COPD-related hospital admissions in people with COPD. The need to establish the most effective health coaching components, delivery modality, and economic impact.
Topics: Exercise; Health Promotion; Humans; Mentoring; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31033121
DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12366 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2015Patient adherence to medications, particularly for conditions requiring prolonged treatment such as tuberculosis (TB), is frequently less than ideal and can result in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Patient adherence to medications, particularly for conditions requiring prolonged treatment such as tuberculosis (TB), is frequently less than ideal and can result in poor treatment outcomes. Material incentives to reward good behaviour and enablers to remove economic barriers to accessing care are sometimes given in the form of cash, vouchers, or food to improve adherence.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of material incentives and enablers in patients undergoing diagnostic testing, or receiving prophylactic or curative therapy, for TB.
SEARCH METHODS
We undertook a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; EMBASE; LILACS; Science Citation Index; and reference lists of relevant publications up to 5 June 2015.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials of material incentives in patients being investigated for TB, or on treatment for latent or active TB.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two review authors independently screened and selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included trials. We compared the effects of interventions using risk ratios (RR), and presented RRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 12 eligible trials. Ten were conducted in the USA: in adolescents (one trial), in injection drug or cocaine users (four trials), in homeless adults (three trials), and in prisoners (two trials). The remaining two trials, in general adult populations, were conducted in Timor-Leste and South Africa. Sustained incentive programmesOnly two trials have assessed whether material incentives and enablers can improve long-term adherence and completion of treatment for active TB, and neither demonstrated a clear benefit (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.14; two trials, 4356 participants; low quality evidence). In one trial, the incentive, given as a daily hot meal, was not well received by the population due to the inconvenience of attending the clinic at midday, whilst in the other trial, nurses distributing the vouchers chose to "ration" their distribution among eligible patients, giving only to those whom they felt were most deprived.Three trials assessed the effects of material incentives and enablers on completion of TB prophylaxis with mixed results (low quality evidence). A large effect was seen with regular cash incentives given to drug users at each clinic visit in a setting with extremely low treatment completion in the control group (treatment completion 52.8% intervention versus 3.6% control; RR 14.53, 95% CI 3.64 to 57.98; one trial, 108 participants), but no effects were seen in one trial assessing a cash incentive for recently released prisoners (373 participants), or another trial assessing material incentives offered by parents to teenagers (388 participants). Single once-only incentivesHowever in specific populations, such as recently released prisoners, drug users, and the homeless, trials show that material incentives probably do improve one-off clinic re-attendance for initiation or continuation of anti-TB prophylaxis (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.96; three trials, 595 participants; moderate quality evidence), and may increase the return rate for reading of tuberculin skin test results (RR 2.16, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.29; two trials, 1371 participants; low quality evidence). Comparison of different types of incentivesSingle trials in specific sub-populations suggest that an immediate cash incentive may be more effective than delaying the incentive until completion of treatment (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.24; one trial, 300 participants; low quality evidence), cash incentives may be more effective than non-cash incentives (completion of TB prophylaxis: RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.56; one trial, 141 participants; low quality evidence; return for skin test reading: RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.19; one trial, 652 participants; low quality evidence); and higher cash incentives may be more effective than lower cash incentives (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.16; one trial, 404 participants; low quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Material incentives and enablers may have some positive short term effects on clinic attendance, particularly for marginal populations such as drug users, recently released prisoners, and the homeless, but there is currently insufficient evidence to know if they can improve long term adherence to TB treatment.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Ill-Housed Persons; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Motivation; Patient Compliance; Prisoners; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Substance-Related Disorders; Token Economy; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Young Adult
PubMed: 26333525
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007952.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2018Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a long-term complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) that is characterised by pain, swelling, and skin changes in the affected... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a long-term complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) that is characterised by pain, swelling, and skin changes in the affected limb. One in three patients with DVT will develop post-thrombotic sequelae within five years. Rutosides are a group of compounds derived from horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), a traditional herbal remedy for treating oedema formation in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). However, it is not known whether rutosides are effective and safe in the treatment of PTS. This is the second update of the review first published in 2013.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness (improvement or deterioration in symptoms) and safety of rutosides for treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in patients with DVT compared to placebo, no intervention, elastic compression stockings (ECS) or any other treatment.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 21 August 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion. Studies were included to allow the comparison of rutosides versus placebo or no treatment, rutosides versus ECS, and rutosides versus any other treatment. Two review authors extracted information from the trials. Disagreements were resolved by discussion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data were extracted using designated data extraction forms. The Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool was used for all included studies to assist in the assessment of quality. Primary outcome measures were the occurrence of leg ulceration over time (yes or no) and any improvement or deterioration of post-thrombotic syndrome (yes or no). Secondary outcomes included reduction of oedema, pain, recurrence of DVT or pulmonary embolism, compliance with therapy, and adverse effects. All of the outcome measures were analysed using Mantel-Haenzel fixed-effect model odds ratios. The unit of analysis was the number of patients. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
Ten reports of nine studies were identified following searching and three studies with a total of 233 participants met the inclusion criteria. Overall quality of evidence using the GRADE approach was low, predominantly due to the lack of both participant and researcher blinding in the included studies. The quality of the evidence was further limited as only three small studies contributed to the review findings. A subjective scoring system was used to obtain the symptoms of PTS so it was important that the assessors were blinded to the intervention. One study compared rutosides with placebo, one study compared rutosides with ECS and rutosides plus ECS versus ECS alone, and one study compared rutosides with an alternative venoactive remedy. Occurrence of leg ulceration was not reported in any of the included studies. There was no clear evidence to support a difference in PTS improvement between the rutosides or placebo/no treatment groups (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.41; 164 participants; 2 studies; low-quality evidence); or between the rutosides and ECS groups (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.31 to 2.03; 80 participants; 1 study ; low-quality evidence). Results from one small study reported less PTS improvement in the rutosides group compared to an alternative venoactive remedy (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.94; 29 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence). There was no clear evidence to support a difference in PTS deterioration when comparing rutosides with placebo/no treatment (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.90; 80 participants; 1 study); with ECS (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.90; 80 participants; 1 study); or an alternative venoactive remedy (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.24; 29 participants; 1 study). No clear evidence of a difference in adverse effects between the rutosides and placebo/no treatment groups was seen ('mild side effects' reported in 7/41 and 5/42 respectively). In the study comparing rutosides with ECS, 2/80 could not tolerate ECS and 6/80 stopped medication due to side effects. The study comparing rutosides with an alternative venoactive remedy did not comment on side effects AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that rutosides were superior to the use of placebo or ECS. Overall, there is currently limited low-quality evidence that 'venoactive' or 'phlebotonic' remedies such as rutosides reduce symptoms of PTS. Mild side effects were noted in one study. The three studies included in this review provide no evidence to support the use of rutosides in the treatment of PTS.
Topics: Aesculus; Humans; Phytotherapy; Placebos; Plant Extracts; Postthrombotic Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rutin; Stockings, Compression; Venous Thrombosis; Watchful Waiting
PubMed: 30406640
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005625.pub4 -
Chronic Respiratory Disease Aug 2016Major reported factors associated with the limited effectiveness of home telemonitoring interventions in chronic respiratory conditions include the lack of useful early...
Major reported factors associated with the limited effectiveness of home telemonitoring interventions in chronic respiratory conditions include the lack of useful early predictors, poor patient compliance and the poor performance of conventional algorithms for detecting deteriorations. This article provides a systematic review of existing algorithms and the factors associated with their performance in detecting exacerbations and supporting clinical decisions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. An electronic literature search in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane library was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2005 and July 2015. A total of 20 studies (16 COPD, 4 asthma) that included research about the use of algorithms in telemonitoring interventions in asthma and COPD were selected. Differences on the applied definition of exacerbation, telemonitoring duration, acquired physiological signals and symptoms, type of technology deployed and algorithms used were found. Predictive models with good clinically reliability have yet to be defined, and are an important goal for the future development of telehealth in chronic respiratory conditions. New predictive models incorporating both symptoms and physiological signals are being tested in telemonitoring interventions with positive outcomes. However, the underpinning algorithms behind these models need be validated in larger samples of patients, for longer periods of time and with well-established protocols. In addition, further research is needed to identify novel predictors that enable the early detection of deteriorations, especially in COPD. Only then will telemonitoring achieve the aim of preventing hospital admissions, contributing to the reduction of health resource utilization and improving the quality of life of patients.
Topics: Algorithms; Asthma; Humans; Monitoring, Ambulatory; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Telemedicine
PubMed: 27097638
DOI: 10.1177/1479972316642365