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Acta Dermato-venereologica Jul 2017Tranexamic acid is a novel treatment option for melasma; however, there is no consensus on its use. This systematic review searched major databases for relevant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Tranexamic acid is a novel treatment option for melasma; however, there is no consensus on its use. This systematic review searched major databases for relevant publications to March 2016. Eleven studies with 667 participants were included. Pooled data from tranexamic acid-only observational studies with pre- and post-treatment Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) showed a decrease of 1.60 in MASI (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20-2.00; p<0.001) after treat-ment with tranexamic acid. The addition of tranexamic acid to routine treatment modalities resulted in a further decrease in MASI of 0.94 (95% CI 0.10-1.79; p = 0.03). Side-effects were minor, with a few cases reporting hypo-menorrhoea, mild abdominal discomfort, and transient skin irritation. These results support the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid, either alone or as an adjuvant to routine treatment modalities for melasma.
Topics: Chi-Square Distribution; Dermatologic Agents; Humans; Keratinocytes; Melanins; Melanocytes; Melanosis; Severity of Illness Index; Skin Pigmentation; Tranexamic Acid; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28374042
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-2668 -
Fertility and Sterility Apr 2017A systematic review of the literature was conducted which examined each of the major steps of embryo transfer. Recommendations made for improving pregnancy rates are... (Review)
Review
A systematic review of the literature was conducted which examined each of the major steps of embryo transfer. Recommendations made for improving pregnancy rates are based on interventions demonstrated to be either beneficial or not beneficial.
Topics: Chi-Square Distribution; Embryo Transfer; Female; Fertility; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Infertility; Live Birth; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28366416
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.01.025 -
International Angiology : a Journal of... Apr 2018The use of a venoactive drug is considered an important component of medical treatment of chronic venous disease (CVD), although the efficacy of certain venoactive drugs... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Efficacy of micronized purified flavonoid fraction (Daflon®) on improving individual symptoms, signs and quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials.
INTRODUCTION
The use of a venoactive drug is considered an important component of medical treatment of chronic venous disease (CVD), although the efficacy of certain venoactive drugs (VADs) on one or more individual leg symptoms or signs may have not been extensively studied to justify a strong recommendation in guidelines on CVD. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the effectiveness of the micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF, Daflon®) across the spectrum of defined venous symptoms, signs, quality of life (QoL) and treatment assessment by the physician.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
On September 9, 2017, a systematic review of the databases MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Central was performed, supplemented by hand searching, to identify randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials on MPFF in patients with CVD.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The main outcome measures were the individual and global symptoms, leg edema and redness, skin changes, QoL and evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the treatment by the physician. The effectiveness of MPFF compared with placebo was expressed as risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Trial quality of evidence was graded using the GRADE system.
RESULTS
We identified 7 trials, mostly with low risk of bias, involving 1,692 patients. On qualitative analysis, MPFF significantly improved nine defined leg symptoms, including pain, heaviness, feeling of swelling, cramps, paresthesia, burning sensation, and pruritus (itching), but also functional discomfort compared with placebo, leg redness, skin changes and QoL. On quantitative analysis, MPFF compared with placebo, assessed as a categorical variable, reduced leg pain (RR 0.53, P=0.0001, NNT=4.2), heaviness (RR 0.35, P<0.00001, NNT=2.0), feeling of swelling (RR 0.39, P<0.00001, NNT=3.1), cramps (RR 0.51, P=0.02, NNT=4.8), paresthesia (RR 0.45, P=0.03, NNT=3.5), and functional discomfort (RR 0.41, P=0.0004, NNT=3.0). Similarly, MPFF compared with placebo, assessed as a continuous variable reduced pain (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.11), heaviness (SMD -0.80, 95% CI -1.05 to -0.54), feeling of swelling (SMD -0.99, 95% CI -1.25 to -0.73), burning sensation (SMD -0.46, 95% CI -0.78 to -0.14), cramps (SMD -0.46, 95% CI -0.78 to -0.14), and functional discomfort (SMD -0.87, 95% CI -1.13 to -0.61). Regarding objective assessments of leg edema, the use of MPFF compared with placebo reduced ankle circumference (SMD -0.59, 95% CI -1.15 to -0.02), and leg redness (SMD -0.32, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.07, RR 0.50, P=0.03, NNT=3.6), improved skin changes (RR 0.18, P=0.0003, NNT=1.6) and quality of life (SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.04) and was associated with clinical improvement as assessed by the physician (RR 0.28, P<0.00001, NNT=2.5). Heterogeneity was mostly minimal. The existing evidence where sufficient was mostly of high quality.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on high quality evidence, MPFF is highly effective in improving leg symptoms, edema and quality of life in patients with CVD.
Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Chronic Disease; Diosmin; Double-Blind Method; Edema; Humans; Odds Ratio; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Veins; Venous Insufficiency
PubMed: 29385792
DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.18.03975-5 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Jul 2014Clinicians commonly examine posture and movement in people with the belief that correcting dysfunctional movement may reduce pain. If dysfunctional movement is to be... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Clinicians commonly examine posture and movement in people with the belief that correcting dysfunctional movement may reduce pain. If dysfunctional movement is to be accurately identified, clinicians should know what constitutes normal movement and how this differs in people with low back pain (LBP). This systematic review examined studies that compared biomechanical aspects of lumbo-pelvic movement in people with and without LBP.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, EMBASE, AMI, CINAHL, Scopus, AMED, ISI Web of Science were searched from inception until January 2014 for relevant studies. Studies had to compare adults with and without LBP using skin surface measurement techniques to measure lumbo-pelvic posture or movement. Two reviewers independently applied inclusion and exclusion criteria, and identified and extracted data. Standardised mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for group differences between people with and without LBP, and where possible, meta-analyses were performed. Within-group variability in all measurements was also compared.
RESULTS
The search identified 43 eligible studies. Compared to people without LBP, on average, people with LBP display: (i) no difference in lordosis angle (8 studies), (ii) reduced lumbar ROM (19 studies), (iii) no difference in lumbar relative to hip contribution to end-range flexion (4 studies), (iv) no difference in standing pelvic tilt angle (3 studies), (v) slower movement (8 studies), and (vi) reduced proprioception (17 studies). Movement variability appeared greater for people with LBP for flexion, lateral flexion and rotation ROM, and movement speed, but not for other movement characteristics. Considerable heterogeneity exists between studies, including a lack of detail or standardization between studies on the criteria used to define participants as people with LBP (cases) or without LBP (controls).
CONCLUSIONS
On average, people with LBP have reduced lumbar ROM and proprioception, and move more slowly compared to people without LBP. Whether these deficits exist prior to LBP onset is unknown.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Chi-Square Distribution; Humans; Lordosis; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Pelvis; Posture; Proprioception; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 25012528
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-15-229 -
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Aug 2016The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of static stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults by means of systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of static stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. The search strategy included MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS, and manual search from inception to June 2015. Randomized and controlled clinical trials studies that have compared static stretching to control group, and evaluated range of motion (ROM), were included. On the other hand, studies that have worked with special population such as children, elderly people, athletes, and people with any dysfunction/disease were excluded, as well as articles that have used contralateral leg as control group or have not performed static stretching. The meta-analysis was divided according to three types of tests. Nineteen studies were included out of the 813 articles identified. In all tests, the results favored static stretching compared to control group: passive straight leg raise (12.04; 95% CI: 9.61 to 14.47), passive knee extension test (8.58; 95% CI: 6.31 to 10.84), and active knee extension test (8.35; 95% CI: 5.15 to 11.55). In conclusion, static stretching was effective in increasing hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Biomechanical Phenomena; Chi-Square Distribution; Female; Hamstring Muscles; Health Status; Humans; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Range of Motion, Articular; Young Adult
PubMed: 27458757
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2016.1204401 -
Intensive Care Medicine Dec 2016We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the passive leg raising (PLR)-induced changes in cardiac output (CO) and in arterial pulse... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the passive leg raising (PLR)-induced changes in cardiac output (CO) and in arterial pulse pressure (PP) as predictors of fluid responsiveness in adults.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database were screened for relevant original and review articles. The meta-analysis determined the pooled area under the ROC curve, the sensitivity, specificity and threshold for the PLR test when assessed with CO and PP.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies (991 adult patients, 995 fluid challenges) were included. CO was measured by echocardiography in six studies, calibrated pulse contour analysis in six studies, bioreactance in four studies, oesophageal Doppler in three studies, transpulmonary thermodilution or pulmonary artery catheter in one study and suprasternal Doppler in one study. The pooled correlation between the PLR-induced and the fluid-induced changes in CO was 0.76 (0.73-0.80). For the PLR-induced changes in CO, the pooled sensitivity was 0.85 (0.81-0.88) and the pooled specificity was 0.91 (0.88-0.93). The area under the ROC curve was 0.95 ± 0.01. The best threshold was a PLR-induced increase in CO ≥10 ± 2 %. For the PLR-induced changes in PP (8 studies, 432 fluid challenges), the pooled sensitivity was 0.56 (0.49-0.53), the pooled specificity was 0.83 (0.77-0.88) and the pooled area under the ROC curve was 0.77 ± 0.05. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were consistent with the primary analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
PLR-induced changes in CO very reliably predict the response of CO to volume expansion in adults with acute circulatory failure. When PLR effects are assessed by changes in PP, the specificity of the PLR test remains acceptable but its sensitivity is poor.
Topics: Cardiac Output; Chi-Square Distribution; Critical Illness; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Leg; Monitoring, Physiologic; Patient Positioning; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 26825952
DOI: 10.1007/s00134-015-4134-1 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2016To evaluate whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy benefits patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
To evaluate whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy benefits patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy and safety of H. pylori eradication therapy for patients with functional dyspepsia published in English (up to May 2015) were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library. Pooled estimates were measured using the fixed or random effect model. Overall effect was expressed as a pooled risk ratio (RR) or a standard mean difference (SMD). All data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0.
RESULTS
This systematic review included 25 RCTs with a total of 5555 patients with FD. Twenty-three of these studies were used to evaluate the benefits of H. pylori eradication therapy for symptom improvement; the pooled RR was 1.23 (95%CI: 1.12-1.36, P < 0.0001). H. pylori eradication therapy demonstrated symptom improvement during long-term follow-up at ≥ 1 year (RR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.12-1.37, P < 0.0001) but not during short-term follow-up at < 1 year (RR = 1.26; 95%CI: 0.83-1.92, P = 0.27). Seven studies showed no benefit of H. pylori eradication therapy on quality of life with an SMD of -0.01 (95%CI: -0.11 to 0.08, P = 0.80). Six studies demonstrated that H. pylori eradication therapy reduced the development of peptic ulcer disease compared to no eradication therapy (RR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.18-0.68, P = 0.002). Eight studies showed that H. pylori eradication therapy increased the likelihood of treatment-related side effects compared to no eradication therapy (RR = 2.02; 95%CI: 1.12-3.65, P = 0.02). Ten studies demonstrated that patients who received H. pylori eradication therapy were more likely to obtain histologic resolution of chronic gastritis compared to those who did not receive eradication therapy (RR = 7.13; 95%CI: 3.68-13.81, P < 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
The decision to eradicate H. pylori in patients with functional dyspepsia requires individual assessment.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dyspepsia; Female; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Remission Induction; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27022230
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i12.3486 -
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Sep 2018The relationship between subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) and altered scapular movement has been previously reported. The purpose of this review was to determine the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The relationship between subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) and altered scapular movement has been previously reported. The purpose of this review was to determine the effect of interventions that focus on addressing scapular components to improve shoulder pain, function, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in adults with SAPS. Databases searched in September 2016 were: PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [Central], EMBASE [via Ovid] and PEDro. All studies selected for this review were randomized controlled trials. In total, six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analyses. In adults with SAPS, scapular focused interventions significantly improved pain with activities (MD [95% CI] = -0.88 [-1.19 to -0.58], I 43%) and shoulder function (-11.31 [-17.20 to -5.41] I 65%) in the short term. No between-group difference in shoulder pain and function were found at follow up (4 weeks). A between-group difference in shoulder abduction ROM in the short term only was found (12.71 [7.15 to 18.26]°, I 36%). No between-group difference in flexion ROM, supraspinatus muscle strength, pectoralis minor length or forward shoulder posture were found. In conclusion, in adults with SAPS, scapular focused interventions can improve short-term shoulder pain and function.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomechanical Phenomena; Chi-Square Distribution; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength; Pectoralis Muscles; Physical Therapy Modalities; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Scapula; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome; Shoulder Joint; Shoulder Pain; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29351510
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1423656 -
Circulation Nov 2017Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent disorder leading to heart failure, stroke, and death. Enhanced understanding of modifiable risk factors may yield... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent disorder leading to heart failure, stroke, and death. Enhanced understanding of modifiable risk factors may yield opportunities for prevention. The risk of AF is increased in subclinical hyperthyroidism, but it is uncertain whether variations in thyroid function within the normal range or subclinical hypothyroidism are also associated with AF.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and obtained individual participant data from prospective cohort studies that measured thyroid function at baseline and assessed incident AF. Studies were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to July 27, 2016. The euthyroid state was defined as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 0.45 to 4.49 mIU/L, and subclinical hypothyroidism as TSH 4.5 to 19.9 mIU/L with free thyroxine (fT4) levels within reference range. The association of TSH levels in the euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroid range with incident AF was examined by using Cox proportional hazards models. In euthyroid participants, we additionally examined the association between fT4 levels and incident AF.
RESULTS
Of 30 085 participants from 11 cohorts (278 955 person-years of follow-up), 1958 (6.5%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and 2574 individuals (8.6%) developed AF during follow-up. TSH at baseline was not significantly associated with incident AF in euthyroid participants or those with subclinical hypothyroidism. Higher fT4 levels at baseline in euthyroid individuals were associated with increased AF risk in age- and sex-adjusted analyses (hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-1.66, for the highest quartile versus the lowest quartile of fT4; for trend ≤0.001 across quartiles). Estimates did not substantially differ after further adjustment for preexisting cardiovascular disease.
CONCLUSIONS
In euthyroid individuals, higher circulating fT4 levels, but not TSH levels, are associated with increased risk of incident AF.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Asymptomatic Diseases; Atrial Fibrillation; Biomarkers; Chi-Square Distribution; Female; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Thyroid Function Tests; Thyroid Gland; Thyrotropin; Thyroxine; Time Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 29061566
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.028753 -
Neurology Dec 2016Statistical techniques can investigate data integrity in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We systematically reviewed and analyzed all human RCTs undertaken by a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Statistical techniques can investigate data integrity in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We systematically reviewed and analyzed all human RCTs undertaken by a group of researchers, about which concerns have been raised.
METHODS
We compared observed distributions of p values for between-groups differences in baseline variables, for standardized sample means for continuous baseline variables, and for differences in treatment group participant numbers with the expected distributions. We assessed productivity, recruitment rates, outcome data, textual consistency, and ethical oversight.
RESULTS
The researchers were remarkably productive, publishing 33 RCTs over 15 years involving large numbers of older patients with substantial comorbidity, recruited over very short periods. Treatment groups were improbably similar. The distribution of p values for differences in baseline characteristics differed markedly from the expected uniform distribution (p = 5.2 × 10). The distribution of standardized sample means for baseline continuous variables and the differences between participant numbers in randomized groups also differed markedly from the expected distributions (p = 4.3 × 10, p = 1.5 × 10, respectively). Outcomes were remarkably positive, with very low mortality and study withdrawals despite substantial comorbidity. There were very large reductions in hip fracture incidence, regardless of intervention (relative risk 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.31, p < 0.0001, range of relative risk 0.10-0.33), that greatly exceed those reported in meta-analyses of other trials. There were multiple examples of inconsistencies between and within trials, errors in reported data, misleading text, duplicated data and text, and uncertainties about ethical oversight.
CONCLUSIONS
A systematic approach using statistical techniques to assess randomization outcomes can evaluate data integrity, in this case suggesting these RCT results may be unreliable.
Topics: Data Accuracy; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 27920281
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000003387