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Respiratory Care Feb 2020Signs and symptoms of asthma are well established; however, no study has been performed to rank them. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Signs and symptoms of asthma are well established; however, no study has been performed to rank them. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the pooled frequencies of different signs and symptoms of asthma in subjects age ≥ 14 y to develop a patient-specific questionnaire.
METHODS
Specific search queries were developed to include records published in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, until November 2016. We planned to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies for determining the pooled proportions of signs and symptoms and association between combination of symptoms and asthma severity in subjects age ≥ 14 y. The quality assessment was performed using 3 parameters: reported number or percentage of subjects with asthma symptoms, respiratory disorder history, and method for data collection.
RESULTS
Of the 4,939 records retrieved, 67 observational studies ( = 57,033 subjects; age ≥ 14 y) were considered eligible for inclusion in the analysis. A total of 10 symptoms were reported across the studies, with pooled proportions of nasal congestion, sleep disturbances, breathlessness, chest tightness, and wheezing being 61.57%, 56.56%, 50.31%, 50.41%, and 46.97%, respectively. In records of medical history, the pooled proportion of rhinitis was 76.37%, followed by allergy/atopy at 63.53%. The pooled proportion of asthma medication use was 83.27%. In terms of the symptom combinations, the combination of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough was reported in 71.26% of subjects from 4 studies ( = 12,014 subjects). Nasal congestion, sleep disturbance, and chest tightness were the most common symptoms of asthma, followed by wheezing and breathlessness with a combination of symptoms (ie, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough) affecting the highest proportion of subjects.
CONCLUSIONS
Asthma severity was dependent on variety of symptoms, consisting mostly of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough. On the basis of our analysis, we recommend a combination of symptoms be included in diagnostic-based questionnaires to aid early diagnosis.
Topics: Asthma; Cough; Dyspnea; Humans; Quality of Life; Respiratory Sounds; Sleep Wake Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 31662445
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.06714 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood May 2001To assess the occurrence of infantile colic in the community and the need for professional help; and to study the influences of potential determinants of infantile colic. (Review)
Review
AIMS
To assess the occurrence of infantile colic in the community and the need for professional help; and to study the influences of potential determinants of infantile colic.
METHODS
Surveys were identified by a systematic search in Medline (1966-98) and Embase (1988-98). Retrieved publications were checked for references. Studies selected were community based, prospective, and retrospective surveys on the occurrence of infantile colic published in English, German, French, or Dutch. Occurrence rates were calculated as percentages. Methodological quality of the surveys was assessed by two assessors independently with a standardised criteria list containing items on method of data gathering, definition of colic, and drop out rate.
RESULTS
Fifteen community based surveys were identified. The methodological quality varied considerably and was generally low. Even the two most methodologically sound prospective studies yielded widely varying cumulative incidence rates of 5-19%. Referral rates or the need to seek help because of crying were consistently lower than occurrence rates for prolonged crying as such. Gender, socioeconomic class, type of feeding, family history of atopy, and parental smoking were not shown to be associated with colic.
CONCLUSION
Occurrence rates of infantile colic vary greatly according to methodological quality. A considerable number of parents reporting prolonged crying do not seek or need professional help.
Topics: Colic; Crying; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Male; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Referral and Consultation; Retrospective Studies; Sex Distribution
PubMed: 11316682
DOI: 10.1136/adc.84.5.398 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Jul 2011Maternal supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) may modulate immune responses and allergy in neonates and children. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Maternal supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) may modulate immune responses and allergy in neonates and children.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation reduces risk for childhood allergic disease.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched Medline and all evidence-based medicine reviews for randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of n-3 PUFA and placebo supplementation during pregnancy and/or lactation on childhood allergic diseases and inflammatory cytokines.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included studies reporting on food allergy, response to the egg skin prick test (SPT), atopy and asthma in infancy and childhood as well as production of interleukin-13 and interferon-gamma, two cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. For assessment of inclusion, two authors reviewed all abstracts for suitability and independently extracted data.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two-by-two tables were constructed and odds ratios (OR) were calculated for the outcomes: response to the SPT, food allergy, atopy and asthma in childhood. The assays differed so data on inflammatory markers were reported in narrative form.
MAIN RESULTS
Five randomised controlled trials (n = 949) were included. n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy reduced 12-month prevalence of positive egg SPT (two trials, 12/87 versus 32/100, OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16, 0.70) and childhood asthma (two trials, 10/303 versus 17/179, OR 0.349, 95% CI 0.154, 0.788) and significantly reduced cord blood interleukin-13 levels. Supplementation during lactation did not prevent asthma, food allergy or atopy.
CONCLUSION
n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy decreases childhood asthma and response to SPT.
Topics: Asthma; Biomarkers; Breast Feeding; Dermatitis, Atopic; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Female; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Infant, Newborn; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-13; Odds Ratio; Perinatal Care; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Skin Tests
PubMed: 21658192
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02846.x -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2020Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common complication of athletes and individuals who exercise regularly. It is estimated that about 90% of patients with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common complication of athletes and individuals who exercise regularly. It is estimated that about 90% of patients with underlying asthma (a sexually dimorphic disease) experience EIB; however, sex differences in EIB have not been studied extensively. With the goal of better understanding the prevalence of EIB in males and females, and because atopy has been reported to occur at higher rates in athletes, in this study, we investigated sex differences in EIB and atopy in athletes. A systematic literature review identified 60 studies evaluating EIB and/or atopy in post-pubertal adult athletes ( = 7501). Collectively, these studies reported: (1) a 23% prevalence of EIB in athletes; (2) a higher prevalence of atopy in male vs. female athletes; (3) a higher prevalence of atopy in athletes with EIB; (4) a significantly higher rate of atopic EIB in male vs. female athletes. Our analysis indicates that the physiological changes that occur during exercise may differentially affect male and female athletes, and suggest an interaction between male sex, exercise, and atopic status in the course of EIB. Understanding these sex differences is important to provide personalized management plans to athletes with underlying asthma and/or atopy.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asthma, Exercise-Induced; Athletes; Bronchoconstriction; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Sex Characteristics; Sex Factors
PubMed: 33027929
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197270 -
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine Feb 2019Atopic syndrome (allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema) and food allergies are frequently reported, especially in developed countries. Studies have previously suggested...
INTRODUCTION
Atopic syndrome (allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema) and food allergies are frequently reported, especially in developed countries. Studies have previously suggested an inverse association between allergic diseases and cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between allergic diseases and different types of cancers by performing a systematic review of the literature.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar was performed for studies on the association between allergic diseases and cancers.
RESULTS
We identified a total of 5868 articles through our search, with 145 articles describing an association between allergic diseases and cancers. Allergies were associated with reduced risk of brain cancer, pancreatic cancer and melanoma and with possibly reduced risk of lymphatic and hematopoietic cancer, colorectal cancer, urogenital cancers of women and cancers in general. Asthma, but not atopy without asthma, was however associated with increased risk of lung cancer. There is possibly no association between allergic diseases and the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.
CONCLUSION
Overall, allergic diseases are inversely associated with the risk of cancers.
Topics: Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Neoplasms; Risk Factors
PubMed: 30895928
DOI: No ID Found -
Allergy Jan 2016A growing number of studies suggest that maternal stress during pregnancy promotes atopic disorders in the offspring. This is the first systematic review to address... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A growing number of studies suggest that maternal stress during pregnancy promotes atopic disorders in the offspring. This is the first systematic review to address prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) and the subsequent risk of atopy-related outcomes in the child.
METHODS
The review was performed in accordance to the PRISMA criteria. We searched and selected studies in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and PsychINFO until November 2014.
RESULTS
Sixteen (with 25 analyses) of 426 identified articles met the review criteria. Five main PNMS exposures (negative life events, anxiety/depression, bereavement, distress and job strain) and five main atopic outcomes (asthma, wheeze, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and IgE) were assessed across the studies. Overall, 21 of the 25 analyses suggested a positive association between PNMS and atopic outcomes. Of the 11 exposure-response analyses reported, six found statistically significant trends.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review suggests a relationship between maternal stress during pregnancy and atopic disorders in the child. However, the existing studies are of diverse quality. The wide definitions of often self-reported stress exposures imply a substantial risk for information bias and false-positive results. Research comparing objective and subjective measures of PNMS exposure as well as objective measures for atopic outcome is needed.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Infant; Maternal Exposure; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Stress, Physiological; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 26395995
DOI: 10.1111/all.12762 -
Cureus Nov 2022Otitis media with effusion (OME) affects approximately 80% of children due to the middle ear being flooded with fluids, though with no microbial infection... (Review)
Review
Otitis media with effusion (OME) affects approximately 80% of children due to the middle ear being flooded with fluids, though with no microbial infection manifestations. Multiple issues can drive recurring pediatric OME, such as environment-based issues, previous medical issues, inherited vulnerability from family, contact time at childcare institutes, passive smoking, and more than three siblings together with atopy or allergic rhinitis. If OME is not promptly addressed, this could eventually result in hearing impairment or loss, with consequent negative repercussions on the child's communicative and behavioral patterns. OME diagnosis within the clinic is possible, with hearing capacity being assessed pre- and post-therapy. Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) represents a typical causative factor for middle-ear conditions, stemming from mechanical or anatomical issues. Consequently, adenoid size is paramount when determining tympanometry types and ear fluids. This systematic review investigated PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct databases in order to retrieve knowledge related to this issue, adopting inclusion and exclusion criteria and maintaining review quality through the employment of the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR), the Newcastle-Ottawa tool, and the Axis scale. This systematic review analyzed a previous review article, six observation-based investigations, and three cross-sectional investigations. Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were not found within previous literature, suggesting such scarcity in this research niche and thus warranting future RCT investigations based on this compelling research niche.
PubMed: 36465218
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30985 -
Journal of Asthma and Allergy 2023Strong associations between early antibiotic exposure and increased risk of childhood allergies have been established. Antibiotics have the potential to induce microbial... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Strong associations between early antibiotic exposure and increased risk of childhood allergies have been established. Antibiotics have the potential to induce microbial dysbiosis that may be linked to allergic conditions. This review examines the limited available evidence on the associations between adult antibiotic use, microbial dysbiosis and atopic conditions.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase for relevant studies, published between 01-01-2000 and 08-17-2022. We searched for associations between antibiotic use, microbial dysbiosis, and allergic conditions in adults, defined as over 13 years of age for the purposes of this review.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies were analyzed, with the inclusion of four narrative reviews as scarce relevant literature was found when stricter selection criteria were employed. Relevant studies predominantly focused on asthma. Significant microbial differences were observed in most measures between healthy subjects and subjects with allergic conditions. However, no system-wise and strain-wise associations were evident. Notably, at the phyla level, the Bacillota and Pseudomonadota phyla were associated with asthmatics, while the Actinobacteria phylum was linked to healthy controls. Asthmatics tends to reflect upregulation in the Bacillota and Pseudomonadota phyla in both airway and gut microbiomes.
CONCLUSION
No compelling evidence could be found between adult antibiotic exposure, consequent microbial dysbiosis, and allergic conditions in adults. Our review is limited by scarce literature and therefore remains inconclusive. However, potential implications of antibiotic use impacting on allergic conditions justify additional research and heightened pharmacovigilance in this area.
PubMed: 37822520
DOI: 10.2147/JAA.S401755 -
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology :... Feb 2017There is a need to establish the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for the prevention of allergic disease. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is a need to establish the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for the prevention of allergic disease.
METHODS
Two reviewers independently screened nine international biomedical databases. Studies were quantitatively synthesized using random-effects meta-analyses.
RESULTS
A total of 32 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Overall, meta-analysis found no conclusive evidence that AIT reduced the risk of developing a first allergic disease over the short term (RR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.04-2.09) and no randomized controlled evidence was found in relation to its longer-term effects for this outcome. There was, however, a reduction in the short-term risk of those with allergic rhinitis developing asthma (RR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.30-0.54), with this finding being robust to a pre-specified sensitivity analysis. We found inconclusive evidence that this benefit was maintained over the longer term: RR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.31-1.23. There was evidence that the risk of new sensitization was reduced over the short term, but this was not confirmed in the sensitivity analysis: RR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.24-2.18. There was no clear evidence of any longer-term reduction in the risk of sensitization: RR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.08-2.77. AIT appeared to have an acceptable side effect profile.
CONCLUSIONS
AIT did not result in a statistically significant reduction in the risk of developing a first allergic disease. There was, however, evidence of a reduced short-term risk of developing asthma in those with allergic rhinitis, but it is unclear whether this benefit was maintained over the longer term. We are unable to comment on the cost-effectiveness of AIT.
Topics: Animals; Asthma; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Desensitization, Immunologic; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Rhinitis; Risk
PubMed: 27653623
DOI: 10.1111/pai.12661 -
Journal of Physiological Anthropology Dec 2021An increasing trend of asthma prevalence was observed in Asia; however, contributions of environmental and host-related risk factors to the development of this disease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
An increasing trend of asthma prevalence was observed in Asia; however, contributions of environmental and host-related risk factors to the development of this disease remain uncertain. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for asthma-associated risk factors reported in Asia.
METHODS
We systematically searched three public databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) in Feb 2021. We only included articles that reported environmental and host-related risk factors associated with asthma in the Asian population. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted for frequently reported asthma-associated risk factors to provide an overall risk estimate of asthma development.
RESULTS
Of 4030 records obtained from public databases, 289 articles were selected for review. The most frequently reported asthma-associated risk factor was the family history of allergy-related conditions. The random-effect asthma risk estimates (pooled odds ratio, OR) were 4.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.73-5.82) for the family history of asthma, 3.50 (95% CI: 2.62-4.67) for the family history of atopy, 3.57 (95% CI: 3.03-4.22) for the family history of any allergic diseases, 1.96 (95% CI: 1.47-2.61) for the family history of allergic rhinitis, and 2.75 (95% CI: 1.12-6.76) for the family history of atopic dermatitis. For housing-related factors, including the presence of mold, mold spots, mold odor, cockroach, water damage, and incense burning, the random-effect pooled OR ranged from 1.43 to 1.73. Other risk factors with significant pooled OR for asthma development included male gender (1.30, 95% CI: 1.23-1.38), cigarette smoke exposure (1.44, 95% CI: 1.30-1.60), cigarette smoking (1.66, 95% CI: 1.44-1.90), body mass index (BMI)-related parameters (pooled OR ranged from 1.06 to 2.02), various types of air pollution (NO, PM10, and O; pooled OR ranged from 1.03 to 1.22), and pre- and perinatal factors (low birth weight, preterm birth, and cesarean section; pooled OR ranged from 1.14 to 1.32).
CONCLUSIONS
The family history of asthma was the most frequently reported risk factor for asthma development in Asia with the highest risk estimate for asthma development. This suggests a major role of the genetic component in asthma pathogenesis. Further study on asthma genetics is required to improve the current understanding of asthma etiology.
Topics: Asian People; Asthma; Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34886907
DOI: 10.1186/s40101-021-00273-x