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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2024Magnesium sulphate is a common therapy in perinatal care. Its benefits when given to women at risk of preterm birth for fetal neuroprotection (prevention of cerebral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Magnesium sulphate is a common therapy in perinatal care. Its benefits when given to women at risk of preterm birth for fetal neuroprotection (prevention of cerebral palsy for children) were shown in a 2009 Cochrane review. Internationally, use of magnesium sulphate for preterm cerebral palsy prevention is now recommended practice. As new randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and longer-term follow-up of prior RCTs have since been conducted, this review updates the previously published version.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of magnesium sulphate as a fetal neuroprotective agent when given to women considered to be at risk of preterm birth.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) on 17 March 2023, as well as reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included RCTs and cluster-RCTs of women at risk of preterm birth that assessed prenatal magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection compared with placebo or no treatment. All methods of administration (intravenous, intramuscular, and oral) were eligible. We did not include studies where magnesium sulphate was used with the primary aim of preterm labour tocolysis, or the prevention and/or treatment of eclampsia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed RCTs for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and trustworthiness. Dichotomous data were presented as summary risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and continuous data were presented as mean differences with 95% CI. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six RCTs (5917 women and their 6759 fetuses alive at randomisation). All RCTs were conducted in high-income countries. The RCTs compared magnesium sulphate with placebo in women at risk of preterm birth at less than 34 weeks' gestation; however, treatment regimens and inclusion/exclusion criteria varied. Though the RCTs were at an overall low risk of bias, the certainty of evidence ranged from high to very low, due to concerns regarding study limitations, imprecision, and inconsistency. Primary outcomes for infants/children: Up to two years' corrected age, magnesium sulphate compared with placebo reduced cerebral palsy (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.89; 6 RCTs, 6107 children; number needed to treat for additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 60, 95% CI 41 to 158) and death or cerebral palsy (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98; 6 RCTs, 6481 children; NNTB 56, 95% CI 32 to 363) (both high-certainty evidence). Magnesium sulphate probably resulted in little to no difference in death (fetal, neonatal, or later) (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.13; 6 RCTs, 6759 children); major neurodevelopmental disability (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.44; 1 RCT, 987 children); or death or major neurodevelopmental disability (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.07; 3 RCTs, 4279 children) (all moderate-certainty evidence). At early school age, magnesium sulphate may have resulted in little to no difference in death (fetal, neonatal, or later) (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.02; 2 RCTs, 1758 children); cerebral palsy (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.41; 2 RCTs, 1038 children); death or cerebral palsy (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.20; 1 RCT, 503 children); and death or major neurodevelopmental disability (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.12; 1 RCT, 503 children) (all low-certainty evidence). Magnesium sulphate may also have resulted in little to no difference in major neurodevelopmental disability, but the evidence is very uncertain (average RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.62; 2 RCTs, 940 children; very low-certainty evidence). Secondary outcomes for infants/children: Magnesium sulphate probably reduced severe intraventricular haemorrhage (grade 3 or 4) (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.98; 5 RCTs, 5885 infants; NNTB 92, 95% CI 55 to 1102; moderate-certainty evidence) and may have resulted in little to no difference in chronic lung disease/bronchopulmonary dysplasia (average RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.10; 5 RCTs, 6689 infants; low-certainty evidence). Primary outcomes for women: Magnesium sulphate may have resulted in little or no difference in severe maternal outcomes potentially related to treatment (death, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest) (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.92; 4 RCTs, 5300 women; low-certainty evidence). However, magnesium sulphate probably increased maternal adverse effects severe enough to stop treatment (average RR 3.21, 95% CI 1.88 to 5.48; 3 RCTs, 4736 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Secondary outcomes for women: Magnesium sulphate probably resulted in little to no difference in caesarean section (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.02; 5 RCTs, 5861 women) and postpartum haemorrhage (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.09; 2 RCTs, 2495 women) (both moderate-certainty evidence). Breastfeeding at hospital discharge and women's views of treatment were not reported.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The currently available evidence indicates that magnesium sulphate for women at risk of preterm birth for neuroprotection of the fetus, compared with placebo, reduces cerebral palsy, and death or cerebral palsy, in children up to two years' corrected age, and probably reduces severe intraventricular haemorrhage for infants. Magnesium sulphate may result in little to no difference in outcomes in children at school age. While magnesium sulphate may result in little to no difference in severe maternal outcomes (death, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest), it probably increases maternal adverse effects severe enough to stop treatment. Further research is needed on the longer-term benefits and harms for children, into adolescence and adulthood. Additional studies to determine variation in effects by characteristics of women treated and magnesium sulphate regimens used, along with the generalisability of findings to low- and middle-income countries, should be considered.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Bias; Cerebral Palsy; Magnesium Sulfate; Neuroprotective Agents; Premature Birth; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tocolytic Agents
PubMed: 38726883
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004661.pub4 -
Cureus Apr 2024Infertility is encountered as a stressful condition by couples worldwide, impacting not just their physical and mental well-being but also placing financial strain on... (Review)
Review
Infertility is encountered as a stressful condition by couples worldwide, impacting not just their physical and mental well-being but also placing financial strain on them. Ayurvedic management provides a promising, cost-effective avenue for addressing infertility disorders and enhances the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF), especially after previous unsuccessful attempts. This study aims to enhance clinical evidence and expand the scope of Ayurvedic approaches for managing infertility. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus search engines for studies evaluating Ayurveda treatment modalities in infertility. Articles were searched using a combination of Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms, and the risk of bias was assessed using Robvis and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 14 studies were considered in this systematic review, involving 248 patients. Among them, 84 were males and 164 were females. Of the 14 included studies, six were original studies, whereas eight were case reports. Our research contributes to addressing a notable research gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of Ayurvedic treatments for infertility or medical conditions that lead to infertility. However, the limited sample size and lack of standardized protocols highlight the need for rigorous experimental research to establish the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic treatments for infertility.
PubMed: 38711705
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57730 -
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica May 2024The aim of this work was to explore the potential of polyphenol supplement consumption in enhancing the treatment of periodontitis and diabetes mellitus in both diabetic...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this work was to explore the potential of polyphenol supplement consumption in enhancing the treatment of periodontitis and diabetes mellitus in both diabetic animals and humans.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive search across eight databases (MEDLINE, EBSCO, Taylor & Francis, PRIMO, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect, and SAGE Journals) and two registers (ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library Trials) was conducted. Methodological quality assessment employed the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for randomised controlled trials and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation Risk of Bias Tool for experimental animal studies.
RESULTS
Ten articles meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Three clinical studies demonstrated significant reductions in probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Ginger supplementation showed a decrease in CAL (-0.57 ± 0.50 vs. -0.14 ± 0.35, p = 0.003) and PD (-0.52 ± 0.51 vs. -0.19 ± 0.51, p = 0.04), while resveratrol supplementation exhibited a reduction in PD (-1.1 ± 0.58 vs. -0.6 ± 0.47, p < 0.001). Additionally, cranberry juice supplementation led to a decrease in PD (-0.56 ± 0.03, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant improvement in inflammation status. Although polyphenol supplementation did not impact fasting blood glucose levels, it did result in improved insulin resistance (3.66 ± 0.97 vs. 4.49 ± 1.56, p = 0.045). In diabetic animals, six studies reported a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in bone loss along with marked improvements in inflammation status.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the promising results observed in the included studies, the overall evidence supporting the positive effects of polyphenols on periodontal and diabetes mellitus status, along with their anti-inflammatory properties, remains inadequate.
Topics: Polyphenols; Periodontitis; Humans; Animals; Diabetes Mellitus; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38700145
DOI: 10.2340/aos.v83.40484 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... May 2024This study aims to investigate the current evidence regarding the impact of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters of infertile men. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate the current evidence regarding the impact of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters of infertile men.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, and Cochrane electronic databases, adhering to modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The focus was on studies exploring the effects of antioxidant therapy on infertile men, with an examination of antioxidants in terms of types, doses, rationale for use, and their impact on semen parameters measures.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Out of these, 14 studies reported a significantly positive influence of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters and advanced sperm function. These comprised 11 randomized clinical trials and 7 prospective studies. Commonly utilized antioxidants included Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carnitines, co-enzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and lycopene.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, antioxidants generally demonstrate a favorable effect on semen parameters of infertile men. However, further research is necessary to pinpoint the optimal antioxidant regimen that can be applied safely and effectively in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Male; Antioxidants; Infertility, Male; Administration, Oral; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Semen Analysis; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38700012
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2024.12323 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... May 2024Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a rare condition characterized by localized pain and pruritus of the upper back, associated with a distinct area of hyperpigmentation....
BACKGROUND
Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a rare condition characterized by localized pain and pruritus of the upper back, associated with a distinct area of hyperpigmentation. Given the lack of standardized treatment and the uncertain efficacy of available options, applying procedural methods is of growing interest in treating NP.
AIMS
We sought to comprehensively evaluate the role of procedural treatments for NP.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science until November 14th, 2023. We also performed a citation search to detect all relevant studies. Original clinical studies published in the English language were included.
RESULTS
Out of 243 articles, sixteen studies have reported various procedural modalities, with or without pharmacological components, in treating NP. Pharmacological procedures, including injections of botulinum toxin, lidocaine, and corticosteroids, led to a level of improvement in case reports and case series. However, botulinum toxin did not show acceptable results in a clinical trial. Moreover, non-pharmacological procedures were as follows: physical therapy, exercise therapy, kinesiotherapy, acupuncture and dry needling, electrical muscle stimulation, surgical decompression, and phototherapy. These treatments result in significant symptom control in refractory cases. Physical therapy can be considered a first-line choice or an alternative in refractory cases.
CONCLUSION
Procedural modalities are critical in the multidisciplinary approach to NP, especially for patients who are refractory to topical and oral treatments. Procedural modalities include a spectrum of options that can be applied based on the disease's symptoms and severity.
Topics: Humans; Pruritus; Lidocaine; Paresthesia; Hyperpigmentation; Physical Therapy Modalities; Acupuncture Therapy; Botulinum Toxins; Anesthetics, Local; Exercise Therapy; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Dry Needling
PubMed: 38696233
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13723 -
Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology Apr 2024Secondary prevention with penicillin aims to prevent further episodes of acute rheumatic fever and subsequent development of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Penicillin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Secondary prevention with penicillin aims to prevent further episodes of acute rheumatic fever and subsequent development of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Penicillin allergy, self-reported by 10% of the population, can affect secondary prevention programs. We aimed to assess the role for (i) routine penicillin allergy testing and the (ii) safety of penicillin allergy delabeling approaches in this context. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, ISRCTN, and CPCI-S to identify the relevant reports. We found 2419 records, but no studies addressed our initial question. Following advice from the WHO-Guideline committee and experts, we identified 6 manuscripts on allergy testing focusing on other populations showing that the prevalence of allergy confirmed by testing was low and the incidence of life-threatening reactions to BPG was very low (< 1-3/1000 individuals treated). A subsequent search addressed penicillin allergy delabeling. This found 516 records, and 5 studies addressing the safety of direct oral drug challenge vs. skin testing followed by drug administration in patients with suspected penicillin allergy. Immediate allergic reactions of minor severity were observed for a minority of patients and occurred less frequently in the direct drug challenge group: 2.3% vs. 11.5%; RR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.15-0.45, P < 0.00001, I = 0%. No anaphylaxis or deaths were observed. Severe allergic reactions to penicillin are extremely rare and can be recognized and dealt by trained healthcare workers. Confirmation of penicillin allergy diagnosis or delabeling using direct oral drug challenge or penicillin skin testing seems to be safe and is associated with a low rate of adverse reactions.
Topics: Humans; Drug Hypersensitivity; Penicillins; Skin Tests; Practice Guidelines as Topic; World Health Organization; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38696031
DOI: 10.1007/s12016-024-08988-2 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia 2024Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hypercoagulability. It remains uncertain whether ongoing anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hypercoagulability. It remains uncertain whether ongoing anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients who later contract COVID-19 improves clinical outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
To compare chronic oral anticoagulation with no previous anticoagulation in patients with AF who contracted a COVID-19 infection concerning the outcomes of all-cause mortality, COVID-19 mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospitalization.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for eligible studies from inception to December 2022. We included studies comparing COVID-19 outcomes in patients with versus without prior chronic anticoagulation for AF. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Quality assessment and risk of bias were performed according to Cochrane recommendations.
RESULTS
Ten studies comprising 1,177,858 patients with COVID-19 and AF were identified, of whom 893,772 (75.9%) were on prior chronic anticoagulation for AF. In patients with COVID-19, being on chronic anticoagulation for AF significantly reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.99; p = 0.048; I2 = 89%) and COVID-19-related mortality (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.79; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) when compared with no prior anticoagulation. In contrast, there was no difference between groups regarding hospitalization (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.41; p = 0.587; I2 = 95%) or ICU admission (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.68 to 1.09; p = 0.216; I2 = 69%).
CONCLUSIONS
In this meta-analysis, chronic anticoagulation for patients with AF who contracted COVID-19 was associated with significantly lower rates of all-cause mortality and COVID-19-related mortality as compared with no previous anticoagulation.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; COVID-19; Anticoagulants; Hospitalization; SARS-CoV-2; Intensive Care Units
PubMed: 38695466
DOI: 10.36660/abc.20230470 -
National Journal of Maxillofacial... 2024To compare the effectiveness of pre-operative and post-operative administration of amoxicillin in patients undergoing third molar extraction surgery. A systematic search... (Review)
Review
To compare the effectiveness of pre-operative and post-operative administration of amoxicillin in patients undergoing third molar extraction surgery. A systematic search was executed according to PRISMA guidelines for studies published till December 2021. Studies were included based on the pre-eligibility criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The heterogeneity was evaluated, and a random effect model was used for meta-analysis. A total of five studies were included from an initial search of 96 studies. The included studies were randomized controlled trials and comparative studies assessing pre-operative and post-operative administration of antibiotics among patients undergoing third molar extraction surgery. For comparison between pre-operative and post-operative groups, interincisal distance, complications, pain, and swelling were systematically reviewed and meta-analysis was done for interincisal distance and complications. The mean change in interincisal distance ranged from 5.5 to 47.9 and from 4.56 to 46.1 in the pre-operative and post-operative amoxicillin groups, respectively. Complications reported were infections, alveolar osteitis, nausea, diarrhea, gastric pain, rash, and headache with a pooled incidence of 4.3-33% in the pre-operative amoxicillin group and 0-22.7% in the post-operative amoxicillin group. Quantitative synthesis of data carried out from meta-analysis shows a significant difference in the pre-operative and post-operative amoxicillin groups in improving the interincisal distance and incidence of complications post surgery. The qualitative synthesis of data derived from systematic review for pain provides favoring results for post-operative amoxicillin administration. In case of swelling, a non-conclusive result was obtained.
PubMed: 38690250
DOI: 10.4103/njms.njms_163_22 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2024The toxicity and carcinogenicity of hexavalent chromium via the inhalation route is well established. However, a scientific debate has arisen about the potential effects... (Review)
Review
The toxicity and carcinogenicity of hexavalent chromium via the inhalation route is well established. However, a scientific debate has arisen about the potential effects of oral exposure to chromium on human health. Epidemiological studies evaluating the connection between ingested chromium and adverse health effects on the general population are limited. In recent years, a wealth of biomonitoring studies has emerged evaluating the associations between chromium levels in body fluids and tissues and health outcomes. This systematic review brings together epidemiological and biomonitoring evidence published over the past decade on the health effects of the general population related to oral exposure to chromium. In total, 65 studies were reviewed. There appears to be an inverse association between prenatal chromium exposure and normal fetal development. In adults, parameters of oxidative stress and biochemical alterations increase in response to chromium exposure, while effects on normal renal function are conflicting. Risks of urothelial carcinomas cannot be overlooked. However, findings regarding internal chromium concentrations and abnormalities in various tissues and systems are, in most cases, controversial. Environmental monitoring together with large cohort studies and biomonitoring with multiple biomarkers could fill the scientific gap.
Topics: Humans; Chromium; Environmental Exposure; Female; Pregnancy; Administration, Oral
PubMed: 38673319
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040406 -
BMJ Open Apr 2024To evaluate oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, retention and adherence among female sex workers (FSWs) receiving care through community and facility delivery... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, retention and adherence among female sex workers (FSWs) receiving care through community and facility delivery models in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
We searched online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Web of Science) between January 2012 and 3 April 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDIES
Randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies and quasi-experimental studies with PrEP uptake, adherence and retention outcomes among FSWs in SSA.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Seven coders extracted data. The framework of the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group guided data synthesis. The Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. A narrative synthesis was performed to analyse the primary outcomes of PrEP uptake, adherence and retention.
RESULTS
Of 8538 records evaluated, 23 studies with 40 669 FSWs were included in this analysis. The pooled proportion of FSWs initiating PrEP was 70% (95% CI: 56% to 85%) in studies that reported on facility-based models and 49% (95% CI: 10% to 87%) in community-based models. At 6 months, the pooled proportion of FSWs retained was 66% (95% CI: 15% to 100%) for facility-based models and 83% (95% CI: 75% to 91%) for community-based models. Factors associated with increased PrEP uptake were visiting a sex worker programme (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.92; 95% CI: 1.91 to 4.46), having ≥10 clients per day (aOR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.76) and lack of access to free healthcare in government-run health clinics (relative risk: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.26).
CONCLUSIONS
A hybrid approach incorporating both facility-based strategies for increasing uptake and community-based strategies for improving retention and adherence may effectively improve PrEP coverage among FSWs.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020219363.
Topics: Humans; Sex Workers; Female; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; HIV Infections; Africa South of the Sahara; Medication Adherence; Anti-HIV Agents
PubMed: 38670600
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076545