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Advances in Rheumatology (London,... Jul 2023Our aim was to compare the efficacy of rituximab, tocilizumab, and abatacept in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to treatments with MTX or TNFi... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Compared efficacy of rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to methotrexate or TNF inhibitors agents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Our aim was to compare the efficacy of rituximab, tocilizumab, and abatacept in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to treatments with MTX or TNFi agents.
METHODS
We searched 6 databases until January 2023 for phase 2-4 RCTs evaluating patients with RA refractory to MTX or TNFi therapy treated with rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab (intervention arm) compared to controls. Study data were independently assessed by two investigators. The primary outcome was considered as achieving ACR70 response.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 19 RCTs, with 7,835 patients and a mean study duration of 1.2 years. Hazard ratios for achieving an ACR70 response at six months were not different among the bDMARDs, however, we found high heterogeneity. Three factors showing a critical imbalance among the bDMARD classes were identified: baseline HAQ score, study duration, and frequency of TNFi treatment in control arm. Multivariate meta-regression adjusted to these three factors were conducted for the relative risk (RR) for ACR70. Thus, heterogeneity was attenuated (I2 = 24%) and the explanatory power of the model increased (R2 = 85%). In this model, rituximab did not modify the chance of achieving an ACR70 response compared to abatacept (RR = 1.773, 95%CI 0.113-10.21, p = 0.765). In contrast, abatacept was associated with RR = 2.217 (95%CI 1.554-3.161, p < 0.001) for ACR70 compared to tocilizumab.
CONCLUSION
We found high heterogeneity among studies comparing rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab. On multivariate metaregressions, if the conditions of the RCTs were similar, we estimate that abatacept could increase the chance of reaching an ACR70 response by 2.2-fold compared to tocilizumab.
Topics: Humans; Abatacept; Rituximab; Methotrexate; Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors; Antirheumatic Agents; Network Meta-Analysis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid
PubMed: 37415193
DOI: 10.1186/s42358-023-00298-z -
The Journal of Rheumatology Nov 2016Medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is typically suboptimal. Nonadherence has been associated with symptom worsening and increased... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is typically suboptimal. Nonadherence has been associated with symptom worsening and increased disability. We systematically reviewed published clinical studies to evaluate methotrexate (MTX) adherence and persistence, factors associated with MTX adherence and persistence, and the effect of MTX nonadherence on clinical outcomes in RA.
METHODS
MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched (inception to February 2016) using relevant keywords. Observational or interventional clinical studies in patients with RA that specifically reported adherence to or persistence with MTX were included. Data were extracted using a predesigned, standardized template that included study design, patient demographics, and relevant outcomes. Main outcomes were MTX adherence and persistence rates in patients with RA treated with MTX and factors associated with MTX adherence and persistence.
RESULTS
Of 365 references screened, 31 articles met inclusion criteria and another 10 were identified from searching reference lists. Estimates of MTX adherence varied from study to study because of heterogeneity in patient populations, duration of followup, definitions of adherence, and methods of assessment. Rates of MTX persistence ranged from 50% to 94% at 1 year and 25% to 79% at 5 years. No clear trends were identified in factors that influence MTX adherence and persistence. Two studies suggested that MTX adherence was associated with superior clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSION
MTX adherence and persistence are highly variable in patients with RA. Research is necessary to determine the effect of nonadherence on health outcomes and to identify independent predictors of nonadherence to inform evidence-based interventions.
Topics: Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Medication Adherence; Methotrexate
PubMed: 27803341
DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.151212 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Jan 2024Tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) is a common gynaecological emergency. Several medical and surgical treatment options exist, but it is not clear which is the safest and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) is a common gynaecological emergency. Several medical and surgical treatment options exist, but it is not clear which is the safest and most effective treatment.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the effectiveness of expectant, medical and surgical treatment options for TEP using a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
SEARCH STRATEGY
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from inception till September 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials that evaluated any treatment option for woman with a TEP.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We performed pairwise and network meta-analyses using a random effect model. We assessed the studies' risk of bias, heterogeneity and network inconsistency. We reported primarily on TEP resolution and treatment failure using relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence-intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
We included 31 randomised trials evaluating ten treatments (n = 2938 women). Direct meta-analysis showed no significant benefit for using methotrexate compared to expectant management for TEP resolution. Network meta-analysis showed similar effect-size for most conservative treatment options compared to expectant management for TEP resolution (glucose intra-sac instillation vs. expectant RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.63-1.12; methotrexate intra-sac instillation vs. expectant RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75-1.10; multi-dose methotrexate vs. expectant RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.88-1.15; prostaglandin intra-sac instillation vs. expectant RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.53-1.07; salpingotomy vs. expectant RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.84-1.16; single dose methotrexate vs. expectant RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85-1.10; single dose methotrexate + mifepristone vs. expectant RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.89-1.33). All treatment options showed a higher risk of failure compared to salpingectomy.
CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to support the use of any medical treatment option for TEP over expectant management.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Methotrexate; Network Meta-Analysis; Mifepristone; Prostaglandins; Pregnancy, Ectopic
PubMed: 37443463
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17594 -
Transsulfuration and folate pathways in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.European Journal of Clinical... Apr 2024Metabolomic assessment of the transsulfuration and folic acid biochemical pathways could lead to the identification of promising biomarkers of nitric oxide dysregulation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Metabolomic assessment of the transsulfuration and folic acid biochemical pathways could lead to the identification of promising biomarkers of nitric oxide dysregulation and oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of transsulfuration (methionine, homocysteine, and cysteine) and folic acid (folic acid, vitamin B , and vitamin B ) metabolites in RA patients in remission and healthy controls. Electronic databases were searched from inception to 15 July 2023 for relevant articles. We assessed the risk of bias using the JBI checklist and the certainty of evidence using GRADE.
RESULTS
In 28 eligible studies, compared to controls, RA patients had significantly higher concentrations of homocysteine (standardized mean difference, SMD = 0.74, 95% CI 0.54-0.93, p < 0.001; low certainty of evidence) and methionine (SMD = 1.00, 95% CI 0.57-1.44, p < 0.001; low certainty) and lower concentrations of vitamin B (SMD = -6.62, 95% CI -9.65 to -3.60, p < 0.001; low certainty). By contrast, there were non-significant between-group differences in vitamin B and folic acid. In meta-regression and subgroup analysis, there were no associations between the effect size and several study and patient characteristics except for homocysteine (year of publication, C-reactive protein, triglycerides, and analytical method) and folic acid (biological matrix).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of our study suggest that homocysteine, methionine, and vitamin B are promising biomarkers to assess nitric oxide dysregulation and oxidative stress in RA. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023461081).
Topics: Humans; Folic Acid; Nitric Oxide; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Methionine; Vitamins; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Biomarkers; Homocysteine
PubMed: 38214126
DOI: 10.1111/eci.14158 -
Midwifery Jan 2022Adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation represents a significant factor contributing to the prevention and treatment of anaemia in pregnancy. However, limited... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation represents a significant factor contributing to the prevention and treatment of anaemia in pregnancy. However, limited studies have systematically investigated iron and folic acid supplementation adherence among pregnant mothers using a global perspective. We aimed to systematically identify iron and folic acid supplementation adherence and associated factors among pregnant women.
DESIGN
For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we did a systematic search of Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to October 20, 2020. We included all cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies and used the Joanna Briggs Institute tool to assess study quality. A meta-analysis was performed to synthesise the pooled odds ratio for iron and folic acid supplementation adherence using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was measured using the I statistic, and Egger's test was used to assess publication bias.
MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS
Eighteen studies were included in systematic review and meta-analysis, including a total of 5,537 pregnant women. The pooled odds ratio for iron and folic acid supplementation adherence in primipara vs multipara, anaemia vs non-anaemia, knowledgeable vs limited knowledge of anaemia, and knowledgeable vs limited knowledge of iron and folic acid supplementation were 3.91 (95% confidence interval: 1.75-8.75), 1.09 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-1.77), 0.32 (95% confidence interval: 0.15-0.69), and 2.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.13-5.47), respectively.
KEY CONCLUSIONS
This review yielded evidence that having one pregnancy, having anaemia, and having satisfactory knowledge of both anaemia and iron and folic acid supplementation were positively associated with iron and folic acid supplementation adherence.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Iron; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women
PubMed: 34784576
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103185 -
Folate intake and the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Gastroenterology and... Feb 2014There is conflicting evidence on the association between folate intake and the risk of upper gastrointestinal tract cancers. In order to further elucidate this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
There is conflicting evidence on the association between folate intake and the risk of upper gastrointestinal tract cancers. In order to further elucidate this relationship, we performed a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis of folate intake and the risk of esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic cancer.
METHODS
Four electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect) were searched to July 26, 2013, with no language restrictions for observational studies that measured folate intake and the risk of esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, or pancreatic cancer. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects model.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis of dietary folate and esophageal cancer risk comprising of nine retrospective studies showed a decreased risk of esophageal cancer (odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.51-0.69). The meta-analysis of dietary folate and gastric cancer risk comprising of 16 studies showed no association (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.78-1.14). The meta-analysis of dietary folate and pancreatic cancer risk comprising of eight studies showed a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.49-0.89).
CONCLUSION
Dietary folate intake is associated with a decreased risk of esophageal and pancreatic cancer, but not gastric cancer. Interpretation of these relationships is complicated by significant heterogeneity between studies when pooled, and by small numbers of studies available to analyze when stratification is performed to reduce heterogeneity.
Topics: Esophageal Neoplasms; Folic Acid; Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; PubMed; Risk
PubMed: 24224911
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12446 -
Medicine Apr 2023Ectopic pregnancy (EP), one of the most common gynecological emergencies, is the major cause of maternal death in the first trimester and increases the incidence of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ectopic pregnancy (EP), one of the most common gynecological emergencies, is the major cause of maternal death in the first trimester and increases the incidence of infertility and repeat ectopic pregnancy (REP). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different treatment methods for tubal EP on natural pregnancy outcomes.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials for observational studies on EP (published until October 30,2022 in English) comparing methotrexate (MTX) versus surgery, MTX versus salpingostomy, MTX versus salpingectomy, salpingostomy versus salpingectomy, and MTX versus expectant treatment. Our main endpoints included subsequent natural intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and REP. We assessed the pooled data using Review Manager software (version 5.3) with a random effects model.
RESULTS
Of 1274 identified articles, 20 were eligible and 3530 participants were included in our analysis. There was a significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP in tubal EP patients who underwent MTX compared with those who were treated with surgery [odds ratios (OR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.20-1.92]. No significant difference was found in the odds of REP between the 2 groups (OR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84-1.51). There was no significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP and REP in patients after MTX compared to those after salpingostomy (OR = 1.04,95% CI: 0.79-1.38; OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.64-1.90). There was a significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP in patients after MTX compared with those after salpingectomy (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.52-2.93). No significant difference was found in the odds of REP between the 2 groups (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.57-1.71). There was a significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP between patients who underwent salpingostomy and those who underwent salpingectomy (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.29-2.01). No significant difference was found in the odds of REP between the 2 groups (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.62-2.37). There was no significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP and REP in patients after MTX compared with those after expectant treatment (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.64-2.45; OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.09-5.55).
CONCLUSION
For hemodynamically stable tubal EP patients, MTX has advantages over surgery, particularly salpingectomy, in improving natural pregnancy outcomes. However, MTX is not inferior to salpingostomy and expectant treatment.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Pregnancy, Tubal; Methotrexate; Salpingostomy; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 37115078
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033621 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Apr 2009Approximately 1/100 pregnancies are ectopic, with the conceptus usually implanting in the fallopian tube. Some ectopic pregnancies resolve spontaneously, but others... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Approximately 1/100 pregnancies are ectopic, with the conceptus usually implanting in the fallopian tube. Some ectopic pregnancies resolve spontaneously, but others continue to grow and lead to rupture of the tube. Risks are higher in women with damage to the fallopian tubes due to pelvic infections, surgery, or previous ectopic pregnancy.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What treatments improve outcomes in women with unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to May 2008 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The authors also separately searched Medline and Pubmed up to May 2008 in addition to the Clinical Evidence systematic search to support the comments and clinical guide sections.
RESULTS
We found 47 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: salpingotomy, salpingectomy, systemic methotrexate, systemic methotrexate following salpingotomy, and expectant management.
Topics: Animals; Drug Administration Schedule; Fallopian Tubes; Female; Humans; Incidence; Methotrexate; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Pregnancy, Tubal; Salpingectomy
PubMed: 19445747
DOI: No ID Found -
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research May 2020The effectiveness of maternal folate in reducing the risk of congenital malformations during pregnancy is well established. However, the role of the paternal folate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
SCOPE
The effectiveness of maternal folate in reducing the risk of congenital malformations during pregnancy is well established. However, the role of the paternal folate status is scarcely investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the evidence of associations between the paternal folate status and sperm quality, sperm epigenome, and pregnancy outcomes.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Databases are searched up to December 2017 resulting in 3682 articles, of which 23 are retrieved for full-text assessment. Four out of thirteen human and two out of four animal studies show positive associations between folate concentrations and sperm parameters. An additional meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials in subfertile men shows that the sperm concentration increases (3.54 95% confidence interval (CI) [-1.40 to 8.48]) after 3-6 months of 5 mg folic acid use per day compared to controls. Moreover, two out of two animal and one out of three human studies show significant alterations in the overall methylation of the sperm epigenome. One animal and one human study show associations between low folate intake and an increased risk of congenital malformations.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis shows evidence of associations between paternal folate status and sperm quality, fertility, congenital malformations, and placental weight.
Topics: Animals; Dietary Supplements; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 32032459
DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201900696 -
Urologic Oncology May 2022The purpose of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to compare the pathological response rate and prognosis of the dose dense Methotrexate,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to compare the pathological response rate and prognosis of the dose dense Methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (ddMVAC) regimen and gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy choices for bladder cancer.
METHODS
A literature review of articles published before February 28, 2021, was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Sciences and Embase databases. Data for comparison included pathological response rate and overall survival.
RESULTS
Five studies including 1,206 patients were identified and assessed for the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis yielded an odds ratio value of 1.29 (95% CI, 0.86-1.92) with a downstaging rate and an odds ratio value of 1.57 (95% CI, 1.10-2.25) with a complete response rate when comparing ddMVAC with the GC regimen. The pooled analysis yielded a hazard ratio of 0.47 (95% CI, 0.30-0.72) with regard to overall survival between the two regimens.
CONCLUSION
Compared with the GC regimen, ddMVAC has a better pathological response rate, especially the complete response rate, and provides longer overall survival as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen for bladder cancer.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cisplatin; Doxorubicin; Female; Humans; Male; Methotrexate; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Retrospective Studies; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Vinblastine
PubMed: 34949512
DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.11.016