scholarly journals Efficacy of EMG- and EEG-Biofeedback in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis and a Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Anna Glombiewski ◽  
Kathrin Bernardy ◽  
Winfried Häuser
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Fibromyalgia Syndrome ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Eeg Biofeedback ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Control Groups

Objectives. Biofeedback (BFB) is an established intervention in the rehabilitation of headache and other pain disorders. Little is known about this treatment option for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The aim of the present review is to integrate and critically evaluate the evidence regarding the efficacy of biofeedback for FMS.Methods. We conducted a literature search using Pubmed, clinicaltrials.gov (National Institute of Health), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and manual searches. The effect size estimates were calculated using a random-effects model.Results. The literature search produced 123 unique citations. One hundred sixteen records were excluded. The meta-analysis included seven studies (321 patients) on EEG-Biofeedback and EMG-Biofeedback. In comparison to control groups, biofeedback (BFB) significantly reduced pain intensity with a large effect size (; 95% CI: 0.22–1.36). Subgroup analyses revealed that only EMG-BFB and not EEG-BFB significantly reduced pain intensity in comparison to control groups (; 95% CI: 0.11–1.62). BFB did not reduce sleep problems, depression, fatigue, or health-related quality of life in comparison to a control group.Discussion. The interpretation of the results is limited because of a lack of studies on the long-term effects of EMG-BFB in FMS. Further research should focus on the long-term efficacy of BFB in fibromyalgia and on the identification of predictors of treatment response.

632 SUTURED VERSUS MESH-AUGMENTED HIATUS HERNIA REPAIR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josipa Petric ◽  
Tim Bright ◽  
David Liu ◽  
Melissa Wee ◽  
David Watson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hiatus Hernia ◽  
Mesh Repair ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hernia Recurrence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Absorbable Mesh ◽  
Hiatal Closure

Abstract   Repair of large hiatus hernias is increasingly being performed. However, there is no consensus for the optimal technique for hiatal closure between sutured versus mesh-augmented (absorbable or non-absorbable) repair. This meta-analysis systematically reviewed published randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing sutured versus mesh-augmented hiatus hernia (HH) repair. Our primary endpoint was HH recurrence at short- and long-term follow-up. Secondary endpoints were: surgical complications, operative times, dysphagia and quality of life. Methods A systematic review of Medline, Scopus (which encompassed Embase), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science and PubMed was performed to identify relevant studies comparing mesh-augmented versus sutured HH repair. Data were extracted and compared by meta-analysis, using odds ratio and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Results Seven RCTs were found which compared mesh-augmented (non-absorbable mesh: n = 296; absorbable mesh: n = 92) with sutured repair (n = 347). There were no significant differences for short-term hernia recurrence (defined as 6–12 months, 10.1% mesh versus 15.5% sutured, P = 0.22), long-term hernia recurrence (defined as 3–5 years, 30.7% mesh vs 31.3% sutured, P = 0.69), functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. The only statistically significant difference was that the mesh repair required a longer operation time (P = 0.05, OR 2.33, 95% CI 0.03–24.69). Conclusion Mesh repair for hiatus hernia does not offer any advantage over sutured hiatal closure. As both techniques deliver good and comparable clinical outcomes, a suture only technique is still an appropriate approach.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Tocilizumab in the Treatment of COVID-19 in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Chen ◽  
ZeMei Zhou ◽  
Jing Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Composite Outcome ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Serious Infection ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background: Since December 2019, COVID-19 has spread to the world which leads to a global health threat. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of tocilizumab on COVID-19 patients.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and WHO international Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) from their inception to March 10, 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on tocilizumab supplementation in adults with COVID-19 disease. The primary outcomes were mortality at 28-30 day and 60-day, incidence of mechanical ventilation (MV), composite outcome of death or MV, time to hospital discharge, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to pool studies. Results: Eleven studies with a total of 6,579 patients were included in our meta-analysis, of which 3,406 and 3,173 were respectively assigned to the tocilizumab and control groups. Tocilizumab could significantly reduce 28-30 day mortality (RR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99, P = 0.04), incidence of MV (RR= 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.89, P = 0.0001), composition outcome of MV or death (RR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.90, P = 0.0002), time to hospital discharge (HR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.16-1.45, P ＜ 0.00001 ), ICU admissions (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.88, P = 0.006), serious infection (RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.40-0.94, P = 0.02) and events of serious adverse advents (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.86, P = 0.004). There was no significant difference between tocilizumab and control groups in 60-day mortality and adverse events (AEs).Conclusions: Tocilizumab could reduce the short-term mortality, incidence of MV, composite outcome of death or MV, ICU admissions, serious infection and events of serious adverse advents, and shorten the time to hospital discharge in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The optimal effective dose needs to be confirmed by further studies.

scholarly journals Should Finasteride Be Routinely Given Preoperatively for TURP?

ISRN Urology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. M. Aboumarzouk ◽  
M. Z. Aslam ◽  
A. Wedderburn ◽  
K. Turner ◽  
O. Hughes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Postoperative Bleeding ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Language Restriction ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Objective. The aim of the review was to compare the use of finasteride to placebo in patients undergoing TURP procedures. Material & Methods. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1966–November 2011), EMBASE (1980–November 2011), CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, reference lists of articles, and abstracts from conference proceedings without language restriction for studies comparing finasteride to placebo patients needing TURPs. Results. Four randomised controlled trials were included comparing finasteride to a placebo. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to the disparity present in the results between the studies. Three of the studies found that finasteride could reduce either intra- or postoperative bleeding after TURP. One study found finasteride to significantly lower the microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). None of the studies reported any long-term complications related to either the medication or the procedure. Conclusion. finasteride reduces bleeding either during or after TURP.

Hydroxyurea for β-Thalassemia Major: A Meta-Analysis

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4894-4894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali H. Algiraigri ◽  
Nicola A. Wright ◽  
Aliya Kassam
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register

Abstract Background β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is one of the most common inherited diseases worldwide, characterized by a reduced ability to produce hemoglobin resulting in life-long transfusion-dependent anemia. Chronic transfusions carry significant risks such as infection, and result in iron overload that can cause significant multisystem organ damage. Hydroxyurea, an oral chemotherapeutic drug, is anticipated to decrease the need for transfusions, either completely or partially by raising hemoglobin levels and thus decreasing the short and long term complications of chronic transfusions. Objectives To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of hydroxyurea in β-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients of any age. Search strategy We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ongoing trials registers, and major preceding conferences. Hand searches were also conducted using reference lists from primary studies. All searches were updated to June 5, 2014. Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (sample size ≥ 5) assessing the clinical efficacy of hydroxyurea alone for three months or longer, for the treatment of patients with β-TM were included. Data collection and analysis Two authors acted as reviewers and independently assessed study quality and extracted data from the included studies. Authors of included studies were contacted if further information was required. β-TM includes the classical β-TM as well as severe hemoglobin E/β thalassemia, both of which are characterized by lifelong transfusion needs. The effect size was estimated as a proportion (those showing response to treatment over the total number treated) and reported as overall response rate (ORR) or complete response rate (CRR). ORR was defined as ≥ 50% reduction in transfusion need and CRR was defined as complete cessation of regular transfusion. All data was analyzed using Stata, Version 13.0. Results A total of 10 observational studies involving 620 patients were included. Hydroxyurea was associated with a statistically significant decrease in transfusion need with CRR of 36% (95% CI, 23-50%) and ORR of 66% (95% CI, 52-79%). All of the studies had several limitations, such as small sample size, lack of comparison group, under-reporting of data and methods, and being observational studies. Adverse events (AEs) were transient and improved with temporary cessation of the drug and/or adjustment of the dose. No long-term AEs, including cancer or end organ damage were reported. Authors’ conclusion Hydroxyurea appears to be effective in the management of β-TM by decreasing the need for chronic blood transfusions completely or partially in a significant number of patients. It appears to be well tolerated and associated with mild and transient AEs. Patients with β-TM may benefit from a trial of hydroxyurea, though large RCTs assessing efficacy should be done to confirm the findings of this meta-analysis. Disclosures Off Label Use: Hydroxyurea for β-Thalassemia.

scholarly journals Three Decades of Internet- and Computer-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Depression: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.2196/14860 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e14860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Moshe ◽  
Yannik Terhorst ◽  
Pim Cuijpers ◽  
Ioana Cristea ◽  
Laura Pulkki-Råback ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Temporal Dimension ◽  
The Past ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Computer Based

Background Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Internet- and computer-based interventions (IBIs) have been shown to provide effective, scalable forms of treatment. More than 100 controlled trials and a growing number of meta-analyses published over the past 30 years have demonstrated the efficacy of IBIs in reducing symptoms in the short and long term. Despite the large body of research, no comprehensive review or meta-analysis has been conducted to date that evaluates how the effectiveness of IBIs has evolved over time. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether there has been a change in the effectiveness of IBIs on the treatment of depression over the past 30 years and to identify potential variables moderating the effect size. Methods A sensitive search strategy will be executed across the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Data extraction and evaluation will be conducted by two independent researchers. Risk of bias will be assessed. A multilevel meta-regression model will be used to analyze the data and estimate effect size. Results The search was completed in mid-2019. We expect the results to be submitted for publication in early 2020. Conclusions The year 2020 will mark 30 years since the first paper was published on the use of IBIs for the treatment of depression. Despite the large and rapidly growing body of research in the field, evaluations of effectiveness to date are missing the temporal dimension. This review will address that gap and provide valuable analysis of how the effectiveness of interventions has evolved over the past three decades; which participant-, intervention-, and study-related variables moderate changes in effectiveness; and where research in the field may benefit from increased focus. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42019136554; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=136554 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/14860

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of edaravone for acute intracerebral haemorrhage: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e039366
Author(s):  
Luda Feng ◽  
Ning Liang ◽  
Tingting Li ◽  
Qinyu Yang ◽  
Ping Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Intracerebral Haemorrhage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Routine Treatment ◽  
Manual Search

IntroductionIntracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a life-threatening condition with no effective internal treatment options. However, edaravone is a promising therapeutic agent, although its beneficial effects are inconclusive based on previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses. While several trials in the last 8 years have reported the favourable long-term functional outcomes, a few reports indicated edaravone to be associated with an increase in adverse events.Methods and analysisThis protocol was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. We will perform the comprehensive and manual search for published articles, ongoing trials, dissertations and grey literature. The following databases will be searched from inception to 23 April 2020: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese scientific periodical database of VIP INFORMATION, Wanfang Data and SinoMed, with no language restrictions. All randomised controlled trials that (1) compared edaravone with placebo or no treatment, and (2) compared edaravone plus routine treatment or cointervention with routine treatment or cointervention for treating acute ICH will be included. Mortality and long-term dependency will be the primary outcomes. The incidence of adverse events will be assessed for safety evaluation. Two reviewers in pairs will independently carry out the article selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Assessment of the risk of bias and data synthesis will be performed using software Review Manager V.5.3. Finally, we will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to evaluate the quality of the overall evidence.Ethics and disseminationThere are no ethical considerations associated with this updated systematic review and meta-analysis. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals or conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019147801.

scholarly journals A comprehensive comparison between cementless and cemented fixation in the total knee arthroplasty: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Liu ◽  
Yi Zeng ◽  
Yuangang Wu ◽  
Mingyang Li ◽  
Huiqi Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Joint Infection ◽  
Standard Form ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Total Knee

Abstract Background Whether the cement should be used in the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was still in controversy. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of two kinds of fixation. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective/retrospective observational studies from PubMed (on 2019 September), EMBASE (on 2019 September), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Web of Science (on 2019 September) were searched. Only studies followed more than 2 years was included for the review. The PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane Handbook were adopted to assess the quality of the results reported in included studies to ensure that the results of our meta-analysis were reliable and veritable. The continuous and dichotomous outcomes were collected in a standard form, and the data were analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 software. Finally, the results were presented in the Forest plots. Results Twenty-six studies involving 2369 patients in cementless TKA and 2654 patients in cemented TKA were included. The rate of revision was not significantly different in two groups (p = 0.55). More than eight reasons caused revision were found in our study, the aseptic loosing was the most common, followed by the periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), neither was significantly different (p = 0.88 and 0.45, respectively). While significantly better long-term functional recovery was found in cementless TKA in terms of Knee Society Function Score (p = 0.004) and manipulation under anesthesia (p = 0.007). Conclusion Cementless fixation did not decrease the rate of revision after the total knee arthroplasty compared with the cemented fixation, while the long-term functional recovery was significantly better in the cementless group.

scholarly journals Metoclopramide for Milk Production in Lactating Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 453-463
Author(s):  
Nik Hazlina Nik Hussain ◽  
Norhayati Mohd Noor ◽  
Shaiful Bahari Ismail ◽  
Nur Amirah Zainuddin ◽  
Zaharah Sulaiman
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Lactating Women ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Milk Volume ◽  
Increase Milk Production

Background: Breastfeeding is recognized as the optimal form of nutrition for the physical and neurological development of infants and is considered the most significant way to prevent child mortality. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of metoclopramide for enhancing milk production in lactating women.Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials comparing metoclopramide with a placebo, no treatment, or other galactagogue drugs. We included breastfeeding women with term or preterm infants.Results: We retrieved 164 records from our search of the electronic databases and 20 records from other sources. Eight trials involving 342 lactating women that used metoclopramide were included in this review after assessing the eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis of these trials revealed that metoclopramide did not increase the milk volume of the intervention groups compared to that of the control groups. There was a significant increase in the serum concentrations of prolactin when the mothers were administered metoclopramide. No significant adverse events were reported.Conclusion: Metoclopramide did not improve milk production in lactating women. Therefore, we do not recommend using metoclopramide to increase milk production in lactating women.

scholarly journals The differential efficacy of systemic therapy: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels Braus ◽  
Rebecca von Oepen ◽  
Nina Immel ◽  
Johanna Wichmann ◽  
Christian Frankman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Systemic Therapy ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
System Functioning ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background: Systemic therapy is a widespread evidence-based psychotherapy approach. Its main goal revolves around the concept of viewing mental symptoms within the context of social systems (e.g., families, couples). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have confirmed that systemic therapy significantly reduces symptom severity of DSM- or ICD-diagnosed patients. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the differential efficacy of systemic therapy, taking into account moderators (e.g., allegiance, adherence) and outcomes (system functioning) not considered in previous meta-analytical investigations.Methods: To conduct a comprehensive literature search, we will optimize search strategies from previous systematic reviews on systemic therapy. The search strategy presented in this protocol has improved the precision and sensitivity by using an iterative validation and optimization process. We will conduct the literature search in multiple electronic databases (PsycInfo, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)). We will include all randomized controlled trials that report quantitative outcomes for symptom change and/or system functioning. For the calculations, we will conduct a Bayesian meta-analysis for the outcomes based on a random-effects model, a Bayesian meta-regression for the moderators, and Bayesian subgroup analysis for disorder-specific differences.Discussion: Understanding the differential efficacy of systemic therapy is essential for the conceptualization, performance, and analysis of future research and therapeutic practice. This meta-analysis faces potential limitations associated with the definition of systemic therapy, as well as methodological problems in systemic therapy research.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning versus Traditional Teaching Methods in Improving Acquisition of Radiographic Interpretation Skills among Dental Students—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Alexander Maniangat Luke ◽  
Simy Mathew ◽  
Sam Thomas Kuriadom ◽  
Jeny Mary George ◽  
Mohmed Isaqali Karobari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
Oral Radiology ◽  
Radiographic Interpretation

Problem-based learning is an experiential and student-centred learning method to practice important skills like querying, critical thinking, and collaboration through pair and group work. The study is aimed at comparing the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional teaching (TT) methods in improving acquisition of radiographic interpretation skills among dental students. Clinical trials (randomized and nonrandomized) were conducted with the help of dental students studying oral radiology using PBL and TT methods and assessing radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level as outcomes. Articles published from PubMed/MEDLINE, DOAJ, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool, the MINORS Checklist, and the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBIN-I) tool. Meta-analysis was done using Review Manager 5.3. There were twenty-four articles for qualitative synthesis and 13 for meta-analysis. The cumulative mean difference was found to be 0.54 (0.18, 0.90), 4.15 (-0.35, 8.65), and -0.14 (-0.36, 0.08) for radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level, respectively, showing significant difference favouring PBL as compared to TT except for satisfaction level which favoured the TT group. To understand the long-term effectiveness of PBL over TT methods in oral radiology among dental students, well-designed long-term randomized controlled trials are needed.

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