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PloS One 2017The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize the available evidence in scientific papers of smokefree legislation effects on respiratory diseases... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize the available evidence in scientific papers of smokefree legislation effects on respiratory diseases and sensory and respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, red eyes, runny nose) among all populations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out. A search between January 1995 and February 2015 was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Inclusion criteria were: 1) original scientific studies about smokefree legislation, 2) Data before and after legislation were collected, and 3) Impact on respiratory and sensory outcomes were assessed. Paired reviewers independently carried out the screening of titles and abstracts, data extraction from full-text articles, and methodological quality assessment.
RESULTS
A total number of 1606 papers were identified. 50 papers were selected, 26 were related to symptoms (23 concerned workers). Most outcomes presented significant decreases in the percentage of people suffering from them, especially in locations with comprehensive measures and during the immediate post-ban period (within the first six months). Four (50%) of the papers concerning pulmonary function reported some significant improvement in expiratory parameters. Significant decreases were described in 13 of the 17 papers evaluating asthma hospital admissions, and there were fewer significant reductions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admissions (range 1-36%) than for asthma (5-31%). Six studies regarding different respiratory diseases showed discrepant results, and four papers about mortality reported significant declines in subgroups. Low bias risk was present in 23 (46%) of the studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Smokefree legislation appears to improve respiratory and sensory symptoms at short term in workers (the overall effect being greater in comprehensive smokefree legislation in sensory symptoms) and, to a lesser degree, rates of hospitalization for asthma.
Topics: Asthma; Cough; Exhalation; Health Promotion; Hospitalization; Humans; Patient Admission; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Respiration Disorders; Sensation Disorders; Smoking; Spirometry
PubMed: 28759596
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181035 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023As face masks became mandatory in most countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, adverse effects require substantiated investigation. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
As face masks became mandatory in most countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, adverse effects require substantiated investigation.
METHODS
A systematic review of 2,168 studies on adverse medical mask effects yielded 54 publications for synthesis and 37 studies for meta-analysis (on = 8,641, = 2,482, = 6,159, age = 34.8 ± 12.5). The median trial duration was only 18 min (IQR = 50) for our comprehensive evaluation of mask induced physio-metabolic and clinical outcomes.
RESULTS
We found significant effects in both medical surgical and N95 masks, with a greater impact of the second. These effects included decreased SpO (overall Standard Mean Difference, SMD = -0.24, 95% CI = -0.38 to -0.11, < 0.001) and minute ventilation (SMD = -0.72, 95% CI = -0.99 to -0.46, < 0.001), simultaneous increased in blood-CO (SMD = +0.64, 95% CI = 0.31-0.96, < 0.001), heart rate (N95: SMD = +0.22, 95% CI = 0.03-0.41, = 0.02), systolic blood pressure (surgical: SMD = +0.21, 95% CI = 0.03-0.39, = 0.02), skin temperature (overall SMD = +0.80 95% CI = 0.23-1.38, = 0.006) and humidity (SMD +2.24, 95% CI = 1.32-3.17, < 0.001). Effects on exertion (overall SMD = +0.9, surgical = +0.63, N95 = +1.19), discomfort (SMD = +1.16), dyspnoea (SMD = +1.46), heat (SMD = +0.70), and humidity (SMD = +0.9) were significant in = 373 with a robust relationship to mask wearing ( < 0.006 to < 0.001). Pooled symptom prevalence ( = 8,128) was significant for: headache (62%, < 0.001), acne (38%, < 0.001), skin irritation (36%, < 0.001), dyspnoea (33%, < 0.001), heat (26%, < 0.001), itching (26%, < 0.001), voice disorder (23%, < 0.03), and dizziness (5%, = 0.01).
DISCUSSION
Masks interfered with O-uptake and CO-release and compromised respiratory compensation. Though evaluated wearing durations are shorter than daily/prolonged use, outcomes independently validate mask-induced exhaustion-syndrome (MIES) and down-stream physio-metabolic disfunctions. MIES can have long-term clinical consequences, especially for vulnerable groups. So far, several mask related symptoms may have been misinterpreted as long COVID-19 symptoms. In any case, the possible MIES contrasts with the WHO definition of health.
CONCLUSION
Face mask side-effects must be assessed (risk-benefit) against the available evidence of their effectiveness against viral transmissions. In the absence of strong empirical evidence of effectiveness, mask wearing should not be mandated let alone enforced by law.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021256694, identifier: PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021256694.
Topics: Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; COVID-19; Masks; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Carbon Dioxide; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Respiratory Protective Devices; Dyspnea
PubMed: 37089476
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1125150 -
European Journal of Medical Research Mar 2023There is a great association between the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma. Nonetheless, whether OSA impacts lung function, symptoms, and control in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is a great association between the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma. Nonetheless, whether OSA impacts lung function, symptoms, and control in asthma and whether asthma increases the respiratory events in OSA are unknown. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and asthma severity and vice versa.
METHODS
We carried out a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus from inception to September 2022. Primary outcomes were lung function, parameters of polysomnography, the risk of OSA in more severe or difficult-to-control asthmatic patients, and the risk of asthma in patients with more severe OSA. Heterogeneity was examined with the Q test and I statistics. We also performed subgroup analysis, Meta-regression, and Egger's test for bias analysis.
RESULTS
34 studies with 27,912 subjects were totally included. The results showed that the comorbidity of OSA aggravated lung function in asthmatic patients with a consequent decreased forced expiratory volume in one second %predicted (%FEV1) and the effect was particularly evident in children. %FEV1 tended to decrease in adult asthma patients complicated with OSA, but did not reach statistical significance. Interestingly, the risk of asthma seemed to be slightly lower in patients with more severe OSA (OR = 0.87, 95%CI 0.763-0.998). Asthma had no significant effect on polysomnography, but increased daytime sleepiness assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in OSA patients (WMD = 0.60, 95%CI 0.16-1.04). More severe asthma or difficult-to-control asthma was independently associated with OSA (odds ratio (OR) = 4.36, 95%CI 2.49-7.64).
CONCLUSION
OSA was associated with more severe or difficult-to-control asthma with decreased %FEV in children. The effect of OSA on lung function in adult patients should be further confirmed. Asthma increased daytime sleepiness in OSA patients. More studies are warranted to investigate the effect of asthma on OSA severity and the impact of different OSA severity on the prevalence of asthma. It is strongly recommended that people with moderate-to-severe or difficult-to-control asthma screen for OSA and get the appropriate treatment.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Asthma; Comorbidity; Polysomnography; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence
PubMed: 36998095
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01097-4 -
Respiratory Care Sep 2016Obstructive fibrinous tracheal pseudomembrane (OFTP) is an uncommon complication that results after tracheal intubation. Herein, we perform a systematic review of the... (Review)
Review
Obstructive fibrinous tracheal pseudomembrane (OFTP) is an uncommon complication that results after tracheal intubation. Herein, we perform a systematic review of the PubMed and EmBase databases for all the cases describing OFTP. The systematic search yielded 28 citations describing 53 subjects with OFTP. The study population (61.1% females) comprised of both adults and pediatric subjects with a median (IQR) age of 40.5 (14.8-60.5) years. The median (IQR) size of endotracheal tube was 7.5 (6-9.3) mm with a median (IQR) duration of intubation of 36 (14-96) hours. The median (IQR) time to onset of symptoms after extubation was 24 (6-96) hours. Stridor was the most common symptom. The average delay in correctly identifying the OFTP was 26 hours. The diagnosis of tracheal pseudomembrane was confirmed by flexible bronchoscopy in 38 (70.4%) instances while rigid bronchoscopy was used in 46.3% subjects for removing the pseudomembrane. There were two deaths, one each in an adult and a pediatric subject. OFTP is a complication of tracheal intubation and presents with respiratory failure. The diagnosis can be confirmed by flexible bronchoscopy. Treatment involves removal of the obstructing membrane with either flexible or rigid bronchoscopy.
Topics: Airway Extubation; Airway Obstruction; Bronchoscopy; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Respiratory Sounds; Tracheal Diseases
PubMed: 27247431
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.04662 -
The Clinical Respiratory Journal Mar 2016Dyspnea is a common and easily elicited presenting complaint in patients seen by physicians who evaluate and take care of chronic respiratory disorders. Although dyspnea... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Dyspnea is a common and easily elicited presenting complaint in patients seen by physicians who evaluate and take care of chronic respiratory disorders. Although dyspnea is subjective and tends to increase with age or reduced lung function, it appears to be reproducible as a symptom and often signifies serious underlying disease.
METHODS
Systematic review of longitudinal studies with dyspnea as the exposure and mortality as the outcome; age, smoking and lung function had to be controlled for to be included in the review. In addition, a minimum sample size at baseline of 500 subjects was required for each study.
RESULTS
From over 3000 potential references, 10 longitudinal studies met all criteria and were included. All 10 studies suggested that dyspnea was an independent predictor of mortality with point estimates by odds ratio, rate ratio or hazard ratios ranging from 1.3 up to 2.9-fold greater than baseline. All 10 studies had actual or implied 95% confidence interval bands greater than the null value of one.
CONCLUSION
Dyspnea, a symptom, predicts mortality and is a proxy for underlying diseases, most often of heart and lung. Therefore, chronic dyspnea needs to be evaluated as to etiology to allow for treatment to minimize morbidity and mortality when possible.
Topics: Dyspnea; Heart Diseases; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Lung Diseases; Proportional Hazards Models; Risk Factors; Smoking
PubMed: 25070878
DOI: 10.1111/crj.12191 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2021Bronchiectasis is characterised by excessive sputum production, chronic cough, and acute exacerbations and is associated with symptoms of dyspnoea and fatigue, which... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Bronchiectasis is characterised by excessive sputum production, chronic cough, and acute exacerbations and is associated with symptoms of dyspnoea and fatigue, which reduce exercise tolerance and impair quality of life. Exercise training in isolation or in conjunction with other interventions is beneficial for people with other respiratory diseases, but its effects in bronchiectasis have not been well established.
OBJECTIVES
To determine effects of exercise training compared to usual care on exercise tolerance (primary outcome), quality of life (primary outcome), incidence of acute exacerbation and hospitalisation, respiratory and mental health symptoms, physical function, mortality, and adverse events in people with stable or acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis.
SEARCH METHODS
We identified trials from the Cochrane Airways Specialised Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization trials portal, from their inception to October 2020. We reviewed respiratory conference abstracts and reference lists of all primary studies and review articles for additional references.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials in which exercise training of at least four weeks' duration (or eight sessions) was compared to usual care for people with stable bronchiectasis or experiencing an acute exacerbation. Co-interventions with exercise training including education, respiratory muscle training, and airway clearance therapy were permitted if also applied as part of usual care.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened and selected trials for inclusion, extracted outcome data, and assessed risk of bias. We contacted study authors for missing data. We calculated mean differences (MDs) using a random-effects model. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six studies, two of which were published as abstracts, with a total of 275 participants. Five studies were undertaken with people with clinically stable bronchiectasis, and one pilot study was undertaken post acute exacerbation. All studies included co-interventions such as instructions for airway clearance therapy and/or breathing strategies, provision of an educational booklet, and delivery of educational sessions. The duration of training ranged from six to eight weeks, with a mix of supervised and unsupervised sessions conducted in the outpatient or home setting. No studies of children were included in the review; however we identified two studies as currently ongoing. No data were available regarding physical activity levels or adverse events. For people with stable bronchiectasis, evidence suggests that exercise training compared to usual care improves functional exercise tolerance as measured by the incremental shuttle walk distance, with a mean difference (MD) between groups of 87 metres (95% confidence interval (CI) 43 to 132 metres; 4 studies, 161 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence also suggests that exercise training improves six-minute walk distance (6MWD) (MD between groups of 42 metres, 95% CI 22 to 62; 1 study, 76 participants; low-certainty evidence). The magnitude of these observed mean changes appears clinically relevant as they exceed minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds for people with chronic lung disease. Evidence suggests that quality of life improves following exercise training according to St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score (MD -9.62 points, 95% CI -15.67 to -3.56 points; 3 studies, 160 participants; low-certainty evidence), which exceeds the MCID of 4 points for this outcome. A reduction in dyspnoea (MD 1.0 points, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.53; 1 study, 76 participants) and fatigue (MD 1.51 points, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.22 points; 1 study, 76 participants) was observed following exercise training according to these domains of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire. However, there was no change in cough-related quality of life as measured by the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) (MD -0.09 points, 95% CI -0.98 to 0.80 points; 2 studies, 103 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), nor in anxiety or depression. Two studies reported longer-term outcomes up to 12 months after intervention completion; however exercise training did not appear to improve exercise capacity or quality of life more than usual care. Exercise training reduced the number of acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis over 12 months in people with stable bronchiectasis (odds ratio 0.26, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.81; 1 study, 55 participants). After an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis, data from a single study (N = 27) suggest that exercise training compared to usual care confers little to no effect on exercise capacity (MD 11 metres, 95% CI -27 to 49 metres; low-certainty evidence), SGRQ total score (MD 6.34 points, 95%CI -17.08 to 29.76 points), or LCQ score (MD -0.08 points, 95% CI -0.94 to 0.78 points; low-certainty evidence) and does not reduce the time to first exacerbation (hazard ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.31 to 2.22).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review provides low-certainty evidence suggesting improvement in functional exercise capacity and quality of life immediately following exercise training in people with stable bronchiectasis; however the effects of exercise training on cough-related quality of life and psychological symptoms appear to be minimal. Due to inadequate reporting of methods, small study numbers, and variation between study findings, evidence is of very low to moderate certainty. Limited evidence is available to show longer-term effects of exercise training on these outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Bias; Breathing Exercises; Bronchiectasis; Cough; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Exercise; Exercise Tolerance; Hospitalization; Humans; Mental Health; Physical Endurance; Physical Functional Performance; Quality of Life; Respiration Disorders; Walk Test
PubMed: 33822364
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013110.pub2 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Jun 2023The effect of meditative movement, which includes yoga, tai chi and qi gong, on breathlessness in advanced disease is unknown. This systematic review aims to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effect of meditative movement, which includes yoga, tai chi and qi gong, on breathlessness in advanced disease is unknown. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the evidence on the effect of meditative movement on breathlessness (primary outcome), health-related quality of life, exercise capacity, functional performance and psychological symptoms (secondary outcomes) in advanced disease. 11 English and Chinese language databases were searched for relevant trials. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals were computed. 17 trials with 1125 participants (n=815 COPD, n=310 cancer), all with unclear or high risk of bias, were included. Pooled estimates (14 studies, n=671) showed no statistically significant difference in breathlessness between meditative movement and control interventions (SMD (95% CI) 0.10 (-0.15-0.34); Chi=30.11; I=57%; p=0.45), irrespective of comparator, intervention or disease category. Similar results were observed for health-related quality of life and exercise capacity. It was not possible to perform a meta-analysis for functional performance and psychological symptoms. In conclusion, in people with advanced COPD or cancer, meditative movement does not improve breathlessness, health-related quality of life or exercise capacity. Methodological limitations lead to low levels of certainty in the results.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Dyspnea; Neoplasms; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 37343961
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0243-2022 -
BMJ Open Jul 2021To review and synthesise evidence on rates of respiratory-associated deaths and associated risk factors in the intellectual disability population. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To review and synthesise evidence on rates of respiratory-associated deaths and associated risk factors in the intellectual disability population.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Embase, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science (all databases including Medline) and PsychINFO were searched for studies published between 1st January 1985 and 27th April 2020 and examined study and outcome quality. Reference lists and Google Scholar were also hand searched.
RESULTS
We identified 2295 studies, 17 were included in the narrative synthesis and 10 studies (11 cohorts) in the meta-analysis. Data from 90 302 people with intellectual disabilities and 13 808 deaths from all causes in people with intellectual disabilities were extracted. Significantly higher rates of respiratory-associated deaths were found among people with intellectual disabilities (standardised mortality ratio(SMR): 10.86 (95% CI: 5.32 to 22.18, p<0.001) compared with those in the general population, lesser rates for adults with ID (SMR: 6.53 (95% CI: 4.29 to 9.96, p<0.001); and relatively high rates from pneumonia 26.65 (95% CI: 5.63 to 126.24, p<0.001). The overall statistical heterogeneity was I=99.0%.
CONCLUSION
Premature deaths due to respiratory disorders are potentially avoidable with improved public health initiatives and equitable access to quality healthcare. Further research should focus on developing prognostic guidance and validated tools for clinical practice to mitigate risks of respiratory-associated deaths.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020180479.
Topics: Adult; Cause of Death; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Mortality, Premature; Respiration Disorders; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34261677
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043658 -
Respiratory Care Jul 2018The aim of this study was to systematically review all current interventions that have been utilized to improve respiratory function and activity after stroke. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to systematically review all current interventions that have been utilized to improve respiratory function and activity after stroke.
METHODS
Specific searches were conducted. The experimental intervention had to be planned, structured, repetitive, purposive, and delivered with the aim of improving respiratory function. Outcomes included respiratory strength (maximum inspiratory pressure [P], maximum expiratory pressure [P]) and endurance, lung function (FVC, FEV, and peak expiratory flow [PEF]), dyspnea, and activity. The quality of the randomized trials was assessed by the PEDro scale using scores from the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (www.pedro.org.au), and risk of bias was assessed in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.
RESULTS
The 17 included trials had a mean PEDro score of 5.7 (range 4-8) and involved 616 participants. Meta-analyses showed that respiratory muscle training significantly improved all outcomes of interest: P (weighted mean difference 11 cm HO, 95% CI 7-15, I = 0%), P (8 cm HO, 95% CI 2-15, I = 65%), FVC (0.25 L, 95% CI 0.12-0.37, I = 29%), FEV (0.24 L, 95% CI 0.17-0.30, I = 0%), PEF (0.51 L/s, 95% CI 0.10-0.92, I = 0%), dyspnea (standardized mean difference -1.6 points, 95% CI -2.2 to -0.9; I = 0%), and activity (standardized mean difference 0.78, 95% CI 0.22-1.35, I = 0%). Meta-analyses found no significant results for the effects of breathing exercises on lung function. For the remaining interventions (ie, aerobic and postural exercises) and the addition of electrical stimulation, meta-analyses could not be performed.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review reports 5 possible interventions used to improve respiratory function after stroke. Respiratory muscle training proved to be effective for improving inspiratory and expiratory strength, lung function, and dyspnea, and benefits were carried over to activity. However, there is still no evidence to accept or refute the efficacy of aerobic, breathing, and postural exercises, or the addition of electrical stimulation in respiratory function.
Topics: Breathing Exercises; Dyspnea; Humans; Muscle Strength; Recovery of Function; Respiration Disorders; Respiratory Muscles; Respiratory Therapy; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29844210
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.06000 -
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Jan 2022The Dyspnoea-12 (D-12) and Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile (MDP) were specifically developed for assessment of multiple sensations of breathlessness. (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
The Dyspnoea-12 (D-12) and Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile (MDP) were specifically developed for assessment of multiple sensations of breathlessness.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to identify the use and measurement properties of the D-12 and MDP across populations, settings and languages.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched for primary studies (2008-2020) reporting use of the D-12 or MDP in adults. Two independent reviewers completed screening and data extraction. Study and participant characteristics, instrument use, reported scores and minimal clinical important differences (MCID) were evaluated. Data on internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) were pooled using random effects models between settings and languages.
RESULTS
A total 75 publications reported use of D-12 (n = 35), MDP (n = 37) or both (n = 3), reflecting 16 chronic conditions. Synthesis confirmed two factor structure, internal consistency (Cronbach's α mean, 95% CI: D-12 Total = 0.93, 0.91-0.94; MDP Immediate Perception [IP] = 0.88, 0.85-0.90; MDP Emotional Response [ER] = 0.86, 0.82-0.89) and 14 day test-rest reliability (ICC: D-12 Total = 0.91, 0.88-0.94; MDP IP = 0.85, 0.70-0.93; MDP ER = 0.84, 0.73-0.90) across settings and languages. MCID estimates for clinical interventions ranged between -3 and -6 points (D-12 Total) with small variability in scores over 2 weeks (D-12 Total 2.8 (95% CI: 2.0 to 3.7), MDP-A1 0.8 (0.6 to 1.1) and six months (D-12 Total 2.9 (2.0 to 3.7), MDP-A1 0.8 (0.6 to 1.1)).
CONCLUSION
D-12 and MDP are widely used, reliable, valid and responsive across various chronic conditions, settings and languages, and could be considered standard instruments for measuring dimensions of breathlessness in international trials.
Topics: Adult; Dyspnea; Emotions; Humans; Language; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34273524
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.06.023