-
Renal Failure 2023This study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of immunosuppressive agents, specifically Voclosporin, when used in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of immunosuppressive agents, specifically Voclosporin, when used in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) induction therapy for the management of lupus nephritis (LN).
METHODS
A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted on randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of immunosuppressant-induced therapy for LN. The random effects model was used in the analysis. I was used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the model. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% credible intervals (CrI) were computed to assess and compare the relative effectiveness and safety of various treatment protocols.
RESULTS
The study included a total of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2444 patients with LN. The analysis results indicated that there was no significant difference in terms of partial remission (PR) between the drugs. However, when considering complete remission (CR), the combination of Voclosporin with MMF showed the highest remission rate, followed by Tacrolimus (TAC). Unfortunately, Voclosporin in combination with MMF had the highest risk of infection and serious infection, indicating a lower safety profile.
CONCLUSIONS
Voclosporin in combination with MMF demonstrated the highest efficacy as an induction therapy for LN. However, it should be noted that the risk of infection and serious infection was found to be high with this regimen. On the other hand, TAC not only showed efficacy but also had a lower risk of infection and serious infection, making it a favorable option in terms of safety. This study did' not include results on other adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Lupus Nephritis; Cyclophosphamide; Induction Chemotherapy; Network Meta-Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Immunosuppressive Agents; Tacrolimus; Mycophenolic Acid; Remission Induction; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38087473
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2023.2290365 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that has become a public health problem, especially in vulnerable populations. A systematic review and time-free meta-analysis... (Review)
Review
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that has become a public health problem, especially in vulnerable populations. A systematic review and time-free meta-analysis of the publications on the molecular detection of syphilis and mutations associated with antibiotic resistance, CORE group, and syphilis genotypes in PubMed databases, Scielo, and Cochrane was performed, and the last search was conducted in June 2022. Proportions were calculated, and standard errors and confidence intervals were reported for all results of interest. We included 41 articles for quantitative extraction and data synthesis. An increase was observed in the proportion of subjects diagnosed with syphilis and the presence of the A2058G mutation during the 2018−2021 period compared to 2006 (70% 95%CI 50−87 vs. 58% 95%CI 12−78), and we observed that the greater the proportion of the population participating in men who have sex with men (MSM) (<50% and >50%) syphilis increased (78% 95%CI 65−90 vs. 33% 95%CI 19−49). In conclusion, we suggest that there are a set of characteristics that are contributing to the resurgence of syphilis and the selective pressure of bacteria. The MSM population could be a vulnerable factor for this scenario and the global presence of A2058G and A2059G mutations that confer resistance to macrolides.
PubMed: 36558880
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121546 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Apr 2021This is the second version (first update) of the living systematic review, replacing the previous version (available as a data supplement). When citing this paper please... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
UPDATES
This is the second version (first update) of the living systematic review, replacing the previous version (available as a data supplement). When citing this paper please consider adding the version number and date of access for clarity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine and compare the effects of drug prophylaxis on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19).
DESIGN
Living systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA).
DATA SOURCES
World Health Organization covid-19 database, a comprehensive multilingual source of global covid-19 literature to 4 March 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomised trials in which people at risk of covid-19 were allocated to prophylaxis or no prophylaxis (standard care or placebo). Pairs of reviewers independently screened potentially eligible articles.
METHODS
After duplicate data abstraction, we conducted random-effects bayesian network meta-analysis. We assessed risk of bias of the included studies using a modification of the Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach.
RESULTS
The second iteration of this living NMA includes 32 randomised trials which enrolled 25 147 participants and addressed 21 different prophylactic drugs; adding 21 trials (66%), 18 162 participants (75%) and 16 (76%) prophylactic drugs. Of the 16 prophylactic drugs analysed, none provided convincing evidence of a reduction in the risk of laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. For admission to hospital and mortality outcomes, no prophylactic drug proved different than standard care or placebo. Hydroxychloroquine and vitamin C combined with zinc probably increase the risk of adverse effects leading to drug discontinuation—risk difference for hydroxychloroquine (RD) 6 more per 1000 (95% credible interval (CrI) 2 more to 10 more); for vitamin C combined with zinc, RD 69 more per 1000 (47 more to 90 more), moderate certainty evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
Much of the evidence remains very low certainty and we therefore anticipate future studies evaluating drugs for prophylaxis may change the results for SARS-CoV-2 infection, admission to hospital and mortality outcomes. Both hydroxychloroquine and vitamin C combined with zinc probably increase adverse effects.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
This review was not registered. The protocol established a priori is included as a supplement.
FUNDING
This study was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (grant CIHR-IRSC:0579001321).
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; COVID-19; Carrageenan; Chemoprevention; Global Health; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Ivermectin; SARS-CoV-2; Treatment Outcome; Uncertainty
PubMed: 33903131
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n949 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2021Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important global public health problem due to its high prevalence and morbidity. Although the treatment of nephrology patients has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important global public health problem due to its high prevalence and morbidity. Although the treatment of nephrology patients has changed considerably, ineffectiveness and side effects of medications represent a major issue. In an effort to elucidate the contribution of genetic variants located in several genes in the response to treatment of patients with CKD, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available pharmacogenetics studies. The association between genotype distribution and response to medication was examined using the dominant, recessive, and additive inheritance models. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity was also performed. In total, 29 studies were included in the meta-analysis, which examined the association of 11 genes (16 polymorphisms) with the response to treatment regarding CKD. Among the 29 studies, 18 studies included patients with renal transplantation, 8 involved patients with nephrotic syndrome, and 3 studies included patients with lupus nephritis. The present meta-analysis provides strong evidence for the contribution of variants harbored in the , , , , and genes that creates some genetic predisposition that reduces effectiveness or is associated with adverse events of medications used in CKD.
Topics: Azathioprine; Cyclosporine; Humans; Pharmacogenomic Testing; Pharmacogenomic Variants; Polymorphism, Genetic; Prednisolone; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Tacrolimus; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33923087
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094480 -
PloS One 2021Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) is an obligate intracellular human respiratory pathogen producing persisting lung infection with a plausible link to asthma pathogenesis. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) is an obligate intracellular human respiratory pathogen producing persisting lung infection with a plausible link to asthma pathogenesis. The population attributable risk of potentially treatable Cp infection in asthma has not been reported.
METHODS
The author searched from 2000 to 2020 inclusive for previously un-reviewed and new cross sectional and prospective controlled studies of Cp biomarkers and chronic asthma in both children and adults. Qualitative descriptive results and quantitative estimates of population attributable risk for selected biomarkers (specific IgG, IgA and IgE) are presented.
FINDINGS
No large, long-term prospective population-based studies of Cp infection and asthma were identified. About half of case-control studies reported one or more significant associations of Cp biomarkers and chronic asthma. Heterogeneity of results by age group (pediatric v adult asthma), severity category (severe/uncontrolled, moderate/partly controlled, mild/controlled) and antibody isotype (specific IgG, IgA, IgE) were suggested by the qualitative results and confirmed by meta-analyses. The population attributable risks for Cp-specific IgG and IgA were nul in children and were 6% (95% confidence interval 2%-10%, p = 0.002) and 13% (9%-18%, p<0.00001) respectively in adults. In contrast to the nul or small population attributable risks for Cp-specific IgG and IgA, the population attributable risk for C. pneumoniae-specific IgE (children and adults combined) was 47% (39%-55%, p<0.00001). In the subset of studies that reported on asthma severity categories, Cp biomarkers were positively and significantly (P<0.00001) associated with asthma severity.
INTERPRETATION
C. pneumoniae-specific IgE is strongly associated with asthma and asthma severity, suggesting a possible mechanism linking chronic Cp infection with asthma in a subset of individuals with asthma. Infection biomarkers should be included in future macrolide treatment trials for severe and uncontrolled asthma.
Topics: Asthma; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydophila Infections; Chlamydophila pneumoniae; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Prospective Studies; Respiratory Tract Infections; Risk Factors
PubMed: 33872336
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250034 -
Microbiology Spectrum Dec 2022Parenteral penicillin is the first-line regimen for treating syphilis. However, allergic reactions and poor drug tolerance still present challenging problems with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and Safety of Treatments for Different Stages of Syphilis: a Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies.
Parenteral penicillin is the first-line regimen for treating syphilis. However, allergic reactions and poor drug tolerance still present challenging problems with respect to use of this antibiotic. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ceftriaxone, erythromycin, minocycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline for syphilis treatment, compared with penicillin, to determine which antibiotic could be a better substitute for penicillin. This study included 17 articles, comprising 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 14 observational studies and involving 4,485 syphilis patients. Estimated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were used to compare the serological response rates. At the 6- and 12-month follow-ups, the serological response rates were compared by direct meta-analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA). Based on direct meta-analysis, the serological response rates at the 3- and 24-month follow-ups were compared. Our NMA showed a higher serological response rate for ceftriaxone than for penicillin at the 6-month follow-up (RR of 1.12, 95% CI of 1.02 to 1.23). Ceftriaxone was equally effective as penicillin for syphilis in terms of serological response rates, and it was a better substitute for penicillin than ceftriaxone, erythromycin, minocycline, tetracycline, or doxycycline. However, more large-scale, high-quality, double-blind trials are still needed to determine whether ceftriaxone can safely replace penicillin for the treatment of syphilis when necessary. Parenteral penicillin is the first-line regimen for syphilis treatment. However, allergic reactions and poor drug tolerance still present emerging threatening problems with respect to use of this antibiotic. Our results showed a higher serological response rate for ceftriaxone than for penicillin at the 6-month follow-up. Sufficient data are not available for demonstrating significant differences in the efficacy of the other four antibiotics (erythromycin, minocycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline) for treating syphilis. In the clinical treatment of syphilis in patients who are allergic to penicillin or for whom penicillin is not available, ceftriaxone appears to be a better alternative treatment. This meta-analysis provides a reference for clinical treatment of syphilis. Currently, a lack of sufficient evidence to guide antibiotic treatment of syphilis exists, and a need for more high-quality RCTs is still present. This network meta-analysis can lay a foundation for further research.
Topics: Humans; Syphilis; Ceftriaxone; Doxycycline; Minocycline; Network Meta-Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Penicillins; Tetracycline; Erythromycin; Hypersensitivity; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36377935
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02977-22 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Jun 2024Streptococcal infections may contribute to psoriasis development, and antistreptococcal treatments are considered potential therapies, but their effectiveness remains... (Review)
Review
Streptococcal infections may contribute to psoriasis development, and antistreptococcal treatments are considered potential therapies, but their effectiveness remains uncertain due to limited systematic evidence. Our objective was to analyze antistreptococcal therapies' effectiveness in improving psoriasis. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, evaluating antistreptococcal treatment efficacy in psoriasis patients from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases until August 14, 2022. Eligible studies included psoriasis patients undergoing antistreptococcal therapy, regardless of demographics or psoriasis type. 50 studies (1778 patients) were analyzed, with penicillins/aminopenicillins as the most studied antibiotics (21 studies), showing mixed outcomes, some reporting significant improvement in guttate psoriasis, while others showed no significant difference. Rifampin demonstrated positive results in most of ten studies, and macrolides showed varying effectiveness in two studies. Tonsillectomy in 14 studies (409 patients) mainly focusing on guttate and chronic plaque psoriasis showed positive outcomes, indicating improved symptoms and quality of life. Limitations include heterogeneous studies, sampling bias, and quality of evidence. This systematic review reveals limited and varied evidence for systemic antibiotic therapy efficacy in psoriasis treatment, while tonsillectomy emerges as a potentially beneficial antistreptococcal option, urging further well-designed, controlled studies with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols for better comparisons.
Topics: Humans; Psoriasis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Streptococcal Infections; Treatment Outcome; Quality of Life; Penicillins; Rifampin
PubMed: 38850287
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03051-8 -
Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Apr 2022Watchful epidemiological surveillance of macrolide-resistant Group A Streptococcus (MRGAS) clones is important owing to the evolutionary and epidemiological dynamic of... (Review)
Review
A global snapshot on the prevalent macrolide-resistant emm types of Group A Streptococcus worldwide, their phenotypes and their resistance marker genotypes during the last two decades: A systematic review.
Watchful epidemiological surveillance of macrolide-resistant Group A Streptococcus (MRGAS) clones is important owing to the evolutionary and epidemiological dynamic of GAS. Meanwhile, data on the global distribution of MRGAS emm types according to macrolide resistance phenotypes and genotypes are scant and need to be updated. For this, the present systematic review analyses a global set of extensively characterized MRGAS isolates from patients of diverse ages and clinical presentations over approximately two decades (2000 to 2020) and recaps the peculiar epidemiological features of the dominant MRGAS clones. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 53 articles (3593 macrolide-resistant and 15,951 susceptible isolates) distributed over 23 countries were dissected with a predominance of high-income countries over low-income ones. Although macrolide resistance in GAS is highly variable in different countries, its within-GAS distribution seems not to be random. emm pattern E, 13 major emm types (emm12, 4, 28, 77, 75, 11, 22, 92, 58, 60, 94, 63, 114) and 4 emm clusters (A-C4, E1, E6, and E2) were significantly associated with macrolide resistance. emm patterns A-C and D, 14 major emm types (emm89, 3, 6, 2, 44, 82, 87, 118, 5, 49, 81, 59, 227, 78) and 3 well-defined emm clusters (A-C5, E3, and D4) were significantly associated with macrolide susceptibility. Scrutinizing the tendency of each MRGAS emm type to be significantly associated with specific macrolide resistance phenotype or genotype, interesting vignettes are also unveiled. The 30-valent vaccine covers ~95% of MRGAS isolates. The presented data urge the importance of comprehensive nationwide sustained surveillance of MRGAS circulating clones particularly in Low and Middle income countries where sampling bias is high and GAS epidemiology is obfuscated and needs to be demystified.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins; Biomarkers; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Genotype; Humans; Macrolides; Phenotype; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 35219865
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105258 -
BMC Oral Health Oct 2023To evaluate the clinical efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct or alternative to traditional antifungal drugs in the treatment of oral candidiasis, and to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct or alternative to traditional antifungal drugs in the treatment of oral candidiasis, and to provide evidence-based medical evidence for its use in the treatment of oral candidiasis.
METHODS
Computer combined with manual retrieval of China Academic Journals Full-text Database (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus retrieval for articles published before January 2023, basic information and required data were extracted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the Revman V5.4 software was used to conduct Meta-analysis of the included literature.
RESULTS
A total of 11 articles were included, 7 of which used nystatin as an antifungal drug, 2 of which were combined treatment of PDT and nystatin, 2 of the remaining 4 articles were treated with fluconazole, and 2 were treated with miconazole. Meta results showed that PDT was superior to nystatin in reducing the number of oral candida colonies in the palate of patients MD = -0.87, 95%CI = (-1.52,-0.23), P = 0.008, the difference was statistically significant, and the denture site MD = -1.03, 95%CI = (-2.21, -0.15), P = 0.09, the difference was not statistically significant; compared with the efficacy of fluconazole, RR = 1.01, 95%CI = (0.56,1.83), P = 0.96; compared with miconazole RR = 0.55, 95%CI = (0.38, 0.81), P = 0.002; PDT combined with nystatin RR = 1.27, 95%CI = (1.06, 1.52), P = 0.01; recurrence rate RR = 0.28, 95%CI = (0.09, 0.88), P = 0.03.
CONCLUSIONS
PDT was effective in the treatment of oral candidiasis; PDT was more effective than nystatin for the treatment of denture stomatitis in the palate, while there was no significant difference between the two for the denture site; The efficacy of PDT for oral candidiasis was similar to that of fluconazole; PDT was less effective than miconazole for oral candidiasis; Compared with nystatin alone, the combination of PDT and nystatin is more effective in treating oral candidiasis with less risk of recurrence.
Topics: Humans; Candidiasis, Oral; Antifungal Agents; Nystatin; Fluconazole; Miconazole; Photochemotherapy
PubMed: 37884914
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03484-z -
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics 2023Acute otitis media (AOM) is the inflammation of the middle ear. It constitutes one of the most frequent infections which affects children and usually occurs between 6 to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Acute otitis media (AOM) is the inflammation of the middle ear. It constitutes one of the most frequent infections which affects children and usually occurs between 6 to 24 months of age. AOM can emerge due to viruses and/or bacteria. The aim of the current systematic review is to assess in children between 6 months and 12 years of age with AOM, the efficacy of any antimicrobial agent or placebo compared with amoxicillinclavulanate, to measure the resolution of AOM or symptoms.
METHODS
The medical databases PubMed (MEDLINE) and Web of Science were used. Data extraction and analysis were performed by two independent reviewers. Eligibility criteria were set, and only randomised control trials (RCTs) were included. Critical appraisal of the eligible studies was performed. Pooled analysis was conducted using the Review Manager v. 5.4.1 software (RevMan).
RESULTS
Twelve RCTs were totally included. Three (25.0%) RCTs studied the impact of azithromycin, two (16.7%) investigated the impact of cefdinir, two (16.7%) investigated placebo, three (25.0%) studied quinolones, one (8.3%) investigated cefaclor and one (8.3%) studied penicillin V, compared to amoxicillin-clavulanate. In five (41.7%) RCTs, amoxicillin-clavulanate proved to be superior to azithromycin, cefdinir, placebo, cefaclor and penicillin V, while in seven (58.3%) RCTs its efficacy was comparable with other antimicrobials or placebo. The rates of AOM relapse after treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate were comparable to those of other antimicrobials or placebo. However, amoxicillin-clavulanate was more effective in eradicating Streptococcus pneumoniae from the culture, when compared to cefdinir. The results of the meta-analysis were not evaluated due to substantial heterogeneity between studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Amoxicillin-clavulanate should be the treatment of choice for children between 6 months and 12 years of age with AOM.
Topics: Child; Humans; Infant; Acute Disease; Amoxicillin; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Azithromycin; Cefaclor; Cefdinir; Otitis Media; Penicillin V; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37395955
DOI: 10.24953/turkjped.2022.893