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Frontiers in Public Health 2022There has been a significant increase in the number of systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) investigating the effects of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
There has been a significant increase in the number of systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) investigating the effects of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia (FD). To systematically collate, appraise, and synthesize the current evidence, we carried out an umbrella review of SRs/MAs.
METHODS
Systemic reviews/meta-analyses on acupuncture for FD were collected by searching major medical databases. The included studies were evaluated in terms of methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality using the criteria from the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) tool, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, respectively.
RESULTS
Ten SRs/MAs were analyzed for this study. The methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs were generally unsatisfactory. Lack of protocol registration, no list of excluded trials, or lack of a comprehensive search strategy were the main limitations. No high-quality evidence was found to support the effects of acupuncture for FD; the qualitative data synthesis relied on low quality trials with small sample sizes and was the main factor for evidence degradation.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture seems to have a promising efficacy in the treatment of FD. It provides a new and prospective therapeutic method for FD. Although the quality of the included SRs/MAs was generally low and defects were frequent, this umbrella review highlights areas where improvement in methodology is required.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Databases, Factual; Dyspepsia; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Research Report
PubMed: 35433619
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.842096 -
Microbial Pathogenesis May 2022The clinical relevance of Helicobacter heilmannii (H. heilmannii) infection in patients with upper gastrointestinal diseases is not yet fully understood. The main... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The clinical relevance of Helicobacter heilmannii (H. heilmannii) infection in patients with upper gastrointestinal diseases is not yet fully understood. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, endoscopic, histopathological, and therapeutic features of H. heilmannii.
METHODS
To retrieve the relevant studies, we conducted a comprehensive systematic search of global databases such as the ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. After confirming the studies based on the inclusion criteria statistical analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.
RESULTS
In our study, the prevalence of infection with H. heilmannii was measured at 1.9% (95% CI: 0.8-4.2). The prevalence of H. heilmannii in Asian population was higher than Western countries (3.1% vs. 1.2%, respectively). Interestingly, the frequency of coinfection with both H. pylori and H. heilmannii was 15.4% (95% CI: 5.2-37.6). The most common endoscopic findings were chronic gastritis, hyperplasia, and erosion. In addition, our results showed that in people infected with this bacterium, gastric inflammation is typically chronic, focal, and less active than Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis. Conventional treatment of H. pylori can lead to the eradication of H. heilmannii.
CONCLUSION
In general, H. heilmannii infection is significantly associated with mild chronic gastritis and can be treated with standard anti-H. pylori treatment.
Topics: Dyspepsia; Gastritis; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter heilmannii; Helicobacter pylori; Humans
PubMed: 35405277
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105518 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jun 2022Kiwifruit have known positive effects on digestion. During clinical intervention trials using kiwifruit to improve constipation, upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms...
Kiwifruit have known positive effects on digestion. During clinical intervention trials using kiwifruit to improve constipation, upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and pain, indigestion, and reflux were also alleviated. We aimed to evaluate the evidence for upper GI symptom relief by kiwifruit in clinical trials on participants with functional constipation (FC), irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), and healthy participants, and to elucidate which symptoms may be relieved and whether a difference exists between the effects of gold and green kiwifruit. We executed a systematic scoping review of 3 electronic databases from 1947 through January 2021 to identify clinical trials that reported effects of green or gold kiwifruit or kiwifruit compounds on upper GI symptoms as secondary outcomes in healthy participants or participants with FC or IBS-C. Studies were divided into those using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and those using alternative measurement tools. GSRS outcomes were pooled and statistically analyzed; non-GSRS outcomes were summarized. We identified 12 clinical trials with a total of 661 participants (124 controls, 537 receiving intervention) providing evidence for symptom relief of upper GI symptoms by kiwifruit intake. Only 5 of the 12 clinical trials used the GSRS to assess upper GI symptom relief. We found good evidence that green kiwifruit may reduce abdominal discomfort and pain, and some evidence that kiwifruit consumption may attenuate indigestion. Pooled GSRS outcome analysis indicates an average reduction of -0.85 (95% CI: -1.1, -0.57; Z = 6.1) in abdominal pain scores and -0.33 (95% CI: -0.52, -0.15; Z = -3.5) in indigestion scores with habitual kiwifruit consumption. While the number of studies reporting on upper GI symptom relief with a comparable measurement is limited, there is consistent evidence for the efficacy of kiwifruit on upper GI symptom relief. More research to strengthen the evidence is recommended.
Topics: Actinidia; Constipation; Dyspepsia; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Pain
PubMed: 35266507
DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac025 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Jun 2022Clinical trials have investigated the weight loss effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in adults with obesity without diabetes mellitus, but... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on body weight in adults with obesity without diabetes mellitus-a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.
Clinical trials have investigated the weight loss effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in adults with obesity without diabetes mellitus, but results for weight loss efficacy were varied. We aimed to provide an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis for overall weight loss effect of GLP-1 RA in adults with obesity and overweight without diabetes mellitus. We retrieved eligible randomized control trials that assessed the weight loss effect of GLP-1 RA in adults (≥18 years old) without type 1/type 2 diabetes up to September 30, 2021, using Pubmed and Embase. Of 36 clinical trials assessed for eligibility, 12 trials were included, with a combined total of 11,459 participants. Compared with control groups, a more significant weight loss was seen in GLP-1 RA groups with an overall mean difference of -7.1 kg (95% CI -9.2 to -5.0) (I = 99%). The overall analysis results showed that GLP-1 RA improved glycemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemic events. Better control of blood pressure and plasma levels of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides was seen with GLP-1 RA treatment. Subgroup analysis showed greater treatment effect of semaglutide than liraglutide. Vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain were GLP-1 RA-associated common adverse effects.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Obesity; Weight Loss
PubMed: 35194917
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13435 -
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology Apr 2022Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a functional digestive disease with limited management selection. Previous studies revealed that acupuncture therapy is effective for FD.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a functional digestive disease with limited management selection. Previous studies revealed that acupuncture therapy is effective for FD. However, because sham controls were not implemented in most clinical trials following acupuncture therapy, it is difficult to differentiate overall treatment responses from placebo. This study aims to quantify placebo responses in clinical trials in which FD patients received sham manual acupuncture (MA) and sham electroacupuncture (EA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Randomized controlled trials of MA and EA for FD patients were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, as well as 4 Chinese language databases from inception to January 2021. RevMan 5.20 software was used for pooled analysis of symptom scores and quality of life. The symptom scores were combined using standard mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The quality of included studies was tested using modified Jadad scale and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) checklist. Egger's test, Begg's test, and sensitivity analyses were conducted using Stata 11.0 statistical software. The protocol of this study is registered in PROSPERO as CRD42021233858.
RESULTS
After screening, the current systematic review included 13 randomized controlled trials, of which 8 studies were used in the meta-analysis. Regarding subjective outcomes, the combined effect of sham MA on FD symptoms was [SMD=-0.42, 95% CI (-0.72, -0.12); P=0.005], whereas sham EA treatment was [SMD=-0.54, 95% CI (-0.81, -0.27); P<0.001]. The combined effect on FD quality of life of post-sham MA group was [SMD=-0.32, 95% CI (-0.52, -0.12); P=0.002]. With regard to objective outcomes, the combined effect of sham EA on dominant frequency was [WMD=-0.11, 95% CI (-0.30, -0.08); P=0.24], while the combined effect of sham EA on dominant power was [WMD=-3.35, 95% CI (-8.04, 1.35); P=0.16].
CONCLUSIONS
Sham MA and sham EA remarkably improve symptoms and quality of life scores of FD without influencing objective outcomes, highlighting the significance of sham controls in acupuncture therapy clinical trials.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Dyspepsia; Electroacupuncture; Humans; Placebo Effect; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35180148
DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001679 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Jan 2022The prognosis of patients with untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has historically been poor. Previous studies have recommended that sildenafil was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The prognosis of patients with untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has historically been poor. Previous studies have recommended that sildenafil was beneficial, but the dose varies greatly. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of sildenafil [dose: 20 mg/three times a day (TID)] for adult Asian PAH patients.
METHODS
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang Data) were searched from their inception to January 2022. We recruited all randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of interventions that compared sildenafil (20 mg/TID) versus placebo or symptomatic treatment for adult Asian PAH patients.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies involving 480 participants were included. Compared to symptomatic treatment, sildenafil-treated patients were more likely to walk 57.68 meters further in six-minute walk distance [mean difference (MD) =57.68 m, 95% confidence interval (CI): 41.55 to 73.81], achieve an improvement in systemic arterial oxygen saturation (MD =2.48%, 95% CI: 1.26 to 3.71), and increase the score of the Borg scale for dyspnea (MD =-0.99 points, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.53). The total number of patients with World Health Organization class III and IV also exhibited a downtrend. Compared to the placebo, sildenafil was associated with a reduction in the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MD =-4.13 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.52 to -1.74) and the level of brain natriuretic peptide (MD =-86.16 pg/mL, 95% CI: -103.39 to -68.93). The most common adverse events were headache, flushing, dyspepsia, and diarrhea, which were relatively mild.
DISCUSSION
Sildenafil at a dose of 20 mg/TID is well tolerated in adult Asian PAH patients, and is associated with statistically significant improvements in exercise capacity, cardio-pulmonary function, and haemodynamic indices. The long-term prognosis still needs to be evaluated and confirmed by further trials.
Topics: Adult; Dyspnea; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Quality of Life; Sildenafil Citrate; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35144425
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-3979 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Oct 2022This study explored the link between duodenal eosinophils and mast cells in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND & AIMS
This study explored the link between duodenal eosinophils and mast cells in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).
METHODS
MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase electronic databases were searched until June 2021 for case-control studies reporting duodenal eosinophils and mast cells in FD. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio, and 95% CIs of duodenal eosinophils and mast cells in FD patients and controls were calculated, using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Twenty-two case-control studies with 1108 FD patients and 893 controls were identified. Duodenal eosinophils (SMD, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.85-1.73; P = .0001) and mast cells (SMD, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.14-3.07; P = .0001) were increased in FD patients compared with controls. Substantial heterogeneity was found (I = 93.61, P = .0001; and I = 96.69, P = .0001, respectively) and visual inspection of funnel plots confirmed publication bias. Degranulation of duodenal eosinophils was significantly higher in FD patients compared with controls (odds ratio, 3.78; 95% CI, 6.76-4.48; P = .0001), without statistically significant heterogeneity. We conducted a sensitivity analysis for duodenal eosinophils, by including only high-quality studies, and the results remained unchanged (SMD, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.06-2.40; P = .0001), with substantial heterogeneity. Postinfectious FD patients had increased duodenal eosinophils compared with controls (SMD, 3.91; 95% CI, 1.32-6.51; P = .001) and FD patients without any history of infection (SMD, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.88-1.96; P = .001). Helicobacter pylori-negative FD patients had significantly higher duodenal eosinophils compared with controls (SMD, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.13-5.84; P = .0001), with substantial heterogeneity. No significant difference in duodenal eosinophils was seen according to FD subtypes.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis suggests a link between duodenal microinflammation and FD. However, the quality of evidence is very low, largely owing to the unexplained heterogeneity and serious risk of publication bias in all comparative analyses. Thus, causality remains uncertain and further studies are required.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Duodenum; Dyspepsia; Eosinophilia; Eosinophils; Humans; Mast Cells
PubMed: 35123088
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.01.014 -
Cureus Dec 2021Functional dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by postprandial fullness or early satiety and epigastric burning or pain in the absence of... (Review)
Review
Functional dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by postprandial fullness or early satiety and epigastric burning or pain in the absence of organic disease. Acotiamide is a novel prokinetic motility drug being used in functional dyspepsia. Databases like PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, and Scopus were searched for studies comparing the use of acotiamide and placebo for people with functional dyspepsia. Quantitative synthesis was performed using RevMan 5.4 (Cochrane, London, United Kingdom). The improvement in symptoms of functional dyspepsia after treatment was higher in people treated with acotiamide than placebo, although not statistically significant (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.93 to 2.35; n = 1697; I = 59%). Among the commonly reported adverse effects, namely, raised in serum prolactin (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.61; n = 1709; I = 44%), raised in alanine transaminase (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.33; n = 1709; I = 0%), and raised in serum bilirubin (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.52 to 1.87; I = 0%) did not differ between two groups. Acotiamide seems to be a promising agent in functional dyspepsia. However, further larger studies are needed to evaluate the role of acotiamide in functional dyspepsia.
PubMed: 35070565
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20532 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2021Treating oxidative stress through antioxidant therapy has been considered an appealing strategy in the management of male infertility. However, evidence regarding the... (Review)
Review
Treating oxidative stress through antioxidant therapy has been considered an appealing strategy in the management of male infertility. However, evidence regarding the toxicity of antioxidant therapy is controversial. We summarized the available clinical evidence on the toxicity associated with the use of antioxidants in infertile males. A systematic review was performed in March 2021. We included randomized controlled trials evaluating the incidence of adverse events in male patients with infertility receiving antioxidant therapy. Thirteen studies involving 1999 male patients were identified. Antioxidant supplementation in patients with male factor infertility was associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of nausea (Odds Ratio: 2.16, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.05-4.43, = 0.036), headache (Odds Ratio: 3.05, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.59- 5.85 = 0.001), and dyspepsia (Odds Ratio: 4.12, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.43-11.85, = 0.009) compared to a placebo. Treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was not significantly higher in patients taking antioxidants compared to a placebo (Odds Ratio: 2.29, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.76-6.88, = 0.139). When antioxidant supplementation is considered, a more accurate risk/benefit analysis is warranted.
PubMed: 35052594
DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010089 -
Cureus Dec 2021is a Gram-negative microorganism that causes chronic dyspepsia, gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Various... (Review)
Review
is a Gram-negative microorganism that causes chronic dyspepsia, gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Various antibiotic regimens are employed to eradicate it; however, antibiotic resistance has skyrocketed in recent years, resulting in a reduction in eradication rates. As a result, numerous novel therapeutic approaches are being adopted in clinical practice, and probiotics are being extensively investigated. Probiotics are living bacteria that, when consumed, offer many medicinal advantages that may be accomplished by altering the amount or activity of gut flora. Their beneficial influence on gut health, immune system modulation, and cancer therapy is the subject of extensive investigation. This is owing to their perceived safety and simplicity of use. The primary objective of this review is to learn about and investigate the function of probiotics in the eradication of , either alone or in conjunction with traditional treatments. Data have been collected from PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, and relevant articles have been chosen following the PRISMA guidelines. Our search resulted in 2489 records, of which 123 full-text articles were screened for eligibility. Two reviewers independently performed the quality appraisal of 16 relevant articles, and ultimately 11 high-quality studies are included in this review. In conclusion, probiotic monotherapy does not have a significant effect on the eradication rates of , but in conjunction with standard treatment regimens, there was mild improvement in the eradication rates but a significant reduction of side effects due to antibiotics.
PubMed: 35047301
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20483