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American Journal of Ophthalmology Jun 2017To compare the postoperative efficacy, predictability, safety, and visual quality of all major forms of laser corneal refractive surgeries for correcting myopia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To compare the postoperative efficacy, predictability, safety, and visual quality of all major forms of laser corneal refractive surgeries for correcting myopia.
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
METHODS
Search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the US trial registry was conducted up to November 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) reporting in accordance with the eligibility criteria were included in this review. We performed a Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Forty-eight RCTs were identified. For efficacy (uncorrected visual acuity [UCVA]), there were no statistically significant differences between any pair of treatments analyzed. The SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking curve) ranking (from best to worst) was femtosecond-based laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), LASIK, small-incision lenticule extraction, femtosecond lenticule extraction (FLEx), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), epipolis (Epi)-LASIK, transepithelial PRK (T-PRK). For predictability (refractive spherical equivalent [SE]), a statistically significant difference was found when FS-LASIK was compared with LASIK (odds ratio [OR] 2.29, 95% credible interval [CrI] 1.20-4.14), PRK (OR 2.16, 95% CrI 1.15-4.03), LASEK (OR 2.09, 95% CrI 1.08-4.55), and Epi-LASIK (OR 2.74, 95% CrI 1.11-6.20). The SUCRA ranking (from best to worst) was FS-LASIK, T-PRK, LASEK, PRK, LASIK, Epi-LASIK. There were no statistically significant differences in the safety (best spectacle-corrected visual acuity) comparisons. For both postoperative higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and contrast sensitivity (CS), there were no statistically significant differences between any pair of treatments analyzed. The SUCRA ranking results show that some corneal surface ablation techniques (PRK and LASEK) rank highest.
CONCLUSIONS
This network meta-analysis shows that there were no statistically significant differences in either visual outcomes (efficacy and safety) or visual quality (HOAs and CS). FS-LASIK behaved better in predictability than any other type of surgeries.
Topics: Cornea; Humans; Lasers, Excimer; Myopia; Network Meta-Analysis; Photorefractive Keratectomy; Postoperative Period; Refraction, Ocular; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 28336402
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.03.013 -
Health Technology Assessment... Jul 2014Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the inability of the Eustachian tube (ET) to adequately perform at least one of its functions: to protect the middle ear from... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the inability of the Eustachian tube (ET) to adequately perform at least one of its functions: to protect the middle ear from sources of disease, to ventilate the middle ear, and to help drain secretions away from the middle ear. There are a number of treatment options for ETD, but there is little consensus about management.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the clinical effectiveness of interventions for adult ETD and to identify gaps in the evidence to inform future research.
DATA SOURCES
Twelve databases were searched up to October 2012 for published and unpublished studies in English (e.g. MEDLINE from 1946, EMBASE from 1974, Biosis Previews from 1969 and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from inception). References of included studies, relevant systematic reviews and regulatory agency websites were checked.
REVIEW METHODS
A systematic review was undertaken. Controlled studies evaluating prespecified treatments for adult patients diagnosed with ETD were eligible. Uncontrolled studies with at least 10 participants were included for interventions where no controlled studies were found. Outcomes included change in symptoms severity/frequency (primary outcome), quality of life, middle ear function, hearing, clearance of middle ear effusion, early ventilation tube extrusion, additional treatment, adverse events and complications. All aspects of the review process were performed using methods to reduce reviewer error and bias. Owing to heterogeneous data, a quantitative synthesis could not be performed, and results were reported in a narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies were included: three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and two non-RCTs evaluating pharmacological interventions or mechanical devices for middle ear pressure equalisation; and 13 case series and one retrospective controlled before-and-after study evaluating surgical interventions. None was conducted in the UK. All studies were small (11 to 108 participants). Most non-surgical studies reported including mixed populations of adults and children. All except two studies were at high risk of bias, and subject to multiple limitations. Based on a single RCT, nasal steroids showed no improvement in symptoms or middle ear function for patients with otitis media with effusion and/or negative middle ear pressure. Very short-term improvements in middle ear function were observed in patients receiving directly applied topical decongestants or a combination of antihistamine and ephedrine. Single trials found two pressure equalisation devices were each associated with significant short-term improvements in symptoms, middle ear function and/or hearing. Eustachian tuboplasty (seven case series) and balloon dilatation (three case series) were associated with improved outcomes. Positive results were also reported for myringotomy (two case series), directly applied topical steroids (one case series) and laser point coagulation (one controlled before-and-after study). High rates of co-interventions were documented. Minor complications of surgery and pharmacological treatments but no serious adverse effects were reported.
LIMITATIONS
The evidence was limited in quantity and overall was of poor quality. No data were identified on several interventions despite extensive searches.
CONCLUSIONS
It is not possible to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of any of the interventions for the treatment of adults with an ETD diagnosis, and there is insufficient evidence to recommend a trial of any particular intervention. Further research is needed to address lack of consensus on several issues, including the definition of ETD in adults, its relation to broader middle ear ventilation problems and clear diagnostic criteria.
STUDY REGISTRATION
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42012003035.
FUNDING
The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; Eustachian Tube; Female; Histamine Antagonists; Humans; Male; Middle Ear Ventilation; Nasal Decongestants; Otitis Media with Effusion; Prognosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25029951
DOI: 10.3310/hta18460 -
JAMA Network Open Mar 2023Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing globally. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in adults with T2D; however, the global burden of DR in pediatric... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing globally. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in adults with T2D; however, the global burden of DR in pediatric T2D is unknown. This knowledge can inform retinopathy screening and treatments to preserve vision in this population.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the global prevalence of DR in pediatric T2D.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and the gray literature (ie, literature containing information that is not available through traditional publishing and distribution channels) were searched for relevant records from the date of database inception to April 4, 2021, with updated searches conducted on May 17, 2022. Searches were limited to human studies. No language restrictions were applied. Search terms included diabetic retinopathy; diabetes mellitus, type 2; prevalence studies; and child, adolescent, teenage, youth, and pediatric.
STUDY SELECTION
Three teams, each with 2 reviewers, independently screened for observational studies with 10 or more participants that reported the prevalence of DR. Among 1989 screened articles, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria for the pooled analysis.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Two independent reviewers performed the risk of bias and level of evidence analyses. The results were pooled using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was reported using χ2 and I2 statistics.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The main outcome was the estimated pooled global prevalence of DR in pediatric T2D. Other outcomes included DR severity and current DR assessment methods. The association of diabetes duration, sex, race, age, and obesity with DR prevalence was also assessed.
RESULTS
Among the 27 studies included in the pooled analysis (5924 unique patients; age range at T2D diagnosis, 6.5-21.0 years), the global prevalence of DR in pediatric T2D was 6.99% (95% CI, 3.75%-11.00%; I2 = 95%; 615 patients). Fundoscopy was less sensitive than 7-field stereoscopic fundus photography in detecting retinopathy (0.47% [95% CI, 0%-3.30%; I2 = 0%] vs 13.55% [95% CI, 5.43%-24.29%; I2 = 92%]). The prevalence of DR increased over time and was 1.11% (95% CI, 0.04%-3.06%; I2 = 5%) at less than 2.5 years after T2D diagnosis, 9.04% (95% CI, 2.24%-19.55%; I2 = 88%) at 2.5 to 5.0 years after T2D diagnosis, and 28.14% (95% CI, 12.84%-46.45%; I2 = 96%) at more than 5 years after T2D diagnosis. The prevalence of DR increased with age, and no differences were noted based on sex, race, or obesity. Heterogeneity was high among studies.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this study, DR prevalence in pediatric T2D increased significantly at more than 5 years after diagnosis. These findings suggest that retinal microvasculature is an early target of T2D in children and adolescents, and annual screening with fundus photography beginning at diagnosis offers the best assessment method for early detection of DR in pediatric patients.
Topics: Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Diabetic Retinopathy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Prevalence; Retina; Obesity; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36930156
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.1887 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Feb 2011Cataract accounts for over 47% of blindness worldwide, causing blindness in about 17.3 million people in 1990. Surgery for cataract in people with glaucoma may affect... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Cataract accounts for over 47% of blindness worldwide, causing blindness in about 17.3 million people in 1990. Surgery for cataract in people with glaucoma may affect glaucoma control.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of surgery for age-related cataract without other ocular comorbidity? What are the effects of treatment for age-related cataract in people with glaucoma? What are the effects of surgical treatments for age-related cataract in people with diabetic retinopathy? What are the effects of surgical treatments for age-related cataract in people with chronic uveitis? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to May 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 20 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: for people with cataract without other ocular co-morbidity: cataract surgery alone, cataract surgery with non-concomitant glaucoma surgery, concomitant cataract and glaucoma surgery, intracapsular extraction, manual (large or small) incision extracapsular extraction, and phaco extracapsular extraction; for people with cataract with co-morbid diabetic retinopathy: cataract surgery alone, and adding diabetic retinopathy treatment to cataract surgery; for people with cataract and co-morbid chronic uveitis: cataract surgery, and medical control of uveitis at the time of cataract surgery.
Topics: Cataract; Cataract Extraction; Diabetic Retinopathy; Eye; Humans; Incidence; Uveitis
PubMed: 21718561
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of the Formosan Medical... Dec 2022Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), atropine eye drops and combined atropine with Ortho-K are proven to be effective ways to prevent myopic progression in many studies, but there... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), atropine eye drops and combined atropine with Ortho-K are proven to be effective ways to prevent myopic progression in many studies, but there is scarce evidence regarding the comparative efficacy of different dosages of atropine,Ortho-K, and combined atropine with Ortho-K for childhood myopia.
METHODS
We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the relative efficacy of the aforementioned interventions for myopic progression; moreover, we calculated the surface under cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) to determine the relative ranking of treatments.
RESULTS
We identified 19 randomized controlled trials (3435 patients). NMA revealed that 0.01%-1% atropine, Ortho-K, and 0.01% atropine combined with Ortho-K inhibited axial elongation (AL) over one year. For refractive change, SUCRA analysis revealed that the hierarchy was high-dose (0.5%-1%), moderate-dose (0.1%-0.25%), and low-dose (0.01%-0.05%) atropine. Regarding AL, SUCRA analysis revealed the following hierarchy: Ortho-K combined with 0.01% atropine, high-dose atropine, moderate-dose atropine, Ortho-K, and low-dose atropine.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we found that atropine (0.01%-1%), Ortho-K, and 0.01% atropine combined with Ortho-K could significantly slow down myopia progression. The atropine efficacy followed a dose-related pattern; moreover, Ortho-K and low-dose atropine showed similar efficacy. There was a synergistic effect of using 0.01% atropine combined with Ortho-K, and it showed comparable efficacy to that of high-dose atropine.
Topics: Humans; Child; Orthokeratologic Procedures; Atropine; Axial Length, Eye; Network Meta-Analysis; Myopia
PubMed: 35688780
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2022.05.005 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Aug 2008Cataract accounts for over 47% of blindness worldwide, causing blindness in about 17.3 million people in 1990. Surgery for cataract in people with glaucoma may affect... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Cataract accounts for over 47% of blindness worldwide, causing blindness in about 17.3 million people in 1990. Surgery for cataract in people with glaucoma may affect glaucoma control.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of surgery for age-related cataract without other ocular comorbidity? What are the effects of treatment for age-related cataract in people with glaucoma? What are the effects of surgical treatments for age-related cataract in people with diabetic retinopathy? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to October 2007 (BMJ Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 16 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: cataract surgery alone; cataract surgery with non-concomitant glaucoma surgery; concomitant cataract and glaucoma surgery; diabetic retinopathy treatment with cataract surgery; intracapsular extraction; manual (large or small) incision extracapsular extraction; and phaco extracapsular extraction.
Topics: Blindness; Cataract; Cataract Extraction; Evidence-Based Medicine; Glaucoma; Humans; Incidence; Lens, Crystalline
PubMed: 19445812
DOI: No ID Found -
European Journal of Oral Sciences Jun 2018The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of systematic extraction protocols during orthodontic fixed appliance treatment on the soft tissue profile of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of systematic extraction protocols during orthodontic fixed appliance treatment on the soft tissue profile of human patients. Nine databases were searched until December 2016 for controlled clinical studies including premolar extraction or nonextraction treatment. After elimination of duplicate studies, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment according to the Cochrane guidelines, random-effects meta-analyses of mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) and their 95% CIs were performed, followed by subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses. Extraction treatment was associated with increased lower lip retraction (24 studies; 1,456 patients; MD = 1.96 mm), upper lip retraction (21 studies; 1,149 patients; MD = 1.26 mm), nasolabial angle (21 studies; 1,089 patients; MD = 4.21°), soft-tissue profile convexity (six studies; 408 patients; MD = 1.24°), and profile pleasantness (three studies; 249 patients; SMD = 0.41). Patient age, extraction protocol, and amount of upper incisor retraction during treatment were significantly associated with the observed extraction effects, while the quality of evidence was very low in all cases due to risk of bias, baseline confounding, inconsistency, and imprecision. Although tooth extractions seem to affect patient profile, existing studies are heterogenous and no consistent predictions of profile response can be made.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Bicuspid; Cephalometry; Esthetics, Dental; Face; Humans; Lip; Nose; Orthodontic Appliances, Fixed; Tooth Extraction; Tooth Movement Techniques
PubMed: 29480521
DOI: 10.1111/eos.12409 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Nov 2007Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in the UK, with older people and those with worse diabetic control, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia being... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in the UK, with older people and those with worse diabetic control, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia being most at risk. Diabetic retinopathy can cause microaneurysms, haemorrhages, exudates, changes to blood vessels, and retinal thickening.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of treatments in people with diabetic retinopathy? What are the effects of treatments for vitreous haemorrhage? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library and other important databases up to November March 2007 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 29 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation, focal and grid laser photocoagulation for maculopathy, corticosteroids for macular oedema, and vitrectomy for vitreous haemorrhage.
Topics: Diabetic Retinopathy; Humans; Laser Coagulation; Macular Edema; Visual Acuity; Vitreous Body
PubMed: 19450351
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Orthopaedics and... Dec 2021Energy spent during daily activities is recuperated by humans through sleep, ensuring optimal performance on the following day. Sleep disturbances are common: a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Energy spent during daily activities is recuperated by humans through sleep, ensuring optimal performance on the following day. Sleep disturbances are common: a meta-analysis on sleep quality showed that 15-30% of adults report sleep disorders, such as sleep onset latency (SOL), insufficient duration of sleep and frequently waking up at night. Low back pain (LBP) has been identified as one of the main causes of poor sleep quality. Literature findings are discordant on the type of mattress that might prevent onset of back pain, resulting in an improved quality of sleep. We conducted a systematic literature review of articles published until 2019, investigating the association of different mattresses with sleep quality and low back pain. Based on examined studies, mattresses were classified according to the European Committee for Standardization (2000) as: soft, medium-firm, extra-firm or mattresses customized for patients affected by supine decubitus. A total of 39 qualified articles have been included in the current systematic review. Results of this systematic review show that a medium-firm mattress promotes comfort, sleep quality and rachis alignment.
Topics: Adult; Back Pain; Beds; Humans; Low Back Pain; Sleep Quality
PubMed: 34878594
DOI: 10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5 -
European Journal of Physical and... Feb 2021During the last decades, many studies have been carried out to understand the possible positive effects of vibration therapy in post-stroke rehabilitation. In...
INTRODUCTION
During the last decades, many studies have been carried out to understand the possible positive effects of vibration therapy in post-stroke rehabilitation. In particular, the use of localized muscle vibration (LMV) seems to have promising results. The aim of this systematic review was to describe the use of LMV in post-stroke patients to improve motor recovery, reducing spasticity and disability in both upper and lower limb.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Pedro and REHABDATA electronic database. Only randomized controlled trials have been included, excluding no-localized vibratory treatments and other pathological conditions. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Collectively, the studies involved 425 stroke patients. Most studies included chronic stroke patients (ten) and treated only the upper limb (eleven). There is evidence that LMV therapy is effective in reducing spasticity and improving motor recovery, especially when associated with conventional physical therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
LMV may be a feasible and safe tool to be integrated into traditional and conventional neurorehabilitation programs for post-stroke patients to reduce spasticity. Analysis of the available clinical trials do not allow us to indicate vibration therapy as effective in functional motor recovery, despite some studies showed encouraging results. Further studies, with larger size of homogeneous patients and with a shared methodology are needed to produce more reliable data, especially on the lower limb.
Topics: Humans; Motor Disorders; Muscle Spasticity; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke Rehabilitation; Vibration
PubMed: 33111513
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.20.06390-X