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Respiratory Medicine Sep 2022Apps can play a role in self-management of symptoms such as breathlessness. This systematic review aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of breathlessness apps and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Apps can play a role in self-management of symptoms such as breathlessness. This systematic review aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of breathlessness apps and assess the quality of those publicly available.
METHODS
The full protocol for this systematic review is available on PROSPERO (CRD42021246277). Studies published between January 2010 to 2022 were obtained from six academic databases and included if they evaluated apps that offered breathlessness education and personalised feedback. Outcomes of interest included change in breathlessness and quality of life. Additionally, quality assessment was conducted on apps addressing breathlessness publicly available from Google Play, iOS app store, and regulatory agency libraries.
RESULTS
A total of 2774 records were screened and 16 studies included in the systematic review. Disease groups addressed were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, fibrotic lung disease, lung cancer, and heart failure. Use of mobile apps was found to result in clinical benefit especially when utilised for longer periods of time. For publicly available apps, a total of 776 apps were screened and 6 apps included. The mean quality rating using the Mobile App Rating Scale was 3.43 out of 5. Most apps were found to have good functionality and aesthetics; however, they were lacking in their quality of information and engagement.
CONCLUSION
This review suggests that apps may provide clinical benefit to patients with breathlessness and can support clinical practice. However, few of those researched are available for public use and those accessible publicly were lacking in quality and compliance with m-Health best practices.
Topics: Dyspnea; Humans; Mobile Applications; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Self-Management
PubMed: 36037561
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106947 -
Respiratory Medicine Jan 2022Adherence to therapy has been reported worldwide as a major problem, and that is particularly relevant on inhaled therapy for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Adherence to therapy has been reported worldwide as a major problem, and that is particularly relevant on inhaled therapy for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), considering its barriers and features. We reviewed the global literature reporting the main determinants for adherence on these patients.
METHODS
Searches were made using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science databases. Analytical, observational and epidemiological studies (cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies) were included, reporting association between any type of determinant and the adherence for inhaler therapy on Asthma or COPD. Random-effects meta-analysis were used to summarise the numerical effect estimates.
RESULTS
47 studies were included, including a total of 54.765 participants. In meta-analyses, the significant determinants of adherence to inhaled therapy were: older age [RR = 1.07 (1.03-1.10); I = 94; p < 0.0001] good disease knowledge/literacy [RR = 1.37 (1.28-1.47); I = 14; p = 0.33]; obesity [RR = 1.30 (1.12-1.50); I = 0; p = 0.37]; good cognitive performance [RR = 1.28 (1.17-1.40); I = 0; p = 0.62]; higher income [RR = 1.63 (1.05-2.56); I = 0; p = 0.52]; being employed [RR = 0.87 (0.83-0.90); I = 0; p = 0.76] and using multiple drugs/inhalers [RR = 0.81 (0.79-0.84); I = 0; p = 0.80]. Overall, the strength of the underlying evidence was only low to moderate.
CONCLUSIONS
Many determinants may be associated to patient's adherence, and personalised interventions should be taken in clinical practice to address it by gaining an understanding of their individual features.
Topics: Asthma; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Patient Compliance; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 34954637
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106724 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Nov 2022Individualised positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may optimise pulmonary compliance, thereby potentially mitigating lung injury. This meta-analysis aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Individualised positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may optimise pulmonary compliance, thereby potentially mitigating lung injury. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the impact of individualised PEEP vs fixed PEEP during abdominal surgery on postoperative pulmonary outcomes.
METHODS
Medical databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for RCTs comparing fixed vs individualised PEEP. The composite primary outcome of pulmonary complications comprised hypoxaemia, atelectasis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Secondary outcomes included oxygenation (PO/FiO) and systemic inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 [IL-6] and club cell protein-16 [CC16]). We calculated risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using DerSimonian and Laird random effects models. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was applied.
RESULTS
Ten RCTs (n=1117 patients) met the criteria for inclusion, with six reporting the primary endpoint. Individualised PEEP reduced the incidence of overall pulmonary complications (141/412 [34.2%]) compared with 183/415 (44.1%) receiving fixed PEEP (RR 0.69 [95% CI: 0.51-0.93]; P=0.016; I=43%). Risk-of-bias analysis did not alter these findings. Individualised PEEP reduced postoperative hypoxaemia (74/392 [18.9%]) compared with 110/395 (27.8%) participants receiving fixed PEEP (RR 0.68 [0.52-0.88]; P=0.003; I=0%) but not postoperative atelectasis (RR 0.93 [0.81-1.07]; P=0.297; I=0%). Individualised PEEP resulted in higher PO/FiO (MD 20.8 mm Hg [4.6-36.9]; P=0.012; I=80%) and reduced systemic inflammation (lower plasma IL-6 [MD -6.8 pg ml; -11.9 to -1.7]; P=0.009; I=6%; and CC16 levels [MD -6.2 ng ml; -8.8 to -3.5]; P<0.001; I=0%) at the end of surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
Individualised PEEP may reduce pulmonary complications, improve oxygenation, and reduce systemic inflammation after abdominal surgery.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
CRD42021277973.
Topics: Humans; Interleukin-6; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Pulmonary Atelectasis; Hypoxia; Inflammation
PubMed: 36031417
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.07.009 -
Journal of Anesthesia Apr 2022Low tidal volume ventilation strategy may lead to atelectasis without proper positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment maneuver (RM) settings. RM followed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effects of individualized positive end-expiratory pressure combined with recruitment maneuver on intraoperative ventilation during abdominal surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Low tidal volume ventilation strategy may lead to atelectasis without proper positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment maneuver (RM) settings. RM followed by individualized PEEP was a new method to optimize the intraoperative pulmonary function. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to compare the effects of individualized PEEP + RM on intraoperative pulmonary function and hemodynamic with other PEEP and RM settings. The primary outcomes were intraoperative oxygenation index and dynamic compliance, while the secondary outcomes were intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial pressure. In total, we identified 15 clinical trials containing 36 randomized groups with 3634 participants. Ventilation strategies were divided into eight groups by four PEEP (L: low, M: moderate, H: high, and I: individualized) and two RM (yes or no) settings. The main results showed that IPEEP + RM group was superior to all other groups regarding to both oxygenation index and dynamic compliance. LPEEP group was inferior to LPEEP + RM, MPEEP, MPEEP + RM, and IPEEP + RM in terms of oxygenation index and LPEEP + RM, MPEEP, MPEEP + RM, HPEEP + RM, IPEEP, and IPEEP + RM in terms of dynamic compliance. All comparisons were similar for secondary outcomes. Our analysis suggested that individualized PEEP and RM may be the optimal low tidal volume ventilation strategy at present, while low PEEP without RM is not suggested.
Topics: Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Pulmonary Atelectasis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tidal Volume
PubMed: 34757497
DOI: 10.1007/s00540-021-03012-9 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Sep 2023The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 report recommends medication adherence assessment in COPD as an action item. Healthcare databases provide... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 report recommends medication adherence assessment in COPD as an action item. Healthcare databases provide opportunities for objective assessments; however, multiple methods exist. We aimed to systematically review the literature to describe existing methods to assess adherence in COPD in healthcare databases and to evaluate the reporting of influencing variables.
METHOD
We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase for peer-reviewed articles evaluating adherence to COPD medication in electronic databases, written in English, published up to 11 October 2022 (PROSPERO identifier CRD42022363449). Two reviewers independently conducted screening for inclusion and performed data extraction. Methods to assess initiation (dispensing of medication after prescribing), implementation (extent of use over a specific time period) and/or persistence (time from initiation to discontinuation) were listed descriptively. Each included study was evaluated for reporting variables with an impact on adherence assessment: inpatient stays, drug substitution, dose switching and early refills.
RESULTS
160 studies were included, of which four assessed initiation, 135 implementation and 45 persistence. Overall, one method was used to measure initiation, 43 methods for implementation and seven methods for persistence. Most of the included implementation studies reported medication possession ratio, proportion of days covered and/or an alteration of these methods. Only 11% of the included studies mentioned the potential impact of the evaluated variables.
CONCLUSION
Variations in adherence assessment methods are common. Attention to transparency, reporting of variables with an impact on adherence assessment and rationale for choosing an adherence cut-off or treatment gap is recommended.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Medication Adherence
PubMed: 37758274
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0103-2023 -
BMC Anesthesiology Nov 2023Higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during laparoscopic surgery may increase oxygenation and respiratory compliance. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Impact of a positive end-expiratory pressure strategy on oxygenation, respiratory compliance, and hemodynamics during laparoscopic surgery in non-obese patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during laparoscopic surgery may increase oxygenation and respiratory compliance. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the impact of different intraoperative PEEP strategies on arterial oxygenation, compliance, and hemodynamics during laparoscopic surgery in non-obese patients.
METHODS
We searched RCTs in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from January 2012 to April 2022 comparing the different intraoperative PEEP (Low PEEP (LPEEP): 0-4 mbar; Moderate PEEP (MPEEP): 5-8 mbar; high PEEP (HPEEP): >8 mbar; individualized PEEP - iPEEP) on arterial oxygenation, respiratory compliance (Cdyn), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR). We calculated mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and predictive intervals (PI) using random-effects models. The Cochrane Bias Risk Assessment Tool was applied.
RESULTS
21 RCTs (n = 1554) met the inclusion criteria. HPEEP vs. LPEEP increased PaO (+ 29.38 [16.20; 42.56] mmHg, p < 0.0001) or PaO/FiO (+ 36.7 [+ 2.23; +71.70] mmHg, p = 0.04). HPEEP vs. MPEEP increased PaO (+ 22.00 [+ 1.11; +42.88] mmHg, p = 0.04) or PaO/FiO (+ 42.7 [+ 2.74; +82.67] mmHg, p = 0.04). iPEEP vs. MPEEP increased PaO/FiO (+ 115.2 [+ 87.21; +143.20] mmHg, p < 0.001). MPEEP vs. LPEP, and HPEEP vs. MPEEP increased PaO or PaO/FiO significantly with different heterogeneity. HPEEP vs. LPEEP increased Cdyn (+ 7.87 [+ 1.49; +14.25] ml/mbar, p = 0.02). MPEEP vs. LPEEP, and HPEEP vs. MPEEP did not impact Cdyn (p = 0.14 and 0.38, respectively). iPEEP vs. LPEEP decreased driving pressure (-4.13 [-2.63; -5.63] mbar, p < 0.001). No significant differences in MAP or HR were found between any subgroups.
CONCLUSION
HPEEP and iPEEP during PNP in non-obese patients could promote oxygenation and increase Cdyn without clinically significant changes in MAP and HR. MPEEP could be insufficient to increase respiratory compliance and improve oxygenation. LPEEP may lead to decreased respiratory compliance and worsened oxygenation.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42022362379; registered October 09, 2022.
Topics: Humans; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Hemodynamics; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 37950169
DOI: 10.1186/s12871-023-02337-0 -
Cancers Jul 2020Aquaporin (AQP) channels enable regulated transport of water and solutes essential for fluid homeostasis, but they are gaining attention as targets for anticancer...
Aquaporin (AQP) channels enable regulated transport of water and solutes essential for fluid homeostasis, but they are gaining attention as targets for anticancer therapies. Patterns of AQP expression and survival rates for patients were evaluated by systematic review (PubMed and Embase) and transcriptomic analyses of RNAseq data (Human Protein Atlas database). Meta-analyses confirmed predominantly negative associations between AQP protein and RNA expression levels and patient survival times, most notably for AQP1 in lung, breast and prostate cancers; AQP3 in esophageal, liver and breast cancers; and AQP9 in liver cancer. Patterns of AQP expression were clustered for groups of cancers and associated with risk of death. A quantitative transcriptomic analysis of AQP1-10 in human cancer biopsies similarly showed that increased transcript levels of AQPs 1, 3, 5 and 9 were most frequently associated with poor survival. Unexpectedly, increased AQP7 and AQP8 levels were associated with better survival times in glioma, ovarian and endometrial cancers, and increased AQP11 with better survival in colorectal and breast cancers. Although molecular mechanisms of aquaporins in pathology or protection remain to be fully defined, results here support the hypothesis that overexpression of selected classes of AQPs differentially augments cancer progression. Beyond fluid homeostasis, potential roles for AQPs in cancers (suggested from an expanding appreciation of their functions in normal tissues) include cell motility, membrane process extension, transport of signaling molecules, control of proliferation and apoptosis, increased mechanical compliance, and gas exchange. AQP expression also has been linked to differences in sensitivity to chemotherapy treatments, suggesting possible roles as biomarkers for personalized treatments. Development of AQP pharmacological modulators, administered in cancer-specific combinations, might inspire new interventions for controlling malignant carcinomas.
PubMed: 32679804
DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071911 -
International Journal of Clinical... Apr 2023Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a predominant cause of mortality. Pharmacists play an important role in secondary prevention of CVD, however, their role in cardiac... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a predominant cause of mortality. Pharmacists play an important role in secondary prevention of CVD, however, their role in cardiac rehabilitation is under-reported and services are under-utilised.
AIM
To explore the role of pharmacists in cardiac rehabilitation, the impact of their interventions on patient outcomes, and prospects of future role development.
METHOD
Databases searched were PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PsycINFO from January 2006 to October 2021. Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials were selected if they assessed the role of pharmacists in cardiac rehabilitation. Cochrane risk of bias tool, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool for Quasi-Experimental Studies and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NIH) quality assessment tool, were used to assess quality and a narrative synthesis was conducted.
RESULTS
The search yielded 786 studies, only five met the inclusion criteria. The pharmacist-led interventions included patient education, medication review and reconciliation, and medication adherence encouragement. Four out of the five studies showed that pharmacist-led interventions in cardiac rehabilitation significantly improved patient clinical and non-clinical outcomes. One study showed a statistically significant reduction in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels to optimal target of < 70 mg/dL (80% vs 60%, p = 0.0084). Two studies reported better medication adherence, and two studies showed greater improvement in all domains of health-related quality of life observed in the intervention group.
CONCLUSION
Pharmacist-led interventions in cardiac rehabilitation could lower CVD risk factors and hence recurrence. Although these findings support pharmacists' involvement in cardiac rehabilitation, larger intervention studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of pharmacist-led interventions and their impact on hospital admissions and mortality risk.
Topics: Humans; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Pharmacists; Quality of Life; Cardiovascular Diseases; Medication Adherence
PubMed: 36401764
DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01517-1 -
The Journal of Evidence-based Dental... Mar 2020It is essential that dental clinicians, including dental students, have sufficient knowledge of and adhere to relevant prophylactic guidelines for the prevention of...
Knowledge and Compliance of Dentists' and Dental Students' With Respect to Relevant Guidelines for Prescribing Antibiotic Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Infective Endocarditis: A Systematic Review.
BACKGROUND
It is essential that dental clinicians, including dental students, have sufficient knowledge of and adhere to relevant prophylactic guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis. Because the overprescription of antibiotics contributes to the development of drug resistance, antibiotic stewardship should be at the forefront of patient care. The aim of this review is to determine the level of knowledge and compliance of dentists and dental students to relevant guidelines regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of infective endocarditis. In addition, we aim to identify the factors that influence the level of knowledge and compliance.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE (OvidSP), Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Informit Health Database. Inclusion criteria were (1) published quantitative studies that assessed dentists' and dental students' knowledge of and compliance with relevant guidelines for prescribing antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of infective endocarditis; (2) studies in English; and (3) studies published on any date. The National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was used to appraise each of the included studies. The required data were collected and formatted to provide a narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
A total of 3427 articles were identified, 167 full-text articles were reviewed, and 43 articles from 37 studies were included. Overall knowledge of guidelines ranged from as low as 1.9% to as high as 100% depending on the detail being examined. No statistically significant difference was found between dental students' and qualified dentists' knowledge. Overall compliance with guidelines ranged from 40% to 81%. Respondents' age and postgraduate training were the variables most associated with dentists' knowledge of guidelines for infective endocarditis. A limitation of this review is that only quantitative studies in English were assessed.
CONCLUSION
Knowledge levels of guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis varied greatly depending on the study design, respondent characteristics, and time period factors. There is a lack of research published on compliance rates for dentists and dental students with respect to guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis.
Topics: Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dentists; Endocarditis; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Students, Dental
PubMed: 32381401
DOI: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2019.01.007 -
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) Mar 2024Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a respiratory complication associated with neonatal prematurity, presents opportunities for pharmacological intervention due to its... (Review)
Review
AIM
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a respiratory complication associated with neonatal prematurity, presents opportunities for pharmacological intervention due to its contributing risk factors. Despite diuretics' controversial usage in BPD treatment and varying institutional practices, this review aims to consolidate evidence from clinical trials regarding diuretic use in BPD.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science and CINAHL databases (PROSPERO 2022: CRD42022328292). Covidence facilitated screening and data extraction, followed by analysis and formatting in Microsoft Excel.
RESULTS
Among 430 screened records, 13 were included for analysis. Three studies assessed spironolactone and chlorothiazide combinations, two studied spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide, while eight examined furosemide. All studies evaluated drug effects on dynamic pulmonary compliance and pulmonary resistance, serving as comparative measures in our review.
CONCLUSION
Diuretics' effectiveness in treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia remains uncertain. The limited number of identified randomised controlled trials (RCTs) hampers high-level evidence-based conclusions when applying the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) approach. Conducting large prospective studies of good quality could provide more definitive insights, but the rarity of outcomes and eligible patients poses challenges. Further research, primarily focusing on RCTs assessing diuretics' safety and efficacy in this population, is warranted.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Infant; Humans; Diuretics; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Spironolactone; Infant, Premature; Furosemide
PubMed: 38214373
DOI: 10.1111/apa.17093