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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2010Treatment of cancer is increasingly more effective but is associated with short and long term side effects. Oral side effects remain a major source of illness despite... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Treatment of cancer is increasingly more effective but is associated with short and long term side effects. Oral side effects remain a major source of illness despite the use of a variety of agents to prevent them. One of these side effects is oral mucositis (mouth ulcers).
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic agents for oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment, compared with other potentially active interventions, placebo or no treatment.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Electronic searches of Cochrane Oral Health Group and PaPaS Trials Registers (to 1 June 2010), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 2), MEDLINE via OVID (1950 to 1 June 2010), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 1 June 2010), CINAHL via EBSCO (1980 to 1 June 2010), CANCERLIT via PubMed (1950 to 1 June 2010), OpenSIGLE (1980 to 2005) and LILACS via the Virtual Health Library (1980 to 1 June 2010) were undertaken. Reference lists from relevant articles were searched and the authors of eligible trials were contacted to identify trials and obtain additional information.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials of interventions to prevent oral mucositis in patients receiving treatment for cancer.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Information regarding methods, participants, interventions, outcome measures, results and risk of bias were independently extracted, in duplicate, by two review authors. Authors were contacted for further details where these were unclear. The Cochrane Collaboration statistical guidelines were followed and risk ratios calculated using random-effects models.
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 131 studies with 10,514 randomised participants are now included. Nine interventions, where there was more than one trial in the meta-analysis, showed some statistically significant evidence of a benefit (albeit sometimes weak) for either preventing or reducing the severity of mucositis, compared to either a placebo or no treatment. These nine interventions were: allopurinol, aloe vera, amifostine, cryotherapy, glutamine (intravenous), honey, keratinocyte growth factor, laser, and polymixin/tobramycin/amphotericin (PTA) antibiotic pastille/paste.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Nine interventions were found to have some benefit with regard to preventing or reducing the severity of mucositis associated with cancer treatment. The strength of the evidence was variable and implications for practice include consideration that benefits may be specific for certain cancer types and treatment. There is a need for further well designed, and conducted trials with sufficient numbers of participants to perform subgroup analyses by type of disease and chemotherapeutic agent.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Candidiasis, Oral; Humans; Mouth Mucosa; Neoplasms; Oral Ulcer; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stomatitis
PubMed: 21154347
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000978.pub3 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jan 2021The aim of this review is to evaluate of effectiveness of bleaching procedures used to treat discolored teeth subsequent to regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs)... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review is to evaluate of effectiveness of bleaching procedures used to treat discolored teeth subsequent to regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) based on the review of in vitro and in vivo studies. This literature review was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases) were searched electronically, until 30 January 2020 without a year limit. The quality of studies was assessed using a modified methodological index for non-randomized studies. After analyzing 1405 studies, 6 in vitro and 9 in vivo studies were eligible for this review. In in vitro studies, effectiveness of bleaching was assessed in teeth discolored by antibiotic pastes, blood, and barrier materials in various combinations. In all analyzed studies, bleaching was effective in teeth discolored by antibiotic pastes as well as by blood and barrier materials. Of 26 treated teeth in the in vivo studies, 17 teeth were bleached successfully. In six cases, there was improvement of the shade. In three cases, bleaching was not sufficient. Bleaching material, techniques, and times differed between studies. Whitening of discolored teeth after REPs is achievable. However, to establish precise guidelines, further long-term clinical studies should be performed.
PubMed: 33467092
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020316 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Nov 2020Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally and the presence of ≥1 cardiovascular risk factors elevates total risk. Lycopene, a carotenoid with...
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally and the presence of ≥1 cardiovascular risk factors elevates total risk. Lycopene, a carotenoid with high antioxidant capacity, may be protective. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analyses is to determine the efficacy of consuming dietary and/or supplemental lycopene on cardiovascular risk factors. Using the PRISMA guidelines, 4 databases were systematically searched from inception: Medline, Cinahl, Proquest, and Scopus. Intervention trials assessing dietary or supplemental lycopene on CVD outcomes were included. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool was used to assess the quality of the included papers. Pooled analysis was conducted using outcomes with available data. Forty-three studies were included. Lycopene interventions were highly variable (supplement with or without food, based as tomato juice/paste/raw product, or combined with olive oil), the dose ranged from 1.44 to 75 mg lycopene/d and was not reported in 11 of 43 included studies. Studies reported conflicting findings for the effect of lycopene on cardiovascular risk factors, This was supported by meta-analyses where there were no significant differences between lycopene intervention and control groups for blood pressure and lipids (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides). This was observed for overall groups and in subgroup analyses for individuals with elevated risk factor concentrations at baseline. Lycopene interventions for cardiovascular risk factors were highly variable across studies in both the dosage provided and the mode of delivery (supplement or food based). As such, there are conflicting findings regarding the efficacy of lycopene to improve cardiovascular risk factors. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO as CRD42018112174.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet; Humans; Iran; Lycopene; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Single-Blind Method
PubMed: 32652029
DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa069 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2010Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is the most common pre-malignant lesion. Surgical treatments for CIN are commonly associated with blood loss. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is the most common pre-malignant lesion. Surgical treatments for CIN are commonly associated with blood loss.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of interventions for preventing blood loss during the treatment of CIN.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL up to April 2009. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings and reference lists of included studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of vasopressin, tranexamic acid, haemostatic sutures, Amino-Cerv or Monsel's solution in women undergoing surgery for CIN.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. Risk ratios comparing adverse events in women who received one of the interventions were pooled in a random-effects meta-analyses or included in single trial analyses.
MAIN RESULTS
Twelve RCTs (N = 1602, of whom 1512 were assessed) were included.Vasopressin significantly reduced perioperative bleeding (mean difference (MD) = -100.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) -129.48 to -72.12) and was associated with a decreased risk of bleeding that required haemostatic sutures or further vasopressin, compared to placebo (risk ratio (RR) = 0.39, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.56).Tranexamic acid significantly reduced risk of secondary haemorrhage (RR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.50), but not primary haemorrhage (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 0.04 to 38.23) after knife and laser cone biopsy, compared with placebo. There was also a statistically significant reduction in postoperative blood loss compared with placebo (MD = -55.60, 95% CI -94.91 to -16.29).Packing with Monsel's solution resulted in less perioperative blood loss (MD = -22.00, 95% CI -23.09 to -20.91) and decreased the risk of dysmenorrhoea (RR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.84), unsatisfactory colposcopy (RR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.63) and cervical stenosis (RR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.49) compared to routine suturing, but was not statistically different to sutures for risk of primary and secondary haemorrhages.Amino-Cerv antibiotic gel failed to make a difference on secondary haemorrhage but was associated with significantly less vaginal discharge at 2 weeks compared with routine care (RR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.86).There was no significant difference in blood loss between women who received ball electrode diathermy and those who received Monsel's paste (MD = 4.82, 95% CI -3.45 to 13.09).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Bleeding associated with surgery of the cervix appears to be reduced by vasopressin, used in combination with local anaesthetic. Tranexamic acid appears to be beneficial after knife and laser cone biopsy. There are insufficient data to assess the effects on primary haemorrhage. There is some evidence that haemostatic suturing has an adverse effect on blood loss, cervical stenosis and satisfactory colposcopy.
Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Female; Ferric Compounds; Hemostasis, Surgical; Hemostatics; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sulfates; Sutures; Tranexamic Acid; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vasopressins; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia
PubMed: 20556752
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001421.pub2 -
Nutrients Mar 2024The association between soy product consumption and cancer risk varies among studies. Therefore, this comprehensive meta-analysis of observational studies examines the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The association between soy product consumption and cancer risk varies among studies. Therefore, this comprehensive meta-analysis of observational studies examines the association between soy product consumption and total cancer risk.
METHODS
This study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Up to October 2023, all eligible published studies were searched through PubMed and Web of Science databases.
RESULTS
A total of 52 studies on soy product consumption were included in this meta-analysis (17 cohort studies and 35 case-control studies). High consumption of total soy products (RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.80), tofu (RR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.86), and soymilk (RR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.93) were associated with reduced total cancer risk. No association was found between high consumption of fermented soy products (RR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.47), non-fermented soy products (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.18), soy paste (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.14), miso soup (RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.87, 1.12), or natto (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.11) and cancer risk. A 54 g per day increment of total soy products reduced cancer risk by 11%, a 61 g per day increment of tofu reduced cancer risk by 12%, and a 23 g per day increment of soymilk reduced cancer risk by 28%, while none of the other soy products were associated with cancer risk.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that high total soy product consumption, especially soymilk and tofu, is associated with lower cancer risk. More prospective cohort studies are still needed to confirm the causal relationship between soy product consumption and cancer risk.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Case-Control Studies; Databases, Factual; Dietary Supplements; Neoplasms; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38613019
DOI: 10.3390/nu16070986 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2014Leading health authorities all recommend exclusive breastfeeding to six months' postpartum. While most women initiate breastfeeding, many discontinue due to difficulties... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Leading health authorities all recommend exclusive breastfeeding to six months' postpartum. While most women initiate breastfeeding, many discontinue due to difficulties encountered rather than maternal choice. One common breastfeeding difficulty is painful nipples. Research has identified poor infant positioning or latch as a common cause of painful nipples. While many different interventions designed to reduce nipple pain in breastfeeding women have been evaluated, it is unclear which intervention is the most effective treatment. An understanding of nipple pain and treatment options are needed to improve breastfeeding duration and exclusivity rates and to address systematically one of the most frequent difficulties encountered by breastfeeding women.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of all interventions in the resolution or reduction of nipple pain and the impact of the interventions on other outcomes such as nipple trauma, nipple infections, breast mastitis, breastfeeding duration, breastfeeding exclusivity, and maternal satisfaction.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 September 2014) and scanned secondary references.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials designed to evaluate any intervention for treating nipple pain among breastfeeding women. Trials using a cluster-randomised design were eligible for inclusion. Cross-over trials were not eligible for inclusion. The following interventions were eligible for inclusion compared with each other or usual care (i.e. education only): pharmacological (e.g. antifungal creams); non-pharmacological topical treatments (e.g. lanolin); dressings (e.g. hydrogel dressings); nipple protection devices (e.g. breast shells), phototherapy, and expressed breast milk. Nipple pain in women who are feeding with expressed breast milk (i.e. women of infants in neonatal units) is associated with other methods of removing milk from the mother's breast such as manual expression and various types of breast pumps. Nipple pain and subsequent treatment is different in this unique maternal population and thus we excluded women solely feeding with expressed breast milk from this review.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, extracted data, evaluated methodological quality, and checked data for accuracy. We sought additional information from several trial researchers.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four trials of good methodological quality involving 656 women in the review. The four included trials evaluated five different interventions including glycerine pads, lanolin with breast shells, lanolin alone, expressed breast milk, and an all-purpose nipple ointment. All studies included education to position the infant at the breast correctly as part of routine postpartum care to both treatment and control groups.Pooled data existed only for the comparison of lanolin versus usual care. We did not pool data for other outcomes due to either heterogeneity in outcome measures or differing interventions.There was no evidence that glycerine gel dressings or breast shells with lanolin significantly improved nipple pain. One trial found no clear differences in nipple pain (at one to three days, four to five days, or six to seven days' post-treatment) between women who applied lanolin or nothing to their nipples. In contrast, the same trial found that women who applied expressed breast milk had significantly lower perceptions of nipple pain following four to five days of treatment than women who applied lanolin. However, this beneficial effect was not maintained after six to seven days of treatment. There were no group differences in nipple pain perceptions at any assessment between women who applied expressed breast milk and women who applied nothing. Women who applied an "all-purpose nipple ointment", in comparison to women who applied lanolin, had no improvement in nipple pain after seven days of treatment. There was insufficient evidence that glycerine gel dressings, lanolin with breast shells, lanolin alone, expressed breast milk, or all-purpose nipple ointment improved maternal perceptions of nipple pain.Overall, there was insufficient evidence to recommend any intervention for the treatment of nipple pain. However, one important finding was that regardless of the treatment used, for most women nipple pain reduced to mild levels after approximately seven to 10 days' postpartum. The provision of anticipatory guidance regarding usual time to pain reduction may be a useful strategy in assisting women to continue to breastfeed and to do so exclusively. The overall quality of the evidence for the primary outcome of nipple pain as assessed using GRADE was of low quality, mainly because single studies with few participants contributed data for analysis.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There was insufficient evidence that glycerine gel dressings, breast shells with lanolin, lanolin alone, or the all-purpose nipple ointment significantly improved maternal perceptions of nipple pain. The results from these four trials of good methodological quality suggested that applying nothing or just expressed breast milk may be equally or more beneficial in the short-term experience of nipple pain than the application of an ointment such as lanolin.The quality of the evidence for this review did not lead to robust conclusions regarding the objectives assessed. We included only four trials, incorporating 656 women, in the review and all four trials compared varying interventions, participants, study outcome measures, and standards of usual care. The methodological quality of the included studies was good but the overall quality of the evidence for the primary outcome of nipple pain was of low quality, mainly because single studies with few participants contributed data for analysis.
Topics: Bandages; Breast Diseases; Breast Feeding; Female; Gels; Glycerol; Humans; Lanolin; Milk, Human; Nipples; Ointments; Pain Management; Protective Devices; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 25506813
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007366.pub2 -
BMC Oral Health Oct 2023Several studies have proven that increasing oral hygiene knowledge correlates with good oral health status compared to those who lack this knowledge. Therefore, the aims...
BACKGROUND
Several studies have proven that increasing oral hygiene knowledge correlates with good oral health status compared to those who lack this knowledge. Therefore, the aims of the study to evaluate the overall oral health awareness among the Saudi population based on knowledge and practice of proper oral hygiene measures.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines. Cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies were included in the study and framed into a PICO question. Initially, a search was conducted on PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. Four independent reviewers screened the identified titles, abstracts, and full texts. Cohen's Kappa score was used to evaluate the level of agreement between the reviewers.
RESULTS
Forty cross-sectional studies and one prospective cohort study were included. Several studies showed that most students across all departments of universities knew the protective effects of fluoride on teeth. Two studies assessing the attitude and practice of oral hygiene found that most students knew that poor oral health leads to gum disease, and 59.1% were aware of maintaining oral hygiene using a toothbrush and paste. Most participants knew the importance of oral and dental care before pregnancy and how to reduce dental problems during pregnancy. Pregnant women clean their teeth daily and consider brushing and using toothpaste essential for pregnant women. Studies on oral hygiene practices of patients with diabetes reported that flossing habits were rated less important and most of their respondents never flossed their teeth.
CONCLUSION
Strong correlation between oral health knowledge and practices was observed, with the higher the knowledge level, the better the practice. Therefore, new technologies and strategies must be tested for an effective oral health system.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
A protocol was specified and registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on August 2020 (registration number CRD 42,020,200,373).
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Prospective Studies; Saudi Arabia; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 37875884
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03522-w -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2003Venous leg ulcers affect up to 1 per cent of people at some time in their life. These ulcers are often painful and some clinicians choose dressings and topical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Venous leg ulcers affect up to 1 per cent of people at some time in their life. These ulcers are often painful and some clinicians choose dressings and topical treatments (analgesia/ local anaesthetic) to reduce the pain both during and between dressing changes.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of dressings, local anaesthetics or topical analgesia for pain relief in venous leg ulceration.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Cochrane Wounds Group Register and the Cochrane Collaboration Field in Complementary Medicine were searched in June 2002. Cochrane Pain Palliative and Supportive Care Group and Cochrane Wounds Group strategy were combined and used.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised controlled trials which evaluated local interventions used to relieve venous leg ulcer pain were considered. Pain was defined as either persistent pain or pain at dressing changes or debridement.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Eligibility for inclusion was confirmed by two reviewers who independently assessed the potential trials. Details of eligible studies were summarised using a data extraction sheet which was checked by the second reviewer.
MAIN RESULTS
No trials evaluating interventions for persistent pain were identified for the initial review in 1999 nor the update in 2002. Three trials were included in the 1999 review comparing a eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic (EMLA) versus placebo for pain at debridement. In 2002 a further 3 trials were available (6 trials in total with 317 patients). The studies were considered sufficiently similar to pool and meta analysis found a statistically significant reduction in debridement pain scores with EMLA 5% cream. EMLA was associated with a reduction in pain scores (measured on a 100 mm scale) of 20.6 mm (95% Confidence Interval 29.11-12.19). One small trial measured healing as an outcome and found no difference in numbers of ulcers healed at the end of the study.
REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
EMLA provides effective pain relief for venous leg ulcer debridement however, the effect of the product on ulcer healing is unknown. Research is required to determine the impact of debridement and of EMLA on ulcer healing. There were no trials addressing the treatment of persistent pain (between and at dressing changes) and further research is warranted.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Anesthetics, Local; Bandages; Debridement; Humans; Leg Ulcer; Lidocaine; Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; Ointments; Pain; Prilocaine
PubMed: 12535404
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001177 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Mar 2005To determine the efficacy and tolerability of topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus compared with other treatments for atopic dermatitis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and tolerability of topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus compared with other treatments for atopic dermatitis.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Electronic searches of the Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomised controlled trials of topical pimecrolimus or tacrolimus reporting efficacy outcomes or tolerability.
EFFICACY
investigators' global assessment of response; patients' global assessment of response; proportions of patients with flares of atopic dermatitis; and improvements in quality of life. Tolerability: overall rates of withdrawal; withdrawal due to adverse events; and proportions of patients with burning of the skin and skin infections.
DATA SYNTHESIS
4186 of 6897 participants in 25 randomised controlled trials received pimecrolimus or tacrolimus. Both drugs were significantly more effective than a vehicle control. Tacrolimus 0.1% was as effective as potent topical corticosteroids at three weeks and more effective than combined treatment with hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% (potent used on trunk) plus hydrocortisone acetate 1% (weak used on face) at 12 weeks (number needed to treat (NNT) = 6). Tacrolimus 0.1% was also more effective than hydrocortisone acetate 1% (NNT = 4). In comparison, tacrolimus 0.03% was more effective than hydrocortisone acetate 1% (NNT = 5) but less effective than hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% (NNT = -8). Direct comparisons of tacrolimus 0.03% and tacrolimus 0.1% consistently favoured the higher strength formulation, but efficacy differed significantly between the two strengths only after 12 weeks' treatment (rate ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 0.99). Pimecrolimus was far less effective than betamethasone valerate 0.1% (NNT = -3 at three weeks). Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus caused significantly more skin burning than topical corticosteroids. Rates of skin infections in any of the comparisons did not differ.
CONCLUSIONS
Both topical pimecrolimus and topical tacrolimus are more effective than placebo treatments for atopic dermatitis, but in the absence of studies that show long term safety gains, any advantage over topical corticosteroids is unclear. Topical tacrolimus is similar to potent topical corticosteroids and may have a place for long term use in patients with resistant atopic dermatitis on sites where side effects from topical corticosteroids might develop quickly. In the absence of key comparisons with mild corticosteroids, the clinical need for topical pimecrolimus is unclear. The usefulness of either treatment in patients who have failed to respond adequately to topical corticosteroids is also unclear.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Child; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatologic Agents; Humans; Ointments; Patient Compliance; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tacrolimus; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 15731121
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38376.439653.D3 -
Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Aug 2020This study aimed to systematically review the pain and flare-up effects of calcium hydroxide (CH) as intracanal medication (ICM) in non-vital mature teeth.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to systematically review the pain and flare-up effects of calcium hydroxide (CH) as intracanal medication (ICM) in non-vital mature teeth.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Electronic-databases searching for published and grey literature and manual searching were conducted. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included comparing CH to other ICMs in non-vital mature teeth. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 Cochrane tool. The main outcomes were pain and flare-up. Qualitative and quantitative analysis, wherever applicable, was performed. The certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).
RESULTS
Sixteen articles were included in 6 comparisons at different time points for different outcomes. CH reduced pain risk than no ICM within the 1-14-days interval ( < 0.05) and than triple-antibiotic paste within the first day ( < 0.05) and was similar to corticosteroid/antibiotics combination ( > 0.05). Chlorhexidine (CHX) or CH/CHX, however, reduced pain levels than CH alone ( < 0.05). CH showed higher flare-up risk than CHX ( < 0.05). CoE, however, ranged from very low to moderate.
CONCLUSION
Most comparisons for different outcomes are based on very few studies, mostly low-powered, with an overall low CoE. Thus, the available evidence is considered insufficient to either support or refute CH effectiveness or to recommend one ICM over another. Therefore, further well-designed, larger RCTs are required.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO database Identifier: CRD42016041953.
PubMed: 32839707
DOI: 10.5395/rde.2020.45.e26