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The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Sep 2023Peritonsillar abscess is a localised infection in the peritonsillar space. Pus from the abscess can contain anaerobes. Many clinicians prescribe metronidazole in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Peritonsillar abscess is a localised infection in the peritonsillar space. Pus from the abscess can contain anaerobes. Many clinicians prescribe metronidazole in addition to penicillin, but evidence to support this is limited. This review assessed the evidence of benefit of metronidazole for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted of the literature and databases including Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, PubMed and Cochrane library. Search terms included all variations of peritonsillar abscess, penicillin and metronidazole.
RESULTS
Three randomised, control trials were included. All studies assessed the clinical outcomes after treatment for peritonsillar abscess, including recurrence rate, length of hospital stay and symptom improvement. There was no evidence to suggest additional benefit with metronidazole, with studies suggesting increased side effects.
CONCLUSION
Evidence does not support the addition of metronidazole in first-line management of peritonsillar abscess. Further trials to establish optimum dose and duration schedules of oral phenoxymethylpenicillin would benefit clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Peritonsillar Abscess; Metronidazole; Penicillins; Penicillin V; Drainage; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 37194922
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215123000804 -
Current Medical Research and Opinion Sep 2023Chronic constipation is a challenging functional gastrointestinal disorder that remains a global burden. Pharmacologic therapy, including laxatives and dietary fibers,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Chronic constipation is a challenging functional gastrointestinal disorder that remains a global burden. Pharmacologic therapy, including laxatives and dietary fibers, are suggested as lines of treatment. Recent trials introduced an orally ingested vibrating capsule (VC) as an eligible option for chronic constipation management.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search in English on electronic databases CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and WOS until February 27th, 2023. RevMan was used to perform the meta-analysis. The results were reported as risk ratios (RRs), mean differences (MDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO with ID: (CRD42023409422).
RESULTS
Three RCTs with a total of 601 patients were included in our analysis. There was no difference between the VC and placebo in responder rate (RR: 1.37 with 95% CI [0.82, 2.28], = .22), CSBM change from baseline (MD: 0.21 with 95% CI [-0.26, 0.69], = .38), SBM change from baseline (MD: 0.14 with 95% CI [-0.22, 0.49], = .46), and the incidence of any adverse event (RR: 1.45 with a 95% CI of [0.79, 2.63], = .23). However, VC was associated with increased vibration sensation (RR: 17.23, 95% CI [3.29, 90.20], = .0008).
CONCLUSIONS
VC was not effective to improve bowel movement in patients with functional constipation with no difference in response rate. However, evidence is still uncertain, with only three small RCTs that yielded heterogenous findings, mainly due to the different vibration protocols. Also, our findings suggest that VC is safe and well-tolerated, with no significant harmful effects observed. Therefore, more large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of VC in patients with functional constipation, determining the most effective dose, frequency, and duration of treatment.
Topics: Humans; Capsules; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Constipation; Laxatives; Dietary Fiber
PubMed: 37526021
DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2023.2243219 -
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and... Aug 2023Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. The two stages of melioidosis treatment are the intense intravenous phase and the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. The two stages of melioidosis treatment are the intense intravenous phase and the oral eradication phase. Although co-trimoxazole has been in use for several years, the literature does not demonstrate uniformity of the drug doses, combinations, or durations suitable for the eradication phase of melioidosis. The safety profile of co-trimoxazole was not documented in the literature, nor have systematic studies of its effectiveness been done. This systematic review sought to study on the dose, duration and combination of co-trimoxazole therapy in view of clinical efficacy and safety in the eradication phase of melioidosis.
MAIN BODY
This systematic review included all of the published articles that employed co-trimoxazole in the eradication phase after 1989, including, randomized clinical trials, case-control studies, cohorts, case reports, and case series. Throughout the eradication (maintenance) phase, co-trimoxazole usage was permissible in any dose for any period. A total of 40 results were included in the analysis which contained six clinical trials, one cohort study, one Cochrane review, and thirty-two case series/case reports. Clinical and microbial relapse rates are low when co-trimoxazole is used in single therapy than in combination. There were several adverse events of co-trimoxazole, however, a quantitative analysis was not conducted as the data did not include quantitative values in most studies.
SHORT CONCLUSION
The dose of co-trimoxazole, duration of the eradication phase, and other combinations used in the treatment was varying between studies. Compared to combined therapy patients treated with co-trimoxazole alone the mortality and relapse rates were low. The lowest relapse rate and lowest mortality rate occur when using co-trimoxazole 1920 mg twice daily. The duration of therapy varies on the focus of melioidosis and it is ranged from 2 months to one year and minimum treatment duration associated with low relapse rate is 3 months. The use of co-trimoxazole over the maintenance phase of melioidosis is associated with clinical cure but has adverse effects.
Topics: Humans; Melioidosis; Cohort Studies; Administration, Intravenous; Case-Control Studies; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
PubMed: 37592339
DOI: 10.1186/s12941-023-00620-z -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2023Isavuconazole (ISA) is a second generation broad-spectrum triazole antifungal drug derived from voriconazole structure, and its oral capsules is currently the only oral... (Review)
Review
Isavuconazole (ISA) is a second generation broad-spectrum triazole antifungal drug derived from voriconazole structure, and its oral capsules is currently the only oral preparation approved for invasive mucormycosis. In recent years, population pharmacokinetic studies of ISA have been reported continuously. This paper aims to summarize the characteristics of population pharmacokinetic models of ISA in adults, and provide theoretical basis for individualized administration of ISA. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and other databases to collect population pharmacokinetic models published from the establishment of the database to March 2023. A total of 6 studies were included in this review, including healthy men and women, invasive fungal infections with malignant tumors or neutropenia, solid organ transplantation. The dose of ISA was 40-400mg for single-dose. The multiple-dose of ISA was 200mg every 8 hours for the first 48 hours and then 200mg once daily. All studies used a two-compartment model, first-order elimination. For oral formulations, except for one study that used first-order absorption, the others used Weibull absorption. Body mass index (BMI) was the most common covariable, followed by total body weight, lean body mass, race, sex, population type (healthy volunteers/patients), and creatinine clearance. These studies included several covariates, and the clearance rate (CL) was similar among populations. In the future, external validation and population pharmacokinetic studies in special populations such as patients with severe liver disease and ECMO support are needed.
PubMed: 38089964
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S434622 -
Clinics and Research in Hepatology and... Aug 2023Thiopurines are an important therapy for the maintenance of remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the use of thioguanine has been limited by concerns... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Thiopurines are an important therapy for the maintenance of remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the use of thioguanine has been limited by concerns regarding its toxicity. We performed a systematic review to evaluate its effectiveness and safety in IBD.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched to identify studies reporting clinical responses and/or adverse events of thioguanine therapy in IBD. We calculated the pooled clinical response and clinical remission rates of thioguanine in IBD. Subgroup analyses were done for the dosage of thioguanine and the type of studies (prospective or retrospective). Meta-Regression was used to analyze the impact of dose on clinical efficacy and occurrence of nodular regenerative hyperplasia.
RESULTS
A total of 32 studies were included. The pooled clinical response rate of thioguanine therapy in IBD was 0.66 (95% C.I. 0.62 - 0.70; I = 16%). The pooled clinical response rate with low-dose was similar to high-dose thioguanine therapy [0.65 (95% C.I. 0.59 - 0.70; I = 24%) and 0.68 (95% C.I. 0.61 - 0.75; I = 18%) respectively]. The pooled remission maintenance rate was 0.71 (95% C.I. 0.58 - 0.81; I = 86%). The pooled rates of occurrence of nodular regenerative hyperplasia, liver function tests abnormalities and cytopenia were 0.04 (95% C.I. 0.02 - 0.08; I = 75%), 0.11 (95% C.I. 0.08 - 0.16; I = 72%) and 0.06 (95% C.I. 0.04 - 0.09; I = 62%) respectively. Meta-regression suggested that the risk of nodular regenerative hyperplasia is related to the dose of thioguanine.
CONCLUSION
TG is an efficacious and well-tolerated drug in most patients with IBD. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia, cytopenias, and liver function abnormalities occur in a small subset. Future studies should look into TG as primary therapy in IBD.
Topics: Humans; Thioguanine; Hyperplasia; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
PubMed: 37301255
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2023.102155 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Dec 2023Non-National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccines have played an important role in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in China. However, these vaccines are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Non-National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccines have played an important role in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in China. However, these vaccines are paid out of pocket and there is room to increase their coverage. We focused on four selected non-NIP vaccines in this study, namely Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), and rotavirus vaccine. We aimed to conduct a scoping review of their vaccination rates and the major barriers faced by health systems, providers, and caregivers to increase coverage.
METHODS
We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We searched five English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and WHO IRIS) and four Chinese databases using the search strategy developed by the study team. Two independent reviewers screened, selected studies, and examined their quality. We summarized the non-NIP vaccine coverage data by vaccine and applied the 5A framework (Access, Affordability, Acceptance, Awareness, Activation) to chart and analyze barriers to increasing coverage.
RESULTS
A total of 28 articles were included in the analysis (nine pertaining to vaccine coverage, and another 19 reporting challenges of increasing uptake). Among the four selected vaccines, coverage for the Hib vaccine was the highest (54.9-55.9% for 1 dose or more from two meta-analyses) in 2016, while the coverage of the other three vaccines was lower than 30%. Eight of the nine included articles mentioned the regional disparity of coverage, which was lower in under-developing regions. For example, the three-dose Hib vaccination rate in eastern provinces was 38.1%, whereas the rate in central and western provinces was 34.3% and 26.2%, respectively in 2017. Within the 5A framework, acceptance, awareness, and affordability stood out as the most prominent themes. Among the 12 identified sub-themes, high prices, low vaccine awareness, concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy were the most cited barriers to increasing the uptake.
CONCLUSIONS
There is an urgent need to increase coverage of non-NIP vaccines and reduce disparities in access to these vaccines across regions. Concerted efforts from the government, the public, and society are required to tackle the barriers and challenges identified in this study, both on the demand and supply side, to ensure everybody has equal access to life-saving vaccines in China. Particularly, the government should take a prudent approach to gradually incorporate non-NIP vaccines into the NIP step by step, and make a prioritizing strategy based on key factors such as disease burden, financial resources, and market readiness, with special attention to high-risk populations and underdeveloped regions.
Topics: Humans; Vaccines; Vaccination; Immunization Programs; China; Cost of Illness
PubMed: 38062480
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01150-8 -
Virology Journal Nov 2023The efficacy and safety of oncolytic virotherapies in the treatment of advanced melanoma still remains controversal. It is necessary to conduct quantitative evaluation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and safety of oncolytic virotherapies in the treatment of advanced melanoma still remains controversal. It is necessary to conduct quantitative evaluation on the basis of preclinical trial reports.
METHODS
Publicly available databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane Library.) and register (Clinicaltrials.gov) were searched to collect treatment outcomes of oncolytic virotherapies (including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV), coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21), adenovirus, poxvirus and reovirus) for advanced/unresectable melanoma. Comparisons of treatment response, adverse events (AEs) and survival analyses for different virotherapies were performed by R software based on the extracted data from eligible studies.
RESULTS
Finally, thirty-four eligible studies were analysed and HSV virotherapy had the highest average complete response (CR, 24.8%) and HSV had a slightly higher average overall response rate (ORR) than CVA21 (43.8% vs 42.6%). In the pooled results of comparing talimogene laherparepve (T-VEC) with or without GM-CSF/ICIs (immune checkpoint inhibitors) to GM-CSF/ICIs monotherapy suggested virotherapy was more efficient in subgroups CR (RR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.30; 2.51], P < 0.01), ORR (RR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.02; 1.34], P < 0.05), and DCR (RR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.15; 1.40], P < 0.01). In patients treated with T-VEC+ICIs, 2-year overall survival (12.1 ± 6.9 months) and progression-free survival (9.9 ± 6.9) were significantly longer than those treated with T-VEC alone. Furthermore, we found that AEs occurred frequently in virotherapy but decreased in a large cohort of enrolled patients, some of which, such as abdominal distension/pain, injection site pain and pruritus, were found to be positively associated with disease progression in patients treated with T-VEC monotherapy.
CONCLUSION
Given the relative safety and tolerability of oncolytic viruses, and the lack of reports of dose-limiting-dependent toxicities, more patients treated with T-VEC with or without ICIs should be added to future assessment analyses. There is still a long way to go before it can be used as a first-line therapy for patients with advanced or unresectable melanoma.
Topics: Humans; Oncolytic Virotherapy; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Immunotherapy; Melanoma; Oncolytic Viruses; Pain
PubMed: 37919738
DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02220-x -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences Dec 2023The rate of adequate cleansing (ACR) and complete examinations (CR) are key quality indicators in capsule colonoscopy (CC) and pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy (PCE). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The rate of adequate cleansing (ACR) and complete examinations (CR) are key quality indicators in capsule colonoscopy (CC) and pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy (PCE).
AIMS
To evaluate the efficacy of bowel preparation protocols regarding ACR and CR.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, search terms regarding colon capsule preparation, publication date from 2006/01, and date of search 2021/12, in six bibliographic databases. Multiple steps of the cleansing protocol were assessed: diet, adjunctive laxatives, purgative solution, use of prokinetic agents, and "booster". The meta-analytical frequency of ACR and CR was estimated, and subgroup analyses performed. Strategies associated with higher ACR and CR were explored using meta-analytical univariable and multivariable regression models.
RESULTS
Twenty-six observational studies and five RCTs included (n = 4072 patients). The pooled rate of ACR was 72.5% (95% C.I. 67.8-77.5%; I = 92.4%), and the pooled rate of CR was 83.0% (95% C.I. 78.7-87.7%; I = 96.5%). The highest ACR were obtained using a low-fibre diet [78.5% (95% C.I. 72.0-85.6%); I = 57.0%], adjunctive laxatives [74.7% (95% C.I. 69.8-80.1%); I = 85.3%], and split dose < 4L polyethylene glycol (PEG) as purgative [77.5% (95% C.I. 68.4-87.8%); I = 47.3%]. The highest CR were observed using routine prokinetics prior to capsule ingestion [84.4% (95% C.I. 79.9-89.2%); I = 89.8%], and sodium phosphate (NaP) as "booster" [86.2% (95% C.I. 82.3-90.2%); I = 86.8%]. In univariable models, adjunctive laxatives were associated with higher ACR [OR 1.81 (95% C.I. 1.13; 2.90); p = 0.014]. CR was higher with routine prokinetics [OR 1.86 (95% C.I. 1.13; 3.05); p = 0.015] and split-dose PEG purgative [OR 2.03 (95% C.I. 1.01; 4.09), p = 0.048].
CONCLUSIONS
Main quality outcomes (ACR, CR) remain suboptimal for CC and PCE. Despite considerable heterogeneity, our results support low-fibre diet, use of adjunctive sennosides, split dose < 4L PEG, and routine prokinetics, while NaP remains the most consistent option as booster.
Topics: Humans; Cathartics; Laxatives; Capsule Endoscopy; Colonoscopy; Polyethylene Glycols
PubMed: 37833441
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08133-7 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Nov 2023As a worldwide public health issue, cancer-induced cachexia can result in decreasing physical function and survival rate. However, the therapeutic effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
As a worldwide public health issue, cancer-induced cachexia can result in decreasing physical function and survival rate. However, the therapeutic effects of conventional approaches, including pharmacotherapy, exercise and nutritional intervention, are far from satisfactory. Herbal medicines (HMs), especially Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are reported to effectively treat cachexia for centuries. The inclusion criteria of all participants in this study pointed to the diagnosis of cachexia, the trial group used herbal medicine (HM) in complementary and alternative medicine, etc. Twelve databases, including EMbase, PubMed, Web of science, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, CINAHLPlus, PsycINFO, AMED, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and Chongqing VIP (CQVIP) were retrieved from inception to March 28, 2022. We conducted the meta-analysis utilizing RevMan 5.3. A trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted to assess the adequacy of the sample size for the outcomes. We have registered the protocol and the registration number was CRD42022336446. A total of 66 studies were included, containing 3654 patients diagnosed with cancer cachexia, of which 1833 patients were assigned to the trial group and 1821 patients were treated in the control group. Outcomes cover the primary indicator KPS (RR = 1.84, 95%CI = [1.61, 2.09], p < 0.00001), and other outcomes including adverse events rate (RR = 0.37, 95%CI = [0.23, 0.58], p < 0.0001), albumin (MD = 2.14, 95%CI = [1.56, 2.71], p < 0.00001), haemoglobin (MD = 4.88, 95%CI = [3.26, 6.50], p < 0.00001), TCM syndrome effect (MD = 1.47, 95%CI = [1.31, 1.65], p < 0.00001), effect of weight (RR = 1.62, 95%CI = [1.34, 1.95], p < 0.00001), effect of appetite (RR = 1.23, 95%CI = [1.13, 1.34], p < 0.00001), FAACT (RR = 7.81, 95%CI = [6.12, 9.50], p < 0.00001), PG-SGA (MD = -2.16, 95%CI = [-2.65, -1.67], p < 0.00001) and QOL (MD = 5.76, 95%CI = [4.04, 7.48], p < 0.00001), suggesting that HMs or HMs combined with conventional treatment have an ameliorating effect on cachexia in each respect. Subgroup analysis showed that the five HMs with the best effect on improving KPS and their optimal doses were Coicis Semen (Yiyiren) in 10 g group, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) in 15 g group, Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao) in 10 g group, Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong) in 10 g group and Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma (Renshen) in 20 g group. In addition, there were HM combinations of levels 2-6. Egger's test showed publication bias for five outcomes. HMs have a significant effect on improving cancer cachexia on FAACT, TCM syndrome, KPS, QOL, appetite, nutritional status (evaluated by PG-SGA scale), weight, levels of albumin and haemoglobin. And the Adverse events rate is less than that of Western Medicine. The herbs with the best curative effect and their optimal dose were Dioscoreae R. (10 g), Citri R.P. (15 g), Coicis S. (10 g), Ophiopogonis R. (10 g) and Ginseng R.E.R. (20 g). Due to the quality of included studies is not high, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of HM.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Cachexia; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Neoplasms; Plants, Medicinal; Albumins; Hemoglobins
PubMed: 37795775
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7956 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Aug 2023Serving whey protein before a meal in order to lower postprandial blood glucose concentrations is known as a premeal. The underlying mechanisms are only partly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Whey Protein Premeal Lowers Postprandial Glucose Concentrations in Adults Compared with Water-The Effect of Timing, Dose, and Metabolic Status: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Serving whey protein before a meal in order to lower postprandial blood glucose concentrations is known as a premeal. The underlying mechanisms are only partly understood but may involve stimulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and insulin secretion together with a slower gastric emptying rate.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to review all randomized clinical trials investigating premeals with whey protein in comparison with a nonactive comparator (control) that evaluated plasma glucose, GLP-1, GIP, insulin, and/or gastric emptying rate. Secondary aims included subgroup analyses on the timing and dose of the premeal together with the metabolic state of the participants [lean, obese, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)].
METHODS
We searched EMBASE, CENTRAL, PUBMED, and clinicaltrials.gov and found 16 randomized crossover trials with a total of 244 individuals. The last search was performed on 9 August, 2022.
RESULTS
Whey protein premeals lowered peak glucose concentration by -1.4 mmol/L [-1.9 mmol/L; -0.9 mmol/L], and the area under the curve for glucose was -0.9 standard deviation (SD) [-1.2 SD; -0.6 SD] compared with controls (high certainty). In association with these findings, whey protein premeals elevated GLP-1 (low certainty) and peak insulin (high certainty) concentrations and slowed gastric emptying rate (high certainty) compared with controls. Subgroup analyses showed a more pronounced and prolonged glucose-lowering effect in individuals with T2DM compared with participants without T2DM. The available evidence did not elucidate the role of GIP. The protein dose used varied between 4 and 55 g, and meta-regression analysis showed that the protein dose correlated with the glucose-lowering effects.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, whey protein premeals lower postprandial blood glucose, reduce gastric emptying rate, and increase peak insulin. In addition, whey protein premeals may elevate plasma concentrations of GLP-1. Whey protein premeals may possess clinical potential, but the long-term effects await future clinical trials.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Whey Proteins; Glucagon; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Water; Insulin; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide; Glucose; Gastric Emptying; Postprandial Period
PubMed: 37536867
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.05.012