-
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2023Button battery (BB) ingestions may cause severe and possibly fatal complications, especially if the battery is located in the esophagus. The application of oral honey... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Button battery (BB) ingestions may cause severe and possibly fatal complications, especially if the battery is located in the esophagus. The application of oral honey has recently been proposed by the National Capital Poison Center in the USA and in an ESPGHAN position paper in Europe, but clinical trials and experimental studies are limited. The goal of this systematic review was to analyze the evidence for this approach.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of clinical trials and experimental studies on the oral application of honey after BB ingestion in children was performed. Inclusion criteria according to the PICO format were patient age 0-18 years, ingestion of BB, oral administration of honey or other substances, all and studies, as well as reported complication rate, esophageal injury, and mortality. A manual search in the databases MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane was performed to identify relevant search terms to form the following queries and to construct the extensive search. Furthermore, the search was extended by using snowballing on the reports reference lists. The review is registered at Research Registry. The identifying number is reviewregistry1581.
RESULTS
We found four publications that investigated the effects of honey after button battery ingestion. Three of these presented experimental and results and one reported a clinical retrospective study of 8 patients.
CONCLUSION
Follow up studies are required to further elucidate the effectiveness of the treatment with honey. The time intervals in which the use of honey is effective is not clear. Furthermore, a physiological model is needed for testing, preferably mimicking peristalsis and dynamic flow of the applied substances. However, since it is easy to apply and of minimal risk in patients over one year of age, honey should be considered a possible treatment option during the interval between presentation and endoscopic removal of the retained BB.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#registryofsystematicreviewsmeta-analyses/registryofsystematicreviewsmeta-analysesdetails/643e9df96750410027ee11b0/, identifier: reviewregistry1581.
PubMed: 37842023
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1259780 -
Clinical and Experimental... 2014Constipation is a common complaint in adults. Lactitol is an osmotic disaccharide laxative that increases fecal volume and stimulates peristalsis. In this paper, we... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Constipation is a common complaint in adults. Lactitol is an osmotic disaccharide laxative that increases fecal volume and stimulates peristalsis. In this paper, we present the first meta-analysis on the efficacy and tolerance of lactitol for adult constipation.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE(®) and Embase, with no date or language restrictions, for studies of lactitol supplementation on adult constipation. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed on pre- to posttreatment changes in stool frequency and consistency with lactitol among all studies, as well as a comparison of efficacy and tolerance outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of lactitol versus lactulose.
RESULTS
A total of eleven studies representing 663 distinct patients were included in the final analysis, including five single-arm studies, four RCTs comparing lactitol with lactulose, one RCT comparing lactitol with placebo, and one nonrandomized controlled trial comparing lactitol with stimulant laxatives. Weekly stool frequency was significantly increased with lactitol compared with baseline (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.56, P<0.001). Stool consistency also improved over the supplementation period with lactitol (SMD: 1.04, P<0.001). Approximately one-third of patients experienced an adverse event; however, symptoms were generally mild and rarely (5%) resulted in study withdrawal. In RCTs of lactitol versus lactulose, lactitol was slightly more effective than lactulose in increasing weekly stool frequency (SMD: 0.19, P=0.06). No statistically significant differences between lactitol and lactulose were identified in any other efficacy or tolerance outcome. Lactitol demonstrated favorable efficacy and tolerance in individual studies when compared to stimulant laxatives and placebo.
CONCLUSION
Lactitol supplementation is well tolerated and improves symptoms of adult constipation. The efficacy and tolerance of lactitol and lactulose are similar, with a trend for more frequent stools with lactitol. Limited evidence suggests lactitol is superior to stimulant laxatives and placebo for relieving constipation symptoms.
PubMed: 25050074
DOI: 10.2147/CEG.S58952 -
Clinical and Translational... Oct 2020In randomized controlled trials, L-menthol inhibits gastrointestinal peristalsis during endoscopy. Our goal was to quantitatively synthesize the available evidence to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
In randomized controlled trials, L-menthol inhibits gastrointestinal peristalsis during endoscopy. Our goal was to quantitatively synthesize the available evidence to evaluate the efficacy and safety of L-menthol for gastrointestinal endoscopy.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched for relevant studies published up to January 2020 in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The main outcomes consisted of the proportion of no peristalsis, proportion of no or mild peristalsis, adenoma detection rate, and adverse events.
RESULTS
Eight randomized controlled trials analyzing 1,366 subjects were included. According to the pooled data, L-menthol significantly improved the proportion of no peristalsis (odds ratio [OR] = 6.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.94-8.57, P < 0.00001), and the proportion of no or mild peristalsis (OR = 7.89, 95% CI = 5.03-12.39, P < 0.00001) compared with the placebo, whereas it was not associated with an improvement in the adenoma detection rate (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.54-1.99, P = 0.92). Adverse events did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 0.75-2.59, P = 0.29).
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study support the use of L-menthol to suppress gastrointestinal peristalsis during endoscopic procedure.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Gastric Mucosa; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Humans; Menthol; Peristalsis; Preoperative Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Spasm; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33031198
DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000252 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2014In women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryos transferred into the uterine cavity can be expelled due to many... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryos transferred into the uterine cavity can be expelled due to many factors including uterine peristalsis and contractions, low site of deposition and negative pressure generated when removing the transfer catheter. Techniques to reduce the risk of embryo loss following embryo transfer (ET) have been described but are not standard in all centres conducting ET.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy of interventions used to prevent post-transfer embryo expulsion in women undergoing IVF and ICSI.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register of controlled trials to June 2014 and PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, World Health Organization ICTRP, and trial registers from inception to June 2014, with no language restrictions. Additionally, we handsearched reference lists of relevant articles, and ESHRE and ASRM conference abstracts.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions used to prevent post-transfer embryo expulsion in women undergoing IVF and ICSI. Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts and reviewed the full-texts of all potentially eligible citations to determine whether they met our inclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved by consensus.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included trials using standardised, piloted data extraction forms. Data were extracted to allow intention-to-treat analyses. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. The overall quality of the evidence was rated using GRADE methods.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four RCTs (n = 1392 women) which administered the following interventions: bed rest (two trials), fibrin sealant (one trial), and mechanical closure of the cervix (one trial). Our primary outcome, live birth rate, was not reported in any of the included trials; nor were the data available from the corresponding authors. For the ongoing pregnancy rate, two trials comparing more bed rest with less bed rest showed no evidence of a difference between groups (odds ratio (OR) 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60 to 1.31, 542 women, I(2) = 0%, low quality evidence). Secondary outcomes were sporadically reported with the exception of the clinical pregnancy rate, which was reported in all of the included trials. There was no evidence of a difference in clinical pregnancy rate between more bed rest and less bed rest (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.60 to 1.31, 542 women, I(2) = 0%, low quality evidence) or between fibrin sealant and usual care (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.54 to 1.78, 211 women, very low quality evidence). However, mechanical closure of the cervix was associated with a higher clinical pregnancy rate than usual care (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.40 to 2.63, very low quality evidence). The quality of the evidence was rated as low or very low for all outcomes. The main limitations were failure to report live births, imprecision and risk of bias. Overall, the risk of bias of the included trials was high. The use of a proper method of randomisation and allocation concealment was fairly well reported, while only one trial clearly reported blinding. There was no evidence that any of the interventions had an effect on adverse event rates but data were too few to reach any conclusions.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to support any specific length of time for women to remain recumbent, if at all, following embryo transfer, nor is there sufficient evidence to recommend the use of fibrin sealants added to the embryo transfer fluid. There is very limited evidence to support the use of mechanical pressure to close the cervical canal following embryo transfer. Further well-designed and powered studies are required to determine the true effectiveness and safety of these interventions.
Topics: Bed Rest; Embryo Implantation; Embryo Transfer; Female; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Surgical Instruments; Time Factors; Tissue Adhesives
PubMed: 25157849
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006567.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2017Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is a common problem which carries a risk of neurotoxicity. Certain infants who have hyperbilirubinaemia develop bilirubin encephalopathy and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is a common problem which carries a risk of neurotoxicity. Certain infants who have hyperbilirubinaemia develop bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus which may lead to long-term disability. Phototherapy is currently the mainstay of treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. Among the adjunctive measures to compliment the effects of phototherapy, fluid supplementation has been proposed to reduce serum bilirubin levels. The mechanism of action proposed includes direct dilutional effects of intravenous (IV) fluids, or enhancement of peristalsis to reduce enterohepatic circulation by oral fluid supplementation.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the risks and benefits of fluid supplementation compared to standard fluid management in term and preterm newborn infants with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia who require phototherapy.
SEARCH METHODS
We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017, Issue 5), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 7 June 2017), Embase (1980 to 7 June 2017), and CINAHL (1982 to 7 June 2017). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials that compared fluid supplementation against no fluid supplementation, or one form of fluid supplementation against another.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We extracted data using the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group using the Covidence platform. Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility and risk of bias of the retrieved records. We expressed our results using mean difference (MD), risk difference (RD), and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
MAIN RESULTS
Out of 1449 articles screened, seven studies were included. Three articles were awaiting classification, among them, two completed trials identified from the trial registry appeared to be unpublished so far.There were two major comparisons: IV fluid supplementation versus no fluid supplementation (six studies) and IV fluid supplementation versus oral fluid supplementation (one study). A total of 494 term, healthy newborn infants with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia were evaluated. All studies were at high risk of bias for blinding of care personnel, five studies had unclear risk of bias for blinding of outcome assessors, and most studies had unclear risk of bias in allocation concealment. There was low- to moderate-quality evidence for all major outcomes.In the comparison between IV fluid supplementation and no supplementation, no infant in either group developed bilirubin encephalopathy in the one study that reported this outcome. Serum bilirubin was lower at four hours postintervention for infants who received IV fluid supplementation (MD -34.00 μmol/L (-1.99 mg/dL), 95% CI -52.29 (3.06) to -15.71 (0.92); participants = 67, study = 1) (low quality of evidence, downgraded one level for indirectness and one level for suspected publication bias). Beyond eight hours postintervention, serum bilirubin was similar between the two groups. Duration of phototherapy was significantly shorter for fluid-supplemented infants, but the estimate was affected by heterogeneity which was not clearly explained (MD -10.70 hours, 95% CI -15.55 to -5.85; participants = 218; studies = 3; I² = 67%). Fluid-supplemented infants were less likely to require exchange transfusion (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.71; RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.02; participants = 462; studies = 6; I² = 72%) (low quality of evidence, downgraded one level due to inconsistency, and another level due to suspected publication bias), and the estimate was similarly affected by unexplained heterogeneity. The frequencies of breastfeeding were similar between the fluid-supplemented and non-supplemented infants in days one to three based on one study (estimate on day three: MD 0.90 feeds, 95% CI -0.40 to 2.20; participants = 60) (moderate quality of evidence, downgraded one level for imprecision).One study contributed to all outcome data in the comparison of IV versus oral fluid supplementation. In this comparison, no infant in either group developed abnormal neurological signs. Serum bilirubin, as well as the rate of change of serum bilirubin, were similar between the two groups at four hours after phototherapy (serum bilirubin: MD 11.00 μmol/L (0.64 mg/dL), 95% CI -21.58 (-1.26) to 43.58 (2.55); rate of change of serum bilirubin: MD 0.80 μmol/L/hour (0.05 mg/dL/hour), 95% CI -2.55 (-0.15) to 4.15 (0.24); participants = 54 in both outcomes) (moderate quality of evidence for both outcomes, downgraded one level for indirectness). The number of infants who required exchange transfusion was similar between the two groups (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.60 to 4.27; RD 0.11, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.34; participants = 54). No infant in either group developed adverse effects including vomiting or abdominal distension.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence that IV fluid supplementation affects important clinical outcomes such as bilirubin encephalopathy, kernicterus, or cerebral palsy in healthy, term newborn infants with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia requiring phototherapy. In this review, no infant developed these bilirubin-associated clinical complications. Low- to moderate-quality evidence shows that there are differences in total serum bilirubin levels between fluid-supplemented and control groups at some time points but not at others, the clinical significance of which is uncertain. There is no evidence of a difference between the effectiveness of IV and oral fluid supplementations in reducing serum bilirubin. Similarly, no infant developed adverse events or complications from fluid supplementation such as vomiting or abdominal distension. This suggests a need for future research to focus on different population groups with possibly higher baseline risks of bilirubin-related neurological complications, such as preterm or low birthweight infants, infants with haemolytic hyperbilirubinaemia, as well as infants with dehydration for comparison of different fluid supplementation regimen.
Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Administration, Oral; Bilirubin; Breast Feeding; Cerebral Palsy; Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal; Infant, Newborn; Kernicterus; Peristalsis; Phototherapy; Time Factors
PubMed: 28762235
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011891.pub2 -
Journal of Minimal Access Surgery 2021The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety in treating gastric stromal tumours by laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning surgery. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety in treating gastric stromal tumours by laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning surgery.
METHODS
The randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which are about the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning surgery in treating gastric stromal tumours were searched from the PubMed (1998-1990-2018.6), Wanfang Data (1990-2018.6), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1979-2018.6) and International Statistical Institute (1998-2018.6). The data were extracted from these trials, and the meta-analysis was made through from RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
Six RCTs involving 451 patients were included in the study (227 patients in the laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group and 224 patients in laparoscopic surgery group). Compared with laparoscopic surgery group, this meta-analysis showed that laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group could shorten the post-operation hospital stay (P < 0.05) and reduce the intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in others between the two groups, such as operation time (P > 0.05), post-operative time of recovery of intestinal peristalsis (P > 0.05) and the total hospital stay (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Compared with laparoscopic surgery group, the better total effect occurs in laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group for the treatment of gastric stromal tumours is better. Laparoscopy combined with gastroscopy positioning group for the gastric stromal tumours is acceptable.
PubMed: 33723177
DOI: 10.4103/jmas.JMAS_294_19 -
United European Gastroenterology Journal Aug 2015Peroral endoscopic esophageal myotomy (POEM) represents a less invasive alternative, as compared with conventional laparoscopic Heller myotomy for treating achalasia...
BACKGROUND
Peroral endoscopic esophageal myotomy (POEM) represents a less invasive alternative, as compared with conventional laparoscopic Heller myotomy for treating achalasia patients. In the last years, a number of prospective and retrospective experiences with POEM use for achalasia have been published.
METHODS
Relevant publications in which patients affected by achalasia underwent POEM treatment were identified by PubMed databases for the period 2010 - 2013. From each study, we extracted the number and type of major complications (defined as those requiring any additional medical or surgical intervention). Data were pooled, using random-effects models. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by using Cochran's Q and the I (2) statistic.
RESULTS
We found 16 studies that provided data on 551 patients. The median surveillance period was 6 months (range: 3-12). The median of mean POEM duration was 156 minutes (range: 42-112). Median myotomy length was 10 cm (range: 6-14). Technical and clinical success were reported in 97% (95% CI: 94-98%) and 93% (407/428; 95% CI: 90-95%). No heterogeneity (I (2 )= 0%) or publication bias was present in both estimates. When limiting the analysis only to adverse events that require medical or surgical interventions, major adverse events occurred in 14% (95% CI: 11-17%); however, only one patient needed post-POEM surgery (0.2%; 95% CI: 0-0.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
POEM appeared to be a highly feasible and effective endoscopic treatment for achalasia. Despite POEM being apparently associated with relatively high morbidity, most patients are successfully managed conservatively, so that POEM appears as a very safe procedure; however, POEM should only be performed in centers able to treat POEM complications, such as pneumothorax or pneumoperitoneum.
PubMed: 26279840
DOI: 10.1177/2050640615581732 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Mar 2012To assess the effectiveness and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment of non-acute bronchial asthma complicated by gastroesophageal reflux. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment of non-acute bronchial asthma complicated by gastroesophageal reflux.
METHODS
We searched databases from MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM, Wanfang Data, and TCM Database Systems. All randomized, controlled trials (RTCs) of TCM treatment of non-acute asthma complicated by gastroesophageal reflux were included. Data were independently collected by two reviewers. The standards for assessing quality described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions were used to evaluate articles. Meta-analyses were conducted using Rev- Man 5.0.17 software. Heterogeneity was assessed, and a corresponding effects model was used to merge and analyze results. Indexes used to evaluate curative effects were: clinical efficacy, symptom scores, pulmonary function values, and adverse incidents. Effectiveness was indicated using risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
RESULTS
Six RCTs were included, involving 304 patients with non-acute asthma complicated by gastroesophageal reflux. The treatment groups received Chinese drugs alone or TCM combined with standard Western medical treatment, and the control groups received standard Western medical treatment alone. Standard Western medical treatment included anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators for asthma, and drugs to promote gastric peristalsis and inhibit gastric acid production for gastroesophageal reflux. Methodological quality was low in all six RCTs. Two RCTs showed that clinical efficacy was higher in the treatment group than in the control group (RR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.10 to 1.87 vs RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.08). One RCT showed that the asthma score was lowered more effectively in the treatment group than in the control group (MD:-1.10, 95% CI:-2.04 to-0.16). Two RCTs showed that the gastroesophageal reflux score was reduced more effectively in the treatment group than in the control group (RR:-3.70, 95% CI:-4.30 to 3.10 vs RR:-5.30, 95% CI:-6.32 to -4.28). One RCT showed that some pulmonary function values were improved more effectively in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). No differences were seen in the various indexes between groups in the other RCTs. No adverse reactions, dropout rates, or follow-up rates were reported in any of the RCTs.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical symptoms of non-acute asthma complicated by gastroesophageal reflux can be improved by some Chinese drugs. Curative effects can be increased by combining the use of TCM with Western medicine. Because of the small quantity and low quality of research reported to date, it is necessary to conduct further RCTs to confirm these results. The results of this systematic review indicate that the quality of future clinical trials should be improved by including larger patient numbers, correctly randomizing patients into study groups, using blinding methods to measure and assess outcomes, and using accepted indexes to evaluate curative effects.
Topics: Asthma; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 22594096
DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(12)60025-9 -
Reproductive Biomedicine Online Apr 2016Sub-endometrial junctional zone peristalsis is increased by ovarian stimulation and traumatic embryo transfer, and is linked with decreased implantation and pregnancy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Sub-endometrial junctional zone peristalsis is increased by ovarian stimulation and traumatic embryo transfer, and is linked with decreased implantation and pregnancy rates in assisted reproduction treatments. Various agents have been used to inhibit uterine hyper-peristalsis at the time of embryo transfer with conflicting results. This systematic review aimed to identify if uterine relaxants administered in the peri-implantation period during assisted reproduction treatments could improve pregnancy outcomes through literature search with no language restrictions. The review reports on 3546 patients in 17 randomized controlled trials published between 1993 and 2014. Women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques who either received a uterine relaxant agent in the peri-implantation period versus placebo or no treatment were included. Primary outcome was live birth rate. The meta-analyses did not show statistically significant benefit of any uterine relaxing agents on live birth rate. Other meta-analyses did not show a significant effect on the clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy and multiple pregnancy rate. Most of the included studies were of low quality and lacked significant power to detect minimally important effect. Evidence is insufficient to recommend using these agents in routine practice. Further methodologically robust randomized controlled trials with more refined selection criteria might reveal a beneficial effect.
Topics: Adrenergic beta-Agonists; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cholinergic Antagonists; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Embryo Implantation; Embryo Transfer; Female; Humans; Nitric Oxide Donors; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Rate; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Receptors, Oxytocin; Uterus
PubMed: 26936145
DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.01.004 -
Translational Gastroenterology and... 2024Multiple pharmacological interventions and modalities are available for managing chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), with variable efficacy. Vibrating capsule (VC) is...
BACKGROUND
Multiple pharmacological interventions and modalities are available for managing chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), with variable efficacy. Vibrating capsule (VC) is a device that has shown variable results in alleviating constipation by tactile stimulation of the colonic wall and inducing peristalsis. This meta-analysis is to investigate the efficacy and safety of this modality.
METHODS
Comprehensive literature search was performed through June 14th, 2023, on databases including Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Global Index Medicus, and Google Scholar. Core concepts of VC, constipation, and bowel movement were searched. The DerSimonian-Laird method and random effects model were utilized. We calculated odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) for proportional and continuous variables, respectively, with 95% confidence interval (CI) and a P value of <0.05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
The search strategy yielded 117 articles. Four studies with 705 total patients were finalized comparing VC to placebo/sham treatment. The pooled complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM), defined as bowel movement without use of laxatives within the last 48 hours with sense of complete evacuation did not achieve statistical improvement with VC (MD =0.153; 95% CI: -0.218 to 0.523; P=0.422). However, spontaneous bowel movement (SBM), defined as bowel movement without use of laxatives within the last 48 hours, showed statistical improvement with VC (MD =0.159; 95% CI: 0.095 to 0.223; P<0.001). VC didn't show an increase in pooled adverse events (OR =1.431; 95% CI: 0.702 to 2.916; P=0.324).
CONCLUSIONS
The systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that VC is safe and efficacious in some outcomes, however, larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world data are needed to establish this.
PubMed: 38317751
DOI: 10.21037/tgh-23-64