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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jan 2024Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) targeted by the World Health Organization for elimination as a public health problem (EPHP). Since 2000,...
BACKGROUND
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) targeted by the World Health Organization for elimination as a public health problem (EPHP). Since 2000, more than 9 billion treatments of antifilarial medicines have been distributed through mass drug administration (MDA) programmes in 72 endemic countries and 17 countries have reached EPHP. Yet in 2021, nearly 900 million people still required MDA with combinations of albendazole, diethylcarbamazine and/or ivermectin. Despite the reliance on these drugs, there remain gaps in understanding of variation in responses to treatment. As demonstrated for other infectious diseases, some urgent questions could be addressed by conducting individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses. Here, we present the results of a systematic literature review to estimate the abundance of IPD on pre- and post-intervention indicators of infection and/or morbidity and assess the feasibility of building a global data repository.
METHODOLOGY
We searched literature published between 1st January 2000 and 5th May 2023 in 15 databases to identify prospective studies assessing LF treatment and/or morbidity management and disease prevention (MMDP) approaches. We considered only studies where individual participants were diagnosed with LF infection or disease and were followed up on at least one occasion after receiving an intervention/treatment.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We identified 138 eligible studies from 23 countries, having followed up an estimated 29,842 participants after intervention. We estimate 14,800 (49.6%) IPD on pre- and post-intervention infection indicators including microfilaraemia, circulating filarial antigen and/or ultrasound indicators measured before and after intervention using 8 drugs administered in various combinations. We identified 33 studies on MMDP, estimating 6,102 (20.4%) IPD on pre- and post-intervention clinical morbidity indicators only. A further 8,940 IPD cover a mixture of infection and morbidity outcomes measured with other diagnostics, from participants followed for adverse event outcomes only or recruited after initial intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
The LF treatment study landscape is heterogeneous, but the abundance of studies and related IPD suggest that establishing a global data repository to facilitate IPD meta-analyses would be feasible and useful to address unresolved questions on variation in treatment outcomes across geographies, demographics and in underrepresented groups. New studies using more standardized approaches should be initiated to address the scarcity and inconsistency of data on morbidity management.
Topics: Humans; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Prospective Studies; Filaricides; Diethylcarbamazine; Albendazole; Ivermectin
PubMed: 38227595
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011882 -
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports Mar 2024This systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis used random-effects models is conducted to determine whether there are differences in the efficacy,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
This systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis used random-effects models is conducted to determine whether there are differences in the efficacy, acceptability, tolerability, and safety profiles of brexpiprazole (BRE) and aripiprazole (ARI) for Japanese with major depressive disorder (MDD) who were inadequately responsive to antidepressants.
METHODS
Outcome measures were scores on the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (primary), the Clinical Global Impression severity scale, and social functioning scale; the non-response rate; the non-remission rate; all-cause discontinuation; discontinuation due to adverse events (DAE); at least one adverse event (1AE); serious adverse event, akathisia; tremor; weight gain.
RESULTS
A literature search identified three double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. These comprised one BRE study (with a 1 mg/day [BRE1] and a 2 mg/day [BRE2]) and two ARI studies (with a 3 mg/day arm and a flexible-dose arm[within the dosage range approved in Japan]) (n = 1736). Both BRE and ARI demonstrated better efficacy than the placebo. BRE but not ARI had a higher DAE than the placebo. ARI but not BRE had a higher 1AE than the placebo. BRE and ARI had a higher risk of akathisia and weight gain than the placebo. There were no significant differences between BRE and ARI for any of the outcomes. Although BRE1 had good efficacy, it carried risk of weight gain. Although BRE2 also had efficacy, it carried risks of DAE, akathisia, and weight gain. However, the risk of akathisia in BRE2 was reduced by an initial dose of 0.5 mg/day rather than 1.0 mg/day.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall BRE showed similar utility to ARI and a good risk-benefit balance.
Topics: Humans; Aripiprazole; Depressive Disorder, Major; Japan; Psychomotor Agitation; Network Meta-Analysis; Weight Gain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thiophenes; Quinolones
PubMed: 38219278
DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12414 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023As a popular antidiabetic drug, teneligliptin has been used for over 10 years, but its efficacy and safety have rarely been systematically evaluated. Therefore, a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
As a popular antidiabetic drug, teneligliptin has been used for over 10 years, but its efficacy and safety have rarely been systematically evaluated. Therefore, a Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing teneligliptin with placebo or active comparators in T2DM patients for at least 12 weeks were included in the study. Data analysis was performed using R 4.2.3 and Stata 17.0 software. Each outcome was presented as a mean difference (MD) or an odds ratio (OR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve value (SUCRA).
RESULTS
A total of 18 RCTs with 3,290 participants with T2DM were included in this study. Generally, compared to placebo, sitagliptin, vildagliptin, metformin, and bromocriptine, 20 mg of teneligliptin showed better efficacy in reducing HbA1c (MD [95% CI], -0.78 [-0.86 to -0.70], -0.08 [-0.36 to 0.19], -0.04 [-0.72 to 0.60], -0.12 [-0.65 to 0.42], and -0.50 [-0.74 to -0.26], respectively) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (MD [95% CI], -18.02 [-20.64 to -15.13], 1.17 [-9.39 to 11.70], -8.06 [-30.95 to 14.35], -2.75 [-18.89 to 13.01], and -34.23 [-45.93 to -22.96], respectively), and 40 mg of teneligliptin also showed better efficacy in reducing HbA1c (MD [95% CI], -0.84 [-1.03 to -0.65], -0.15 [-0.49 to 0.19], -0.10 [-0.81 to 0.57], -0.18 [-0.76 to 0.39], and -0.56 [-0.88 to -0.26], respectively) and FPG (MD [95% CI], -20.40 [-26.07 to -14.57], -1.20 [-13.21 to 10.38], -10.43 [-34.16 to 12.65], -5.13 [-22.21 to 11.66], and -36.61 [-49.33 to -24.01], respectively). Compared to placebo, 20 mg of teneligliptin showed no significant difference in incidences of hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal adverse events (OR [95% CI], 1.30 [0.70 to 2.19] and 1.48 [0.78 to 2.98], respectively), and 40 mg of teneligliptin showed no significant difference in incidence of hypoglycemia (OR [95% CI], 2.63 [0.46 to 8.10]). Generally, antidiabetic effect and hypoglycemia risk of teneligliptin gradually increased as its dose increased from 5 mg to 40 mg. Compared to 20 mg of teneligliptin, 40 mg of teneligliptin showed superior efficacy and no-inferior safety, which was considered as the best option in reducing HbA1c, FPG, and 2h PPG and increasing proportion of the patients achieving HbA1c < 7% (SUCRA, 85.51%, 84.24%, 79.06%, and 85.81%, respectively) among all the included interventions.
CONCLUSION
Compared to sitagliptin, vildagliptin, metformin, bromocriptine, and placebo, teneligliptin displayed favorable efficacy and acceptable safety in treating T2DM. Twenty milligrams or 40 mg per day was the optimal dosage regimen of teneligliptin. The results of this study will provide important evidence-based basis for rational use of teneligliptin and clinical decision-making of T2DM medication.
Topics: Humans; Bromocriptine; Glycated Hemoglobin; Network Meta-Analysis; Vildagliptin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Metformin; Sitagliptin Phosphate; Hypoglycemic Agents; Hypoglycemia
PubMed: 38189048
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1282584 -
Medicine Dec 2023A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) were conducted to explore the efficacy and safety of different antiplatelet or anticoagulation drugs in chronic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) were conducted to explore the efficacy and safety of different antiplatelet or anticoagulation drugs in chronic coronary syndromes patients.
METHODS
Electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases) were systematically searched to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating different antiplatelet or anticoagulation drugs (aspirin, aspirin + clopidogrel, aspirin + clopidogrel + cilostazol, clopidogrel/prasugrel + aspirin, aspirin + rivaoxaban 2.5 mg, aspirin + ticagrelor 60 mg, aspirin + ticagrelor 90 mg, clopidogrel or rivroxaban 5 mg) versus placebo for treatment chronic coronary syndromes patients. Outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events, all cause death, major bleeding and myocardial infarction. A random-effect Bayesian NMA was conducted for outcomes of interest, and results were presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals. The NMA was performed using R Software with a GeMTC package. A Bayesian NMA was performed and relative ranking of agents was assessed using surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities.
RESULTS
Ten randomized controlled trials met criteria for inclusion and finally included in this NMA. In head-to-head comparison, no significant difference was observed between all antithrombotic treatment strategies with respect to primary endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events. In head-to-head comparison, no significant difference was observed between all antithrombotic treatment strategies with respect to all cause death. Clopidogrel/prasugrel + aspirin (OR = 3.8, 95% credible intervals [CrI]: 1.3-12.0, P < .05) and aspirin + rivaroxaban 2.5 mg (OR = 3.1, 95%CrI: 1.1-9.5, P < .05) was associated with an increase of the major bleeding. Compared with aspirin alone, aspirin + clopidogrel (OR = 0.42, 95%CrI: 0.22-0.76, P < .05) and aspirin + ticagrelor 90 mg (OR = 0.42, 95%CrI: 0.17-0.95, P < .05) was associated with a decrease of the myocardial infarction.
CONCLUSIONS
Myocardial infarction was significantly lower when adding clopidogrel or ticagrelor 90 mg to aspirin than those in the aspirin alone group. However, clopidogrel/prasugrel and rivaroxaban 2.5 mg was associated with an increase of the major bleeding than aspirin alone.
Topics: Humans; Clopidogrel; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Ticagrelor; Prasugrel Hydrochloride; Rivaroxaban; Network Meta-Analysis; Bayes Theorem; Fibrinolytic Agents; Aspirin; Myocardial Infarction; Hemorrhage; Anticoagulants; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38050293
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036429 -
Current Psychiatry Reports Nov 2023Despite clear evidence that sex differences largely impact the efficacy and tolerability of antipsychotic medication, current treatment guidelines for schizophrenia... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Despite clear evidence that sex differences largely impact the efficacy and tolerability of antipsychotic medication, current treatment guidelines for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) do not differentiate between men and women. This review summarizes the available evidence on strategies that may improve pharmacotherapy for women and provides evidence-based recommendations to optimize treatment for women with schizophrenia.
RECENT FINDINGS
We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for peer-reviewed studies on three topics: (1) sex differences in dose-adjusted antipsychotic serum concentrations, (2) hormonal augmentation therapy with estrogen and estrogen-like compounds to improve symptom severity, and (3) strategies to reduce antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Based on three database studies and one RCT, we found higher dose-adjusted concentrations in women compared to men for most antipsychotics. For quetiapine, higher concentrations were specifically found in older women. Based on two recent meta-analyses, both estrogen and raloxifene improved overall symptomatology. Most consistent findings were found for raloxifene augmentation in postmenopausal women. No studies evaluated the effects of estrogenic contraceptives on symptoms. Based on two meta-analyses and one RCT, adjunctive aripiprazole was the best-studied and safest strategy for lowering antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Evidence-based recommendations for female-specific pharmacotherapy for SSD consist of (1) female-specific dosing for antipsychotics (guided by therapeutic drug monitoring), (2) hormonal replacement with raloxifene in postmenopausal women, and (3) aripiprazole addition as best evidenced option in case of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Combining these strategies could reduce side effects and improve outcome of women with SSD, which should be confirmed in future longitudinal RCTs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Aged; Antipsychotic Agents; Schizophrenia; Aripiprazole; Hyperprolactinemia; Raloxifene Hydrochloride; Estrogens
PubMed: 37864676
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01460-6 -
Medicine Sep 2023Atypical antipsychotic (AAP) augmentation is an alternative strategy for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who had an inadequate response to antidepressant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparative efficacy and safety of 4 atypical antipsychotics augmentation treatment for major depressive disorder in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Atypical antipsychotic (AAP) augmentation is an alternative strategy for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who had an inadequate response to antidepressant therapy (ADT). We aimed to compare and rank the efficacy and safety of 4 AAPs in the adjuvant treatment of MDD.
METHODS
We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published and unpublished from the date of databases and clinical trial websites inception to April 30, 2023. The evidence risk of bias (RoB) and certainty are assessed using the Cochrane bias risk tool and grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) framework, respectively. Using network meta-analysis, we estimated summary risk ratios (RRs) or standardized mean difference (SMD) based on the random effects model.
RESULTS
56 eligible studies comprising 11448 participants were included. In terms of primary efficacy outcome, compared with placebo (PBO), all AAPs had significant efficacy (SMD = -0.40; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.12 for quetiapine (QTP); -0.35, -0.59 to -0.11 for olanzapine (OLA); -0.28, -0.47 to -0.09 for aripiprazole (ARI) and -0.25, -0.42 to -0.07 for brexpiprazole (BRE), respectively). In terms of acceptability, no significant difference was found, either agents versus agents or agents versus PBO. In terms of tolerability, compared with the PBO, QTP (RR = 0.24; 95% CI,0.11-0.53), OLA (0.30,0.10-0.55), ARI (0.39,0.22-0.69), and BRE (0.37,0.18-0.75) were significantly less well tolerated. 8 (14.2%) of 56 trials were assessed as low RoB, 38 (67.9%) trials had moderate RoB, and 10 (17.9%) had high RoB; By the GRADE, the certainty of most evidence was low or very low.
CONCLUSION
Adjuvant AAPs had significant efficacy compared with PBO, but treatment decisions must be made to balance the risks and benefits.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Depressive Disorder, Major; Antipsychotic Agents; Network Meta-Analysis; Quetiapine Fumarate; Aripiprazole; Olanzapine; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic
PubMed: 37746943
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034670 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Sep 2023Novel disease-specific and mechanism-based treatments sharing good evidence of efficacy for migraine have been recently marketed. However, reimbursement by insurers... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Novel disease-specific and mechanism-based treatments sharing good evidence of efficacy for migraine have been recently marketed. However, reimbursement by insurers depends on treatment failure with classic anti-migraine drugs. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to identify and rate the evidence for efficacy of flunarizine, a repurposed, first- or second-line treatment for migraine prophylaxis.
METHODS
A systematic search in MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed for trials of pharmacological treatment in migraine prophylaxis, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). Eligible trials for meta-analysis were randomized, placebo-controlled studies comparing flunarizine with placebo. Outcomes of interest according to the Outcome Set for preventive intervention trials in chronic and episodic migraine (COSMIG) were the proportion of patients reaching a 50% or more reduction in monthly migraine days, the change in monthly migraine days (MMDs), and Adverse Events (AEs) leading to discontinuation.
RESULTS
Five trials were eligible for narrative description and three for data synthesis and analysis. No studies reported the predefined outcomes, but one study assessed the 50% reduction in monthly migraine attacks with flunarizine as compared to placebo showing a benefit from flunarizine with a low or probably low risk of bias. We found that flunarizine may increase the proportion of patients who discontinue due to adverse events compared to placebo (risk difference: 0.02; 95% CI -0.03 to 0.06).
CONCLUSIONS
Published flunarizine trials predate the recommended endpoints for evaluating migraine prophylaxis drugs, hence the lack of an adequate assessment for these endpoints. Further, modern-day, large-scale studies would be valuable in re-evaluating the efficacy of flunarizine for the treatment of migraines, offering additional insights into its potential benefits.
Topics: Humans; Flunarizine; Headache; Migraine Disorders; Migraine with Aura; Research Design; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 37723437
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01657-3 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Feb 2024The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 083/084 trials showed up to 88% increased efficacy of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus continuous oral tenofovir...
BACKGROUND
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 083/084 trials showed up to 88% increased efficacy of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus continuous oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC). However, CAB-LA's high price limits the number of people who can be treated within fixed prevention budgets. Global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention budgets are highly limited, with TDF/FTC widely available as a low-cost generic. In randomized clinical trials, event-driven TDF/FTC has shown similar preventive efficacy to continuous TDF/FTC.
METHODS
A systematic review of global HIV incidence studies was conducted. Weighted incidence was calculated in each at-risk population. HIV infection rates were evaluated for 5 prevention strategies, with additional HIV testing, education, and service access costs assumed for each ($18 per person per year). Assumed efficacies were 90% (continuous CAB-LA), 60% (continuous TDF/FTC), and 60% (event-driven TDF/FTC). Using weighted incidence and an assumed 100 000 target population, annual HIV infection rates by population were calculated for each prevention strategy.
RESULTS
Ninety-eight studies in 5 230 189 individuals were included. Incidence per 100 person-years ranged from 0.03 (blood donors) to 3.82 (people who inject drugs). Using the number needed to treat to benefit for each strategy, a mean incidence of 2.6 per 100 person-years in at-risk populations, and a 100 000 target population, current-price continuous CAB-LA cost $949 487 per HIV infection successfully prevented, followed by target-price CAB-LA ($11 453), continuous TDF/FTC ($4231), and event-driven TDF/FTC ($1923).
CONCLUSIONS
High prices of CAB-LA limit numbers treatable within fixed budgets. Low-cost event-driven TDF/FTC consistently prevents the most HIV infections within fixed budgets.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Incidence; Adenine; Organophosphonates; Deoxycytidine; Tenofovir; Emtricitabine; Anti-HIV Agents; HIV-1; Costs and Cost Analysis; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Pyridones; Diketopiperazines
PubMed: 37665213
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad537 -
Drugs in R&D Sep 2023At present, the therapies of dilated cardiomyopathy concentrated on the symptoms of heart failure and related complications. The study is to evaluate the clinical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
At present, the therapies of dilated cardiomyopathy concentrated on the symptoms of heart failure and related complications. The study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a combination of various conventional and adjuvant drugs in treating dilated cardiomyopathy via network meta-analysis.
METHODS
The study was reported according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. From inception through 27 June 2022, the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials on medicines for treating dilated cardiomyopathy. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane risk of bias assessment. R4.1.3 and Revman5.3 software were used for analysis.
RESULTS
There were 52 randomized controlled trials in this study, with a total of 25 medications and a sample size of 3048 cases. The network meta-analysis found that carvedilol, verapamil, and trimetazidine were the top three medicines for improving left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Ivabradine, bucindolol, and verapamil were the top 3 drugs for improving left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD). Ivabradine, L-thyroxine, and atorvastatin were the top 3 drugs for improving left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD). Trimetazidine, pentoxifylline, and bucindolol were the top 3 drugs for improving the New York Heart Association classification (NYHA) cardiac function score. Ivabradine, carvedilol, and bucindolol were the top 3 drugs for reducing heart rate (HR).
CONCLUSION
A combination of different medications and conventional therapy may increase the clinical effectiveness of treating dilated cardiomyopathy. Beta-blockers, especially carvedilol, can improve ventricular remodeling, cardiac function, and clinical efficacy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Hence, they can be used if patients tolerate them. If LVEF and HR do not meet the standard, ivabradine can also be used in combination with other treatments. However, since the quality and number of studies in our research were limited, large sample size, multi-center, and high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to corroborate our findings.
Topics: Humans; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Carvedilol; Ivabradine; Stroke Volume; Trimetazidine; Network Meta-Analysis; Ventricular Function, Left; Verapamil; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37556093
DOI: 10.1007/s40268-023-00435-5 -
European Review For Medical and... Sep 2023Currently, there is no evidence to support trimetazidine (TMZ) administration aimed at enhancing physical performance or post-exercise recovery in healthy individuals or...
OBJECTIVE
Currently, there is no evidence to support trimetazidine (TMZ) administration aimed at enhancing physical performance or post-exercise recovery in healthy individuals or athletes from the general and athletic populations, respectively. Considering the lack of empirical data, from a scientific and practical perspective, it would be interesting to review research with high methodological quality that examines the effects of TMZ on healthy individuals and athletes from various age groups.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data sources included English articles that were initially searched by keywords utilizing PubMed, Scopus databases, and the Cochrane Library and published prior to November 2022. Thus, a systematic review of the scientific literature was performed with a traditional PRISMA methodology. An initial keyword search found 2,673 publications, and further screening selected 66 articles, of which only two articles met the inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Two trials examining the effect of TMZ on healthy members of the general population that were published in 2017 and 2019 were analyzed. Publications examining athletes were not recruited for this analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Currently, there are no data reporting a positive effect of TMZ on physical performance, post-exercise recovery, or other health parameters in members of the general population, while its administration is associated with the development of relatively common adverse effects.
Topics: Humans; Trimetazidine; Sports; Health Status
PubMed: 37522701
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202309_33160