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Medicine Jul 2023To evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine formulas combined with acupuncture for the treatment of ovulation dysfunction infertility (ODI). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine formulas combined with acupuncture in the treatment of ovulation dysfunction infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine formulas combined with acupuncture for the treatment of ovulation dysfunction infertility (ODI).
METHODS
From January 1, 2018 to March 12, 2023, 7 electronic databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and CBM, were systematically searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trial studies.
RESULTS
Meta analysis showed that traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture can more effectively improve sex hormone levels compared to Western medicine alone, including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in older patients (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35-3.66; P = .024, I 2 = 28%), FSH in younger patients (SMD: 0.45; 95% CI: -0.15, 1.05; P = .03, I 2 = 71%), estradiol (E2) (SMD: 7.50; 95% CI: v0.47, 15.48; P < .00001, I 2 = 99%), and progesterone (P) (SMD: 2.20; 95% CI: 2.07-2.33; P < .00001, I 2 = 29%). Compared to Western medicine alone, traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture also had a better effect to increase ovulation rate (risk ratio [RR]: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.72-3.52; P < .00001, I 2 = 0%), pregnancy rate (RR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.96-3.18; P < .00001, I 2 = 0%), maximum follicle diameter (MFD) (SMD: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.37-3.16; P < .00001, I 2 = 91%), and endometrial thickness (SMD: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.31-2.11; P < .00001, I 2 = 87%). The combination of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture also had better effects on quality of life (RR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.15-0.23; P < .00001, I 2 = 0%) and reduced adverse reactions (RR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.05-0.48; P = .001, I 2 = 0%), compared to Western medicine alone.
CONCLUSION
This study shows evidence that traditional Chinese medicine formulas combined with acupuncture are an effective and safe treatment approach. However, this conclusion requires further confirmation due to the insufficient quality of the included trials.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Aged; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Quality of Life; Acupuncture Therapy; Infertility; Ovulation; Follicle Stimulating Hormone
PubMed: 37417606
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034310 -
Annals of Gastroenterology 2023We performed a meta-analysis to assess the benefit of bridging locoregional treatment (LRT) before liver transplantation for cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular...
Bridging locoregional treatment prior to liver transplantation for cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
We performed a meta-analysis to assess the benefit of bridging locoregional treatment (LRT) before liver transplantation for cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) already within the Milan criteria at diagnosis.
METHODS
We included original studies with HCC cases within the Milan criteria at diagnosis, comparing patients with and without bridging LRT before liver transplantation.
RESULTS
Twenty-six retrospective original studies were included. Out of the 9068 patients within the Milan criteria, 6435 (71%) received bridging LRT and 2633 (29%) did not. The most frequent LRTs were transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, and microwave ablation. Most of the patient and tumor characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Maximum tumor diameter on scans was slightly larger in the LRT arm (mean difference: 0.36 cm, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.61; =79%). The LRT group also had multifocal disease slightly more frequently (risk ratio [RR] 1.21, 95%CI 1.04-1.41; =0%) and disease extent outside the Milan criteria (RR 1.3, 95%CI 1.03-1.66; =0%) on pathological examination of explanted livers. There was no difference between the 2 arms in the waiting time for transplant, dropout rates, disease-free survival at 1, 3, 5 years after transplant, or overall survival at 3 and 5 years after transplant. However, cases with LRT had better overall survival at 1 year after transplant (hazard ratio 0.54, 95%CI 0.35-0.86; =0%).
CONCLUSIONS
The precise benefit of bridging LRT for cirrhotic patients with HCC within the Milan criteria at diagnosis is unclear. There may be an advantage regarding short-term overall survival after liver transplantation.
PubMed: 37396004
DOI: 10.20524/aog.2023.0812 -
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics Jul 2023Despite the variability in glenoid sizes geographically, most of the currently available commercial glenoid component designs are based on the glenoid parameters of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Despite the variability in glenoid sizes geographically, most of the currently available commercial glenoid component designs are based on the glenoid parameters of the Caucasian population which may not be suitable for the Indian population due to a mismatch between the prosthesis and native anatomy. The aim of the present study is to systematically review the literature to determine the average glenoid anthropometric parameters in the Indian population.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines in the PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases from the date of inception to May 2021. Any observational study conducted on the Indian population measuring the glenoid diameters, glenoid index, version, inclination, or any other glenoid measurements were included in the review.
RESULTS
A total of 38 studies were included in this review. The glenoid parameters were assessed on intact cadaveric scapulae in 33 studies, on 3DCT in three studies, and 2DCT in one study. The pooled average of glenoid dimensions are as the following- the superoinferior diameter or height was 34.65 mm, anteroposterior1 diameter or maximum width was 23.72 mm, anteroposterior2 diameter or maximum width of the upper part of the glenoid was 17.05 mm, the glenoid index was 67.88, and the glenoid version was 1.75-degree retroversion. Males were having a mean height of 3.65 mm and maximum width of 2.74 mm larger than the females. A subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference between different parts of India in glenoid parameters.
CONCLUSION
The glenoid dimensions in the Indian population are smaller compared to the average European and American populations. The average glenoid maximum width of the Indian population is 1.3 mm smaller than the minimum glenoid baseplate size available in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Glenoid components specific to the Indian market need to be designed to reduce glenoid failure attributable to the above findings.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III.
PubMed: 37384007
DOI: 10.1007/s43465-023-00885-8 -
Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect in the elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Heart (British Cardiac Society) Nov 2023Despite the establishment of transcatheter closure as the treatment of choice in adults with secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs), the effectiveness of this approach in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Despite the establishment of transcatheter closure as the treatment of choice in adults with secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs), the effectiveness of this approach in the elderly is disputed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the impact of transcatheter ASD closure in patients ≥60 years old.
METHODS
We systematically searched four major electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Scopus and Web of Science), ClinicalTrials.gov, article references and grey literature. Primary outcomes were the right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD) and the New York Heart Association functional class change, whereas secondary outcomes included systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) change, as well as the rate of atrial arrhythmias and all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
In total, 18 single-arm cohorts comprising 1184 patients were included. RVEDD was reduced after ASD closure (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.9, 95% CI -1.2 to -0.7). Elderly patients had 9.5 times higher odds of being asymptomatic after ASD closure (95% CI 5.06 to 17.79). Furthermore, ASD closure improved sPAP (mean difference (MD) -10.8, 95% CI -14.6 to -7), LVEDD (SMD 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.0), TR severity (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.60) and BNP (MD -68.3, 95% CI -114.4 to -22.1). There was a neutral effect of ASD closure on atrial arrhythmias.
CONCLUSIONS
Transcatheter ASD closure is beneficial for the elderly population since it improves functional capacity, biventricular dimensions, pulmonary pressures, TR severity and BNP. However, the incidence of atrial arrhythmias did not change significantly after the intervention.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022378574.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Aged; Middle Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial; Cardiac Catheterization; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37380331
DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2023-322529 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice May 2023The most effective treatment method for meningiomas is surgical treatment. However, complete resection of cavernous sinus meningiomas is quite difficult. The biggest...
BACKGROUND
The most effective treatment method for meningiomas is surgical treatment. However, complete resection of cavernous sinus meningiomas is quite difficult. The biggest reasons for this are; narrow surgical corridor, the optic chiasm is the close relationship between the cranial nerves and anterior cerebral and internal carotid arteries. Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) may be a good option in these lesions with high mortality and morbidity.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the early effects at a mean of 6 months and 3 years and outcomes between surgery followed by gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and GKRS alone for cavernous sinus meningiomas.
METHODS
We included 20 patients with cavernous sinus meningioma treated via single fraction Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion (Elekta Instruments; Stockholm, Sweden) between 2015 and 2018. The mean age of the patients was 54.95 (range: 32-77) years. Nine patients underwent primary surgery (for the resection of extracavernous components of the tumor) followed by GKRS (for the resection of intracavernous components of the tumor) (group A). Meanwhile, 11 patients were managed with GKRS alone (group B). The tumor volume ranged from 2.8 to 32.8 (mean: 14.76) cm3 and the isodose to the tumor margin from 10 to 13.5 (mean: 11.65) Gy.
RESULTS
In total, 20 patients were followed up at a mean time of 18.95 (range: 6-36) months. The mean Karnofsky Performance Score of the patients was 95.2%. The mean follow up times of groups A and B were 23.6 and 15 months, respectively. Meanwhile, only patients with a follow up time of at least 6 months were included in the study. The mean follow up time after GKRS in group A was 17.6 months. There was no change in the tumor volume in 15% of patients. In the remaining cases, the tumor volume decreased. The mean tumor regression rates were 82.2% in Group A and 17.7% in Group B. The tumor volume did not decrease in three patients (n = 1, group A and n = 2, group B). Cranial nerve deficits improved, worsened, and remained stable in 46.6%, 26.6%, and 26.6% of cases, respectively. The temporary morbidity rate was 10%. In group A, transient postoperative diabetes insipidus was observed in one patient and atelectasis in another. None of these complications affected the final status of patients. The mortality rate after treatment was 0%.
CONCLUSION
Volume staged GKRS is safe and effective for cavernous sinus meningioma. GKRS is effective for long term tumor growth control and has a low complication rate. Hence, it is the preferred management strategy for tumors with a suitable volume (average tumor diameter: 3 cm or volume: 10 cm3 ). In tumors with a volume of more than 10 mL and/or without a 3 mm safety margin with the optical system, it is recommended to prepare for radiosurgery by cytoreducing the tumor volume surgically. Based on our opinion, the best results were obtained by GKRS to the intracavernous.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Meningioma; Meningeal Neoplasms; Radiosurgery; Cavernous Sinus; Treatment Outcome; Follow-Up Studies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37357468
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_2033_21 -
The British Journal of Oral &... Jul 2023Evidence is limited on whether titanium-zirconium alloy, narrow-diameter implants (Ti-Zr NDIs) have promising clinical outcomes when used to support single crowns. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Evidence is limited on whether titanium-zirconium alloy, narrow-diameter implants (Ti-Zr NDIs) have promising clinical outcomes when used to support single crowns. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate clinical evidence, including survival rates, success rates, and marginal bone loss (MBL) on Ti-Zr NDIs that support single crowns. An extensive search was performed in the databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published in English up to April 2022. Only peer-reviewed clinical studies with at least 10 patients and a follow-up time of at least 12 months were included. Risk of bias in each study was assessed and data extraction was carried out independently by two reviewers. The outcome variables were survival rates, success rates, and MBL. The search returned 779 results. Eight studies were identified for qualitative analysis and seven for quantitative synthesis. Overall, a total of 256 Ti-Zr NDIs were included. Cumulative implant survival rates and success rates were 97.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 94.5% to 98.9%) and 97.2% (95% CI: 94.2% to 98.7%), respectively, over a maximum follow-up period of 36 months, with no difference between Ti-Zr NDIs and commercial pure titanium (cpTi) implants. Cumulative mean (SD) MBL was 0.44 (0.04) mm (95% CI: 0.36 to 0.52) after one year. Meta-analysis of MBL indicated a mean difference of 0.02 mm (95% CI: -0.23 to 0.10), with no differences between Ti-Zr NDIs and cpTi implants. Short-term results of Ti-Zr NDIs for single-crown restorations are quite promising, although the number of published studies and follow-up periods are insufficient to determine the real benefit for single crowns. Long-term, follow-up clinical studies are needed to verify the excellent clinical performance of Ti-Zr NDIs.
Topics: Humans; Titanium; Zirconium; Dental Prosthesis Design; Alloys; Crowns; Dental Implants; Dental Restoration Failure
PubMed: 37331853
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2023.05.005 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2023Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep breathing disorder characterized by the collapse of the pharyngeal walls that entails recurrent episodes of... (Review)
Review
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep breathing disorder characterized by the collapse of the pharyngeal walls that entails recurrent episodes of cessation of breathing or decrease in airflow while sleeping. This results in sleep fragmentation, decreased oxygen saturation and an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, causing excessive daytime sleepiness, hypertension and increased prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) represent a valid alternative therapy to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, thrusting the mandible forward, increasing the lateral diameter of the pharynx and reducing the collapsibility of the airway. Several investigations have focused on the detection of the best mandibular advancement amount in terms of effectiveness and tolerance, but few and contrasting data are available on the role of occlusal bite raise in reducing the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). The aim of this systematic review with meta-regression analysis was to investigate the effect of the bite raise of MAD on AHI values in adult patients affected by OSA. An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, Scopus, Web of Science and LILACS. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating the effectiveness of MAD in OSA patients were included. The quality of evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and the risk of bias with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2). Six RCT were included. The success rate of each study was computed: (mean baseline AHI - mean post treatment AHI)/mean baseline AHI. The GRADE scores indicated that the quality of evidence was very low. The meta-regression analysis showed that there was no correlation between the occlusal bite raise and the AHI improvement.
PubMed: 37297814
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113619 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Jun 2023In recent years, the incidence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing annually, and cardiovascular complications secondary to diabetes mellitus have become the leading... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
In recent years, the incidence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing annually, and cardiovascular complications secondary to diabetes mellitus have become the leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Considering the high incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) combined with cardiovascular disease (CVD), some new hypoglycemic agents with cardiovascular protective effects have attracted extensive attention. However, the specific role of these regimens in ventricular remodeling remains unknown. The purpose of this network meta-analysis was to compare the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) on ventricular remodeling in patients with T2DM and/or CVD.
METHODS
Articles published prior to 24 August 2022 were retrieved in four electronic databases: the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a small number of cohort studies. The differences in mean changes of left ventricular ultrasonic parameters between the treatment and control groups were compared.
RESULTS
A total of 31 RCTs and 4 cohort studies involving 4322 patients were analyzed. GLP-1RA was more significantly associated with improvement in left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) [MD = -0.38 mm, 95% CI (-0.66, -0.10)] and LV mass index (LVMI) [MD = -1.07 g/m, 95% CI (-1.71, -0.42)], but significantly decreased e' [MD = -0.43 cm/s 95% CI (-0.81, -0.04)]. DPP-4i was more strongly associated with improvement in e' [MD = 3.82 cm/s, 95% CI (2.92,4.7)] and E/e'[MD = -5.97 95% CI (-10.35, -1.59)], but significantly inhibited LV ejection fraction (LVEF) [MD = -0.89% 95% CI (-1.76, -0.03)]. SGLT-2i significantly improved LVMI [MD = -0.28 g/m, 95% CI (-0.43, -0.12)] and LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) [MD = -0.72 ml, 95% CI (-1.30, -0.14)] in the overall population, as well as E/e' and SBP in T2DM patients combined with CVD, without showing any negative effect on left ventricular function.
CONCLUSION
The results of the network meta-analysis provided high certainty to suggest that SGLT-2i may be more effective in cardiac remodeling compared to GLP-1RA and DPP-4i. While GLP-1RA and DPP-4i may have a tendency to improve cardiac systolic and diastolic function respectively. SGLT-2i is the most recommended drug for reversing ventricular remodeling in this meta-analysis.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Hypoglycemic Agents; Network Meta-Analysis; Protease Inhibitors; Ventricular Remodeling
PubMed: 37296380
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03324-6 -
Przeglad Menopauzalny = Menopause Review Mar 2023A possible cause for acute abdomen is haemoperitoneum resulting from the rupture of an ovarian tumour. Here we discuss a case of spontaneous haemoperitoneum caused by... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
A possible cause for acute abdomen is haemoperitoneum resulting from the rupture of an ovarian tumour. Here we discuss a case of spontaneous haemoperitoneum caused by granulosa cell tumour (GCT) rupture in a postmenopausal woman.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We present a systematic review of the current literature to draw attention to this rare gynaecological complication and provide guidance about the most appropriate management.
RESULTS
Eight case reports and one retrospective study were identified. A total of 11 patients were analysed in this review including the present case report. The first case was described in 1948, while the last one was in 2019. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 years. All cases were treated with primary surgery. The mean diameter of the masses was 10.1 cm.
DISCUSSION
We found endometrial pathology in 45% of the cases, of which 4 (36%) were associated with postmenopausal bleeding. The presentation of GCT is not always in the form of overt endocrine disturbance but can onset (10-15%) with acute abdomen.
CONCLUSIONS
Granulosa cell tumour should remain in the differential diagnosis of all patients presenting with acute abdomen and imaging suspicious for gynaecological malignancy originating from the ovary.
PubMed: 37206680
DOI: 10.5114/pm.2023.126399 -
PloS One 2023The incidence of heart failure (HF) is increasing year by year, posing a great threat to human health. Although pharmacotherapy has been able to significantly prolong... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The incidence of heart failure (HF) is increasing year by year, posing a great threat to human health. Although pharmacotherapy has been able to significantly prolong patient survival, pharmacotherapy for HF still has limitations due to its complex pathogenesis and considerable individual variability, there is a great need to explore complementary and alternative therapies to slow down the progression of HF. Danshen decoction is used to treat several cardiovascular diseases including HF, but the efficacy of stabilization is uncertain. This meta-analysis evaluated the clinical efficacy of Danshen Decoction for the treatment of HF.
METHODS
The registration number assigned to this meta-analysis on the PROSPERO platform is CRD42022351918. Four databases were searched, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Danshen decoction combined with conventional treatment (CT) of HF were screened, CT included medical treatments other than Danshen Decoction to which the patient was treated (including but not limited to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, β-blockers, diuretics, mineralcorticoid recept antagonist etc.). The clinical efficacy rate (CER), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were included as outcome indicators. The GRADE grading scale was used to grade the above indicators. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Jadad quality scale were used to assess the methodological quality of RCTs. Finally, RevMan V.4.5 software was used for data synthesis, 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous data, risk ratios (RR), and mean differences (MD) for continuous variables were calculated, Chi-square and I2 were used for heterogeneity assessment.
RESULTS
Nine RCTs with a total of 855 patients were included in this study, and all included RCTs had a low overall quality risk of bias and high quality of reported information. The results of the meta-analysis showed that compared with the use of CT, CER (%) was significantly improved due to Danshen decoction combined with CT (MD = 3.95, 95% CI [2.58, 6.04], P < 0.00001), LVEF (%) was significantly improved (MD = 5.46, 95% CI [5.32, 5.60], P < 0.00001), LVEDD (mm) was significantly reduced (MD = -5.27, 95% CI [-6.21, -4.32], P < 0.00001), LVESD (mm) was significantly reduced (MD = -4.60, 95% CI [-5.87, -3.32], P < 0.00001), BNP (pg/mL) was significantly reduced (MD = -88.61, 95% CI [-121.98, -55.24], P < 0.00001), NT-proBNP (pg/mL) was significantly decreased (SMD = -3.33, 95% CI [-5.92, -0.73], P = 0.01), hs-CRP (mg/L) was significantly decreased (MD = -2.73, 95% CI [-4.11, -1.34], P = 0.0001). The quality of the GRADE evidence for all outcomes was moderate to low and no RCTs reported adverse events.
CONCLUSION
Our research demonstrates that Danshen decoction is an effective and safe treatment option for HF. Nevertheless, considering the limitations of methodological and the quality of RCTs, more rigorous, large-scale, multicenter randomized clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of Danshen decoction in the treatment of HF patients.
Topics: Humans; Salvia miltiorrhiza; C-Reactive Protein; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Heart Failure; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37146072
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284877