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BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Apr 2023To compare the benefits and harms of drug treatments for adults with type 2 diabetes, adding non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (including finerenone)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To compare the benefits and harms of drug treatments for adults with type 2 diabetes, adding non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (including finerenone) and tirzepatide (a dual glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist) to previously existing treatment options.
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central up to 14 October 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Eligible randomised controlled trials compared drugs of interest in adults with type 2 diabetes. Eligible trials had a follow-up of 24 weeks or longer. Trials systematically comparing combinations of more than one drug treatment class with no drug, subgroup analyses of randomised controlled trials, and non-English language studies were deemed ineligible. Certainty of evidence was assessed following the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation) approach.
RESULTS
The analysis identified 816 trials with 471 038 patients, together evaluating 13 different drug classes; all subsequent estimates refer to the comparison with standard treatments. Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.83 to 0.94; high certainty) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (0.88, 0.82 to 0.93; high certainty) reduce all cause death; non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, so far tested only with finerenone in patients with chronic kidney disease, probably reduce mortality (0.89, 0.79 to 1.00; moderate certainty); other drugs may not. The study confirmed the benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, admission to hospital for heart failure, and end stage kidney disease. Finerenone probably reduces admissions to hospital for heart failure and end stage kidney disease, and possibly cardiovascular death. Only GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce non-fatal stroke; SGLT-2 inhibitors are superior to other drugs in reducing end stage kidney disease. GLP-1 receptor agonists and probably SGLT-2 inhibitors and tirzepatide improve quality of life. Reported harms were largely specific to drug class (eg, genital infections with SGLT-2 inhibitors, severe gastrointestinal adverse events with tirzepatide and GLP-1 receptor agonists, hyperkalaemia leading to admission to hospital with finerenone). Tirzepatide probably results in the largest reduction in body weight (mean difference -8.57 kg; moderate certainty). Basal insulin (mean difference 2.15 kg; moderate certainty) and thiazolidinediones (mean difference 2.81 kg; moderate certainty) probably result in the largest increases in body weight. Absolute benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and finerenone vary in people with type 2 diabetes, depending on baseline risks for cardiovascular and kidney outcomes (https://matchit.magicevidence.org/230125dist-diabetes).
CONCLUSIONS
This network meta-analysis extends knowledge beyond confirming the substantial benefits with the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes and death by adding information on finerenone and tirzepatide. These findings highlight the need for continuous assessment of scientific progress to introduce cutting edge updates in clinical practice guidelines for people with type 2 diabetes.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42022325948.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Network Meta-Analysis; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Quality of Life; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Heart Failure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37024129
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-074068 -
Diabetologia Aug 2022Tirzepatide is a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) currently under review for marketing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS
Tirzepatide is a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) currently under review for marketing approval. Individual trials have assessed the clinical profile of tirzepatide vs different comparators. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials.gov up until 27 October 2021 for randomised controlled trials with a duration of at least 12 weeks that compared once-weekly tirzepatide 5, 10 or 15 mg with placebo or other glucose-lowering drugs in adults with type 2 diabetes irrespective of their background glucose-lowering treatment. The primary outcome was change in HbA from baseline. Secondary efficacy outcomes included change in body weight, proportion of individuals reaching the HbA target of <53 mmol/mol (<7.0%), ≤48 mmol/mol (≤6.5%) or <39 mmol/mol (<5.7%), and proportion of individuals with body weight loss of at least 5%, 10% or 15%. Safety outcomes included hypoglycaemia, gastrointestinal adverse events, treatment discontinuation due to adverse events, serious adverse events, and mortality. We used version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials to assess risk of bias for the primary outcome.
RESULTS
Seven trials (6609 participants) were included. A dose-dependent superiority in lowering HbA was evident with all three tirzepatide doses vs all comparators, with mean differences ranging from -17.71 mmol/mol (-1.62%) to -22.35 mmol/mol (-2.06%) vs placebo, -3.22 mmol/mol (-0.29%) to -10.06 mmol/mol (-0.92%) vs GLP-1 RAs, and -7.66 mmol/mol (-0.70%) to -12.02 mmol/mol (-1.09%) vs basal insulin regimens. Tirzepatide was more efficacious in reducing body weight; reductions vs GLP-1 RAs ranged from 1.68 kg with tirzepatide 5 mg to 7.16 kg with tirzepatide 15 mg. Incidence of hypoglycaemia with tirzepatide was similar vs placebo and lower vs basal insulin. Nausea was more frequent with tirzepatide vs placebo, especially with tirzepatide 15 mg (OR 5.60 [95% CI 3.12, 10.06]), associated with higher incidence of vomiting (OR 5.50 [95% CI 2.40, 12.59]) and diarrhoea (OR 3.31 [95% CI 1.40, 7.85]). Odds of gastrointestinal events were similar between tirzepatide and GLP-1 RAs, except for diarrhoea with tirzepatide 10 mg (OR 1.51 [95% CI 1.07, 2.15]). Tirzepatide 15 mg led to higher discontinuation rate of study medication due to adverse events regardless of comparator, while all tirzepatide doses were safe in terms of serious adverse events and mortality.
CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION
A dose-dependent superiority on glycaemic efficacy and body weight reduction was evident with tirzepatide vs placebo, GLP-1 RAs and basal insulin. Tirzepatide did not increase the odds of hypoglycaemia but was associated with increased incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events. Study limitations include presence of statistical heterogeneity in the meta-analyses for change in HbA and body weight, assessment of risk of bias solely for the primary outcome, and generalisation of findings mainly to individuals who are overweight or obese and already on metformin-based background therapy. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021283449.
Topics: Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diarrhea; Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulins; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35579691
DOI: 10.1007/s00125-022-05715-4 -
The Lancet. Digital Health Jun 2022Skin cancers occur commonly worldwide. The prognosis and disease burden are highly dependent on the cancer type and disease stage at diagnosis. We systematically... (Review)
Review
Skin cancers occur commonly worldwide. The prognosis and disease burden are highly dependent on the cancer type and disease stage at diagnosis. We systematically reviewed studies on artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms that aim to facilitate the early diagnosis of skin cancers, focusing on their application in primary and community care settings. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science (from Jan 1, 2000, to Aug 9, 2021) for all studies providing evidence on applying AI/ML algorithms to the early diagnosis of skin cancer, including all study designs and languages. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy of the algorithms for skin cancers. The secondary outcomes included an overview of AI/ML methods, evaluation approaches, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability to patients and clinicians. We identified 14 224 studies. Only two studies used data from clinical settings with a low prevalence of skin cancers. We reported data from all 272 studies that could be relevant in primary care. The primary outcomes showed reasonable mean diagnostic accuracy for melanoma (89·5% [range 59·7-100%]), squamous cell carcinoma (85·3% [71·0-97·8%]), and basal cell carcinoma (87·6% [70·0-99·7%]). The secondary outcomes showed a heterogeneity of AI/ML methods and study designs, with high amounts of incomplete reporting (eg, patient demographics and methods of data collection). Few studies used data on populations with a low prevalence of skin cancers to train and test their algorithms; therefore, the widespread adoption into community and primary care practice cannot currently be recommended until efficacy in these populations is shown. We did not identify any health economic, patient, or clinician acceptability data for any of the included studies. We propose a methodological checklist for use in the development of new AI/ML algorithms to detect skin cancer, to facilitate their design, evaluation, and implementation.
Topics: Algorithms; Artificial Intelligence; Early Detection of Cancer; Humans; Machine Learning; Primary Health Care; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 35623799
DOI: 10.1016/S2589-7500(22)00023-1 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Sep 2021Multiple studies have reported on dermoscopic structures in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and its subtypes, with varying results.
BACKGROUND
Multiple studies have reported on dermoscopic structures in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and its subtypes, with varying results.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the prevalence of dermoscopic structures in BCC and its subtypes.
METHODS
Databases and reference lists were searched for relevant trials according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were assessed for the relative proportion of BCC dermoscopic features. Random-effects models were used to estimate summary effect sizes.
RESULTS
Included were 31 studies consisting of 5950 BCCs. The most common dermoscopic features seen in BCC were arborizing vessels (59%), shiny white structures (49%), and large blue-grey ovoid nests (34%). Arborizing vessels, ulceration, and blue-grey ovoid nests and globules were most common in nodular BCC; short-fine telangiectasia, multiple small erosions, and leaf-like, spoke wheel and concentric structures in superficial BCC; porcelain white areas and arborizing vessels in morpheaform BCC; and arborizing vessels and ulceration in infiltrative BCC.
LIMITATIONS
Studies had significant heterogeneity. Studies reporting BCC histopathologic subtypes did not provide clinical data on pigmentation of lesions.
CONCLUSION
In addition to arborizing vessels, shiny white structures are a common feature of BCC. A constellation of dermoscopic features may aid in differentiating between BCC histopathologic subtypes.
Topics: Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Dermoscopy; Humans; Pigmentation; Pigmentation Disorders; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 31706938
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.11.008 -
International Journal of Women's... Dec 2018Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP) can be difficult to diagnose and treat; therefore, we reviewed the literature to assess whether histology can be used to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP) can be difficult to diagnose and treat; therefore, we reviewed the literature to assess whether histology can be used to differentiate lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) from EDP and determine which treatments are the most effective for EDP. We also present a case of a patient who was treated successfully with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB).
METHODS
A systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was conducted up to July 2017 using four databases.
RESULTS
Histologic analyses from the literature reveal a significant percentage of melanophages, lymphocytic infiltrates, and basal vacuolar degeneration in EDP, and a significant histologic overlap with LPP. The review of the literature on treatment outcomes showed that NB-UVB and tacrolimus were effective with minimal side effects. Clofazimine was effective, but demonstrated significant-to-intolerable side effects. Griseofulvin, isotretinoin, and dapsone provided unsatisfactory results as lesions recurred after discontinuation. Lasers were largely ineffective and may cause postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and fibrosis.
CONCLUSION
A diagnosis of EDP should not be based on histologic findings alone. Clinical history, morphology, and distribution should be used to differentiate EDP and LPP. NB-UVB and tacrolimus are promising treatments for EDP with minimal side effects. This is the first report to our knowledge of sustained resolution of EDP after treatment with NB-UVB at long-term follow-up of 4 years. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
PubMed: 30627620
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.08.003 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2022A growing body of research has examined the effect of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), but the findings of the available... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A growing body of research has examined the effect of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), but the findings of the available studies were conflicting. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in AD patients. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases from the inception of indexing until 12 November 2021. Cochrane risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included literature. From 1942 search records initially identified, 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered eligible for systematic review and meta-analysis. Included studies involved 503 participants in 16 exercise groups (mean age: 69.2-84 years) and 406 participants (mean age: 68.9-84 years) in 15 control groups. There was a significant effect of aerobic exercise on increasing mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score in AD patients [weighted mean difference (WMD), 1.50 (95% CI, 0.55 to 2.45), = 0.002]. Subgroup analyses showed that interventions conducted 30 min per session [WMD, 2.52 (95% CI, 0.84 to 4.20), = 0.003], less than 150 min per week [WMD, 2.10 (95% CI, 0.84 to 3.37), = 0.001], and up to three times per week [WMD, 1.68 (95% CI, 0.46 to 2.89), = 0.007] increased MMSE score significantly. In addition, a worse basal cognitive status was associated with greater improvement in MMSE score. Our analysis indicated that aerobic exercise, especially conducted 30 min per session, less than 150 min per week, and up to three times per week, contributed to improving cognitive function in AD patients. Additionally, a worse basal cognitive status contributed to more significant improvements in cognitive function.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alzheimer Disease; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cognition; Exercise
PubMed: 36497772
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315700 -
The British Journal of Dermatology May 2012Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer affecting white-skinned individuals and the incidence is increasing worldwide. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer affecting white-skinned individuals and the incidence is increasing worldwide.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review brings together 75 studies conducted over the past half century to look at geographical variations and trends worldwide in NMSC, and specifically incidence data are compared with recent U.K. cancer registry data.
METHODS
Following the development of a comprehensive search strategy, an assessment tool was adapted to look at the methodological quality of the eligible studies.
RESULTS
Most of the studies focused on white populations in Europe, the U.S.A. and Australia; however, limited data were available for other skin types in regions such as Africa. Worldwide the incidence for NMSC varies widely with the highest rates in Australia [>1000/100, 000 person-years for basal cell carcinoma (BCC)] and the lowest rates in parts of Africa (< 1/100, 000 person-years for BCC). The average incidence rates in England were 76·21/100, 000 person-years and 22·65/100, 000 person-years for BCC and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), respectively, with highest rates in the South-West of England (121·29/100, 000 person-years for BCC and 33·02/100, 000 person-years for SCC) and lowest rates by far in London (0·24/100, 000 person-years for BCC and 14·98/100, 000 person-years for SCC). The incidence rates in the U.K. appear to be increasing at a greater rate when compared with the rest of Europe.
CONCLUSIONS
NMSC is an increasing problem for health care services worldwide. This review highlights a requirement for prevention studies in this area and the issues surrounding incomplete NMSC registration. Registration standards of NMSC should be improved to the level of other invasive disease.
Topics: Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Registries; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 22251204
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.10830.x -
Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs Dec 2020Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting up to 5.3% of children and 2.5% of adults depending on the country considered....
INTRODUCTION
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting up to 5.3% of children and 2.5% of adults depending on the country considered. Current pharmacological treatments for ADHD are based on stimulant or non-stimulant medications, targeting dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems in the frontal cortex and dopaminergic system in the basal ganglia. These drugs are effective and safe for the majority of patients, whereas about 20% of treated patients do not tolerate current therapies or experience insufficient efficacy. The adequate treatment of ADHD is necessary to allow a proper social placement and prevent the acquisition of additional, more severe, comorbidities.
AREAS COVERED
We conducted a review of the scientific literature and of unpublished/ongoing clinical trials to summarize the advances made in the last 10 years (2010-2020) for the pharmacological treatment of ADHD. We found many pharmacological mechanisms beyond dopaminergic and noradrenergic ones have been investigated in patients.
EXPERT OPINION
Some emerging drugs for ADHD may be promising as add-on treatment especially in children, amantadine to enhance cognitive functions and tipepidine for hyperactivity/impulsivity. Stand-alone emerging treatments for ADHD include viloxazine and dasotraline, which will soon have more clinical data available to support market access requests.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Child; Cognition; Drug Design; Drug Development; Humans
PubMed: 32938246
DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2020.1820481 -
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and... 2022Oral nicotinamide is recommended in individuals with a field of cancerization or with ≥1 previous cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Oral nicotinamide is recommended in individuals with a field of cancerization or with ≥1 previous cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of nicotinamide in prevention of skin cancers.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of nicotinamide. We used Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases from their inception to October 2020 to search the following concepts: "nicotinamide"; "randomized controlled trial" (validated filters). Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts for intervention and study design before searching full texts for eligibility criteria. To be eligible, ≥1 outcome had to be covered. We used a standardized collection grid to complete data extraction in duplicate. The primary outcome was skin cancers (all types). Secondary outcomes were basal cell carcinomas (BCCs); cSCCs; actinic keratoses; melanomas; digestive, cutaneous, and biochemical adverse effects (AEs). Subgroup analyses were planned .
RESULTS
We screened 4730 citations and found 29 trials (3039 patients) meeting inclusion criteria. Nicotinamide was associated with a significant reduction in skin cancers compared to control (rate ratio 0.50 (95% CI, 0.29-0.85; = 64%; 552 patients; 5 trials); moderate strength of the evidence). Heterogeneity was explained by risk of bias. Nicotinamide was associated with a significant reduction in BCCs and cSCCs, and increased risk of digestive AEs.
CONCLUSION
Oral nicotinamide should be considered in healthy patients or organ transplant recipients with history of skin cancer (GRADE: weak recommendation; moderate-quality evidence), in particular of BCC and cSCC.
Topics: Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chemoprevention; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Humans; Keratosis, Actinic; Niacinamide; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 35134311
DOI: 10.1177/12034754221078201 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Oct 2017To characterize the cosmetic outcomes and local recurrence (LR) rates of various hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) regimens for skin basal and squamous cell... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To characterize the cosmetic outcomes and local recurrence (LR) rates of various hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) regimens for skin basal and squamous cell cancers (BCCs/SCCs).
METHODS
A PICOS/PRISMA/MOOSE selection protocol was performed to identify 344 articles published between 1985-2016 evaluating patients with T1-2 N0 SCCs/BCCs treated with definitive RT. Biologically equivalent doses with α/β=3 (BEDs) were calculated. The primary endpoint was post-treatment cosmesis. Mixed effects regression models were used to estimate weighted linear relationships between BED and cosmetic outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 21 studies were identified detailing the treatment of 9729 skin BCC/SCC patients, across seven countries, with external beam RT (n=9255) or brachytherapy (n=474). Median follow-up was 36months (range: 12-77). Median dose was 45Gy/11 fractions (interquartile range: 37.5Gy/6-55Gy/18) at 4Gy/fraction (interquartile range: 2.5-6Gy); most hypofractionated 18.75Gy/1. There was a trend to decreased "good" cosmesis with higher total dose: -3.4% "good" cosmesis/10Gy BED, p=0.01. Similarly, there was a trend to increased "fair" cosmesis with higher dose: +3.8% "fair" cosmesis/10Gy BEDp=0.006. At a BED of 100Gy, the expected rate of "good" cosmesis is 79% (95% confidence interval: 70%, 88%). Hypofractionated schedules produced similar cosmesis to conventionally fractionated schedules, at the same BED. Fewer than 8% of patients experienced "poor" cosmesis, independent of dose or fractionation regimen.
CONCLUSION
Hypofractionated RT has favorable cosmesis for patients with skin BCCs/SCCs. We recommend clinicians consider these commonly-used regimens, which all have BED of ∼100Gy: 50Gy/15 fractions, 36.75Gy/7 fractions, or 35Gy/5 fractions, as they result in "good" cosmesis in 80% of patients.
Topics: Brachytherapy; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Humans; Radiation Dose Hypofractionation; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 28843727
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2017.08.011