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Journal of Autism and Developmental... Aug 2023The suggested overlap between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria/incongruence (GD/GI) has been much disputed. This review showed a relationship between... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The suggested overlap between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria/incongruence (GD/GI) has been much disputed. This review showed a relationship between ASD traits and GD feelings in the general population and a high prevalence of GD/GI in ASD. Our meta-analyses revealed that the pooled estimate of the prevalence of ASD diagnoses in GD/GI people was 11% (p < .001) and the overall effect size of the difference in ASD traits between GD/GI and control people was significant (g = 0.67, p < .001). Heterogeneity was high in both meta-analyses. We demonstrated that the chances that there is not a link between ASD and GD/GI are negligible, yet the size of it needs further investigation.
Topics: Humans; Gender Dysphoria; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Prevalence
PubMed: 35596023
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05517-y -
JAMA Network Open Dec 2023Contemporary studies raise concerns regarding the implications of excessive screen time on the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the existing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Contemporary studies raise concerns regarding the implications of excessive screen time on the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the existing literature consists of mixed and unquantified findings.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analyis of the association between screen time and ASD.
DATA SOURCES
A search was conducted in the PubMed, PsycNET, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global databases for studies published up to May 1, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
The search was conducted independently by 2 authors. Included studies comprised empirical, peer-reviewed articles or dissertations published in English with statistics from which relevant effect sizes could be calculated. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Two authors independently coded all titles and abstracts, reviewed full-text articles against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and resolved all discrepancies by consensus. Effect sizes were transformed into log odds ratios (ORs) and analyzed using a random-effects meta-analysis and mixed-effects meta-regression. Study quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Publication bias was tested via the Egger z test for funnel plot asymmetry. Data analysis was performed in June 2023.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The 2 main variables of interest in this study were screen time and ASD. Screen time was defined as hours of screen use per day or per week, and ASD was defined as an ASD clinical diagnosis (yes or no) or ASD symptoms. The meta-regression considered screen type (ie, general use of screens, television, video games, computers, smartphones, and social media), age group (children vs adults or heterogenous age groups), and type of ASD measure (clinical diagnosis vs ASD symptoms).
RESULTS
Of the 4682 records identified, 46 studies with a total of 562 131 participants met the inclusion criteria. The studies were observational (5 were longitudinal and 41 were cross-sectional) and included 66 relevant effect sizes. The meta-analysis resulted in a positive summary effect size (log OR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.34 to 0.74]). A trim-and-fill correction for a significant publication bias (Egger z = 2.15; P = .03) resulted in a substantially decreased and nonsignificant effect size (log OR, 0.22 [95% CI, -0.004 to 0.44]). The meta-regression results suggested that the positive summary effect size was only significant in studies targeting general screen use (β [SE] = 0.73 [0.34]; t58 = 2.10; P = .03). This effect size was most dominant in studies of children (log OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.66 to 1.29]). Interestingly, a negative summary effect size was observed in studies investigating associations between social media and ASD (log OR, -1.24 [95% CI, -1.51 to -0.96]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the proclaimed association between screen use and ASD is not sufficiently supported in the existing literature. Although excessive screen use may pose developmental risks, the mixed findings, the small effect sizes (especially when considering the observed publication bias), and the correlational nature of the available research require further scientific investigation. These findings also do not rule out the complementary hypothesis that children with ASD may prioritize screen activities to avoid social challenges.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Screen Time; Publication Bias
PubMed: 38064216
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46775 -
Beyond the Pain: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Latest Advancements in Fibromyalgia Treatment.Cureus Oct 2023Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. The etiology of fibromyalgia remains elusive,... (Review)
Review
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. The etiology of fibromyalgia remains elusive, necessitating effective treatment options. This review aims to provide an overview of current treatment options for fibromyalgia and highlight recent updates in managing the condition. The methodology employed in this systematic review comprised the following key steps. We conducted a comprehensive search across various databases to identify pertinent studies published between 2000 and 2023. Inclusion criteria were defined to specifically target studies involving adult individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia, with a focus on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for managing the condition. The review encompassed a range of study types, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews. To ensure the quality of the selected studies, we employed appropriate assessment tools, and data extraction and synthesis adhered to established guidelines. This rigorous approach allowed for a robust analysis of the literature on fibromyalgia management. In the course of our review, it became evident that a spectrum of treatment approaches holds significant promise in the management of fibromyalgia. Specifically, pharmacological interventions, including selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, anticonvulsants, cannabinoids, tropisetron, and sodium oxybate, have exhibited substantial potential in alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms. Concurrently, non-pharmacological strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise regimens, and complementary and alternative therapies, have yielded positive outcomes in improving the condition's management. Recent developments in the field have introduced innovative pharmacological agents like milnacipran and pregabalin, in addition to non-pharmacological interventions like mindfulness-based stress reduction and aquatic exercise, expanding the array of options available to enhance fibromyalgia care and alleviating patient symptoms. Fibromyalgia necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, encompassing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Recent updates in fibromyalgia management offer additional options to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with fibromyalgia. Healthcare professionals should remain informed about these advancements to provide evidence-based care, addressing the complex symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and enhancing patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38034135
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48032 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Aug 2023At the 74th World Health Assembly, the WHO issued a strategy for the prevention and control of several major infectious diseases. To achieve the WHO-initiated targets... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
At the 74th World Health Assembly, the WHO issued a strategy for the prevention and control of several major infectious diseases. To achieve the WHO-initiated targets for these infectious diseases, the elimination of mother-to-child transmission is essential. To date, a systematic review of the global and regional prevalence of infections with relevant mother-to-child transmission and outside the spectrum of congenital infections is lacking.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to systematically review the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis in pregnant women.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang database and China Biology Medicine disc database, and five WHO Regional Index Medicus databases.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Original studies reporting the prevalence of infection or coinfection of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis in pregnant women.
METHODS
This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses 2020 checklist. We used random-effects models to generate pooled prevalence estimates for each infection.
RESULTS
The global pooled prevalence in pregnant women of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis was 2.9% (95% CI, 2.4-3.4%), 4.8% (3.8-5.8%), 1.0% (0.8-1.3%), and 0.8% (0.7-0.9%). The pooled prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis in low-income countries was higher than the global level (HIV: 5.2% [1.6-10.5%); HBV: 6.6% (5.4-7.9%); HCV: 2.7% (1.6-4.1%); syphilis: 3.3% (2.2-4.6%]). The pooled prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis in lower-middle-income countries was higher than the global level (HIV: 2.9% [0.8-6.1%]; HBV: 4.9% [3.8-6.1%]; HCV: 2.3% [1.2-3.6%]; syphilis: 1.5% [1.0-2.2%]).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of these infections among pregnant women was particularly high in resource-poor settings. The relevance and feasibility of current global practice guidelines for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of these infections in lower-middle-income countries must be evaluated, including timely access to screening and therapeutics.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Syphilis; HIV; Pregnant Women; HIV Infections; Prevalence; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis B virus; Hepacivirus
PubMed: 36921717
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.03.002 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Dec 2023This systematic review estimates the prevalence of co-occurring conditions (CCs) in children and adults with autism. A comprehensive search strategy consulting existing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review estimates the prevalence of co-occurring conditions (CCs) in children and adults with autism. A comprehensive search strategy consulting existing guidelines, diagnostic manuals, experts, carers, and autistic people was developed. PubMed and PsycInfo databases from inception to May 2022 were searched. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019132347. Two blind authors screened and extracted the data. Prevalence estimates for different CCs were summarized by using random effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed for age groups (children/adolescents vs adults) and study designs (population/registry-based vs clinical sample-based). Of 19,932 studies, 340 publications with about 590,000 participants were included and meta-analyzed to estimate the prevalence of 38-point prevalence, 27-lifetime, and 3 without distinction between point and lifetime prevalence. Point prevalence of developmental coordination disorder, sleep-wake problem, gastrointestinal problem, ADHD, anxiety disorder, overweight/obesity, feeding and eating disorder, elimination disorder, disruptive behavior, and somatic symptoms and related disorder were the most frequent CCs. Prevalence differed depending on the age group and study design. Knowing specific CCs linked to autism helps professional investigations and interventions for improved outcomes.
Topics: Child; Adolescent; Adult; Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Prevalence; Obesity; Autistic Disorder; Overweight
PubMed: 37913872
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105436 -
JAMA Psychiatry Nov 2023In individuals with schizophrenia, antipsychotic-induced dysfunctions are frequent but often underexplored in clinical practice. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
In individuals with schizophrenia, antipsychotic-induced dysfunctions are frequent but often underexplored in clinical practice.
OBJECTIVE
To synthetize the data of observational studies exploring the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders as well as associated factors.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic literature search without language or time restrictions was conducted in Google, Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, and Université Sorbonne Paris Cité for studies published up to June 8, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
All observational studies reporting a prevalence of sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia-spectrum disorder were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The MOOSE guidelines with independent extraction by 2 observers and random-effects models were used.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction and each specific dysfunction.
RESULTS
A total of 72 of 1119 studies from 33 countries on 6 continents published from inception to June 2022 were included with a total of 21 076 participants with schizophrenia. The pooled global prevalence of sexual dysfunctions was 56.4% (95% CI, 50.5-62.2), with a prevalence of 55.7% (95% CI, 48.1-63.1) for men and 60.0% (95% CI, 48.0-70.8) for women. The most frequent sexual dysfunction was erectile dysfunction in men (44%; 95% CI, 33.5-55.2), followed by loss of libido in men (41%; 95% CI, 30.7-51.4), ejaculation dysfunction in men (39%; 95% CI, 26.8-51.8), orgasm dysfunction in women (28%; 95% CI, 18.4-40.2), and amenorrhea in women (25%; 95% CI, 17.3-35.0). Factors associated with heterogeneity were study design, time and location, sociodemographic data, alcohol use disorder, psychiatric diagnosis, illness severity, and the use of antidepressants and anxiolytics. Sexual dysfunctions were more frequent in schizophrenia vs schizoaffective disorders, and erectile disorders were less frequent in individuals with longer illness duration. Antidepressant and mood stabilizer prescriptions were associated with lower rates of erection disorders (β, -6.30; 95% CI, -10.82 to -1.78); P = .006 and -13.21; 95% CI, -17.59 to -8.83; P < .001, respectively) and ejaculation disorders (β, -6.10; 95% CI, -10.68 to -1.53; P = .009 and β, -11.57; 95% CI, -16.34 to -6.80; P < .001, respectively). No obvious improvements in the rates of sexual dysfunction at other times were found, and there were conflicting results regarding antipsychotic classes.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This systematic review and meta-analysis found a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among individuals with schizophrenia, with considerable heterogeneity in associated factors. The findings also suggest that some dysfunctions may be explained by schizophrenia. The association between lower rates of dysfunction and antidepressant use suggests that treating comorbid depression could be an effective strategy to improve sexual health. A lack of data on metabolic parameters and physical health in general was also noted, while these issues are frequent in the care of schizophrenia.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Schizophrenia; Antipsychotic Agents; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Erectile Dysfunction; Antidepressive Agents
PubMed: 37703012
DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2696 -
Respiratory Medicine Sep 2023The clinical spectrum of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) and rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The clinical spectrum of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) and rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) ranges from asymptomatic findings on radiographic imaging to a rapidly progressive illness leading to respiratory failure and death. The treatment is always challenging due to the paucity of proven effective treatments. Nintedanib and pirfenidone are recently approved antifibrotics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of antifibrotic agents in the treatment of CTD-ILD and RA-ILD.
METHODS
Relevant databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that compared pirfenidone or nintedanib with placebo in patients with CTD-ILD and RA-ILD. The primary outcome was the change in forced vital capacity (FVC). The odds ratio or risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated for categorical data, and the mean difference with 95% CI was estimated for continuous data. The I statistic was used to assess heterogeneity, and meta-analysis was performed when possible.
RESULTS
Ten studies with a total of 880 participants met the inclusion criteria. Of these, four studies were included in the meta-analysis. According to the pooled result, the annual decline of FVC was significantly decreased in the antifibrotic agent arm compared to that in the placebo arm (MD 70.58 mL/yr, 95% CI 40.55 to 100.61).
CONCLUSION
This review suggests a potential benefit and safety of antifibrotic treatment in slowing the decline of FVC in patients with CTD-ILD and RA-ILD. Further large-sample, random-controlled, high-quality trials are needed to provide more evidence in the decision-making regarding the use of antifibrotics in this group of patients.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO; No: CRD42022369112; URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.
Topics: Humans; Antifibrotic Agents; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Connective Tissue Diseases; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Vital Capacity
PubMed: 37315742
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107329 -
JAMA Oncology Oct 2023Lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancers are important contributors to cancer burden worldwide, and a comprehensive evaluation of their burden globally, regionally, and...
The Global, Regional, and National Burden of Adult Lip, Oral, and Pharyngeal Cancer in 204 Countries and Territories: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.
IMPORTANCE
Lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancers are important contributors to cancer burden worldwide, and a comprehensive evaluation of their burden globally, regionally, and nationally is crucial for effective policy planning.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the total and risk-attributable burden of lip and oral cavity cancer (LOC) and other pharyngeal cancer (OPC) for 204 countries and territories and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) using 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) Study estimates.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
The incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to LOC and OPC from 1990 to 2019 were estimated using GBD 2019 methods. The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate the proportion of deaths and DALYs for LOC and OPC attributable to smoking, tobacco, and alcohol consumption in 2019.
FINDINGS
In 2019, 370 000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 338 000-401 000) cases and 199 000 (95% UI, 181 000-217 000) deaths for LOC and 167 000 (95% UI, 153 000-180 000) cases and 114 000 (95% UI, 103 000-126 000) deaths for OPC were estimated to occur globally, contributing 5.5 million (95% UI, 5.0-6.0 million) and 3.2 million (95% UI, 2.9-3.6 million) DALYs, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, low-middle and low SDI regions consistently showed the highest age-standardized mortality rates due to LOC and OPC, while the high SDI strata exhibited age-standardized incidence rates decreasing for LOC and increasing for OPC. Globally in 2019, smoking had the greatest contribution to risk-attributable OPC deaths for both sexes (55.8% [95% UI, 49.2%-62.0%] of all OPC deaths in male individuals and 17.4% [95% UI, 13.8%-21.2%] of all OPC deaths in female individuals). Smoking and alcohol both contributed to substantial LOC deaths globally among male individuals (42.3% [95% UI, 35.2%-48.6%] and 40.2% [95% UI, 33.3%-46.8%] of all risk-attributable cancer deaths, respectively), while chewing tobacco contributed to the greatest attributable LOC deaths among female individuals (27.6% [95% UI, 21.5%-33.8%]), driven by high risk-attributable burden in South and Southeast Asia.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this systematic analysis, disparities in LOC and OPC burden existed across the SDI spectrum, and a considerable percentage of burden was attributable to tobacco and alcohol use. These estimates can contribute to an understanding of the distribution and disparities in LOC and OPC burden globally and support cancer control planning efforts.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Global Burden of Disease; Global Health; Incidence; Lip; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Risk Factors; Tobacco Use
PubMed: 37676656
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.2960 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2023Pharmacological interventions are frequently used for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to manage behaviours of concern, including irritability, aggression, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pharmacological interventions are frequently used for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to manage behaviours of concern, including irritability, aggression, and self-injury. Some pharmacological interventions might help treat some behaviours of concern, but can also have adverse effects (AEs).
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and AEs of pharmacological interventions for managing the behaviours of irritability, aggression, and self-injury in ASD.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, 11 other databases and two trials registers up to June 2022. We also searched reference lists of relevant studies, and contacted study authors, experts and pharmaceutical companies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials of participants of any age with a clinical diagnosis of ASD, that compared any pharmacological intervention to an alternative drug, standard care, placebo, or wait-list control.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methods. Primary outcomes were behaviours of concern in ASD, (irritability, aggression and self-injury); and AEs. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, and tolerability and acceptability. Two review authors independently assessed each study for risk of bias, and used GRADE to judge the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 131 studies involving 7014 participants in this review. We identified 26 studies as awaiting classification and 25 as ongoing. Most studies involved children (53 studies involved only children under 13 years), children and adolescents (37 studies), adolescents only (2 studies) children and adults (16 studies), or adults only (23 studies). All included studies compared a pharmacological intervention to a placebo or to another pharmacological intervention. Atypical antipsychotics versus placebo At short-term follow-up (up to 6 months), atypical antipsychotics probably reduce irritability compared to placebo (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.25 to -0.55, 12 studies, 973 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), which may indicate a large effect. However, there was no clear evidence of a difference in aggression between groups (SMD -0.44, 95% CI -0.89 to 0.01; 1 study, 77 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Atypical antipsychotics may also reduce self-injury (SMD -1.43, 95% CI -2.24 to -0.61; 1 study, 30 participants; low-certainty evidence), possibly indicating a large effect. There may be higher rates of neurological AEs (dizziness, fatigue, sedation, somnolence, and tremor) in the intervention group (low-certainty evidence), but there was no clear evidence of an effect on other neurological AEs. Increased appetite may be higher in the intervention group (low-certainty evidence), but we found no clear evidence of an effect on other metabolic AEs. There was no clear evidence of differences between groups in musculoskeletal or psychological AEs. Neurohormones versus placebo At short-term follow-up, neurohormones may have minimal to no clear effect on irritability when compared to placebo (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.00; 8 studies; 466 participants; very low-certainty evidence), although the evidence is very uncertain. No data were reported for aggression or self -injury. Neurohormones may reduce the risk of headaches slightly in the intervention group, although the evidence is very uncertain. There was no clear evidence of an effect of neurohormones on any other neurological AEs, nor on any psychological, metabolic, or musculoskeletal AEs (low- and very low-certainty evidence). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related medications versus placebo At short-term follow-up, ADHD-related medications may reduce irritability slightly (SMD -0.20, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.01; 10 studies, 400 participants; low-certainty evidence), which may indicate a small effect. However, there was no clear evidence that ADHD-related medications have an effect on self-injury (SMD -0.62, 95% CI -1.63 to 0.39; 1 study, 16 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No data were reported for aggression. Rates of neurological AEs (drowsiness, emotional AEs, fatigue, headache, insomnia, and irritability), metabolic AEs (decreased appetite) and psychological AEs (depression) may be higher in the intervention group, although the evidence is very uncertain (very low-certainty evidence). There was no evidence of a difference between groups for any other metabolic, neurological, or psychological AEs (very low-certainty evidence). No data were reported for musculoskeletal AEs. Antidepressants versus placebo At short-term follow-up, there was no clear evidence that antidepressants have an effect on irritability (SMD -0.06, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.18; 3 studies, 267 participants; low-certainty evidence). No data for aggression or self-injury were reported or could be included in the analysis. Rates of metabolic AEs (decreased energy) may be higher in participants receiving antidepressants (very low-certainty evidence), although no other metabolic AEs showed clear evidence of a difference. Rates of neurological AEs (decreased attention) and psychological AEs (impulsive behaviour and stereotypy) may also be higher in the intervention group (very low-certainty evidence) although the evidence is very uncertain. There was no clear evidence of any difference in the other metabolic, neurological, or psychological AEs (very low-certainty evidence), nor between groups in musculoskeletal AEs (very low-certainty evidence). Risk of bias We rated most of the studies across the four comparisons at unclear overall risk of bias due to having multiple domains rated as unclear, very few rated as low across all domains, and most having at least one domain rated as high risk of bias.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Evidence suggests that atypical antipsychotics probably reduce irritability, ADHD-related medications may reduce irritability slightly, and neurohormones may have little to no effect on irritability in the short term in people with ASD. There was some evidence that atypical antipsychotics may reduce self-injury in the short term, although the evidence is uncertain. There was no clear evidence that antidepressants had an effect on irritability. There was also little to no difference in aggression between atypical antipsychotics and placebo, or self-injury between ADHD-related medications and placebo. However, there was some evidence that atypical antipsychotics may result in a large reduction in self-injury, although the evidence is uncertain. No data were reported (or could be used) for self-injury or aggression for neurohormones versus placebo. Studies reported a wide range of potential AEs. Atypical antipsychotics and ADHD-related medications in particular were associated with an increased risk of metabolic and neurological AEs, although the evidence is uncertain for atypical antipsychotics and very uncertain for ADHD-related medications. The other drug classes had minimal or no associated AEs.
Topics: Child; Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Quality of Life; Antipsychotic Agents; Antidepressive Agents; Aggression; Self-Injurious Behavior; Fatigue; Neurotransmitter Agents
PubMed: 37811711
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011769.pub2 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Sep 2023The clinical usefulness of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSIs) represents a debated issue. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Impact on clinical outcome of follow-up blood cultures and risk factors for persistent bacteraemia in patients with gram-negative bloodstream infections: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The clinical usefulness of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSIs) represents a debated issue.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact on the clinical outcome of FUBCs in patients with GN-BSI and to predict risk factors for persistent bacteraemia.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library Database were independently searched until 24 June, 2022.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials, prospective, or retrospective observational studies, including patients affected by GN-BSIs. Primary endpoints were in-hospital mortality rate, and persistent blood stream infections were defined as FUBC-positive for the same pathogen isolated from index blood cultures (BCs).
PARTICIPANTS
Hospitalized patients with documented GN-BSIs.
INTERVENTION
Performance of FUBCs (defined as subsequent BCs collected at least 24 hours after index BCs).
ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS
Quality of included studies was independently assessed according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions.
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS
Meta-analysis was performed by pooling odds ratio (OR) retrieved from studies providing adjustment for confounders using random-effect model with the inverse variance method. Risk factors for persistent blood stream infections were also assessed.
RESULTS
A total of 3747 articles were screened, and 11 observational studies (6 assessing impact on outcome (N = 4631), and 5 investigating risk factors for persistent GN-BSI (N = 2566)), conducted between 2002 and 2020 were included. The execution of FUBCs was associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.49-0.70; I = 0.0%). The presence of end-stage renal disease (OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.77-5.05), central venous catheter (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 1.82-5.95), infections due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing strains (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.18-4.28), resistance to empirical treatment (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.65-4.41), and unfavourable response at 48 hours (OR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.44-6.24) emerged as independent risk factors for persistent bacteraemia.
CONCLUSIONS
The execution of FUBCs is associated with a significantly low risk of mortality in patients with GN-BSIs. Our analysis could be useful to stratify patients at a high risk of persistent bacteraemia to optimize the use of FUBCs.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Follow-Up Studies; Prospective Studies; Blood Culture; Bacteremia; Sepsis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36894053
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.02.024