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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2011Diarrhoeal disorders and acute respiratory infections (ARIs), especially pneumonia, are the most common causes of death in low-income countries. Studies evaluating the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Diarrhoeal disorders and acute respiratory infections (ARIs), especially pneumonia, are the most common causes of death in low-income countries. Studies evaluating the impact of zinc supplementation as an adjunct in the management of pneumonia are limited and have shown variable results.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate zinc supplementation, as an adjunct to antibiotics, in the treatment (clinical recovery) of pneumonia in children aged two to 59 months.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 1), which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) Group's and the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group's Specialised Registers, MEDLINE (1950 to March week 2, 2011), EMBASE (1974 to March 2011), CINAHL (1981 to March 2011), LILACS (1985 to March 2011), AMED (1985 to March 2011), CAB Abstracts (1910 to March 2011) and Web of Science (2000 to March 2011).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised control trials (RCTs) evaluating supplementation of zinc as an adjunct to antibiotics for pneumonia in children aged two to 59 months.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and screened all available titles and abstracts for inclusion. If the relevance could not be ascertained by screening the title and abstract, we retrieved and reviewed the full text of the article.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four trials in which 3267 children aged two to 35 months participated. Analysis showed that zinc supplementation in addition to standard antibiotic therapy in children with severe and non-severe pneumonia failed to show a statistically significant effect on clinical recovery (risk ratio (RR) 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93 to 1.11). Similary, zinc supplementation in children with severe pneumonia, as an adjunct to standard antibiotic therapy, did not show a statistically significant effect on clinical recovery measured as resolution of tachypnoea (respiratory rate > 50 breaths per minute) (RR 1.13; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.57) and cessation of chest indrawing (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.31) as compared to the control group. Zinc supplementation in children with severe pneumonia also showed a non-significant effect on the duration of hospitalization stay as compared to the control (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.22).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Evidence provided in this review is insufficient to recommend the use of zinc as an adjunct to standard antibiotic therapy for pneumonia in children aged two to 35 months.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child, Preschool; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Infant; Length of Stay; Pneumonia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Respiratory Rate; Zinc; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 21975768
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007368.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2016Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children younger than five years of age. Most deaths occur during infancy and in low-income countries. Daily... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children younger than five years of age. Most deaths occur during infancy and in low-income countries. Daily zinc supplements have been reported to prevent acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and reduce child mortality. This is an update of a review first published in 2010.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of zinc supplementation in the prevention of pneumonia in children aged two to 59 months.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL (Issue 21 October 2016), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2016), Embase (1974 to October 2016), LILACS (1982 to October 2016), CINAHL (1981 to October 2016), Web of Science (1985 to October 2016) and IMSEAR (1980 to October 2016).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating zinc supplementation for the prevention of pneumonia in children aged from 2 months to 59 months.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
We did not identify any new studies for inclusion in this update. We included six studies that involved 5193 participants.Analysis showed that zinc supplementation reduced the incidence of pneumonia by 13% (fixed-effect risk ratio (RR) 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 0.94, six studies, low-quality evidence) and prevalence of pneumonia by 41% (random-effects RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.99, one study, n = 609, low-quality evidence). On subgroup analysis, we found that zinc reduced the incidence of pneumonia defined by specific clinical criteria by 21% (i.e. confirmation by chest examination or chest radiograph) (fixed-effect RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.0.71 to 0.88, four studies, n = 3261), but had no effect on lower specificity pneumonia case definition (i.e. age-specific fast breathing with or without lower chest indrawing) (fixed-effect RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.06, four studies, n = 1932).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Zinc supplementation in children is associated with a reduction in the incidence and prevalence of pneumonia.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Gluconates; Humans; Infant; Pneumonia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Zinc Acetate; Zinc Compounds; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 27915460
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005978.pub3 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine decoction as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic nephropathy in systematic...
Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine decoction as an adjuvant treatment for diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine decoction as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic nephropathy in systematic evaluations. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases, covering the period from January 2013 to July 2023. The search was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted within the past decade that investigated the use of TCM decoction as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic nephropathy. The control group received western medicine treatment, while the intervention group received TCM decoction in addition to the conventional treatment. Endnote and Excel were employed for literature management and data organization, and Revman 5.3 and Stata 16 software were used for the analyses. 66 RCTs involving 6,951 participants were included in this study. The clinical efficacy of TCM decoction as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic nephropathy was found to be significantly higher than that of the control group (OR = 3.12, 95% CI [2.70, 3.60], I = 0%, < 0.00001). The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between the intervention group and the control group (OR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.60, 1.48], I = 0%, = 0.94). According to the secondary outcomes of renal function and blood glucose indicators, the intervention group showed better therapeutic efficacy compared to the control group. The most frequently used TCM categories were tonifying medicine, blood-activating medicine, astringent medicine, diuretic medicine, heat-clearing medicine, and laxative medicine. Among them, the top five frequently used Chinese medicine were [Fabaceae; Astragali mongholici radix](58 times), [Lamiaceae; Radix et rhizoma salviae miltiorrhizae] (42 times), [Dioscoreaceae; Dioscoreae rhizoma] (38 times), [Polyporaceae; Poria] (38 times), and [Cornaceae; Corni fructus] (35 times). The combined use of TCM decoction with western medicine in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy can enhance clinical effectiveness and 2 This is a provisional file, not the final typeset article achieve superior therapeutic effects in comparison to western medicine alone, without significant risks. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier [CRD42022529144].
PubMed: 38783937
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1327030 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2018Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin, resulting in abnormal red blood cells. These are rigid and may block blood vessels leading to acute painful... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin, resulting in abnormal red blood cells. These are rigid and may block blood vessels leading to acute painful crises and other complications. Recent research has focused on therapies to rehydrate the sickled cells by reducing the loss of water and ions from them. Little is known about the effectiveness and safety of such drugs. This is an updated version of a previously published review.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the relative risks and benefits of drugs to rehydrate sickled red blood cells.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register. We also searched online trials registries for any ongoing trials (01 July 2018).Last search of the Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 08 October 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials of drugs to rehydrate sickled red blood cells compared to placebo or an alternative treatment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Both authors independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed study quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
Of the 51 studies identified, three met the inclusion criteria, including 524 people with sickle cell disease aged between 12 and 65 years of age. One study tested the effectiveness of zinc sulphate as compared to placebo and the remaining two assessed senicapoc versus placebo. No deaths were seen in any of the studies (low-quality evidence). The zinc sulphate study showed a significant reduction in painful crises (in a total of 145 participants) over one and a half years, mean difference -2.83 (95% confidence interval -3.51 to -2.15) (moderate-quality evidence). However, analysis was restricted due to limited statistical data. Changes to red blood cell parameters and blood counts were inconsistent (very low-quality evidence). No serious adverse events were noted in the study. The Phase II dose-finding study of senicapoc (a Gardos channel blocker) compared to placebo showed that the high dose senicapoc showed significant improvement in change in hemoglobin level, the number and proportion of dense red blood cells, red blood cell count and indices and hematocrit value (very low-quality evidence). The results with low-dose senicapoc were similar to the high-dose senicapoc group but of lesser magnitude. There was no difference in the frequency of painful crises between the three groups (low-quality evidence). A subsequent Phase III study of senicapoc was terminated early since there was no difference observed between the treatment and control groups in the primary end point of painful crises.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
While the results of zinc for reducing sickle-related crises are encouraging, larger and longer-term multicenter studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy for people with sickle cell disease.While the Phase II and the prematurely terminated phase III studies of senicapoc showed that the drug improved red blood cell survival (depending on dose), this did not lead to fewer painful crises.Given this is no longer an active area of research, this review will no longer be regularly updated.
Topics: Acetamides; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Antisickling Agents; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Dehydration; Early Termination of Clinical Trials; Erythrocyte Aging; Erythrocytes; Humans; Piracetam; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Trityl Compounds; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 30338520
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003426.pub6 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2013Haemoglobinopathies, inherited disorders of haemoglobin synthesis (thalassaemia) or structure (sickle cell disease), are responsible for significant morbidity and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Haemoglobinopathies, inherited disorders of haemoglobin synthesis (thalassaemia) or structure (sickle cell disease), are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The WHO estimates that, globally, 5% of adults are carriers of a haemoglobin condition, 2.9% are carriers of thalassaemia and 2.3% are carriers of sickle cell disease. Carriers are found worldwide as a result of migration of various ethnic groups to different regions of the world. Zinc is an easily available supplement and intervention programs have been carried out to prevent deficiency in people with thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia. It is important to evaluate the role of zinc supplementation in the treatment of thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia to reduce deaths due to complications.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect of zinc supplementation in the treatment of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Date of most recent search: 01 February 2013.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised, placebo-controlled trials of zinc supplements for treating thalassaemia or sickle cell disease administered at least once a week for at least a month.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors assessed the eligibility and risk of bias of the included trials, extracted and analysed data and wrote the review. We summarised results using risk ratios or rate ratios for dichotomous data and mean differences for continuous data. We combined trial results where appropriate.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified nine trials for inclusion with all nine contributing outcome data. Two trials reported on people with thalassaemia (n = 152) and seven on sickle cell anaemia (n = 307).In people with thalassaemia, in one trial, the serum zinc level value showed no difference between the zinc supplemented group and the control group, mean difference 47.40 (95% confidence interval -12.95 to 107.99). Regarding anthropometry, in one trial, height velocity was significantly increased in patients who received zinc supplementation for one to seven years duration, mean difference 3.37 (95% confidence interval 2.36 to 4.38) (total number of participants = 26). In one trial, however, there was no difference in body mass index between treatment groups.Zinc acetate supplementation for three months (in one trial) and one year (in two trials) (total number of participants = 71) was noted to increase the serum zinc level significantly in patients with sickle cell anaemia, mean difference 14.90 (95% confidence interval 6.94 to 22.86) and 20.25 (95% confidence interval 11.73 to 28.77) respectively. There was no significant difference in haemoglobin level between intervention and control groups, at either three months (one trial) or one year (one trial), mean difference 0.06 (95% confidence interval -0.84 to 0.96) and mean difference -0.07 (95% confidence interval -1.40 to 1.26) respectively. Regarding anthropometry, one trial showed no significant changes in body mass index or weight after one year of zinc acetate supplementation. In patients with sickle cell disease, the total number of sickle cell crises at one year were significantly decreased in the zinc sulphate supplemented group as compared to controls, mean difference -2.83 (95% confidence interval -3.51 to -2.15) (total participants 130), but not in zinc acetate group, mean difference 1.54 (95% confidence interval -2.01 to 5.09) (total participants 22). In one trial at three months and another at one year, the total number of clinical infections were significantly decreased in the zinc supplemented group as compared to controls, mean difference 0.05 (95% confidence interval 0.01 - 0.43) (total number of participants = 36), and mean difference -7.64 (95% confidence interval -10.89 to -4.39) (total number of participants = 21) respectively.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
According to the results, there is no evidence from randomised controlled trials to indicate any benefit of zinc supplementation with regards to serum zinc level in patients with thalassaemia. However, height velocity was noted to increase among those who received this intervention.There is mixed evidence on the benefit of using zinc supplementation in people with sickle cell disease. For instance, there is evidence that zinc supplementation for one year increased the serum zinc levels in patients with sickle cell disease. However, though serum zinc level was raised in patients receiving zinc supplementation, haemoglobin level and anthropometry measurements were not significantly different between groups. Evidence of benefit is seen with the reduction in the number of sickle cell crises among sickle cell patients who received one year of zinc sulphate supplementation and with the reduction in the total number of clinical infections among sickle cell patients who received zinc supplementation for both three months and for one year.The conclusion is based on the data from a small group of trials,which were generally of good quality, with a low risk of bias. The authors recommend that more trials on zinc supplementation in thalassaemia and sickle cell disease be conducted given that the literature has shown the benefits of zinc in these types of diseases.
Topics: Anemia, Sickle Cell; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Hemoglobin A; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thalassemia; Zinc; Zinc Acetate; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 23807756
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009415.pub2