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The European Respiratory Journal May 2020https://bit.ly/2XVwIsa
https://bit.ly/2XVwIsa
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; Dyspnea; Humans; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 32341100
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01009-2020 -
BMC Pediatrics Feb 2022Melatonin's effectiveness as an anxiolytic medication has been confirmed in adults; however, its efficacy in a paediatric population is unclear. A number of small...
BACKGROUND
Melatonin's effectiveness as an anxiolytic medication has been confirmed in adults; however, its efficacy in a paediatric population is unclear. A number of small studies have assessed its use in children as a pre-operative anxiolytic, with conflicting results.
METHODS
We undertook a systematic review of pre-operative melatonin use in children. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science), and ' ClinicalTrials.gov ' were searched for ongoing and completed clinical trials of relevance. Citation tracking reference lists and relevant articles were also accessed. The review was unrestricted by comparator or outcomes. Eleven studies were judged eligible for inclusion. There were high levels of heterogeneity in melatonin administration (in terms of dose and timing). Variable outcomes were reported and included: anxiety; anaesthetic success; analgesia; sedation; post-operative recovery; and safety. Outcomes were not always assessed with the same measures.
RESULTS
Evidence to support melatonin's anxiolytic properties in this setting is conflicting. Melatonin was associated with reduced sedative effects, post-operative excitement and improved emergence behaviour, compared to comparator drugs. One study reported the benefit of melatonin use on sleep disturbance at two weeks post-surgery. No adverse safety events were identified to be significantly associated with melatonin, affirming its excellent safety profile.
CONCLUSION
Despite potential advantages, including improved emergence behaviour, based on current evidence we cannot confirm whether melatonin is non-inferior to current "usual care" pre-medications. Further consideration of melatonin as an anxiolytic pre-medication in paediatric surgery is needed.
Topics: Adult; Anesthesia; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Anxiety; Child; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Melatonin
PubMed: 35209863
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03149-w -
Microorganisms Dec 2021The link between cancer and the microbiome is a fast-moving field in research. There is little knowledge on the microbiome in ((pre)malignant) conditions of the vulvar... (Review)
Review
The link between cancer and the microbiome is a fast-moving field in research. There is little knowledge on the microbiome in ((pre)malignant) conditions of the vulvar skin. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the literature regarding the microbiome composition of the healthy vulvar skin and in (pre)malignant vulvar disease. This study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive, electronic search strategy was used to identify original research articles (updated September 2021). The inclusion criteria were articles using culture-independent methods for microbiome profiling of the vulvar region. Ten articles were included. The bacterial composition of the vulva consists of several genera including , , and , suggesting that the vulvar microbiome composition shows similarities with the corresponding vaginal milieu. However, the vulvar microbiome generally displayed higher diversity with commensals of cutaneous and fecal origin. This is the first systematic review that investigates the relationship between microbiome and vulvar (pre)malignant disease. There are limited data and the level of evidence is low with limitations in study size, population diversity and methodology. Nevertheless, the vulvar microbiome represents a promising field for exploring potential links for disease etiology and targets for therapy.
PubMed: 34946169
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122568 -
BMC Medicine Aug 2022Studying whether medications act as potential risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can contribute to the understanding of disease etiology as well as the...
BACKGROUND
Studying whether medications act as potential risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can contribute to the understanding of disease etiology as well as the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the existing evidence on the association between medication use and the subsequent ALS risk.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science from the date of database establishment to December 10, 2021. References of identified articles were further searched for additional relevant articles. Studies were included if (1) published in English, (2) explored medication use as exposure and development of ALS as outcome, and (3) the design was a human observational study. Clinical trials, reviews, comments, editorials, and case reports were excluded. Quality assessment was performed using a pre-validated tool for non-randomized studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale (NOS).
RESULTS
Of the 4760 studies identified, 25 articles, including 13 case-control studies, five nested case-control studies, six cohort studies, and one retrospective chart review, were included in the review. Among these studies, there were 22 distinct study populations that included 171,407 patients with ALS, seven classes of medication examined, and 23 studies with a NOS ≥ 5. There was a general lack of agreement between studies on the associations of cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, oral contraceptives (OCs) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), antihypertensive drugs, antidiabetics, and drugs for psychiatric and neurological disorders with the subsequent risk of ALS. However, it appeared that statins, aspirin, OCs/HRT, antihypertensives, and antidiabetics were unlikely related to a higher risk of ALS. The positive associations noted for antibiotics, antidepressants, and skeletal muscle relaxants might be attributable to prodromal symptoms of ALS.
CONCLUSIONS
There is currently no strong evidence to link any medication use with ALS risk.
Topics: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Observational Studies as Topic; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35927763
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02442-w -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2020Metformin has been proposed as possibly a safer and more effective long-term treatment than the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Metformin has been proposed as possibly a safer and more effective long-term treatment than the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is important to directly compare the efficacy and safety of metformin versus OCP in the long-term treatment of women with PCOS. This is an update of a Cochrane Review comparing insulin sensitising agents with the OCP and only includes studies on metformin.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of metformin versus the OCP (alone or in combination) in improving clinical, hormonal, and metabolic features of PCOS.
SEARCH METHODS
In August 2019 we searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL, the trial registers, handsearched references of the identified articles, and contacted experts in the field to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the use of metformin versus the OCP (alone or in combination) for women with PCOS.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methods recommended by Cochrane. The primary review outcomes were the clinical parameters of hirsutism and adverse events, both severe (requiring stopping of medication), and minor. In the presence of substantial heterogeneity (I statistic > 50), which could be explained by pre-specified subgroup analyses on the basis of BMI, we reported the subgroups separately.
MAIN RESULTS
This is a substantive update. We identified 38 additional studies. We included 44 RCTs (2253 women), which comprised 39 RCTs on adult women (2047 women) and five RCTs on adolescent women (206 women). Evidence quality ranged from very low to low. The main limitations were risk of bias, imprecision and inconsistency. Metformin versus the OCP In adult women, we are uncertain of the effect of metformin compared to the OCP on hirsutism in subgroup body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m (mean difference (MD) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.44 to 1.19, 3 RCTs, n = 134, I = 50%, very low-quality evidence) and subgroup BMI > 30 kg/m (MD -0.38, 95% CI -1.93 to 1.17; 2 RCTs, n = 85, I = 34%, low-quality evidence). Metformin may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to the OCP in the subgroup BMI 25 kg/m to 30 kg/m (MD 1.92, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.64, 5 RCTs, n = 254, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). Metformin may increase severe gastro-intestinal adverse events rate compared to the OCP (Peto odds ratio (OR) 6.42, 95% CI 2.98 to 13.84, 11 RCTs, n = 602, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). Metformin may decrease the incidence of severe other adverse events compared to the OCP (Peto OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.44, 8 RCTs, n = 363, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). There were no trials reporting on minor adverse events. In adolescents, we are uncertain whether there is a difference between Metformin and the OCP, on hirsutism and adverse events. Metformin versus metformin combined with the OCP In adult women, metformin may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to Metformin combined with the OCP (MD 1.36, 95% CI 0.62 to 2.11, 3 RCTs, n = 135, I= 9%, low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if there was a difference between metformin and metformin combined with the OCP for severe gastro-intestinal adverse events (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.21 to 2.53, 3 RCTs, n = 171, I = 0%, low-quality evidence), or for severe other adverse events (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.11 to 2.82, 2 RCTs, n = 109, I = 44%, low-quality evidence). There were no trials reporting on minor adverse events. In adolescents, there were no trials for this comparison. The OCP versus metformin combined with the OCP In adult women, the OCP may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to metformin combined with the OCP (MD 0.54, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.89, 6 RCTs, n = 389, I= 1%, low-quality evidence). The OCP may decrease the incidence of severe gastro-intestinal adverse events compared to metformin combined with the OCP (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.72, 5 RCTs, n = 228, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if there is a difference between the OCP and metformin combined with the OCP for severe other adverse events (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.49 to 5.37, 4 RCTs, n = 159, I = 12%, low-quality evidence). The OCP may decrease the incidence of minor (gastro-intestinal) adverse events compared to metformin combined with the OCP (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.44, 2 RCTs, n = 98, I = 0%, low-quality evidence). In adolescents, we are uncertain whether there is a difference between the OCP, compared to metformin combined with the OCP, on hirsutism or adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In adult women with PCOS, metformin may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to the OCP in the subgroup BMI 25 kg/m to 30 kg/m but we are uncertain if there was a difference between metformin and the OCP in subgroups BMI < 25 kg/m and BMI > 30kg/m. Compared to the OCP, metformin may increase the incidence of severe gastro-intestinal adverse events and decrease the incidence of severe other adverse events with no trials reporting on minor adverse events. Either metformin alone or the OCP alone may be less effective in improving hirsutism compared to metformin combined with the OCP. We are uncertain whether there is a difference between the OCP alone and metformin alone compared to metformin combined with the OCP for severe or minor adverse events except for the OCP versus metformin combined with the OCP where the OCP may decrease the incidence of severe and minor gastro-intestinal adverse events. In adolescent women with PCOS, we are uncertain whether there is a difference between any of the comparisons for hirsutism and adverse events due to either no evidence or very low-quality evidence. Further large well-designed RCTs that stratify for BMI are needed to evaluate metformin versus the OCP and combinations in women with PCOS, in particular adolescent women.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endometrial Neoplasms; Female; Hirsutism; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Menstruation Disturbances; Metformin; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Young Adult
PubMed: 32794179
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005552.pub3 -
Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health Jan 2021Pandemics are known to affect mental health of the general population and various at-risk groups like healthcare workers, students and people with chronic medical...
INTRODUCTION
Pandemics are known to affect mental health of the general population and various at-risk groups like healthcare workers, students and people with chronic medical diseases. However, not much is known of the mental health of people with pre-existing mental illness during a pandemic. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates, whether people with pre-existing mental illness experience an increase in mental health symptoms and experience more hospitalizations during a pandemic.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in the EMBASE, OVID-MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases to identify potentially eligible studies. Data were extracted independently and continuous data were used in calculating pooled effect sizes of standardized mean difference (SMD) using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
Of 1791 records reviewed 15 studies were included. People with pre-existing mental illness have significantly higher psychiatric symptoms, anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms compared to controls during a pandemic with pooled effect sizes (SMD) of 0.593 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 0.72), 0.616 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.73) and 0.597 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.80) respectively. Studies also found a reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations and utilization of psychiatric services during pandemics.
CONCLUSION
The review highlights the need for mental health services to address the increased mental health symptoms in people with pre-existing mental illnesses during a pandemic. Future research should focus on better designed controlled studies of discrete illness groups, so as to provide a robust basis for policy makers to plan appropriate level of support and care for people with mental illness during a pandemic.
PubMed: 33251527
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100177 -
Movement Disorders : Official Journal... Mar 2021Stereotactic lesioning of the bilateral globus pallidus (GPi) was one of the first surgical treatments for medication-refractory dystonia but has largely been abandoned... (Review)
Review
Stereotactic lesioning of the bilateral globus pallidus (GPi) was one of the first surgical treatments for medication-refractory dystonia but has largely been abandoned in clinical practice after the introduction of deep brain stimulation (DBS). However, some patients with dystonia are not eligible for DBS. Therefore, we reviewed the efficacy, safety, and sustainability of bilateral pallidotomy by conducting a systematic review of individual patient data (IPD). Guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and IPD were followed. In May 2020, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies reporting on outcome of bilateral pallidotomy for dystonia. If available, IPD were collected. In this systematic review, 100 patients from 33 articles were evaluated. Adverse events were reported in 20 patients (20%), of which 8 were permanent (8%). Pre-and postoperative Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Movement Scale scores were available for 53 patients. A clinically relevant improvement (>20%) of this score was found in 42 of 53 patients (79%). Twenty-five patients with status dystonicus (SD) were described. In all but 2 the SD resolved after bilateral pallidotomy. Seven patients experienced a relapse of SD. Median-reported follow-up was 12 months (n = 83; range: 2-180 months). Based on the current literature, bilateral pallidotomy is an effective and relatively safe procedure for certain types of dystonia, particularly in medication-refractory SD. Although due to publication bias the underreporting of negative outcomes is very likely, bilateral pallidotomy is a reasonable alternative to DBS in selected dystonia patients. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Topics: Deep Brain Stimulation; Dystonia; Dystonic Disorders; Globus Pallidus; Humans; Movement Disorders; Pallidotomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33215750
DOI: 10.1002/mds.28384 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2020Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a medication given to patients with stable coronary artery disease. While it is reportedly well-tolerated, there are increasing numbers of...
Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a medication given to patients with stable coronary artery disease. While it is reportedly well-tolerated, there are increasing numbers of reports of adverse events such as parkinsonism. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the currently available literature on TMZ-induced parkinsonism. A search of Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Health Technology Assessment Database, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar was conducted on or before November 7, 2019. The literature search included cohort studies, prospective and/or retrospective studies, meta-analysis, and other systematic reviews published as an original article, including abstracts and full texts. We included patients taking TMZ who developed one or more of the parkinsonian symptoms of bradykinesia, tremors, rigidity, and postural instability, where these symptoms improved after withdrawal of the said medication. There are currently five studies on TMZ use and associated parkinsonism. The literature included two case reports, one case series, and one retrospective and one prospective study. We found no results from randomized clinical trials. Overall, 88 patients developed TMZ-induced parkinsonism. Regression of parkinsonism was reported in all of the participants after withdrawal of TMZ. A total of 49 patients (55.7%) had complete regression of symptoms, while 39 patients (44.3%) had significant reduction of symptoms. The duration between TMZ (dose, 60-80 mg/day) intake and onset of symptoms ranged from 4 months to 20 years. The most commonly reported extrapyramidal symptoms were akinesia, rigidity, postural disturbances, and gait disorders, which were usually mild and symmetric. The current literature suggests that TMZ can induce parkinsonism that is reversible with drug withdrawal. It is warranted to examine patients, especially the elderly, on TMZ for parkinsonian symptoms and those with pre-existing neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are needed to assess the risk-benefit ratio of this drug, especially in the elderly age group.
PubMed: 32158422
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00044 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022The phenomenon of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly growing global problem. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics as well as self-prescription are among... (Review)
Review
The phenomenon of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly growing global problem. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics as well as self-prescription are among the most important causes contributing to the growth of antibiotic resistance in humans. This systematic review describes the phenomenon of antibiotics self-medication (ASM) in children. The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until July 2022. Published English language studies containing information regarding parents knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in self-administration of antibiotics in children were included. A total of 702 articles were identified, and 57 were selected. A higher prevalence of ASM among children was found in the Middle-East (34%), Africa (22%), Asia (20%) and South America (17%), while the lowest prevalence was found in Europe (8%). High distance from hospital, and low income, such as having more than one child, are related with an increased risk of ASM in children. Fever and cough can also promote the misuse of antibiotics by parents. A greater attention to the regulation of the sale of antimicrobial drugs can certainly limit the risk of self-medicating behavior.
PubMed: 36358240
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111583 -
Journal of Psychosomatic Research Oct 2021Inadequate medication adherence is a significant limitation for achieving optimal health outcomes across chronic health conditions. Mindfulness-based interventions... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Inadequate medication adherence is a significant limitation for achieving optimal health outcomes across chronic health conditions. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been increasingly applied to promote medical regimen adherence as MBIs have been shown to improve patient-level barriers to adherence (i.e., depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, stress). The purpose of this review is to investigate the state of research regarding MBIs targeting medication adherence in chronic illnesses and to identify evidence gaps to inform future studies.
METHODS
The search reviewed 5 databases (e.g., PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Proquest Thesis/Dissertations) to identify trials that quantitatively evaluated the effect of MBIs on medication adherence. Study abstracts and full texts were screened identifying eligible studies, and findings were summarized using a narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
A total of 497 studies were reviewed; 41 were eligible for full text review and 9 were included in narrative synthesis: seven were RCTs and two were pre-post designs. Study quality varied, with five rated moderate or high risk for bias. Clinical populations tested included living with HIV (k = 3), cardiovascular disease (k = 3), psychological disorders (k = 2), and men who underwent a radical prostatectomy (k = 1). Four studies found significant improvements in medication adherence, however only two of these studies had low risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Research on MBI's for medication adherence is developing, but the effectiveness of MBIs remains unclear due to the nascent stage of evidence and methodological limitations of existing studies. Researchers should prioritize rigorous experimental designs, theory-driven investigations of behavioral mechanisms, and the use of objective measurements of adherence.
Topics: Bias; Cardiovascular Diseases; Chronic Disease; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Mindfulness
PubMed: 34332271
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110585