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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2022Inhaled antibiotics are commonly used to treat persistent airway infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa that contributes to lung damage in people with cystic fibrosis.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Inhaled antibiotics are commonly used to treat persistent airway infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa that contributes to lung damage in people with cystic fibrosis. Current guidelines recommend inhaled tobramycin for individuals with cystic fibrosis and persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection who are aged six years or older. The aim is to reduce bacterial load in the lungs so as to reduce inflammation and deterioration of lung function. This is an update of a previously published review.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of long-term inhaled antibiotic therapy in people with cystic fibrosis on clinical outcomes (lung function, frequency of exacerbations and nutrition), quality of life and adverse events (including drug-sensitivity reactions and survival).
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We also searched ongoing trials registries. Date of last search: 28 June 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We selected trials where people with cystic fibrosis received inhaled anti-pseudomonal antibiotic treatment for at least three months, treatment allocation was randomised or quasi-randomised, and there was a control group (either placebo, no placebo or another inhaled antibiotic).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected trials, judged the risk of bias, extracted data from these trials and judged the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE system.
MAIN RESULTS
The searches identified 410 citations to 125 trials; 18 trials (3042 participants aged between five and 45 years) met the inclusion criteria. Limited data were available for meta-analyses due to the variability of trial design and reporting of results. A total of 11 trials (1130 participants) compared an inhaled antibiotic to placebo or usual treatment for a duration between three and 33 months. Five trials (1255 participants) compared different antibiotics, two trials (585 participants) compared different regimens of tobramycin and one trial (90 participants) compared intermittent tobramycin with continuous tobramycin alternating with aztreonam. One trial (18 participants) compared an antibiotic to placebo and also to a different antibiotic and so fell into both groups. The most commonly studied antibiotic was tobramycin which was studied in 12 trials. Inhaled antibiotics compared to placebo We found that inhaled antibiotics may improve lung function measured in a variety of ways (4 trials, 814 participants). Compared to placebo, inhaled antibiotics may also reduce the frequency of exacerbations (risk ratio (RR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 0.93; 3 trials, 946 participants; low-certainty evidence). Inhaled antibiotics may lead to fewer days off school or work (quality of life measure) (mean difference (MD) -5.30 days, 95% CI -8.59 to -2.01; 1 trial, 245 participants; low-certainty evidence). There were insufficient data for us to be able to report an effect on nutritional outcomes and there was no effect on survival. There was no effect on antibiotic resistance seen in the two trials that were included in meta-analyses. We are uncertain of the effect of the intervention on adverse events (very low-certainty evidence), but tinnitus and voice alteration were the only events occurring more often in the inhaled antibiotics group. The overall certainty of evidence was deemed to be low for most outcomes due to risk of bias within the trials and imprecision due to low event rates. Different antibiotics or regimens compared Of the eight trials comparing different inhaled antibiotics or different antibiotic regimens, there was only one trial for each unique comparison. We found no differences between groups for any outcomes except for the following. Aztreonam lysine for inhalation probably improved forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV) % predicted compared to tobramycin (MD -3.40%, 95% CI -6.63 to -0.17; 1 trial, 273 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). However, the method of defining the endpoint was different to the remaining trials and the participants were exposed to tobramycin for a long period making interpretation of the results problematic. We found no differences in any measure of lung function in the remaining comparisons. Trials measured pulmonary exacerbations in different ways and showed no differences between groups except for aztreonam lysine probably leading to fewer people needing treatment with additional antibiotics than with tobramycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.86; 1 trial, 273 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); and there were fewer hospitalisations due to respiratory exacerbations with levofloxacin compared to tobramycin (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.98; 1 trial, 282 participants; high-certainty evidence). Important treatment-related adverse events were not very common across comparisons, but were reported less often in the tobramycin group compared to both aztreonam lysine and colistimethate. We found the certainty of evidence for these comparisons to be directly related to the risk of bias within the individual trials and varied from low to high.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Long-term treatment with inhaled anti-pseudomonal antibiotics probably improves lung function and reduces exacerbation rates, but pooled estimates of the level of benefit were very limited. The best evidence available is for inhaled tobramycin. More evidence from trials measuring similar outcomes in the same way is needed to determine a better measure of benefit. Longer-term trials are needed to look at the effect of inhaled antibiotics on quality of life, survival and nutritional outcomes.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Aztreonam; Cystic Fibrosis; Lysine; Quality of Life; Tobramycin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36373968
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001021.pub4 -
International Orthodontics Mar 2019This systematic review aims to determine the effects of non-surgical rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on breathing and upper airway structures.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to determine the effects of non-surgical rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on breathing and upper airway structures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic search of the scientific literature from January 2005 to June 2016 was done using Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and PubMed databases. A combination of search terms "rapid maxillary expansion", "nasal", "airway" and "breathing" were used. Studies that involved surgical or combined RME-surgical treatments and patients with craniofacial anomalies were excluded.
RESULTS
The initial screening yielded a total of 183 articles. After evaluation of the titles, abstracts and accessing the full text, a total of 20 articles fulfilled both inclusion/exclusion criteria and possessed adequate evidence to be incorporated into this review.
CONCLUSIONS
Non-surgical RME was found to improve breathing, increase nasal cavity geometry and decrease nasal airway resistance in children and adolescents.
Topics: Adolescent; Airway Resistance; Child; Databases, Factual; Humans; Nasal Cavity; Nasopharynx; Nose; Orthodontics; Palatal Expansion Technique; Respiration
PubMed: 30732977
DOI: 10.1016/j.ortho.2019.01.001 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Jun 2015Reducing cardiometabolic risk may represent an important target for effective obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment. The impact of continuous positive airway pressure... (Review)
Review
Impact of obstructive sleep apnea treatment by continuous positive airway pressure on cardiometabolic biomarkers: a systematic review from sham CPAP randomized controlled trials.
Reducing cardiometabolic risk may represent an important target for effective obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment. The impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the first line therapy of OSA, on metabolic or inflammatory markers is still debated. A systematic literature search using several databases was performed. We provide a systematic analysis of randomized studies comparing therapeutic versus sham CPAP intervention and also include studies using a CPAP withdrawal design. We addressed the impact of CPAP on the following cardiometabolic biomarkers: 1) plasma and urine catecholamines and their metabolites that reflect sympathetic activity; 2) insulin resistance and lipid metabolism biomarkers; 3) oxidative stress, systemic and vascular inflammation biomarkers; 4) liver enzymes highlighting the association between OSA and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); 5) coagulation biomarkers. The impact of CPAP on sympathetic activity is robust across studies and occurs rapidly. In contrast to sympathetic activity, the well-designed studies included in this review failed to demonstrate that CPAP alters metabolic or inflammatory markers in OSA. CPAP did not change glucose, lipids, insulin resistance levels or the ratio of patients with metabolic syndrome. In unselected OSA patients, it is not realistic to expect a clinically relevant decrease in cardiometabolic biomarkers with CPAP therapy.
Topics: Biomarkers; Catecholamines; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Glucose; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
PubMed: 25220580
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2014.07.004 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2011Inhaled antibiotics are commonly used to treat persistent airway infection that contributes to lung damage in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Inhaled antibiotics are commonly used to treat persistent airway infection that contributes to lung damage in people with cystic fibrosis (CF).
OBJECTIVES
To examine the evidence that inhaled antibiotic treatment in people with CF reduces frequency of exacerbations of infection, and improves lung function, quality of life and survival. To examine adverse effects of inhaled antibiotic treatment.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Trials were identified from the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register.Last search: 31 January 2011.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Trials were selected if inhaled antibiotic treatment was used for at least four weeks in people with CF, treatment allocation was randomised or quasi-randomised, and there was a control group (either placebo, no placebo or another inhaled antibiotic).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected trials, judged the risk of bias and extracted data from these trials.
MAIN RESULTS
The searches identified 176 citations to 78 trials. Nineteen trials, with 1724 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Adequate meta-analysis was not possible because of the variability of study design and reporting of results. Seventeen trials with 1562 participants compared an inhaled antibiotic with placebo or usual treatment for a duration between 1 and 32 months. Inhaled tobramycin was studied in eight trials. Lung function (measured as forced expired volume in one second) was higher and exacerbations of lung infection (by different measures) were less in the antibiotic-treated group. Resistance to antibiotics increased more in the antibiotic-treated group than in placebo group when results were reported. No auditory or renal impairment was found; analysis showed tinnitus, voice alteration, hemoptysis and cough were more frequent with tobramycin than placebo. One trial, compared tobramycin with colistin in 115 participants, after one month the mean difference in forced expiratory volume at one second was 6.33 (95% confidence interval -0.04 to 12.70) favouring tobramycin.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Inhaled antibiotic treatment probably improves lung function and reduces exacerbation rate, but a pooled estimate of the level of benefit is not possible. The best evidence is for inhaled tobramycin. More evidence, from trials of longer duration, is needed to determine whether this benefit is maintained and to determine the significance of development of antibiotic-resistant organisms.
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Administration, Intranasal; Aerosols; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cystic Fibrosis; Humans; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Pseudomonas Infections; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 21412868
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001021.pub2 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Current literature extensively covers the use of sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation (SPGs) in treating a broad spectrum of medical conditions, such as allergic...
BACKGROUND
Current literature extensively covers the use of sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation (SPGs) in treating a broad spectrum of medical conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, cluster headaches, and strokes. Nevertheless, a discernible gap in the systematic organization and analysis of these studies is evident. This paper aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive review and analysis of existing literature on SPGs across various medical conditions.
METHODS
This study meticulously constructed a comprehensive database through systematic computerized searches conducted on PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM up to May 2022. The inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in either Chinese or English, focusing on the therapeutic applications of SPGs for various medical conditions. Both qualitative and quantitative outcome indicators were considered eligible for inclusion.
RESULTS
This comprehensive study reviewed 36 publications, comprising 10 high-quality, 23 medium-quality, and three low-quality articles. The study investigated various diseases, including allergic rhinitis (AR), ischemic strokes (IS), cluster headache (CH), primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN), pediatric chronic secretory otitis (PCSO), refractory facial paralysis (RFP), chronic tension-type headache (CTTH), as well as the analysis of low-frequency sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation (LF-SPGs) in chronic cluster headache (CCH) and the impact of SPGs on Normal nasal cavity function (NNCF). SPGs demonstrate efficacy in the treatment of AR. Regarding the improvement of rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) scores, SPGs are considered the optimal intervention according to the SUCRA ranking. Concerning the improvement in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Conventional Acupuncture Combined with Tradiational Chinese Medicine (CA-TCM) holds a significant advantage in the SUCRA ranking and is deemed the best intervention. In terms of increasing Effective Rate (ER), SPGs outperformed both conventional acupuncture (CA) and Western Medicine (WM; < 0.05). In the context of SPGs treatment for IS, the results indicate a significant improvement in the 3-month outcomes, as evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in the context of Cerebral Cortical Infarction (CCI; < 0.05). In the treatment of CH with SPGs, the treatment has been shown to have a statistically significant effect on the relief and disappearance of headaches ( < 0.05). The impact of SPGs on NNCF reveals statistically significant improvements ( < 0.05) in nasal airway resistance (NAR), nasal cavity volume (NCV), exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). SPGs treatments for PCSO, RFP, and CTTH, when compared to control groups, yielded statistically significant results ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
SPGs demonstrate significant effectiveness in the treatment of AR, IS, and CH. Effective management of CCH may require addressing both autonomic dysregulation and deeper neural pathways. However, additional high-quality research is essential to clarify its effects on NNCF, PTN, PCSO, RFP, and CTTH.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021252073, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=312429.
PubMed: 38813242
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1352145 -
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs May 2009Currently the treatment of choice for symptomatic obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Some patients with OSA do not tolerate... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Currently the treatment of choice for symptomatic obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Some patients with OSA do not tolerate CPAP or have insufficiently severe symptoms to justify its use; for these patients, drug therapy would be a desirable potential therapeutic alternative.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the current evidence on the effectiveness of drug therapy in patients with OSA.
METHODS
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was performed to investigate the effects of drug therapy on OSA.
RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS
Searches of bibliographical databases revealed 33 trials investigating the effects of 27 different drugs on OSA severity and/or symptoms. The mechanisms by which these drugs are supposed to improve OSA include, amongst others, an increase in tone of the upper airways, an increase in ventilatory drive, a reduction in airway resistance, and alterations in surface tension forces in the upper airway. In most of these studies there was no significant effect on OSA observed. However, there is evidence from a few small trials that some drugs, especially those thought to increase upper airway muscle tone, have the potential to reduce OSA severity; but further data from larger studies of adequate duration are needed.
Topics: Animals; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Humans; Mianserin; Mirtazapine; Protriptyline; Pulmonary Ventilation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 19388881
DOI: 10.1517/13543780902877674 -
German Medical Science : GMS E-journal 2011Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is a condition of obstruction, apneas and arousals while sleeping. It has been suggested that OSAS independently influences... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is a condition of obstruction, apneas and arousals while sleeping. It has been suggested that OSAS independently influences glucose metabolism. The main treatment for OSAS is continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP).
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of CPAP on insulin resistance and glucose metabolism.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register (January 2010).
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised and non-randomised trials comparing CPAP with inactive control or placebo CPAP in adults with OSAS.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Parallel and crossover group trials were analysed separately. A meta-analysis was carried out.
RESULTS
Three parallel group and two cross-over randomised trials and one controlled trial were included investigating 296 participants. Sample sizes ranged from n=13 to n=102 participants, age was 18 to 75 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 27.2 kg/m² to 37.1 kg/m², mean apnoe hypopnoe index (AHI) 29.7 to 39.7 events per hour, mean dips >4% in arterial oxygen saturation per hour of sleep 1 to 42.7 events. The studies' methodological quality varied. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. Various endpoints were investigated. CPAP did neither influence plasma insulin levels nor HOMA-index, adiponectin levels or HbA1c value. One study reported a significant positive effect on the insulin sensitivity index (1.68%/min, 95% CI 0.3 to 3.06).
CONCLUSION
This systematic review does not support the hypothesis that OSAS independently influences glucose metabolism. Sufficiently powered, long-term randomised controlled trials defining changes of insulin resistance as primary endpoint are needed.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Diabetes Mellitus; Glucose; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
PubMed: 21863134
DOI: 10.3205/000143 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2012
Review
Topics: Airway Obstruction; Airway Resistance; Child, Preschool; Croup; Helium; Humans; Infant; Oxygen; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 23076928
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006822.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2018Croup is an acute viral respiratory infection with upper airway mucosal inflammation that may cause respiratory distress. Most cases are mild. Moderate to severe croup... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Croup is an acute viral respiratory infection with upper airway mucosal inflammation that may cause respiratory distress. Most cases are mild. Moderate to severe croup may require treatment with corticosteroids (from which benefits are often delayed) and nebulised epinephrine (adrenaline) (which may be short-lived and can cause dose-related adverse effects including tachycardia, arrhythmias, and hypertension). Rarely, croup results in respiratory failure necessitating emergency intubation and ventilation.A mixture of helium and oxygen (heliox) may prevent morbidity and mortality in ventilated neonates by reducing the viscosity of the inhaled air. It is currently used during emergency transport of children with severe croup. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it relieves respiratory distress.This review updates versions published in 2010 and 2013.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the effect of heliox compared to oxygen or other active interventions, placebo, or no treatment, on relieving signs and symptoms in children with croup as determined by a croup score and rates of admission and intubation.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, which includes the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register; MEDLINE; Embase; CINAHL; Web of Science; and LILACS in January and February 2018. We also searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (apps.who.int/trialsearch/) and ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials.gov) on 8 February 2018. We contacted British Oxygen Company, a leading supplier of heliox (BOC Australia 2017).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing the effect of heliox in comparison with placebo or any active intervention(s) in children with croup.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We reported data that could not be pooled for statistical analysis descriptively.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 3 RCTs with 91 children aged between 6 months and 4 years. Study duration was from 7 to 16 months; all studies were conducted in emergency departments in the USA (two studies) and Spain. Heliox was administered as a mixture of 70% heliox and 30% oxygen. Risk of bias was low in two studies and high in one study due to an open-label design. We added no new trials for this update.One study of 15 children with mild croup compared heliox with 30% humidified oxygen administered for 20 minutes. There may be no difference in croup score changes between groups at 20 minutes (mean difference (MD) -0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.36 to 0.70). The mean croup score at 20 minutes postintervention may not differ between groups (MD -0.57, 95% CI -1.46 to 0.32). There may be no difference between groups in mean respiratory rate (MD 6.40, 95% CI -1.38 to 14.18) and mean heart rate (MD 14.50, 95% CI -8.49 to 37.49) at 20 minutes. The evidence for all outcomes in this comparison was of low quality, downgraded for serious imprecision. All children were discharged, but information on hospitalisation, intubation, or re-presenting to emergency departments was not reported.In another study, 47 children with moderate croup received one dose of oral dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg) with either heliox for 60 minutes or no treatment. Heliox may slightly improve croup scores at 60 minutes postintervention (MD -1.10, 95% CI -1.96 to -0.24), but there may be no difference between groups at 120 minutes (MD -0.70, 95% CI -4.86 to 3.46). Children treated with heliox may have lower mean Taussig croup scores at 60 minutes (MD -1.11, 95% CI -2.05 to -0.17) but not at 120 minutes (MD -0.71, 95% CI -1.72 to 0.30). Children treated with heliox may have lower mean respiratory rates at 60 minutes (MD -4.94, 95% CI -9.66 to -0.22), but there may be no difference at 120 minutes (MD -3.17, 95% CI -7.83 to 1.49). There may be no difference in hospitalisation rates between groups (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.04 to 5.41). We assessed the evidence for all outcomes in this comparison as of low quality, downgraded due to imprecision and high risk of bias related to open-label design. Information on heart rate and intubation was not reported.In the third study, 29 children with moderate to severe croup received intramuscular dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg) and either heliox with one to two doses of nebulised saline, or 100% oxygen with one to two doses of adrenaline for three hours. Heliox may slightly improve croup scores at 90 minutes postintervention, but may have little or no difference overall using repeated measures analysis. We assessed the evidence for all outcomes in this comparison as of low quality, downgraded due to high risk of bias related to inadequate reporting. Information on hospitalisation or re-presenting to the emergency department was not reported.The included studies did not report on adverse events, intensive care admissions, or parental anxiety.We could not pool the available data because each comparison included data from only one study.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Due to very limited evidence, uncertainty remains about the effectiveness and safety of heliox. Heliox may not be more effective than 30% humidified oxygen for children with mild croup, but may be beneficial in the short term for children with moderate to severe croup treated with dexamethasone. The effect may be similar to 100% oxygen given with one or two doses of adrenaline. Adverse events were not reported, and it is unclear if these were monitored in the included studies. Adequately powered RCTs comparing heliox with standard treatments are needed to further assess the role of heliox in the treatment of children with moderate to severe croup.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Airway Obstruction; Airway Resistance; Bronchodilator Agents; Child, Preschool; Croup; Dexamethasone; Epinephrine; Helium; Humans; Infant; Oxygen; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 30371952
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006822.pub5 -
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) May 2018Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease featured with unpredictable flare-ups, for which continuous lung function monitoring is the key for symptoms control. To find new... (Review)
Review
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease featured with unpredictable flare-ups, for which continuous lung function monitoring is the key for symptoms control. To find new indices to individually classify severity and predict disease prognosis, continuous physiological data collected from monitoring devices is being studied from different perspectives. Entropy, as an analysis method for quantifying the inner irregularity of data, has been widely applied in physiological signals. However, based on our knowledge, there is no such study to summarize the complexity differences of various physiological signals in asthmatic patients. Therefore, we organized a systematic review to summarize the complexity differences of important signals in patients with asthma. We searched several medical databases and systematically reviewed existing asthma clinical trials in which entropy changes in physiological signals were studied. As a conclusion, we find that, for airflow, heart rate variability, center of pressure and respiratory impedance, their entropy values decrease significantly in asthma patients compared to those of healthy people, while, for respiratory sound and airway resistance, their entropy values increase along with the progression of asthma. Entropy of some signals, such as respiratory inter-breath interval, shows strong potential as novel indices of asthma severity. These results will give valuable guidance for the utilization of entropy in physiological signals. Furthermore, these results should promote the development of management and diagnosis of asthma using continuous monitoring data in the future.
PubMed: 33265493
DOI: 10.3390/e20060402