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JAMA Network Open Sep 2023Current rehabilitation guidelines for patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) are primarily based on expert opinions and observational data, and there is an urgent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Current rehabilitation guidelines for patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) are primarily based on expert opinions and observational data, and there is an urgent need for evidence-based rehabilitation interventions to support patients with PCC.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize the findings of existing studies that report on physical capacity (including functional exercise capacity, muscle function, dyspnea, and respiratory function) and quality of life outcomes following rehabilitation interventions in patients with PCC.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic electronic search was performed from January 2020 until February 2023, in MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and the Clinical Trials Registry. Key terms that were used to identify potentially relevant studies included long-covid, post-covid, sequelae, exercise therapy, rehabilitation, physical activity, physical therapy, and randomized controlled trial.
STUDY SELECTION
This study included randomized clinical trials that compared respiratory training and exercise-based rehabilitation interventions with either placebo, usual care, waiting list, or control in patients with PCC.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A pairwise bayesian random-effects meta-analysis was performed using vague prior distributions. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE system by 2 independent researchers.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was functional exercise capacity, measured at the closest postintervention time point by the 6-minute walking test. Secondary outcomes were fatigue, lower limb muscle function, dyspnea, respiratory function, and quality of life. All outcomes were defined a priori. Continuous outcomes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) and binary outcomes were summarized as odds ratios with 95% CrIs. The between-trial heterogeneity was quantified using the between-study variance, τ2, and 95% CrIs.
RESULTS
Of 1834 identified records, 1193 were screened, and 14 trials (1244 patients; 45% female participants; median [IQR] age, 50 [47 to 56] years) were included in the analyses. Rehabilitation interventions were associated with improvements in functional exercise capacity (SMD, -0.56; 95% CrI, -0.87 to -0.22) with moderate certainty in 7 trials (389 participants). These improvements had a 99% posterior probability of superiority when compared with current standard care. The value of τ2 (0.04; 95% CrI, 0.00 to 0.60) indicated low statistical heterogeneity. However, there was significant uncertainty and imprecision regarding the probability of experiencing exercise-induced adverse events (odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CrI, 0.32 to 9.94).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that rehabilitation interventions are associated with improvements in functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, and quality of life, with a high probability of improvement compared with the current standard care; the certainty of evidence was moderate for functional exercise capacity and quality of life and low for other outcomes. Given the uncertainty surrounding the safety outcomes, additional trials with enhanced monitoring of adverse events are necessary.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Quality of Life; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Bayes Theorem; COVID-19; Dyspnea; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37725376
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.33838 -
Critical Care (London, England) Jul 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of patients with severe... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and safety of adjunctive corticosteroids in the treatment of severe community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP).
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted using the Medline, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Scopus databases for articles published until April 24, 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of adjunctive corticosteroids for treating sCAP were included. The primary outcome was the 30-day all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
A total of severe RCTs involving 1689 patients were included in this study. Overall, the study group had a lower mortality rate at day 30 than the control group (risk ratio [RR], 0.61; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.85; p < 0.01) with low heterogeneity (I = 0%, p = 0.42). Compared to the control group, the study group had a lower risk of the requirement of mechanical ventilation (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.73; p < 0.001), shorter length of intensive care unit (MD - 0.8; 95% CI - 1.4 to - 0.1; p = 0.02), and hospital stay (MD - 1.1; 95% CI - 2.0 to - 0.1; p = 0.04). Finally, no significant difference was observed between the study and the control groups in terms of gastrointestinal tract bleeding (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.18; p = 0.93), healthcare-associated infection (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.60 to 1.32; p = 0.56), and acute kidney injury (RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.21 to 2.26; p = 0.53).
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with sCAP, adjunctive corticosteroids can provide survival benefits and improve clinical outcomes without increasing adverse events. However, because the pooled evidence remains inconclusive, further studies are required.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Pneumonia; Respiration, Artificial; Community-Acquired Infections
PubMed: 37422686
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04561-z -
International Journal of Antimicrobial... Sep 2023Guidelines recommend respiratory fluoroquinolone monotherapy or β-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy as first-line options for hospitalized adults with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Respiratory fluoroquinolone monotherapy vs. β-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy for hospitalized adults with community-acquired pneumonia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
INTRODUCTION
Guidelines recommend respiratory fluoroquinolone monotherapy or β-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy as first-line options for hospitalized adults with mild-to-moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Efficacy of these regimens has not been adequately evaluated.
METHODS
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing respiratory fluoroquinolone monotherapy and β-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy in hospitalised adults with CAP was performed. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. The primary outcome was clinical cure rate. Quality of evidence (QoE) was evaluated using GRADE methodology.
RESULTS
A total of 4140 participants in 18 RCTs were included. Levofloxacin (11 trials) or moxifloxacin (6 trials) were the predominant respiratory fluoroquinolones evaluated, and the β-lactam plus macrolide group used ceftriaxone plus a macrolide (10 trials), cefuroxime plus azithromycin (5 trials), and amoxicillin/clavulanate plus a macrolide (2 trials). Patients receiving respiratory fluoroquinolone monotherapy had a significantly higher clinical cure rate (86.5% vs. 81.5%; odds ratio [OR] 1.47; 95% confidence interval [95% CI: 1.17-1.83]; P = 0.0008; I = 0%; 17 RCTs; moderate QoE) and microbiological eradication rate (86.0% vs. 81.0%; OR 1.51 [95% CI: 1.00-2.26]; P = 0.05; I = 0%; 15 RCTs; moderate QoE) than patients receiving β-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy. All-cause mortality (7.2% vs. 7.7%; OR 0.88 [95% CI: 0.67-1.17]; I = 0%; low QoE) and adverse events (24.8% vs. 28.1%; OR 0.87 [95% CI: 0.69-1.09]; I = 0%; low QoE] were similar in the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Respiratory fluoroquinolone monotherapy demonstrated an advantage in clinical cure and microbiological eradication; however, it did not impact mortality.
Topics: Adult; Humans; beta-Lactams; Fluoroquinolones; Macrolides; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Drug Therapy, Combination; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Community-Acquired Infections
PubMed: 37385561
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106905 -
Chest Aug 2023Respiratory failure is a significant concern in neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). This CHEST guideline examines the literature on the respiratory management of patients...
BACKGROUND
Respiratory failure is a significant concern in neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). This CHEST guideline examines the literature on the respiratory management of patients with NMD to provide evidence-based recommendations.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
An expert panel conducted a systematic review addressing the respiratory management of NMD and applied the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach for assessing the certainty of the evidence and formulating and grading recommendations. A modified Delphi technique was used to reach a consensus on the recommendations.
RESULTS
Based on 128 studies, the panel generated 15 graded recommendations, one good practice statement, and one consensus-based statement.
INTERPRETATION
Evidence of best practices for respiratory management in NMD is limited and is based primarily on observational data in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The panel found that pulmonary function testing every 6 months may be beneficial and may be used to initiate noninvasive ventilation (NIV) when clinically indicated. An individualized approach to NIV settings may benefit patients with chronic respiratory failure and sleep-disordered breathing related to NMD. When resources allow, polysomnography or overnight oximetry can help to guide the initiation of NIV. The panel provided guidelines for mouthpiece ventilation, transition to home mechanical ventilation, salivary secretion management, and airway clearance therapies. The guideline panel emphasizes that NMD pathologic characteristics represent a diverse group of disorders with differing rates of decline in lung function. The clinician's role is to add evaluation at the bedside to shared decision-making with patients and families, including respect for patient preferences and treatment goals, considerations of quality of life, and appropriate use of available resources in decision-making.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Respiration, Artificial; Noninvasive Ventilation; Respiratory Insufficiency; Physicians
PubMed: 36921894
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.03.011 -
Anaesthesia, Critical Care & Pain... Dec 2023Accuracy and timing of antibiotic therapy remain a challenge for lower respiratory tract infections. New molecular techniques using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Performance evaluation of a PCR panel (FilmArray® Pneumonia Plus) for detection of respiratory bacterial pathogens in respiratory specimens: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Accuracy and timing of antibiotic therapy remain a challenge for lower respiratory tract infections. New molecular techniques using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction, including the FilmArray® Pneumonia Plus Panel [FAPP], have been developed to address this. The aim of this study is to evaluate the FAPP diagnostic performance for the detection of the 15 typical bacteria of the panel from respiratory samples in a meta-analysis from a systematic review.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and EMBASE from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022, and selected any study on the FAPP diagnostic performance on respiratory samples compared to the reference standard, bacterial culture. The main outcome was the overall diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity and specificity. We calculated the log Diagnostic Odds Ratio and analyzed performance for separate bacteria, antimicrobial resistance genes, and according to the sample type. We also reported the FAPP turnaround time and the out-of-panel bacteria number and species. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021226280).
RESULTS
From 10 317 records, we identified 30 studies including 8 968 samples. Twenty-one were related to intensive care. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 94% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 91-95] and 98% [95%CI 97-98], respectively. The log Diagnostic Odds Ratio was 6.35 [95%CI 6.05-6.65]. 9.3% [95%CI 9.2-9.5] of bacteria detected in culture were not included in the FAPP panel.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review reporting the FAPP evaluation revealed a high accuracy. This test may represent an adjunct tool for pulmonary bacterial infection diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship. Further evidence is needed to assess the impact on clinical outcome.
Topics: Humans; Bacteria; Pneumonia; Respiratory Tract Infections; Bacterial Infections; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 37709201
DOI: 10.1016/j.accpm.2023.101300 -
JAMA Oct 2023The effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on secondary cardiovascular disease prevention is highly debated. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
The effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on secondary cardiovascular disease prevention is highly debated.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in randomized clinical trials.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Current Controlled Trials: metaRegister of Controlled Trials, ISRCTN Registry, European Union clinical trials database, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched through June 22, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
For qualitative and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis, randomized clinical trials addressing the therapeutic effect of CPAP on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in adults with cardiovascular disease and OSA were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers independently screened records, evaluated potentially eligible primary studies in full text, extracted data, and cross-checked errors. IPD were requested from authors of the selected studies (SAVE [NCT00738179], ISAACC [NCT01335087], and RICCADSA [NCT00519597]).
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
One-stage and 2-stage IPD meta-analyses were completed to estimate the effect of CPAP treatment on risk of recurrent major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) using mixed-effect Cox regression models. Additionally, an on-treatment analysis with marginal structural Cox models using inverse probability of treatment weighting was fitted to assess the effect of good adherence to CPAP (≥4 hours per day).
RESULTS
A total of 4186 individual participants were evaluated (82.1% men; mean [SD] body mass index, 28.9 [4.5]; mean [SD] age, 61.2 [8.7] years; mean [SD] apnea-hypopnea index, 31.2 [17] events per hour; 71% with hypertension; 50.1% receiving CPAP [mean {SD} adherence, 3.1 {2.4} hours per day]; 49.9% not receiving CPAP [usual care], mean [SD] follow-up, 3.25 [1.8] years). The main outcome was defined as the first MACCE, which was similar for the CPAP and no CPAP groups (hazard ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.87-1.17]). However, an on-treatment analysis by marginal structural model revealed a reduced risk of MACCEs associated with good adherence to CPAP (hazard ratio, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.52-0.92]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Adherence to CPAP was associated with a reduced MACCE recurrence risk, suggesting that treatment adherence is a key factor in secondary cardiovascular prevention in patients with OSA.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Hypertension; Proportional Hazards Models; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Risk; Aged; Secondary Prevention; Patient Compliance
PubMed: 37787793
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.17465 -
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing Oct 2023This systematic review aimed to identify the effects of normal saline instillation before endotracheal suctioning on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients on a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Benefits and harms of normal saline instillation before endotracheal suctioning in mechanically ventilated adult patients in intensive care units: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to identify the effects of normal saline instillation before endotracheal suctioning on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients on a mechanical ventilator.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This review was based on the guidelines of the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency in Korea and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Six electronic databases were searched for relevant literature. Other sources were also searched, including the reference lists of identified reports and previous systematic reviews. After the initial literature search, a two-step retrieval process was performed to select eligible studies. Then, data were collected using a newly developed form, and the risk of bias was assessed using the checklists of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data were analyzed using both narrative syntheses and meta-analyses.
RESULTS
In total, 16 studies: 13 randomized controlled trials and three quasi-experimental studies, were included. From the narrative syntheses, instilling normal saline before endotracheal suctioning was associated with a decrease in oxygen saturation, prolonged time for oxygen saturation to recover to baseline, decreased arterial pH, increased secretion amount, reduced incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia, increased heart rate, and increased systolic blood pressure. Meta-analyses showed a significant difference in heart rate at five minutes after suctioning but no significant differences in oxygen saturation at two and five minutes after suctioning and heart rate at two minutes after suctioning.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review indicated that instilling normal saline before performing endotracheal suctioning has more harmful effects than benefits.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE
As recommended in the current guidelines, it is necessary to refrain from routine normal saline instillation before endotracheal suctioning.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Saline Solution; Respiration, Artificial; Intubation, Intratracheal; Intensive Care Units; Heart Rate
PubMed: 37384975
DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2023.103477 -
The Clinical Respiratory Journal Nov 2023Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF), often treated using noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Emerging research... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF), often treated using noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Emerging research suggests the potential utility of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for AHRF. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of HFNC versus NIV on AHRF management. A search of electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Academic Search Complete), web sources, and trial registries was last conducted on 9 February 2023. Quality and risk of bias assessments were conducted. Meta-analyses were used to synthesise data. Seven randomised controlled trials were included. No statistically significant differences between HFNC and NIV were found within the following outcomes of interest: (i) correction of pCO2: standardised mean difference (SMD) = -0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-0.34 to 0.02), p = 0.08; (ii) correction of pH: SMD = -0.05, 95% CI (-0.25 to 0.14), p = 0.59; (iii) correction of pO2: SMD = -0.15, 95% CI (-0.40 to 0.09), p = 0.22; (iv) intubation rates: risk ratio (RR) = 0.87, 95% CI (0.41 to 1.82), p = 0.71; (v) mortality rates: RR = 0.85, 95% CI (0.47 to 1.56), p = 0.61; and (vi) treatment switch: RR = 1.30, 95% CI (0.43 to 3.94), p = 0.64. More controlled trials with large sample sizes are required to investigate the management of AHRF of various aetiologies. HFNC may be used as a final exhaustive measure for COPD-related AHRF where NIV is not tolerated, and when it is not clinically indicated to extend to endotracheal intubation.
Topics: Humans; Noninvasive Ventilation; Cannula; Respiratory Insufficiency; Intubation, Intratracheal; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
PubMed: 37700578
DOI: 10.1111/crj.13695 -
Chest Nov 2023Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient care must include confirming a diagnosis with postbronchodilator spirometry. Because of the clinical heterogeneity and the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient care must include confirming a diagnosis with postbronchodilator spirometry. Because of the clinical heterogeneity and the reality that airflow obstruction assessed by spirometry only partially reflects disease severity, a thorough clinical evaluation of the patient should include assessment of symptom burden and risk of exacerbations that permits the implementation of evidence-informed pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. This guideline provides recommendations from a comprehensive systematic review with a meta-analysis and expert-informed clinical remarks to optimize maintenance pharmacologic therapy for individuals with stable COPD, and a revised and practical treatment pathway based on new evidence since the 2019 update of the Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) Guideline. The key clinical questions were developed using the Patients/Population (P), Intervention(s) (I), Comparison/Comparator (C), and Outcome (O) model for three questions that focuses on the outcomes of symptoms (dyspnea)/health status, acute exacerbations, and mortality. The evidence from this systematic review and meta-analysis leads to the recommendation that all symptomatic patients with spirometry-confirmed COPD should receive long-acting bronchodilator maintenance therapy. Those with moderate to severe dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council ≥ 2) and/or impaired health status (COPD Assessment Test ≥ 10) and a low risk of exacerbations should receive combination therapy with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting ẞ2-agonist (LAMA/LABA). For those with a moderate/severe dyspnea and/or impaired health status and a high risk of exacerbations should be prescribed triple combination therapy (LAMA/LABA/inhaled corticosteroids) azithromycin, roflumilast or N-acetylcysteine is recommended for specific populations; a recommendation against the use of theophylline, maintenance systemic oral corticosteroids such as prednisone and inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy is made for all COPD patients.
Topics: Humans; Drug Therapy, Combination; Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; Bronchodilator Agents; Canada; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Muscarinic Antagonists; Administration, Inhalation; Dyspnea; Adrenal Cortex Hormones
PubMed: 37690008
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.08.014 -
Journal of General Internal Medicine Aug 2023International guidelines provide heterogenous guidance on use of corticosteroids for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
International guidelines provide heterogenous guidance on use of corticosteroids for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining corticosteroids in hospitalized adult patients with suspected or probable CAP. We performed a pairwise and dose-response meta-analysis using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) heterogeneity estimator. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE methodology and the credibility of subgroups using the ICEMAN tool.
RESULTS
We identified 18 eligible studies that included 4661 patients. Corticosteroids probably reduce mortality in more severe CAP (RR 0.62 [95% CI 0.45 to 0.85]; moderate certainty) with possibly no effect in less severe CAP (RR 1.08 [95% CI 0.83 to 1.42]; low certainty). We found a non-linear dose-response relationship between corticosteroids and mortality, suggesting an optimal dose of approximately 6 mg of dexamethasone (or equivalent) for a duration of therapy of 7 days (RR 0.44 [95% 0.30 to 0.66]). Corticosteroids probably reduce the risk of requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (RR 0.56 [95% CI 0.42 to 74] and probably reduce intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR 0.65 [95% CI 0.43 to 0.97]) (both moderate certainty). Corticosteroids may reduce the duration of hospitalization and ICU stay (both low certainty). Corticosteroids may increase the risk of hyperglycemia (RR 1.76 [95% CI 1.46 to 2.14]) (low certainty).
CONCLUSION
Moderate certainty evidence indicates that corticosteroids reduce mortality in patients with more severe CAP, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Hospitalization; Respiration, Artificial; Intensive Care Units; Pneumonia, Bacterial
PubMed: 37076606
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08203-6