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The Lancet. Respiratory Medicine Aug 2015Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder associated with increased comorbid prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder associated with increased comorbid prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to quantify the magnitudes of association between overall and specific types of cardiovascular disease, major cardiovascular risk factors, and COPD.
METHODS
We searched Cochrane, Medline, and Embase databases for studies published between Jan 1, 1980, and April 30, 2015, on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in patients with COPD versus matched controls or random samples from the general public. We assessed associations with random-effects meta-analyses. We studied heterogeneity and biases with random-effects meta-regressions, jackknife sensitivity analyses, assessment of funnel plots, and Egger tests.
FINDINGS
We identified 18,176 unique references and included 29 datasets in the meta-analyses. Compared with the non-COPD population, patients with COPD were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (odds ratio [OR] 2·46; 95% CI 2·02-3·00; p<0·0001), including a two to five times higher risk of ischaemic heart disease, cardiac dysrhythmia, heart failure, diseases of the pulmonary circulation, and diseases of the arteries. Additionally, patients with COPD reported hypertension more often (OR 1·33, 95% CI 1·13-1·56; p=0·0007), diabetes (1·36, 1·21-1·53; p<0·0001], and ever smoking (4·25, 3·23-5·60; p<0·0001). The associations between COPD and these cardiovascular disease types and cardiovascular disease risk factors were consistent and valid across studies. Enrolment period, age, quality of data, and COPD diagnosis partly explained the heterogeneity.
INTERPRETATION
The coexistence of COPD, cardiovascular disease, and major risk factors for cardiovascular disease highlights the crucial need for the development of strategies to screen for and reduce cardiovascular risks associated with COPD.
FUNDING
Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Topics: Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Comorbidity; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26208998
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(15)00241-6 -
Statistics in Medicine Dec 2015The propensity score is defined as a subject's probability of treatment selection, conditional on observed baseline covariates. Weighting subjects by the inverse... (Review)
Review
Moving towards best practice when using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using the propensity score to estimate causal treatment effects in observational studies.
The propensity score is defined as a subject's probability of treatment selection, conditional on observed baseline covariates. Weighting subjects by the inverse probability of treatment received creates a synthetic sample in which treatment assignment is independent of measured baseline covariates. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using the propensity score allows one to obtain unbiased estimates of average treatment effects. However, these estimates are only valid if there are no residual systematic differences in observed baseline characteristics between treated and control subjects in the sample weighted by the estimated inverse probability of treatment. We report on a systematic literature review, in which we found that the use of IPTW has increased rapidly in recent years, but that in the most recent year, a majority of studies did not formally examine whether weighting balanced measured covariates between treatment groups. We then proceed to describe a suite of quantitative and qualitative methods that allow one to assess whether measured baseline covariates are balanced between treatment groups in the weighted sample. The quantitative methods use the weighted standardized difference to compare means, prevalences, higher-order moments, and interactions. The qualitative methods employ graphical methods to compare the distribution of continuous baseline covariates between treated and control subjects in the weighted sample. Finally, we illustrate the application of these methods in an empirical case study. We propose a formal set of balance diagnostics that contribute towards an evolving concept of 'best practice' when using IPTW to estimate causal treatment effects using observational data.
Topics: Humans; Models, Statistical; Monte Carlo Method; Observational Studies as Topic; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Propensity Score
PubMed: 26238958
DOI: 10.1002/sim.6607 -
American Journal of Respiratory and... Jun 2022The most beneficial positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) selection strategy in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is unknown, and current... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Association of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure and Lung Recruitment Selection Strategies with Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.
The most beneficial positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) selection strategy in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is unknown, and current practice is variable. To compare the relative effects of different PEEP selection strategies on mortality in adults with moderate to severe ARDS. We conducted a network meta-analysis using a Bayesian framework. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation methodology. We included 18 randomized trials (4,646 participants). Compared with a lower PEEP strategy, the posterior probability of mortality benefit from a higher PEEP without lung recruitment maneuver (LRM) strategy was 99% (risk ratio [RR], 0.77; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.60-0.96, high certainty), the posterior probability of benefit of the esophageal pressure-guided strategy was 87% (RR, 0.77; 95% CrI, 0.48-1.22, moderate certainty), the posterior probability of benefit of a higher PEEP with brief LRM strategy was 96% (RR, 0.83; 95% CrI, 0.67-1.02, moderate certainty), and the posterior probability of increased mortality from a higher PEEP with prolonged LRM strategy was 77% (RR, 1.06; 95% CrI, 0.89-1.22, low certainty). Compared with a higher PEEP without LRM strategy, the posterior probability of increased mortality from a higher PEEP with prolonged LRM strategy was 99% (RR, 1.37; 95% CrI, 1.04-1.81, moderate certainty). In patients with moderate to severe ARDS, higher PEEP without LRM is associated with a lower risk of death than lower PEEP. A higher PEEP with prolonged LRM strategy is associated with increased risk of death when compared with higher PEEP without LRM.
Topics: Adult; Bayes Theorem; Humans; Lung; Network Meta-Analysis; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Respiratory Distress Syndrome
PubMed: 35180042
DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202108-1972OC -
Medicina Intensiva 2017Pressure ulcers represent a significant problem for patients, professionals and health systems. Their reported incidence and prevalence are significant worldwide. Their... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Pressure ulcers represent a significant problem for patients, professionals and health systems. Their reported incidence and prevalence are significant worldwide. Their character iatrogenic states that its appearance is preventable and its incidence is an indicator of scientific and technical quality both in primary care and specialized care. The aim of this review was to identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients.
METHODOLOGY
The PRISMA Declaration recommendations have been followed and adapted to studies identifying risk factors. A qualitative systematic review of primary studies has been performed and a search was conducted of the PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Methodological limitations in observational studies have been considered.
RESULTS
From 200 references, 17 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. These studies included 19,363 patients admitted to intensive care units. Six studies were classified as high quality and 11 were classified as moderate quality. Risk factors that emerged as predictive of pressure ulcers development more frequently included age, length of ICU stay, diabetes, time of MAP <60-70mmHg, mechanical ventilation, length of mechanical ventilation, intermittent haemodialysis or continuous veno-venous haemofiltration therapy, vasopressor support, sedation and turning.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no single factors which can explain the occurrence of pressure ulcers. Rather, it is an interplay of factors that increase the probability of its development.
Topics: Critical Illness; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Pressure Ulcer; Risk Factors
PubMed: 27780589
DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2016.09.003 -
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine :... Jul 2022An evolved understanding of the pathophysiology of greater trochanteric pain syndrome has led to a number of proposed nonoperative management strategies. The objective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
An evolved understanding of the pathophysiology of greater trochanteric pain syndrome has led to a number of proposed nonoperative management strategies. The objective of this review was to compare the efficacy of the various nonoperative treatments for greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
SETTING
PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched to January 2020.
PATIENTS
Patients undergoing nonoperative treatment for GTPS.
INTERVENTIONS
Nonoperative treatment strategies for GTPS including injections of corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, dry needling, and structured exercise programs and extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Pain and functional outcomes. Bayesian random-effects model was performed to assess the direct and indirect comparison of all treatment options.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled trials and 1034 patients were included. For pain scores at 1 to 3 months follow-up, both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and shockwave therapy demonstrated significantly better pain scores compared with the no treatment control group with PRP having the highest probability of being the best treatment at both 1 to 3 months and 6 to 12 months. No proposed therapies significantly outperformed the no treatment control group for pain scores at 6 to 12 months. Structured exercise had the highest probability of being the best treatment for improvements in functional outcomes and was the only treatment that significantly improved functional outcome scores compared with the no treatment arm at 1 to 3 months.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence suggests that PRP and shockwave therapy may provide short-term (1-3 months) pain relief, and structured exercise leads to short-term (1-3 months) improvements in functional outcomes.
Topics: Bayes Theorem; Bursitis; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Pain; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34009798
DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000924 -
Journal of Periodontology May 2018A wide selection of Interdental Oral Hygiene (IOH) aids is available to consumers. Recommendations for selection are, however, limited by the lack of direct comparisons... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A wide selection of Interdental Oral Hygiene (IOH) aids is available to consumers. Recommendations for selection are, however, limited by the lack of direct comparisons in available studies. We aimed to assess the comparative efficacy of IOH aids using Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis (BNMA).
METHODS
Two independent reviewers performed a systematic literature review of randomized clinical trials assessing IOH aids, based on a focused question. Gingival inflammation (Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding-on-probing (BOP)) was the primary outcome and plaque and probing depth were secondary outcomes A random-effects arm-based BNMA model was run for each outcome; posterior medians and 95% credible-intervals (CIs) summarized marginal distributions of parameters.
RESULTS
A two-phase selection process identified 22 trials assessing 10 IOH aids as brushing adjuncts. Interdental brushes (IB) yielded the largest reduction in GI (0.23 [95% CI: 0.09, 0.37]) as toothbrushing adjuncts, followed by water-jet (WJ) (0.19 [95% CI: 0.14, 0.24]). Rankings based on posterior probabilities revealed that IB and WJ had the highest probability of being "best" (64.7% and 27.4%, respectively) for GI reduction, whereas the probability for toothpick and floss being the "best" IOH aids was near zero. Notably, except for toothpicks, all IOH aids were better at reducing GI as compared with control.
CONCLUSIONS
BNMA enabled us to quantitatively evaluate IOH aids and provide a global ranking of their efficacy. Interdental brushes and water-jets ranked high for reducing gingival bleeding, whereas toothpicks and floss ranked last. The patient-perceived benefit of IOH aids is not clear because gingival inflammation measures are physical indicators of periodontal health.
Topics: Bayes Theorem; Dental Devices, Home Care; Dental Plaque Index; Gingivitis; Humans; Inflammation; Oral Hygiene; Toothbrushing
PubMed: 29520910
DOI: 10.1002/JPER.17-0368 -
JAMA Nov 2015About 10% of patients with acute chest pain are ultimately diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Early, accurate estimation of the probability of ACS in these... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
About 10% of patients with acute chest pain are ultimately diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Early, accurate estimation of the probability of ACS in these patients using the clinical examination could prevent many hospital admissions among low-risk patients and ensure that high-risk patients are promptly treated.
OBJECTIVE
To review systematically the accuracy of the initial history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, and risk scores incorporating these elements with the first cardiac-specific troponin.
STUDY SELECTION
MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (January 1, 1995-July 31, 2015), along with reference lists from retrieved articles, to identify prospective studies of diagnostic test accuracy among patients admitted to the emergency department with symptoms suggesting ACS.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
We identified 2992 unique articles; 58 met inclusion criteria.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio (LR) of findings for the diagnosis of ACS. The reference standard for ACS was either a final hospital diagnosis of ACS or occurrence of a cardiovascular event within 6 weeks.
RESULTS
The clinical findings and risk factors most suggestive of ACS were prior abnormal stress test (specificity, 96%; LR, 3.1 [95% CI, 2.0-4.7]), peripheral arterial disease (specificity, 97%; LR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.5-4.8]), and pain radiation to both arms (specificity, 96%; LR, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.8-3.7]). The most useful electrocardiogram findings were ST-segment depression (specificity, 95%; LR, 5.3 [95% CI, 2.1-8.6]) and any evidence of ischemia (specificity, 91%; LR, 3.6 [95% CI,1.6-5.7]). Both the History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk Factors, Troponin (HEART) and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk scores performed well in diagnosing ACS: LR, 13 (95% CI, 7.0-24) for the high-risk range of the HEART score (7-10) and LR, 6.8 (95% CI, 5.2-8.9) for the high-risk range of the TIMI score (5-7). The most useful for identifying patients less likely to have ACS were the low-risk range HEART score (0-3) (LR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.13-0.30]), low-risk range TIMI score (0-1) (LR, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.23-0.43]), or low to intermediate risk designation by the Heart Foundation of Australia and Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand risk algorithm (LR, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.19-0.31]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Among patients with suspected ACS presenting to emergency departments, the initial history, physical examination, and electrocardiogram alone did not confirm or exclude the diagnosis of ACS. Instead, the HEART or TIMI risk scores, which incorporate the first cardiac troponin, provided more diagnostic information.
Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Chest Pain; Electrocardiography; Humans; Physical Examination; Probability; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 26547467
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2015.12735 -
International Endodontic Journal Dec 2007The aims of this study were (i) to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of the literature on the outcome of primary (initial or first time) root canal treatment;... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
The aims of this study were (i) to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of the literature on the outcome of primary (initial or first time) root canal treatment; (ii) to investigate the influence of some study characteristics on the estimated pooled success rates.
METHODOLOGY
Longitudinal clinical studies investigating outcome of primary root canal treatment, published up to the end of 2002, were identified electronically (MEDLINE and Cochrane database 1966-2002 December, week 4). Four journals (International Endodontic Journal, Journal of Endodontics, Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Endodontics Radiology and Dental Traumatology & Endodontics), bibliographies of all relevant papers and review articles were hand-searched. Three reviewers (Y-LN, SR and KG) independently assessed, selected the studies based on specified inclusion criteria, and extracted the data onto a pre-designed proforma. The study inclusion criteria were: longitudinal clinical studies investigating root canal treatment outcome; only primary root canal treatment carried out on the teeth studied; sample size given; at least 6-month postoperative review; success based on clinical and/or radiographic criteria (strict, absence of apical radiolucency; loose, reduction in size of radiolucency); overall success rate given or could be calculated from the raw data. The findings by individual study were summarized and the pooled success rates by each potential influencing factor were calculated for this part of the study.
RESULTS
Of the 119 articles identified, 63 studies published from 1922 to 2002, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for the review: six were randomized trials, seven were cohort studies and 48 were retrospective studies. The reported mean success rates ranged from 31% to 96% based on strict criteria or from 60% to 100% based on loose criteria, with substantial heterogeneity in the estimates of pooled success rates. Apart from the radiographic criteria of success, none of the other study characteristics could explain this heterogeneity. Twenty-four factors (patient and operative) had been investigated in various combinations in the studies reviewed. The influence of preoperative pulpal and periapical status of the teeth on treatment outcome were most frequently explored, but the influence of treatment technique was poorly investigated.
CONCLUSIONS
The estimated weighted pooled success rates of treatments completed at least 1 year prior to review, ranged between 68% and 85% when strict criteria were used. The reported success rates had not improved over the last four (or five) decades. The quality of evidence for treatment factors affecting primary root canal treatment outcome is sub-optimal; there was substantial variation in the study-designs. It would be desirable to standardize aspects of study-design, data recording and presentation format of outcome data in the much needed future outcome studies.
Topics: Humans; Probability; Research Design; Root Canal Therapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 17931389
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2007.01322.x -
International Journal of Nursing Studies Jul 2013To identify risk factors independently predictive of pressure ulcer development in adult patient populations? (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors independently predictive of pressure ulcer development in adult patient populations?
DESIGN
A systematic review of primary research was undertaken, based upon methods recommended for effectiveness questions but adapted to identify observational risk factor studies.
DATA SOURCES
Fourteen electronic databases were searched, each from inception until March 2010, with hand searching of specialist journals and conference proceedings; contact with experts and a citation search. There was no language restriction.
REVIEW METHODS
Abstracts were screened, reviewed against the eligibility criteria, data extracted and quality appraised by at least one reviewer and checked by a second. Where necessary, statistical review was undertaken. We developed an assessment framework and quality classification based upon guidelines for assessing quality and methodological considerations in the analysis, meta-analysis and publication of observational studies. Studies were classified as high, moderate, low and very low quality. Risk factors were categorised into risk factor domains and sub-domains. Evidence tables were generated and a summary narrative synthesis by sub-domain and domain was undertaken.
RESULTS
Of 5462 abstracts retrieved, 365 were identified as potentially eligible and 54 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The 54 studies included 34,449 patients and acute and community patient populations. Seventeen studies were classified as high or moderate quality, whilst 37 studies (68.5%) had inadequate numbers of pressure ulcers and other methodological limitations. Risk factors emerging most frequently as independent predictors of pressure ulcer development included three primary domains of mobility/activity, perfusion (including diabetes) and skin/pressure ulcer status. Skin moisture, age, haematological measures, nutrition and general health status are also important, but did not emerge as frequently as the three main domains. Body temperature and immunity may be important but require further confirmatory research. There is limited evidence that either race or gender is important.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall there is no single factor which can explain pressure ulcer risk, rather a complex interplay of factors which increase the probability of pressure ulcer development. The review highlights the limitations of over-interpretation of results from individual studies and the benefits of reviewing results from a number of studies to develop a more reliable overall assessment of factors which are important in affecting patient susceptibility.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Pressure Ulcer; Risk Factors
PubMed: 23375662
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2012.11.019 -
Journal of the American Pharmacists... 2017Polypharmacy has been linked to a myriad of adverse consequences, and escalating rates of polypharmacy present an emerging concern, particularly among older adults. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Polypharmacy has been linked to a myriad of adverse consequences, and escalating rates of polypharmacy present an emerging concern, particularly among older adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the existing literature concerning the association between polypharmacy and mortality.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic literature review was done by searching the EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and International Pharmaceutical Abstract databases to identify studies assessing the association between polypharmacy and death published until June 2016.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies that investigated the association between polypharmacy and mortality were eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data were extracted by the first and second authors independently using a data extraction form. Disagreement was resolved by consensus. A meta-analysis was performed using random effect models. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic.
RESULTS
Forty-seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The underlying populations were heterogeneous (I= 91.5%). When defined as a discrete variable, pooled risk estimates demonstrated a significant association between polypharmacy and death (pooled-adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.08 [95% CI 1.04-1.12]). When defined categorically, a dose-response relationship was observed across escalating thresholds for defining polypharmacy. Categorical thresholds for polypharmacy using values of 1-4 medications, 5 medications, and 6-9 medications were significantly associated with death (P <0.05; aOR 1.24 [1.10-1.39], aOR 1.31 [1.17, 1.47], and aOR 1.59 [1.36-1.87], respectively). Excessive polypharmacy (ie, the use of 10 or more medications) was also associated with death (aOR 1.96 [1.42-2.71]).
CONCLUSIONS
Pooled risk estimates from this meta-analysis reveal that polypharmacy is associated with increased mortality risk, using both discrete and categorical definitions. The causality of this relationship remains unclear, but it emphasizes the need for approaches to health care delivery that achieve an optimal balance of risk and benefit in medication prescribing.
Topics: Cause of Death; Chi-Square Distribution; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Humans; Odds Ratio; Polypharmacy; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 28784299
DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2017.06.002