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CNS Spectrums Feb 2023The aim of this paper is to review evidence on Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) administered via telephone (IPT-T). (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aim of this paper is to review evidence on Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) administered via telephone (IPT-T).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of studies published between January 1, 1990 and June 30, 2020, assessing the efficacy of IPT administered by phone, using PubMed.
RESULTS
Originally, we found 60 papers; the final selection led to 13 papers. Six studies were performed using a randomized clinical trial methodology (6/13, 46.2%), three were prospective open-label not randomized studies (3/13, 15.7%), three were pilot studies (3/13, 23.1%), and one was a feasibility/acceptance study (1/13, 7.7%). The number of subjects included in the studies ranged between 14 and 442 (mean: 140.0 ± 124.9), for a total of 1850 patients. The mean age of the enrolled subjects was 47.8 ± 9.3 years (range: 27.4-70.4). Thirty-four different instruments were utilized. Qualitative synthesis was conducted only on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), namely on six studies. RCTs were almost all of good quality (mean score/standard deviation of the RCT-Psychotherapy Quality Rating Scale omnibus rating: 5.6 ± 1.2 points; range: 3-7).
CONCLUSIONS
IPT-T showed response rates similar to IPT administered in the usual way. Results are limited by small samples sizes, selection bias of the less severe depressed patients, and the heterogeneity of rating scales.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Interpersonal Psychotherapy; Psychotherapy; Depression; Telephone; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34657641
DOI: 10.1017/S1092852921000948 -
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Perceived Injustice and Depression.The Journal of Pain Jun 2021Perceived injustice is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for problematic recovery, with a growing body of evidence documenting its association with heightened... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Perceived injustice is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for problematic recovery, with a growing body of evidence documenting its association with heightened pain, disability, medication use, anger and post-traumatic stress. The aim of this paper was to systematically review and critically appraise the association between perceived injustice and depressive symptomatology across a wide range of medical and mental health populations, including acute and chronic pain samples. A search of published, English language studies in the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases from 1990 to June 2020 was performed. Thirty-three studies met inclusion criteria with a total sample of 5,425 individuals (61% female), primarily with acute injury or chronic pain. Results indicated a moderate to strong positive association between perceived injustice and depressive symptomatology (meta-analysis pooled effect of r = .57, 95% confidence interval [.55, .58], P< .001). A narrative synthesis of regression models indicated standardized beta coefficients between .19 and .66, with perceived injustice consistently contributing significant unique variance to the prediction of depression in final regression equations. Selection bias and response bias were common limitations in the studies. The clinical implications of an association between injustice and depression in acute and chronic pain are discussed. PROSPERO: CRD42019143465. PERSPECTIVE: This review demonstrates that in acute injury and chronic pain samples, perceived injustice is associated with depression. These findings could help clinicians in the field of pain and rehabilitation identify who may be at greater risk for a problematic recovery trajectory.
Topics: Depression; Humans; Social Justice; Social Perception
PubMed: 33465504
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.12.009 -
Neurologia Sep 2020No formal indication currently exists for seizure prophylaxis in neurosurgical oncology patients. Neither have specific recommendations been made on the use of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
No formal indication currently exists for seizure prophylaxis in neurosurgical oncology patients. Neither have specific recommendations been made on the use of antiepileptic drugs (AED) in seizure-free patients with meningiomas scheduled for surgery. AEDs are generally prescribed on a discretionary basis, taking into consideration a range of clinical and radiological risk factors. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the effectiveness of antiepileptic prophylaxis in patients with meningioma and no history of seizures.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov databases. Of a total of 4368 studies initially identified, 12 were selected for extraction of data and qualitative analysis. Based on the clinical data presented, we were only able to include 6 studies in the meta-analysis. We performed heterogeneity studies, calculated a combined odds ratio, evaluated publication bias, and conducted a sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS
AED prophylaxis in patients with meningioma and no history of seizures did not significantly reduce the incidence of post-operative seizures in comparison to controls (Mantel-Haenszel combined odds ratio, random effects model: 1.26 [95% confidence interval, 0.60-2.78]; 2041 patients). However, we are unable to establish a robust recommendation against this treatment due to the lack of prospective studies, the presence of selection bias in the studies reviewed, the likelihood of underestimation of seizure frequency during follow-up, and the strong influence of one study on the overall effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the limitations of this review, the results of the meta-analysis do not support the routine use of seizure prophylaxis in patients with meningioma and no history of seizures.
PubMed: 32896461
DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2020.06.014 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2017Individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise capacity and quality of life. Despite initial concerns that exercise training may worsen symptoms in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise capacity and quality of life. Despite initial concerns that exercise training may worsen symptoms in this group, several studies have reported improvements in functional capacity and well-being following exercise-based rehabilitation in PH.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of exercise-based rehabilitation for people with PH. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity, adverse events during the intervention period and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary outcomes included cardiopulmonary haemodynamics, functional class, clinical worsening during follow-up, mortality and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Airways Specialised Register of Trials up to August 2016, which is based on regular searches of CINAHL, AMED, Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and registries of clinical trials. In addition we searched CENTRAL and the PEDro database up to August 2016 and handsearched relevant journals.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on exercise-based rehabilitation programmes for PH.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers extracted data independently. For binary outcomes, we calculated odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval (CI), on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous data, we estimated the mean difference (MD) between groups and its 95% CI. We employed a random-effects model for analyses. We assessed risk of bias for included studies and created 'Summary of findings' tables using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six RCTs and were able to extract data from five studies. The majority of participants were Group I pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Study duration ranged from three to 15 weeks. Exercise programmes included both inpatient- and outpatient-based rehabilitation that incorporated both upper and lower limb exercise. The mean six-minute walk distance following exercise training was 60.12 metres higher than control (30.17 to 90.07 metres, n = 165, 5 RCTs, low-quality evidence; minimal important difference was 30 metres), the mean peak oxygen uptake was 2.4 ml/kg/minute higher (1.4 to 3.4 ml/kg/min, n = 145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence) and the mean peak power in the intervention groups was 16.4 W higher (10.9 to 22.0 higher, n = 145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence). The mean change in HRQoL for the SF-36 physical component score was 4.63 points higher (0.80 to 8.47 points, n = 33, 2 RCTs, low-quality evidence) and for the SF-36 mental component score was 4.17 points higher (0.01 to 8.34 points; n = 33; 2 RCTs, low-quality evidence). One study reported a single adverse event, where a participant stopped exercise training due to lightheadedness.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In people with PH, exercise-based rehabilitation results in clinically relevant improvements in exercise capacity. Exercise training was not associated with any serious adverse events. Whilst most studies reported improvements in HRQoL, these may not be clinically important. Overall, we assessed the quality of the evidence to be low. The small number of studies and lack of information on participant selection makes it difficult to generalise these results across the spectrum of people with PH.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Hemodynamics; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Middle Aged; Oxygen Consumption; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selection Bias; Walk Test
PubMed: 28099988
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011285.pub2 -
Preventive Veterinary Medicine Nov 2014Anthelmintic drugs have been widely used in sheep as a cost-effective means for gastro-intestinal nematode (GIN) control. However, growing anthelmintic resistance (AHR)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Anthelmintic drugs have been widely used in sheep as a cost-effective means for gastro-intestinal nematode (GIN) control. However, growing anthelmintic resistance (AHR) has created a compelling need to identify evidence-based management recommendations that reduce the risk of further development and impact of AHR.
OBJECTIVE
To identify, critically assess, and synthesize available data from primary research on factors associated with AHR in sheep.
METHODS
Publications reporting original observational or experimental research on selected factors associated with AHR in sheep GINs and published after 1974, were identified through two processes. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Agricola, CAB) and Web of Science (a collection of databases) were searched for potentially relevant publications. Additional publications were identified through consultation with experts, manual search of references of included publications and conference proceedings, and information solicited from small ruminant practitioner list-serves. Two independent investigators screened abstracts for relevance. Relevant publications were assessed for risk of systematic bias. Where sufficient data were available, random-effects Meta-Analyses (MAs) were performed to estimate the pooled Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) of AHR for factors reported in ≥2 publications.
RESULTS
Of the 1712 abstracts screened for eligibility, 131 were deemed relevant for full publication review. Thirty publications describing 25 individual studies (15 observational studies, 7 challenge trials, and 3 controlled trials) were included in the qualitative synthesis and assessed for systematic bias. Unclear (i.e. not reported, or unable to assess) or high risk of selection bias and confounding bias was found in 93% (14/15) and 60% (9/15) of the observational studies, respectively, while unclear risk of selection bias was identified in all of the trials. Ten independent studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, and MAs were performed for five factors. Only high frequency of treatment was a significant risk factor (OR=4.39; 95% CI=1.59, 12.14), while the remaining 4 variables were marginally significant: mixed-species grazing (OR=1.63; 95% CI=0.66, 4.07); flock size (OR=1.02; 95% CI=0.97, 1.07); use of long-acting drug formulations (OR=2.85; 95% CI=0.79, 10.24); and drench-and-shift pasture management (OR=4.08; 95% CI=0.75, 22.16).
CONCLUSIONS
While there is abundant literature on the topic of AHR in sheep GINs, few studies have explicitly investigated the association between putative risk or protective factors and AHR. Consequently, several of the current recommendations on parasite management are not evidence-based. Moreover, many of the studies included in this review had a high or unclear risk of systematic bias, highlighting the need to improve study design and/or reporting of future research carried out in this field.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Drug Resistance; Evidence-Based Medicine; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Nematoda; Nematode Infections; Sheep; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 25059197
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.07.003 -
Human Immunology May 2015The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate whether specific maternal HLA alleles and HLA sharing of couples are associated with the occurrence of recurrent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PROBLEM
The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate whether specific maternal HLA alleles and HLA sharing of couples are associated with the occurrence of recurrent miscarriage (RM).
METHOD OF STUDY
A systematic literature search was performed for studies that evaluated the association between HLA alleles, HLA sharing and RM. RM was defined as three or more consecutive unexplained miscarriages and a control group was included of women with at least one live birth and no miscarriages in their history. Meta-analyses were performed and the pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated.
RESULTS
We included 41 studies. Selection bias was present in 40 studies and information bias in all studies. Meta-analyses showed an increased risk of RM in mothers carrying a HLA-DRB1*4 (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.05-1.90), HLA-DRB1*15 (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15-2.14), or a HLA-E*01:01 allele (OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.20-1.81), and a decreased risk with HLA-DRB1*13 (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45-0.89) or HLA-DRB1*14 (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.94). Pooling results for HLA sharing showed that HLA-B sharing (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11-1.75) and HLA-DR sharing (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.10-1.25) were both associated with the occurrence of RM.
CONCLUSION
Although the present systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that specific HLA alleles and HLA sharing are associated with RM, a high degree of bias was present and therefore observed results should be interpreted carefully.
Topics: Abortion, Habitual; Alleles; Female; Genetic Association Studies; HLA-B Antigens; HLA-DRB1 Chains; Histocompatibility; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; Humans; Pregnancy; Risk; Selection Bias; HLA-E Antigens
PubMed: 25700963
DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2015.02.004 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2021Evidence indicates that reducing dietary salt may reduce the incidence of heart disease and delay decline in kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Evidence indicates that reducing dietary salt may reduce the incidence of heart disease and delay decline in kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is an update of a review first published in 2015.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of altering dietary salt for adults with CKD.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 6 October 2020 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing two or more levels of salt intake in adults with any stage of CKD.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed studies for eligibility, conducted risk of bias evaluation and evaluated confidence in the evidence using GRADE. Results were summarised using random effects models as risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes or mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
We included 21 studies (1197 randomised participants), 12 in the earlier stages of CKD (779 randomised participants), seven in dialysis (363 randomised participants) and two in post-transplant (55 randomised participants). Selection bias was low in seven studies, high in one and unclear in 13. Performance and detection biases were low in four studies, high in two, and unclear in 15. Attrition and reporting biases were low in 10 studies, high in three and unclear in eight. Because duration of the included studies was too short (1 to 36 weeks) to test the effect of salt restriction on endpoints such as death, cardiovascular events or CKD progression, changes in salt intake on blood pressure and other secondary risk factors were examined. Reducing salt by mean -73.51 mmol/day (95% CI -92.76 to -54.27), equivalent to 4.2 g or 1690 mg sodium/day, reduced systolic/diastolic blood pressure by -6.91/-3.91 mm Hg (95% CI -8.82 to -4.99/-4.80 to -3.02; 19 studies, 1405 participants; high certainty evidence). Albuminuria was reduced by 36% (95% CI 26 to 44) in six studies, five of which were carried out in people in the earlier stages of CKD (MD -0.44, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.30; 501 participants; high certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of lower salt intake on weight, as the weight change observed (-1.32 kg, 95% CI -1.94 to -0.70; 12 studies, 759 participants) may have been due to fluid volume, lean tissue, or body fat. Lower salt intake may reduce extracellular fluid volume in the earlier stages of CKD (-0.87 L, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.58; 3 studies; 187 participants; low certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of lower salt intake on reduction in antihypertensive dose (RR 2.45, 95% CI 0.98 to 6.08; 8 studies; 754 participants). Lower salt intake may lead to symptomatic hypotension (RR 6.70, 95% CI 2.40 to 18.69; 6 studies; 678 participants; moderate certainty evidence). Data were sparse for other types of adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found high certainty evidence that salt reduction reduced blood pressure in people with CKD, and albuminuria in people with earlier stage CKD in the short-term. If such reductions could be maintained long-term, this effect may translate to clinically significant reductions in CKD progression and cardiovascular events. Research into the long-term effects of sodium-restricted diet for people with CKD is warranted.
Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Bias; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Edema; Humans; Hypertension; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Selection Bias; Sodium Chloride, Dietary
PubMed: 34164803
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010070.pub3 -
Cureus Dec 2020Stroke is a leading cause of death, disability, and dementia worldwide. Strokes can be divided into ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. At the moment, tissue... (Review)
Review
Stroke is a leading cause of death, disability, and dementia worldwide. Strokes can be divided into ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. At the moment, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only FDA-approved drug for ischemic stroke. Minocycline (MC) and Magnesium (Mg) are promising therapies for ischemic stroke, especially in the pre-hospital setting. These drugs are readily available, inexpensive, and generally safe. We decided to investigate these drugs' neuroprotective effects in treating ischemic stroke in the acute and chronic setting. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature on MC and Mg's functional outcome in ischemic stroke. This paper's methodology included only clinical trials published in the last 15 years, using PubMed as a database. The systematic review demonstrated that MC infusion in the pre-hospital and hospital setting improved functional outcomes and disability scores. Furthermore, MC also decreased matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) levels. MC might have a more significant effect on men than women because different molecular pathways of cerebral ischemia seem to be involved between both genders. The systematic review showed that patients with ischemic stroke did not benefit from magnesium sulfate infusion in the pre-hospital and hospital setting. Nevertheless, patients with lacunar strokes and patients who supplemented their meals with potassium-magnesium salt in the diet had better functional outcomes. Future studies would need a more significant sample of participants and a better selection to increase the study's power and avoid selection bias, respectively. Further publications could benefit from subcategorizing strokes and investigating the gender role in stroke treatment. These directives could give a more robust conclusion regarding the neuroprotective effects of these drugs.
PubMed: 33520535
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12339 -
Heart (British Cardiac Society) Jan 2023To conduct a systematic review of observational studies on methamphetamine-associated heart failure (MethHF) . (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review of observational studies on methamphetamine-associated heart failure (MethHF) .
METHODS
Six databases were searched for original publications on the topic. Title/abstract and included full-text publications were reviewed in duplicate. Data extraction and critical appraisal for risk of bias were performed in duplicate.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies are included in the final analysis. Results could not be combined because of heterogeneity in study design, population, comparator, and outcome assessment. Overall risk of bias is moderate due to the presence of confounders, selection bias and poor matching; overall certainty in the evidence is very low. MethHF is increasing in prevalence, affects diverse racial/ethnic/sociodemographic groups with a male predominance; up to 44% have preserved left-ventricular ejection fraction. MethHF is associated with significant morbidity including worse heart failure symptoms compared with non-methamphetamine related heart failure. Female sex, methamphetamine abstinence and guideline-directed heart failure therapy are associated with improved outcomes. Chamber dimensions on echocardiography and fibrosis on biopsy predict the extent of recovery after abstinence.
CONCLUSIONS
The increasing prevalence of MethHF with associated morbidity underscores the urgent need for well designed prospective studies of people who use methamphetamine to accurately assess the epidemiology, clinical features, disease trajectory and outcomes of MethHF. Methamphetamine abstinence is an integral part of MethHF treatment; increased availability of effective non-pharmacological interventions for treatment of methamphetamine addiction is an essential first step. Availability of effective pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine addiction will further support MethHF treatment. Using harm reduction principles in an integrated addiction/HF treatment programme will bolster efforts to stem the increasing tide of MethHF.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Methamphetamine; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left; Prospective Studies; Heart Failure
PubMed: 36456204
DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-321610 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Feb 2017Same-day discharge has been suggested to safe and acceptable following minimally invasive hysterectomy. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Same-day discharge has been suggested to safe and acceptable following minimally invasive hysterectomy.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the feasibility of same-day discharge following minimally invasive hysterectomy and to identify associated factors.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched using the terms "same day discharge", "minimally invasive surgery", and "hysterectomy" between October 1 and October 31, 2015. No language or publication date restrictions were included.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating same-day discharge before midnight on the day of minimally invasive hysterectomy were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Study characteristics, pre-operative selection criteria, and predictive factors for same-day discharge were analyzed.
MAIN RESULTS
There were 15 observational studies with 11 992 patients included. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the studies, and publication and selection bias could have potentially affected the results. All the studies concluded that same-day discharge was feasible. However, some factors were associated with a decreased possibility of same-day discharge; these were older age, beginning surgery later than 1:00 pm and completing surgery later than 6:00 pm, longer duration of operation, and high estimated blood loss.
CONCLUSIONS
Same-day discharge appears feasible for a majority of patients who undergo minimally invasive hysterectomies if adequate emphasis is placed on pre-surgical planning and careful patient selection.
Topics: Age Factors; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Operative Time; Patient Discharge; Patient Readmission; Postoperative Complications; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 28099736
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12023