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Frontiers in Immunology 2024Bispecific antibody (BsAbs) therapy represents a promising immunotherapeutic approach with manageable toxicity and noteworthy preliminary efficacy in treating patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Bispecific antibody (BsAbs) therapy represents a promising immunotherapeutic approach with manageable toxicity and noteworthy preliminary efficacy in treating patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted BsAbs and non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs in the treatment of RRMM patients.
METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and meeting libraries were searched from inception to August 16th, 2023. The efficacy evaluation included the complete objective response rate (ORR), complete response (CR) rate, stringent CR (sCR) rate, partial response (PR) rate, and very good PR (VGPR) rate. The efficacy evaluation included any grade adverse events (AEs) and grade ≥ 3 AEs.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies with a total of 1473 RRMM patients were included. The pooled ORR of the entire cohort was 61%. The non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs group displayed a higher ORR than the BCMA-targeted BsAbs group (74% . 54%, < 0.01). In terms of hematological AEs, BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy exhibited higher risks of neutropenia (any grade: 48% . 18%, < 0.01; grade ≥ 3: 43% . 15%, < 0.01) and lymphopenia (any grade: 37% . 8%, < 0.01; grade ≥ 3: 31% . 8%, = 0.07). Regarding non-hematological AEs, there were no significant differences in the risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS, any grade: 64% . 66%, = 0.84; grade ≥ 3: 1% . 1%, = 0.36) and infections (any grade: 47% . 49%, = 0.86; grade ≥ 3: 24% . 20%, = 0.06) between the two groups. However, non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy was associated with a higher risk of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS, any grade: 11% . 2%, < 0.01) and lower risks of fatigue (any grade: 14% . 30%, < 0.01) and pyrexia (any grade: 14% . 29%, < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
This analysis suggest that non-BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy may offer a more favorable treatment response and tolerability, while BCMA-targeted BsAbs therapy may be associated with diminished neurotoxic effects.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42018090768.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Antibodies, Bispecific; B-Cell Maturation Antigen; Prospective Studies; Neurotoxicity Syndromes; Neutropenia
PubMed: 38482019
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348955 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024To evaluate the effects of behavioral intervention for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effects of behavioral intervention on anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of behavioral intervention for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched, including Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 1 April 2023. Inclusion criteria for this study required a diagnosis of PCOS. Interventions of interest included behavioral intervention and routine treatment compared with routine treatment. The studies included in the analysis were designed as randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted meta-analyses following the recommended guidelines. The data was analyzed using either the random effects model or fixed effects model. The results of the studies were expressed as either mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Eight RCTs were identified, including data from 744 patients (415 in the intervention group and 329 in the control group). The results indicate an improvement in the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for weight loss (MD: -1.07; 95% CI: -2.1 to 0.03; I = 0%; P=0.04), body mass index (BMI) (MD: -1.12; 95% CI: -1.92 to -0.33; I = 73%; P=0.006), waist circumference (MD: -3.97; 95% CI: -5.64 to -2.29; I = 0%; P<0.00001), quality of life about weight (MD: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.02; I = 0%; P=0.008), depression (SMD: -1.12; 95% CI: -2.35 to -0.07; I = 92%; P=0.04), and triglycerides (MD: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.27 to -0.05; I = 27%; P=0.004). However, there were no significant differences in menstrual cycles, hirsutism, emotions, and infertility. The study also found that behavioral interventions had no significant effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, testosterone, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1C, and sex hormone binding globulin.
CONCLUSION
Behavioral intervention supplementation contributes to weight loss, reduction in BMI and waist circumference, and improvement in depression among patients with PCOS. However, no significant improvement was observed in the biochemical index and quality of life. The long-term effects of behavioral intervention for PCOS remain unclear due to limitations in the quality of the studies involved and the short duration of treatment.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023442875.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Hirsutism; Insulin Resistance; Quality of Life; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38481448
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1297841 -
Annals of Hepatology 2024Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of cirrhosis treated with various medications. We aim to evaluate terlipressin and albumin's effectiveness and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of cirrhosis treated with various medications. We aim to evaluate terlipressin and albumin's effectiveness and safety compared to albumin and noradrenaline in adult hepatorenal disease patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Clinical trials from four databases were included. Cochrane's approach for calculating bias risk was utilized. We rated the quality evaluation by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). We included the following outcomes: serum creatinine (mg/dl), urine output (ml/24 h), mean arterial pressure (mmHg), reversal rate of HRS, mortality rate, blood plasma renin activity (ng/ml/h), plasma aldosterone concentration (pg/ml), urine sodium (mEq/l), and creatinine clearance (ml/min).
RESULTS
Our analysis of nine clinical studies revealed that the noradrenaline group was associated with higher creatinine clearance (MD = 4.22 [0.40, 8.05]), (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in serum creatinine levels (MD = 0.03 [-0.07, 0.13]), urinary sodium (MD = -1.02 [-5.15, 3.11]), urine output (MD = 32.75 [-93.94, 159.44]), mean arterial pressure (MD = 1.40 [-1.17, 3.96]), plasma renin activity (MD = 1.35 [-0.17, 2.87]), plasma aldosterone concentration (MD = 55.35 [-24.59, 135.29]), reversal rate of HRS (RR = 1.15 [0.96, 1.37]), or mortality rate (RR = 0.87 [0.74, 1.01]) between the two groups (p-values > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Noradrenaline is a safe alternative medical therapy for HRS.
Topics: Humans; Terlipressin; Hepatorenal Syndrome; Norepinephrine; Albumins; Treatment Outcome; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Adult; Creatinine; Lypressin
PubMed: 38460713
DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101495 -
General Hospital Psychiatry 2024Long COVID can include impaired cognition ('brain fog'; a term encompassing multiple symptoms) and mental health conditions. We performed a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Long COVID can include impaired cognition ('brain fog'; a term encompassing multiple symptoms) and mental health conditions. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate their prevalence and to explore relevant factors associated with the incidence of impaired cognition and mental health conditions.
METHODS
Searches were conducted in Medline and PsycINFO to cover the start of the pandemic until August 2023. Included studies reported prevalence of mental health conditions and brain fog in adults with long COVID after clinically-diagnosed or PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
FINDINGS
17 studies were included, reporting 41,249 long COVID patients. Across all timepoints (3-24 months), the combined prevalence of mental health conditions and brain fog was 20·4% (95% CI 11·1%-34·4%), being lower among those previously hospitalised than in community-managed patients(19·5 vs 29·7% respectively; p = 0·047). The odds of mental health conditions and brain fog increased over time and when validated instruments were used. Odds of brain fog significantly decreased with increasing vaccination rates (p = ·000).
CONCLUSIONS
Given the increasing prevalence of mental health conditions and brain fog over time, preventive interventions and treatments are needed. Research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms that could inform further research in development of effective treatments. The reduced risk of brain fog associated with vaccination emphasizes the need for ongoing vaccination programs.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Mental Health; Prevalence; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Mental Fatigue
PubMed: 38447388
DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.02.009 -
Neurology India Jan 2024The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained global healthcare and financial infrastructures. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 have gained...
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained global healthcare and financial infrastructures. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 have gained recognition, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research in this area. This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine the neurological manifestations and complications associated with COVID-19 and assess their prevalence, impact on patient outcomes, and potential relationships with comorbidities, while emphasizing the significance of ongoing research in this field. We conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and ResearchGate databases was conducted to identify eligible studies focusing on COVID-19 patients, reporting neurological symptoms or complications, and published between 2020 and 2022 in English. The data extracted is performed in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Two independent reviewers assessed study quality and bias using the AMSTAR 2 scale before inclusion. This systematic includes 12 systematic reviews and meta-analysis with 191,412 participants and average age of 60 years. Neurological symptoms included headaches, dizziness, anosmia, and ageusia. Complications ranged from cerebrovascular events to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, exacerbated severity. Mortality rates associated with neurological manifestations varied from 29.1% to 84.8%. The study underscores the complex neurological impact of COVID-19, affecting patients across age groups. Ongoing research is vital to understand mechanisms and develop targeted interventions, improving patient care and addressing pandemic consequences. This review provides a holistic view of COVID-19's neurological effects, emphasizing the need for sustained research efforts and collaborative endeavors to combat the neurological issues.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 38442994
DOI: 10.4103/neurol-india.Neurol-India-D-24-00003 -
Brain and Behavior Jan 2024Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common complaint in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Despite the fact that the estimated prevalence of RLS among HD patients is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common complaint in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Despite the fact that the estimated prevalence of RLS among HD patients is widely reported, these results varied significantly in the relevant literature. Due to this limitation, the aim of this study was to determine the global prevalence of RLS among HD patients.
METHODS
This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 statement. We searched the electronic databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database, and Weipu Database. A random effects model was employed to calculate pooled prevalence rates.
RESULTS
The global pooled prevalence of RLS in HD patients was 27.2% (95% CI: 24.8-29.7). Stratified analyses demonstrated that included studies with sample size <100 had the highest pooled prevalence of RLS. The prevalence of RLS using clinical interviews and questionnaires was 28.7% (95% CI: 25.2-32.2) and 25.9% (95% CI: 22.8-29.1), respectively. RLS prevalence is higher in females (29.7%, 95% CI: 26.2-33.2) HD patients than in males (23.5%, 95% CI: 20.9-26.0), and the African region has the highest prevalence in the world when the diagnostic criteria were restricted to the 2003 version of International RLS Study Group criteria, the prevalence of RLS was highest (28.9%, 95% CI: 25.9-31.9).
CONCLUSION
Our results revealed a high RLS prevalence in HD patients worldwide. However, the prevalence of RLS among HD patients varied significantly based on sample size, data collection method, gender, diagnostic criteria, and geographical region.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Restless Legs Syndrome; Prevalence; Renal Dialysis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38376019
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3378 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2024Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and most patients experience fatigue. However, there are no effective treatments for cancer-related... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and most patients experience fatigue. However, there are no effective treatments for cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have suggested that moxibustion improves CRF. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the differences in fatigue scale scores, quality of life, and clinical efficacy in patients with breast cancer who developed CRF and did versus did not receive moxibustion.
METHODS
RCTs were searched in 7 databases using a standardized search method from database inception to March 2023, and RCTs that met the inclusion criteria were selected.
RESULTS
Among 1337 initially identified RCTs, 10 RCTs involving 744 participants were selected for this study. The meta-analysis involved assessment of the revised Piper Fatigue Scale scores, Cancer Fatigue Scale scores, Karnofsky Performance Scale scores, Athens Insomnia Scale scores, clinical efficacy, and Qi deficiency syndrome scale scores. Compared with the control, moxibustion was associated with significantly better Piper Fatigue Scale scores ( < 0.0001), quality of life [Karnofsky Performance Scale scores ( < 0.0001)], clinical efficacy ( = 0.0007), and Qi deficiency syndrome scale scores ( = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS
Moxibustion improves CRF in patients with breast cancer. The efficacy of moxibustion should be further examined by high-quality studies in various countries with patients subdivided by their breast cancer treatment status.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO ID: CRD42023451292.
Topics: Humans; Female; Moxibustion; Breast Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Fatigue; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38372234
DOI: 10.1177/15347354241233226 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Jan 2024Every year, 10 million people fall ill with tuberculosis (TB). Despite being a preventable and curable disease, 1.5 million people die from TB each year -making it the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Every year, 10 million people fall ill with tuberculosis (TB). Despite being a preventable and curable disease, 1.5 million people die from TB each year -making it the world's top infectious disease. TB is the leading cause of death of people with HIV and also a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Its presumed that TB was the cause of 1% of the total deaths among inpatients in Sudan in 2017. The current study is aimed to provide pooled prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among Sudanese as well as to determine any socio-cultural risk factors associated. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and regulated in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. After abstract and full text screening only twenty-six articles met our inclusion criteria and passed the quality assessment procedure. Pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence was assessed in sixteen included studies among participants from Khartoum, Gezira, Kassala, Blue Nile, River Nile, White Nile, Gadarif, Red sea, North Kordofan, Northern State, Sennar and West Darfur States, representing a total sample size of 11,253 participants of suspected individuals such as febrile outpatients, TB patients' contacts and other groups such as HIV/AIDS patients, hemodialysis patients, School adolescents as well as pregnant women. The pooled prevalence was 30.72% [CI: 30.64, 30.81]. Moreover, Khartoum State recorded the highest pooled prevalence as 41.86% [CI: 14.69, 69.02] based on a total sample size of 2,737 participants. Furthermore, male gender and rural residence were found to be significantly associated with TB infection. Further research with larger sample sizes targeting prevalence and risk factors of TB among Sudanese population is needed to be conducted.
Topics: Pregnancy; Adolescent; Humans; Female; Male; Sudan; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Latent Tuberculosis; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
PubMed: 38263137
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02865-6 -
Current Developments in Nutrition Jan 2024Although numerous studies have indicated the utility of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in early screening for individuals with adverse cardiometabolic health, there is...
Diagnostic Accuracy of Waist-to-Height Ratio, Waist Circumference, and Body Mass Index in Identifying Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Although numerous studies have indicated the utility of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in early screening for individuals with adverse cardiometabolic health, there is controversy on using WHtR as a one-size-fits-all approach, including in older adults.
OBJECTIVES
Our study aims to identify the pooled diagnostic accuracy of WHtR in screening for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among older adults.
METHODS
A systematic review of observational studies was performed using 4 databases. A diagnostic meta-analysis with a random effects model was conducted, and the pooled area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio (dOR) of each outcome compared with WHtR, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were calculated, with sex-stratified analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies with 74,520 participants were included. As reflected by the dOR, WHtR (7.65; 95% CI: 6.00, 9.75) performed better than BMI (5.17; 95% CI: 4.75, 5.62) and WC (5.77; 95% CI: 4.60, 7.25) in screening for MetS among older adults and was potentially better among males. For hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, the performances of WHtR, BMI, and WC were comparable.
CONCLUSION
More studies focusing on older adults are still needed to determine the cutoff values of WHtR to screen for MetS.The search strategy was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42022350379.
PubMed: 38230348
DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.102061 -
Cureus Nov 2023Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) is the most frequent diagnosis in patients with shoulder pain presenting with persistent pain and significant functional decline.... (Review)
Review
Manual Therapy and Exercise Have Similar Outcomes to Corticosteroid Injections in the Management of Patients With Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) is the most frequent diagnosis in patients with shoulder pain presenting with persistent pain and significant functional decline. Although exercise and manual therapy (EMT) and corticosteroid injections provide first-line treatment options, evidence for the best management of SAPS remains inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EMT compared with corticosteroid injections on disability, recovery rates, and pain in patients with SAPS through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, and grey literature databases were searched. Only randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of EMT alone or as an additive intervention compared to corticosteroid injections were included. Methodological quality was evaluated with the PEDro score and certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. In total, 8 trials with 946 patients were included. EMT presented no difference in disability compared with corticosteroid injections at very short- (standardized mean difference {SMD}: 0.19; 95%CI: -0.20, 0.58), short- (SMD: -0.16; 95%CI: -0.58, 0.25), mid- (SMD: -0.14; 95%CI: -0.44, 0.16), and long-term (SMD: 0.00; 95%CI: -0.25, 0.25) follow-up. No difference was found between the comparators in self-perceived recovery at very short- (risk ratio: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.71, 1.21) and mid- (risk ratio: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.90, 1.07) follow-up and in pain rating at very short- (SMD: -0.18; 95%CI: -0.73, 0.38), short- (SMD: 0.05; 95%CI: -0.26, 0.37), and long-term (SMD: 0.04; 95%CI: -0.26, 0.34) follow-ups. The addition of corticosteroid injections to EMT provided no better results in shoulder disability compared with EMT (SMD: 0.45; 95%CI: -0.47, 1.37) or corticosteroid injections alone (MD: 2.70; 95%CI: -7.70, 13.10) in the mid-term. Based on very low to moderate certainty of evidence, EMT has similar effects to corticosteroid injections on improving all outcomes in patients with SAPS at all follow-up periods. Based on low certainty of evidence the combination of both interventions does not change the treatment outcome compared with each intervention alone.
PubMed: 38111394
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48907