-
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2023: The most common sites of implantation of endometriotic tissue are the ovaries. Endometriomas are present in most cases of endometriosis (up to 45%). Although... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
: The most common sites of implantation of endometriotic tissue are the ovaries. Endometriomas are present in most cases of endometriosis (up to 45%). Although laparoscopic cystectomy is the standard of care in endometrioma, new strategies have been set up to minimize iatrogenic injuries to ovarian tissue. Sclerotherapy consists of injecting alcohol into the endometrioma to denature the amino acidic components of its pseudocapsule. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare clinical and pregnancy outcomes in surgery and sclerotherapy. : Following the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, we systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Clinical-trials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases in January 2023, adopting the string "Endometriosis and sclerotherapy". We made no limitations on the country and year of publication. We included the studies containing Success Rate (SR), Recurrence Rate (RR), Pregnancy Rate (PR) before and after the procedure. We used comparative studies for meta-analysis. : A total of 29 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria, 7 retrospective observational studies and 22 prospective studies. Eight comparative studies were enrolled in meta-analysis. Patients were analyzed concerning the number of recurrences and pregnancies in surgery, and compared with sclerotherapy. Four studies showed SR > 80.0%, and only two had SR < 80.0%, of which one consisted of tetracycline instillation. Only 1 study had 100% PR, the other 14 reported PR > 30.0%, whereas six had PR < 30.0%, of which one showed 0.0% PR with ethanol injection at two-thirds of the cyst fluid volume. Meta-analysis highlighted a non-significant lower incidence of recurrence in the surgery group compared to the sclerotherapy group ( = 0.87). In parallel, the surgery group showed a non-significant better PR than the sclerotherapy group ( = 0.08). : Despite sclerotherapy having a minor incidence of postoperative complications compared to surgery, the latter is associated with a lower RR and better PR. However, those data assert the importance of a targeted therapy according to preoperative conditions and reproductive potential.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Sclerotherapy; Endometriosis; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Fertility
PubMed: 37763762
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091643 -
Pediatric Pulmonology May 2024Given extensive pertinent disease factors and evolving medical treatments, this systematic review explores qualitative and quantitative cystic fibrosis (CF) research... (Review)
Review
Given extensive pertinent disease factors and evolving medical treatments, this systematic review explores qualitative and quantitative cystic fibrosis (CF) research surrounding self-concept, an overarching perception of self. Research methodologies, self-concept dimensions, prominent self-concept findings and clinical recommendations are identified. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses guidelines were applied. PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Psycinfo, CINAHL (ebsco), and CENTRAL Cochrane electronic databases were searched from 2012 to 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the critical appraisal skills program. Data-based convergent synthesis was applied to analyze and report on qualitative and quantitative studies in parallel. Thirty-seven publications met the inclusion criteria, most of which employed a cross-sectional, single-center design within an adolescent and adult population. Self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-identity studies were dimensions of self-concept identified, with studies relating to self-efficacy surrounding physical health management most prevalent. All three dimensions were positively associated with improved treatment adherence and psychosocial health. Efficacy tested intervention programs to enhance self-concept are limited; however, an extensive range of clinical recommendations are offered, highlighting the importance of clinician self-concept awareness, quality clinician-patient conversations and online CF peer-support. Self-concept is an important mechanism to optimize patient outcomes. Further CF self-concept research is required, particularly multicenter, longitudinal, and interventional studies. Early childhood, post lung transplant and the older adult CF population in particular, lack research attention. Given the potential impact of rapidly evolving CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulator drugs on many aspects of self, future self-concept research beyond the dimension of self-efficacy may be beneficial.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Humans; Cystic Fibrosis; Self Concept; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 38376009
DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26916 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2023Prospective longitudinal studies mainly conclude on a causal role of e-cigarettes in the initiation of cigarettes in flagrant contradiction with conclusions drawn from... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Prospective longitudinal studies mainly conclude on a causal role of e-cigarettes in the initiation of cigarettes in flagrant contradiction with conclusions drawn from epidemiology and other studies showing a sharp decline in cigarette use in parallel with the spread of e-cigarette use. This systematic review explores the reasons for this discrepancy.
METHODS
Among 84 publications on e-cigarette/cigarette association in adolescents identified in the Medline database from 2011 to 2022, 23 concern 22 never-smoker longitudinal sub-cohorts.
RESULTS
A link between e-cigarette experimentation at T1 and cigarette initiation at T2 is reported in sub-cohort analyses of never-smokers (AOR: 1.41 to 8.30). However, studies exclude 64.3% of T1 e-cigarette experimenters (because of dual-use) and 74.1% of T2 cigarette experimenters. With this study design, e-cigarettes contribute only to 5.3% of T2 cigarette experimentation, casting major doubt on the external validity of results and authors' conclusions that e-cigarettes have a significant effect on the initiation of cigarettes () at the population level. This sub-cohort design prohibits highlighting any , which is the most likely mechanism accounting for the competition between these two products.
CONCLUSIONS
While nicotine abstinence remains the best medical option, over-regulation of e-cigarettes because of misinterpretation of longitudinal study results may be detrimental to public health and tobacco control.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Longitudinal Studies; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Smokers; Prospective Studies; Tobacco Products; Vaping
PubMed: 37887674
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206936 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2023This is an updated version of a Cochrane Review last updated in 2020. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, affecting 0.5% to 1% of the population. In nearly 30%... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This is an updated version of a Cochrane Review last updated in 2020. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, affecting 0.5% to 1% of the population. In nearly 30% of cases, epilepsy is resistant to currently available drugs. Pharmacological treatment remains the first choice to control epilepsy. Lamotrigine is a second-generation antiseizure medication. When used as an add-on (in combination with other antiseizure medications), lamotrigine can reduce seizures, but with some adverse effects.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of add-on lamotrigine, compared with add-on placebo or no add-on treatment in people with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
SEARCH METHODS
For this update, we searched the Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web) and MEDLINE (Ovid) on 3 October 2022 with no language restrictions. CRS Web includes randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials from PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Specialised Registers of Cochrane Review Groups, including Epilepsy.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated add-on lamotrigine versus add-on placebo or no add-on treatment in people of any age with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. We used data from the first period of eligible cross-over trials.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
For this update, two review authors independently selected trials and extracted data. Our primary outcome was 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency. Our secondary outcomes were treatment withdrawal, adverse effects, cognitive effects, and quality of life. Primary analyses were by intention-to-treat. We performed sensitivity best- and worse-case analyses to account for missing outcome data. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% Cls) for dichotomous outcomes.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified no new studies for this update, so the results and conclusions of the review are unchanged. We included five parallel-group studies in adults or children, eight cross-over studies in adults or children, and one parallel study with a responder-enriched design in infants. In total, these 14 studies enroled 1806 eligible participants (38 infants, 199 children, 1569 adults). Baseline phases ranged from four to 12 weeks and treatment phases ranged from eight to 36 weeks. We rated 11 studies (1243 participants) at low overall risk of bias and three (697 participants) at unclear overall risk of bias due to lack of information on study design. Four studies (563 participants) reported effective blinding. Lamotrigine compared with placebo probably increases the likelihood of achieving 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.23; 12 trials, 1322 participants (adults and children); moderate-certainty evidence). There is probably little or no difference in risk of treatment withdrawal for any reason among people treated with lamotrigine versus people treated with placebo (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.37; 14 trials; 1806 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Lamotrigine compared with placebo is probably associated with a greater risk of ataxia (RR 3.34, 99% Cl 2.01 to 5.55; 12 trials; 1525 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), dizziness (RR 1.76, 99% Cl 1.28 to 2.43; 13 trials; 1768 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), nausea (RR 1.81, 99% CI 1.22 to 2.68; 12 studies, 1486 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and diplopia (RR 3.79, 99% Cl 2.15 to 6.68; 3 trials, 944 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There is probably little or no difference in the risk of fatigue between lamotrigine and placebo (RR 0.82, 99% CI 0.55 to 1.22; 12 studies, 1552 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Lamotrigine as an add-on treatment for drug-resistant focal seizures is probably effective for reducing seizure frequency. Certain adverse effects (ataxia, dizziness, diplopia, and nausea) are probably more likely to occur with lamotrigine compared with placebo. There is probably little or no difference in the number of people who withdraw from treatment with lamotrigine versus placebo. The trials were of relatively short duration and provided no long-term evidence. In addition, some trials had few participants. Further trials are needed to assess the long-term effects of lamotrigine and to compare lamotrigine with other add-on drugs.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Lamotrigine; Diplopia; Dizziness; Drug Therapy, Combination; Anticonvulsants; Seizures; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Ataxia; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Nausea; Epilepsies, Partial
PubMed: 38078494
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001909.pub4 -
Journal of Pregnancy 2023Urinary tract infection (UTI) remains the most common bacterial infection that affects millions of people around the world, especially pregnant women (PW) and people... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Urinary tract infection (UTI) remains the most common bacterial infection that affects millions of people around the world, especially pregnant women (PW) and people with diabetes mellitus (DM). This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at finding the pooled prevalence of UTI and its associated risk factors among PW and DM patients. Scientific articles written in English were recovered from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Google Engine, and University Library Databases. "Prevalence," "urinary tract infection," "associated factors," "pregnant women," "diabetic patients," and "Ethiopia" were search terms used for this study. For critical appraisal, PRISMA-2009 was applied. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using Cochran's , inverse variance (), and funnel plot asymmetry tests. A random effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of UTI and its associated factors among both patients, along with the parallel odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). For this meta-analysis, a total of 7271 participants were included in the 25 eligible studies. The pooled prevalence of UTI in Ethiopia among both patients was 14.50% (95% CI: 13.02, 15.97), of which 14.21% (95% CI: 12.18, 16.25) and 14.75% (95% CI: 12.58, 16.92) were cases of DM and PW, respectively. According to the subgroup analysis, the highest prevalence was observed in the Oromia region (19.84%) and in studies conducted from 2018 to 2022 (14.68%). Being female (AOR: 0.88, and 95% CI: 0.11, 1.65, = 0.01) and having an income level ≤ 500ETB (AOR: 4.46, and 95% CI: -1.19, 10.12, = 0.03) were risk factors significantly associated with UTI among patients with DM and PW, respectively. Furthermore, a history of catheterization (AOR = 5.58 and 95% CI: 1.35, 9.81, < 0.01), urinary tract infection (AOR: 3.52, and 95% CI: 1.96, 5.08, < 0.01), and symptomatic patients (AOR: 2.32, and 95% CI: 0.57, 4.06, < 0.01) were significantly associated with UTI in both patients. Early diagnosis and appropriate medication are necessary for the treatment of UTI in patients with DM and PW.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Male; Pregnant Women; Urinary Tract Infections; Risk Factors; Ethiopia; Diabetes Mellitus; Prevalence
PubMed: 37545868
DOI: 10.1155/2023/8365867 -
Palliative Medicine Oct 2023Opioids are recommended to treat advanced refractory dyspnoea despite optimal therapy by the American Thoracic Society clinical practice guidelines, while newly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effectiveness and safety of opioids on breathlessness and exercise endurance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Opioids are recommended to treat advanced refractory dyspnoea despite optimal therapy by the American Thoracic Society clinical practice guidelines, while newly published randomised controlled trials of opioids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease yield conflicting results.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of opioids for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42021272556).
DATA SOURCES
Databases of PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched from inception to 2022 for eligible randomised controlled trials.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies including 975 patients, were included. In cross-over studies, opioids improved breathlessness (standardised mean difference, -0.43; 95% CI, -0.55 to -0.30; = 18%) and exercise endurance (standardised mean difference, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.02-0.41; = 70%). However, opioids failed to improve dyspnoea (standardised mean difference, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.22 to 0.19; = 39%) and exercise endurance (standardised mean difference, 0.00; 95% CI, -0.27 to 0.27; = 0%) in parallel control studies that administered sustained-release opioids for more than 1 week. The opioids used in most crossover studies were short-acting and rarely associated with serious adverse effects. Only minor side effects such as dizziness, nausea, constipation and vomiting were identified for short-acting opioids.
CONCLUSIONS
Sustained-release opioids did not improve dyspnoea and exercise endurance. Short-acting opioids appeared to be safe, have potential to lessen dyspnoea and improve exercise endurance, supporting benefit in managing episodes of breathlessness and providing prophylactic treatment for exertional dyspnoea.
Topics: Humans; Analgesics, Opioid; Delayed-Action Preparations; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Dyspnea; Exercise; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37710987
DOI: 10.1177/02692163231194838 -
Diabetes Care Oct 2023Blood glucose regulation in women with diabetes may change during and after menopause, which could be attributed, in part, to decreased estrogen levels. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Blood glucose regulation in women with diabetes may change during and after menopause, which could be attributed, in part, to decreased estrogen levels.
PURPOSE
To determine the effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) on HbA1c, fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and use of glucose-lowering drugs in women with type 1 and women with type 2 diabetes.
DATA SOURCES
We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
STUDY SELECTION
We selected RCTs on the effect of HT containing estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women (≥12 months since final menstrual period) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data were extracted for the following outcomes: HbA1c, fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and use of glucose-lowering medication.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Nineteen RCTs were included (12 parallel-group trials and 7 crossover trials), with a total of 1,412 participants, of whom 4.0% had type 1 diabetes. HT reduced HbA1c (mean difference -0.56% [95% CI -0.80, -0.31], -6.08 mmol/mol [95% CI -8.80, -3.36]) and fasting glucose (mean difference -1.15 mmol/L [95% CI -1.78, -0.51]).
LIMITATIONS
Of included studies, 50% were at high risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
When postmenopausal HT is considered for menopausal symptoms in women with type 2 diabetes, HT is expected to have a neutral-to-beneficial impact on glucose regulation. Evidence for the effect of postmenopausal HT in women with type 1 diabetes was limited.
Topics: Female; Humans; Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Glycated Hemoglobin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Estrogens
PubMed: 37729504
DOI: 10.2337/dc23-0451 -
Neuropsychology Review Dec 2023To examine current clinical research on the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of pediatric and young adult autism spectrum disorder in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Treatment Response of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Intellectually Capable Youth and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
To examine current clinical research on the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of pediatric and young adult autism spectrum disorder in intellectually capable persons (IC-ASD). We searched peer-reviewed international literature to identify clinical trials investigating TMS as a treatment for behavioral and cognitive symptoms of IC-ASD. We identified sixteen studies and were able to conduct a meta-analysis on twelve of these studies. Seven were open-label or used neurotypical controls for baseline cognitive data, and nine were controlled trials. In the latter, waitlist control groups were often used over sham TMS. Only one study conducted a randomized, parallel, double-blind, and sham controlled trial. Favorable safety data was reported in low frequency repetitive TMS, high frequency repetitive TMS, and intermittent theta burst studies. Compared to TMS research of other neuropsychiatric conditions, significantly lower total TMS pulses were delivered in treatment and neuronavigation was not regularly utilized. Quantitatively, our multivariate meta-analysis results report improvement in cognitive outcomes (pooled Hedges' g = 0.735, 95% CI = 0.242, 1.228; p = 0.009) and primarily Criterion B symptomology of IC-ASD (pooled Hedges' g = 0.435, 95% CI = 0.359, 0.511; p < 0.001) with low frequency repetitive TMS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis data indicate that TMS may offer a promising and safe treatment option for pediatric and young adult patients with IC-ASD. However, future work should include use of neuronavigation software, theta burst protocols, targeting of various brain regions, and robust study design before clinical recommendations can be made.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Child; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Research Design; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36161554
DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09564-1 -
PloS One 2023Although statins are often discontinued when myalgia arises, a causal relationship may not always exist. How well-tolerated statins are when rechallenge is blinded and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although statins are often discontinued when myalgia arises, a causal relationship may not always exist. How well-tolerated statins are when rechallenge is blinded and controlled is unclear.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42023437648) to evaluate the success of statin rechallenge versus matched placebo in those who were previously statin intolerant. Our primary outcome was intolerance; our secondary outcome was the myalgia or global symptom score. Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to May 1, 2023. Eligible trials were randomized controlled trials with parallel or crossover designs examining statin rechallenge in statin-intolerant adults. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (Cochrane Collaboration's risk-of-bias tool 1). Relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) were estimated using fixed effect Mantel-Haenszel statistics. Of 1,941 studies screened, 8 met our inclusion criteria (8 to 491 participants from Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceana). Compared to placebo, intolerance was more common in statin users [325/906 (36%) vs 233/911 (26%), RR 1.40, 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.60, I2 = 0%, 7 trials, number needed to harm 10] and there was no statistically significant difference in myalgia or global symptom score on a 100-point scale [MD 1.08, 95% CI, -1.51 to 3.67, I2 = 0%, 5 trials]. Limitations include only 1 trial asking participants about intolerable symptoms (vs inferring intolerance from discontinuation or trial withdrawal); the small number of trials; the possibility of attrition bias; and the potential for carryover effects in crossover/n-of-1 trial designs.
CONCLUSIONS
Of those previously intolerant of statins who were rechallenged with a statin and compared to placebo recipients, medication intolerance was more common amongst statin recipients. However, there was no significant difference in mean myalgia or global symptom score between statin and placebo, and only one-third of those previously believed to be statin intolerant were unable to tolerate a statin on blinded rechallenge; one-quarter were intolerant of placebo.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Myalgia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Asia; Europe
PubMed: 38128013
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295857 -
Techniques in Coloproctology Nov 2023Complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been associated with improved oncological outcomes in treatment of colon cancer. However, widespread adoption is limited partly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Complete mesocolic excision versus standard resection for colon cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of perioperative safety and an evaluation of the use of a robotic approach.
PURPOSE
Complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been associated with improved oncological outcomes in treatment of colon cancer. However, widespread adoption is limited partly because of the technical complexity and perceived risks of the approach. The aim of out study was to evaluate the safety of CME compared to standard resection and to compare robotic versus laparoscopic approaches.
METHODS
Two parallel searches were undertaken in MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases 12 December 2021. The first was to evaluate IDEAL stage 3 evidence to compare complication rates as a surrogate marker of perioperative safety between CME and standard resection. The second independent search compared lymph node yield and survival outcomes between minimally invasive approaches.
RESULTS
There were four randomized control trials (n = 1422) comparing CME to standard resection, and three studies comparing laparoscopic (n = 164) to robotic (n = 161) approaches. Compared to standard resection, CME was associated with a reduction in Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher complication rates (3.56% vs. 7.24%, p = 0.002), reduced blood loss (113.1 ml vs. 137.6 ml, p < 0.0001) and greater mean lymph node harvest (25.6 vs. 20.9 nodes, p = 0.001). Between the robotic and laparoscopic groups, there were no significant differences in complication rates, blood loss, lymph node yield, 5-year disease-free survival (OR 1.05, p = 0.87) and overall survival (OR 0.83, p = 0.54).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrated improved safety with CME. There was no difference in safety or survival outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic CME. The advantage of a robotic approach may lie in the reduced learning curve and an increased penetration of minimally invasive approach to CME. Further studies are required to explore this.
PROSPERO ID
CRD42021287065.
Topics: Humans; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Lymph Node Excision; Colectomy; Colonic Neoplasms; Robotics; Mesocolon; Laparoscopy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37414915
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-023-02838-7