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RMD Open Jun 2024To understand (1) what guidance exists to assess the methodological quality of qualitative research; (2) what methods exist to grade levels of evidence from qualitative...
Synthesis of guidance available for assessing methodological quality and grading of evidence from qualitative research to inform clinical recommendations: a systematic literature review.
OBJECTIVE
To understand (1) what guidance exists to assess the methodological quality of qualitative research; (2) what methods exist to grade levels of evidence from qualitative research to inform recommendations within European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR).
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed in multiple databases including PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, COCHRANE and PsycINFO, from inception to 23 October 2020. Eligible studies included primary articles and guideline documents available in English, describing the: (1) development; (2) application of validated tools (eg, checklists); (3) guidance on assessing methodological quality of qualitative research and (4) guidance on grading levels of qualitative evidence. A narrative synthesis was conducted to identify key similarities between included studies.
RESULTS
Of 9073 records retrieved, 51 went through to full-manuscript review, with 15 selected for inclusion. Six articles described methodological tools to assess the quality of qualitative research. The tools evaluated research design, recruitment, ethical rigour, data collection and analysis. Seven articles described one approach, focusing on four key components to determine how much confidence to place in findings from systematic reviews of qualitative research. Two articles focused on grading levels of clinical recommendations based on qualitative evidence; one described a qualitative evidence hierarchy, and another a research pyramid.
CONCLUSION
There is a lack of consensus on the use of tools, checklists and approaches suitable for appraising the methodological quality of qualitative research and the grading of qualitative evidence to inform clinical practice. This work is expected to facilitate the inclusion of qualitative evidence in the process of developing recommendations at EULAR level.
Topics: Humans; Qualitative Research; Research Design; Evidence-Based Medicine; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 38886002
DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-004032 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024To evaluate the methodological quality, report quality, and evidence quality of meta-analysis (MA) and systematic review (SR) on the efficacy of probiotics in the...
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the methodological quality, report quality, and evidence quality of meta-analysis (MA) and systematic review (SR) on the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
METHODS
Databases were used to identify eligible SRs/MAs until February 12, 2024. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using AMSTAR-2 tool, the quality of the literature reports was scored using PRISMA checklists, and the quality of the evidence was graded using GRADE system.
RESULTS
Seven reviews including 21 outcomes were included. Methodological quality of the included reviews was of general low, and the entries with poor scores were 2, 4, and 7. By PRISMA checklists, there were some reporting deficiencies, and quality problems were mainly reflected in the reporting registration and protocol, comprehensive search strategy and additional analysis. GRADE results elevated the quality of evidence to be low or very low overall.
CONCLUSIONS
Probiotics may have a therapeutic effect on RA, based on the evidence provided by the SRs/MAs in this overview. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of conclusive evidence due to methodological limitations in the included research. To make trustworthy judgments regarding the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of RA, more large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are still required.
Topics: Probiotics; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Meta-Analysis as Topic
PubMed: 38873605
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397716 -
Journal of ISAKOS : Joint Disorders &... Jun 2024Orthobiologics has seen a renaissance over the last decade as an adjunct therapy during osteotomy due to the limited inherent regenerative potential of damaged... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Orthobiologics has seen a renaissance over the last decade as an adjunct therapy during osteotomy due to the limited inherent regenerative potential of damaged intraarticular tissues.
AIM OR OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to present the latest evidence regarding using orthobiologics with simultaneous high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for knee osteoarthritis. The results of this study may guide surgeons to improve their clinical results and clear the air regarding confusion over whether or not to add orthobiologics to HTO in clinical practice backed by scientific evidence.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
According to PRISMA guidelines a systematic search for relevant literature was performed in the PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases of all studies published in English from January 1990 to May 2023. The following search terms were entered into the title, abstract, and keyword fields: "knee" or "osteotomy" AND "valgus" or "varus" AND "regenerative medicine" or "PRP" or "mesenchymal stem cells" or "stem cells" or "BMAC" or "bone marrow" or "growth factors" or "umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell" or "stromal vascular fraction". The AMSTAR-2 checklist was used to confirm the quality of the systematic review. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective comparative cohort studies, case-control studies, and case series were included. Studies that reported clinical outcomes in patients treated with knee osteotomy for varus/valgus knee with concomitant adjunction of regenerative treatment [Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC), Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived (HUCBD), Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), stromal vascular fraction (SVF)] were included. The outcome measures extracted from the studies were the KOOS score, Lysholm score, Subjective IKDC, WOMAC Score, KSS, Tegner, HSS, radiographic tibiofemoral angle, posterior tibial slope and complications. The current systematic review is registered in the PROSPERO Registry (CRD42023439379).
FINDINGS
Osteotomy for unicompartmental arthritis with adjunction of orthobiologics such as PRP, ADSC, HUCBD, MSC, BMAC, and SVF presents a consistent statistically significant clinical improvement compared to preoperative scores regardless of the treatment modality used and there were no notable complications associated with the use of these novel agents.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Orthobiologics and knee osteotomies could improve outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis desiring Knee preservation surgeries. However, only a few studies are available on the topic to conclude anything with certainty, the patients included in the studies could not be disintegrated based on the grade of osteoarthritis (OA), type, dosage and frequency of administration of orthobiologic and type of additional surgical procedures used. Therefore, better-structured RCTs are required to implement this finding into routine Orthopaedic practice.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 4.
PubMed: 38851324
DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2024.06.001 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Jun 2024Posttraumatic wrist osteoarthritis is an irreversible and often progressive condition. Many surgical treatments, used in (daily) practice, aim to relieve symptoms like...
BACKGROUND
Posttraumatic wrist osteoarthritis is an irreversible and often progressive condition. Many surgical treatments, used in (daily) practice, aim to relieve symptoms like pain and restore function. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the patient reported and functional outcomes of the most common surgical interventions in patients with posttraumatic wrist osteoarthritis. This overview can help clinicians select the best treatment and manage patient's expectations.
METHODS
A literature search was performed in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane for articles published between 1990 and November 2022 according to the PRISMA guidelines. The study protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42017080427). Studies that describe patient reported outcomes (pain and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) -score) and functional outcomes (range of motion (ROM) and grip strength) after surgical intervention with a minimal follow-up of 1 year were included. The identified surgical procedures included denervation, proximal row carpectomy, interpositional- and total arthroplasty, and midcarpal-, radiocarpal- and total arthrodesis. The pre-and postoperative outcomes were pooled and presented per salvage procedure.
RESULTS
Data from 50 studies was included. Pain score improved after all surgeries except denervation. Flexion/extension decreased after radiocarpal arthrodesis, did not show significant changes after proximal row carpectomy, and improved for all other surgeries. DASH score improved after arthroplasty, proximal row carpectomy and midcarpal arthrodesis. Grip strength improved after interposition arthroplasty and partial arthrodesis.
CONCLUSION
Evidence from this review did not support the indication for denervation in this particular patient population. In patients with SLAC/SNAC II, proximal row carpectomy might be favourable to a midcarpal arthrodesis solely based on better FE ROM of the radiocarpal joint after proximal row carpectomy. In terms of radiocarpal mobility, total wrist arthroplasty might be preferred to radiocarpal arthrodesis in patients with osteoarthritis after a distal radius fracture. More uniform measurements of outcomes would improve the understanding of the effect of surgical treatments of the posttraumatic osteoarthritic wrist.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis; Wrist Joint; Range of Motion, Articular; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Salvage Therapy; Arthrodesis; Hand Strength; Treatment Outcome; Wrist Injuries; Recovery of Function; Denervation
PubMed: 38849773
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07527-6 -
Physical independence and related factors among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2024Adopting a physically active lifestyle is advocated as a strategy to prevent loss of physical independence and support healthy aging. This study aimed to evaluate the...
BACKGROUND
Adopting a physically active lifestyle is advocated as a strategy to prevent loss of physical independence and support healthy aging. This study aimed to evaluate the physical independence and related factors among older adults.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted through electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database from the earliest to 1 April 2022. Two researchers independently extracted information from the studies and evaluated the quality of the studies. The analysis was conducted using CMA program version 3, and each study's importance was determined based on its inverse variance.
RESULTS
Five thousand seven hundred thirty-three older adults participated in this review in six studies. All evaluated studies had high quality. The mean score of physical independence in older adults was 20.07 (SE=0.76) out of 24 (95% CI: 18.58-21.56; =98.573%; <0.001). Physical activity is very important for physical independence and reduces the risk of physical dependence in older adults. Other factors, such as sex, BMI, age, abnormal performance, timed performance, sufficiently active, muscle function, handgrip strength, lower extremity function, lower body strength, maximal isometric knee extension power, lung function, aerobic endurance, sedentary time, agility, and the prevalence of arthritis, had a significant relationship with physical independence in older adults.
CONCLUSION
Older adults demonstrate favourable levels of physical independence. Notably, physical activity emerges as a significant determinant positively associated with such independence. Thus, policymakers and administrators are encouraged to strategize the creation of conducive environments for walking and exercise among older adults.
PubMed: 38846859
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002100 -
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics Jul 2024Septic arthritis of any joint is an orthopaedic emergency which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The knee is the commonest joint afflicted, and the primary...
PURPOSE
Septic arthritis of any joint is an orthopaedic emergency which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The knee is the commonest joint afflicted, and the primary objective of any treatment is complete source control. This commonly takes the form of antibiotic therapy and a washout of the infected joint by means of arthroscopy or arthrotomy. The primary aim of this review is to investigate if arthroscopic washout for native knee septic arthritis confers a lower risk of repeat procedure than arthrotomy.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of the MEDLINE, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Library data bases. The primary outcome of interest was requirement for repeat washout with all-cause complications, length of inpatient stay and mortality secondary outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 17,140 subjects were included for analysis of the primary outcome, and the overall rate of repeat procedure was 14.6%. No statistical difference was found between arthroscopy and arthrotomy for repeat washout (risk ratio 0.86 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.72-1.02], = 36%). Eligible studies found in favour of arthroscopy for all-cause complication rate (risk ratio 0.75 [95% CI: 0.6-0.93], = 84%) and length of stay in hospital (mean difference -1.98 days [95% CI: -3.43 to -0.53], = 84%). No statistical difference was found for the mortality rate (risk ratio 1.17 [95% CI: 0.52-2.63], = 57%).
CONCLUSION
Our analysis found arthroscopy and open arthrotomy to be equivocal for repeat surgical washout in native knee septic arthritis. All-cause complication rate and length of inpatient stay were favourable for arthroscopy with no difference noted between mortality rates.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III.
PubMed: 38846377
DOI: 10.1002/jeo2.12041 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the quality and extent of evidence on associations between personality disorders (PDs) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)...
INTRODUCTION
We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the quality and extent of evidence on associations between personality disorders (PDs) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in population-based studies, since these disorders are leading causes of disease burden worldwide.
METHODS
A search strategy of published, peer-reviewed and gray literature was developed in consultation with a liaison librarian and implemented for Embase, CINAHL Complete, Medline Complete, and PsycINFO via the EBSCOhost platform from 1990 to the present and CORDIS and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, respectively. The inclusion criteria were as follows: I) general population participants aged ≥15 years; II) self-report, probable PD based on positive screen, or threshold PD according to the DSM-IV/5 (groupings: any, Clusters A/B/C, specific PD) or ICD-10/11; III) MSDs identified by self-report or ICD criteria (arthritis, back/neck conditions, fibromyalgia, osteopenia/osteoporosis) and III) cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional study designs. Two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted the data. Critical appraisal was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists for systematic reviews of etiology and risk. A descriptive synthesis presents the characteristics of included studies, critical appraisal results, and descriptions of the main findings. This review adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.
RESULTS
There were 11 peer-reviewed, published articles included in this review (n = 9 cross-sectional and n = 2 case-control studies); participants were ≥18 years in these studies. No published gray literature was identified. Semi-structured interviews were the most common method to ascertain PDs; all studies utilized self-reported measures to identify MSDs. Overall, we detected limited and conflicting evidence for associations between PDs and MSDs.
DISCUSSION
The main result may be explained by lack of population-based longitudinal evidence, heterogenous groupings of PD, and few comparable cross-sectional and case-control studies. Strengths of the review include a comprehensive search strategy and a discussion of mechanisms underlying possible associations between PDs and MSDs.
CONCLUSIONS
The quality of most studies included in this review that examined associations between PD and MSDs in general population adults was high. However, the results demonstrated limited and conflicting evidence for these associations, in part, due to lack of comparable evidence, which should be addressed in future research.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021243094.
PubMed: 38835544
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1288874 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Aug 2024Drug-induced dermatomyositis (DIDM) is a rare and underestimated variant of dermatomyositis (DM) characterized by muscle damage and skin rash and related to certain drug... (Review)
Review
Drug-induced dermatomyositis (DIDM) is a rare and underestimated variant of dermatomyositis (DM) characterized by muscle damage and skin rash and related to certain drug exposure. The spectrum of drugs causing DIDM has evolved over time, originally implicating hydroxyurea, penicillamine, and statins as causative agents. Tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors have also been associated with such conditions. To bridge the gap between current literature and clinical practice, and therefore guide clinicians, we conducted a comprehensive review of English literature from Pubmed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. Our analysis included demographic data, clinical features, laboratory findings, therapeutic outcomes, and extant research pertaining to the probable pathogenesis of DIDM induced by various drugs. Furthermore, we categorized the drugs involved in DIDM cases into biologics and traditional agents for subsequent statistical analysis. Over time, there has been a gradual accumulation of reported DIDM cases. A total of 69 published DIDM cases were documented in our study, among which 33 should be attributed to biologics and the remaining 36 to traditional drugs. Interestingly, 41 of all DIDM cases had a previous history of malignancies. Additionally, DIDM cases exhibited similar cutaneous and muscular manifestations to classic DM, with the exception of cases induced by hydroxyurea, which did not entail muscle damage. Positive antinuclear antibodies and anti-TIF1-γ autoantibodies have been predominantly observed in biologics-induced cases, while positive anti-TIF1-γ antibodies were merely reported in the cases that were primarily diagnosed with malignant diseases and exposed to ICIs afterwards. Anti-TIF1-γ antibodies may potentially serve as a red flag in the identification of co-existing malignant diseases in DM patients. We also provided a comprehensive summary and exploration of potential mechanisms lying behind drug-induced dermatomyositis. In conclusion, our review consolidates the current literature on DIDM, highlighting the evolving spectrum of medications and elucidating the differences in clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Dermatomyositis; Humans; Biological Products
PubMed: 38833729
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152478 -
The Journal of Rheumatology Jun 2024Concerns regarding offering radiotherapy to patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) stem from the potential worsening of SSc manifestations and radiotherapy toxicity. We...
OBJECTIVE
Concerns regarding offering radiotherapy to patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) stem from the potential worsening of SSc manifestations and radiotherapy toxicity. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy on SSc outcomes and radiotherapy-related toxicity.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for SSc and radiotherapy. Inclusion criteria were SSc diagnosis, subsequent cancer development, and radiotherapy exposure. Outcomes were SSc manifestations (cutaneous thickening, pulmonary fibrosis, and SSc flare) and radiotherapy toxicity (acute and late) using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events for grading. Grade 1 and 2 toxicities were categorized as nonsevere and grade 3 to 5 toxicities as severe.
RESULTS
Of 121 patients with SSc undergoing radiotherapy (mean age 56.4 years, 83.3% female, median radiotherapy dose 50 Gy), most did not show worsened SSc skin thickening (74.5%) or pulmonary complications (74%) post radiotherapy. In retrospective studies, the average rates of acute adverse effects were 57.3% for nonsevere and 25.8% for severe, whereas the rates of late adverse effects were 32.4% for nonsevere and 24% for severe.
CONCLUSION
Although most patients with SSc do not exhibit significant worsening of SSc manifestations post radiotherapy, there is a variable risk of acute and late toxicity. These findings suggest that although radiotherapy may be a viable option for patients with cancer with SSc, it requires caution.
PubMed: 38825361
DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.2023-1235 -
Gastroenterology May 2024More than half of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) recur within 12 months after curative-intent resection. This systematic review and meta-analysis was...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
More than half of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) recur within 12 months after curative-intent resection. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify all reported prognostic factors for early recurrence in resected PDACs.
METHODS
After a systematic literature search, a meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model. Separate analyses were performed for adjusted vs unadjusted effect estimates as well as reported odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool, and evidence was rated according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendations.
RESULTS
After 2,903 abstracts were screened, 65 studies were included. Of these, 28 studies (43.1%) defined early recurrence as evidence of recurrence within 6 months, whereas 34 (52.3%) defined it as evidence of recurrence within 12 months after surgery. Other definitions were uncommon. Analysis of unadjusted ORs and HRs revealed 41 and 5 prognostic factors for early recurrence within 6 months, respectively. When exclusively considering adjusted data, we identified 25 and 10 prognostic factors based on OR and HR, respectively. Using a 12-month definition, we identified 38 (OR) and 15 (HR) prognostic factors from unadjusted data and 38 (OR) and 30 (HR) prognostic factors from adjusted data, respectively. On the basis of frequency counts of adjusted data, preoperative carbohydrate antigen 9-9, N status, nondelivery of adjuvant therapy, grading, and tumor size based on imaging were identified as key prognostic factors for early recurrence.
CONCLUSIONS
Reported prognostic factors of early recurrence vary considerably. Identified key prognostic factors could aid in the development of a risk stratification framework for early recurrence. However, prospective validation is necessary.
PubMed: 38825047
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.028