scholarly journals Eye Acupuncture Treatment for Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeng-Hua Bai ◽  
Zhi-Xing Zhang ◽  
Chun-Ri Li ◽  
Mei Wang ◽  
Meong-Ju Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Western Medicine ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Effect Estimate ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Search Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eye Acupuncture

There were applications of eye acupuncture for stroke patients. Unfortunately, similar to many other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments, it lacks comprehensive evaluation and system review for its effect and safety.Objective. This study is a systematic review to appraise the safety and effectiveness of eye acupuncture for stroke.Methods. “Eye acupuncture therapy” in eleven databases was searched by randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials. The search activity was ended in April 2014. The data were extracted and assessed by three independent authors. Rev Man 5.0 software was used for data analysis with effect estimate presented as relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval.Results. Sixteen trials (1120 patients) were involved with generally poor methodological quality. The study indicated that when eye acupuncture was combined with western medicine compared to western medicine, there was a significant difference in the areas of mental state, swallow function, and NDS. When eye acupuncture was combined with western medicine and rehabilitation compared to western medicine and rehabilitation, there was significant difference in the changes of SSS, FMA, and constipation symptoms evaluation. No adverse events or side effects have been reported.Conclusions. The current evidence is insufficient and the rigorously designed trials are warranted.

scholarly journals Motherwort Injection for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage in Women with Vaginal Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Evidence

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiajie Yu ◽  
Yujia Cai ◽  
Guanyue Su ◽  
Youping Li
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Loss ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Vaginal Delivery ◽  
Postpartum Hemorrhage ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

Background. Motherwort injection, a common traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which has been found to be potential benefit in clinical practice.Objectives. This study aimed to conduct a rigorous systematic review of randomized evidence to offer a comprehensive overview regarding the efficacy and safety of motherwort injection in maternal women with virginal delivery.Methods. We included all randomized controlled trials involving pregnant women in vaginal delivery comparing motherwort injection or combination of motherwort injection and oxytocin with oxytocin alone for preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Paired reviewers independently screened citations, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. Random-effects model by Mantel-Haenszal method was applied to pool the data. Predefined subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the heterogeneity and robustness of results. The GRADE approach was used to rate the quality of evidence.Main Results. 37 randomized controlled trials involving 7887 participants were included, all of which were at moderate to high risk of bias. Meta-analyses of eight trials showed no significant difference in blood loss and PPH events between oxytocin versus motherwort injection (very low quality). However, pooling of 29 trials suggested a reduced risk of blood loss (within 2 hours: MD -55.06mL, 95% CI -84.06 to -26.06; within 24 hours: MD -85.57 mL, 95% CI -94.26 to -76.88, very low quality), PPH events (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.39, low quality), and adverse events (Peto OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.70, very low quality) in participants treated with motherwort injection and oxytocin versus oxytocin alone.Conclusions. The current evidence supports the suggestion that the additional use of motherwort injection on oxytocin had a preferable outcome. However, given that the evidence is not definitive with low quality, further careful designed and conducted randomized controlled trials in larger population are warranted to conform the effects.

scholarly journals Efficacy of High-Dose Polyclonal Intravenous Immunoglobulin in COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Vaccines ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Daniele Focosi ◽  
Massimo Franchini ◽  
Marco Tuccori ◽  
Mario Cruciani
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Intravenous Immunoglobulin ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Although several therapeutic strategies have been investigated, the optimal treatment approach for patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains to be elucidated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in COVID-19. Methods: A systematic literature search using appropriate medical subject heading (MeSH) terms was performed through Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, SCOPUS, OVID and Cochrane Library electronic databases. The main outcomes considered were mortality and safety of IVIG versus placebo/standard of care. This review was carried out in accordance with Cochrane methodology including the risk bias assessment and grading of the quality of evidence. Measures of treatment effect were mean differences (MD) together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous outcome measures and risk ratio (RR) or MD for binary outcomes. Two reviewers independently extracted data from individual studies, and disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Results: A total of 2401 COVID-19 patients from 10 studies (four randomized controlled trials (RCT) and six non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCTs)) were included in the analysis. Participants received IVIG or placebo/standard of care. The use of IVIG was not associated with a significantly reduced risk of death (RR 0.50, 95% CIs 0.18–1.36, p = 0.17 for RCTs; RR 0.95, 95% CIs 0.61–1.58, p = 0.94 for non-RCTs; low certainty of evidence). IVIG significantly reduced the length of hospital stay (MD −2.24, 95% CIs −3.20/−1.27; p = 0.00001; low certainty of evidence), although this difference was significant only for studies evaluating moderate COVID-19 patients. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of overall and serious adverse events between IVIG recipients and controls (very low certainty of evidence). Conclusions: The current evidence from the literature does not support the use of IVIG in COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Larazotide Acetate for Treatment of Celiac Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abu-Zaid ◽  
Noor Tariq Alhaddab ◽  
Razan Abdulkarim Alnujaidi ◽  
Hadeel Abdulaziz Alharbi ◽  
Fulwah Alangri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Free Subgroup ◽  
Effect Estimate ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose: The standard of care for treatment of celiac disease (CD) is a stringent lifetime gluten-free diet (GFD), which is very challenging. Larazotide acetate (AT-1001) is an anti-zonulin which functions as a gut permeability regulator for treatment of CD. We endeavored to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which studied the efficacy and safety of larazotide acetate in patients with CD. Methods: We examined four databases from inception to 20-August-2020 using related keywords. We identified all relevant RCTs and judged their risk of bias. We pooled continuous outcomes as mean difference and dichotomous outcomes as risk ratio with 95% confidence interval under fixed-effects meta-analysis model. Results: Four RCTs met our eligibility criteria, comprising 626 patients (larazotide acetate, n=465, placebo, n=161). Three and two studies reported outcomes of patients undergoing gluten challenge and GFD, respectively. For change in lactulose-to-mannitol ratio, the overall effect estimate did not reveal a significant difference between larazotide acetate and placebo groups. For change in total gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), subgroup analysis showed that larazotide acetate significantly yielded better symptomatic improvement in the gluten challenge but not gluten free subgroup. Similar finding was found for change in celiac-disease GSRS (CD-GSRS) favoring the gluten challenge over gluten free subgroup. When compared to placebo, larazotide acetate favorably reduced the adverse event (AE) of gluten-related diarrhea in patients who underwent gluten challenge. Other AEs were comparable between both treatment groups. Conclusions: Larazotide acetate is well-endured and superior to placebo in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms.

scholarly journals Dyspnea Measurement in Acute Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Evidence Map of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Zhang ◽  
Chen Zhao ◽  
Houjun Zhang ◽  
Wenjing Liu ◽  
Jingjing Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Acute Heart Failure ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Analytical Approaches

Background: Dyspnea is the most common presenting symptom among patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF). Dyspnea relief constitutes a clinically relevant therapeutic target and endpoint for clinical trials and regulatory approval. However, there have been no widely accepted dyspnea measurement standards in AHF. By systematic review and mapping the current evidence of the applied scales, timing, and results of measurement, we hope to provide some new insights and recommendations for dyspnea measurement.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception until August 27, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with dyspnea severity measured as the endpoint in patients with AHF were included.Results: Out of a total of 63 studies, 28 had dyspnea as the primary endpoint. The Likert scale (34, 54%) and visual analog scale (VAS) (22, 35%) were most widely used for dyspnea assessment. Among the 43 studies with detailed results, dyspnea was assessed most frequently on days 1, 2, 3, and 6 h after randomization or drug administration. Compared with control groups, better dyspnea relief was observed in the experimental groups in 21 studies. Only four studies that assessed tolvaptan compared with control on the proportion of dyspnea improvement met the criteria for meta-analyses, which did not indicate beneficial effect of dyspnea improvement on day 1 (RR: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.99–1.37; p = 0.07; I2 = 61%).Conclusion: The applied scales, analytical approaches, and timing of measurement are in diversity, which has impeded the comprehensive evaluation of clinical efficacy of potential therapies managing dyspnea in patients with AHF. Developing a more general measurement tool established on the unified unidimensional scales, standardized operation protocol to record the continuation, and clinically significant difference of dyspnea variation may be a promising approach. In addition, to evaluate the effect of experimental therapies on dyspnea more precisely, the screening time and blinded assessment are factors that need to be considered.

Efficacy of Benson’s Relaxation Technique on Anxiety and Depression among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382110247
Author(s):  
Haya Ibrahim Ali Abu Maloh ◽  
Kim Lam Soh ◽  
Mohannad Eid AbuRuz ◽  
Seng Choi Chong ◽  
Siti Irma Fadhilah Ismail ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Relaxation Technique ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Depression Level ◽  
Ebsco Host

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Benson’s relaxation technique on anxiety and depression among patients undergoing hemodialysis. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Searching databases included EBSCO Host, PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, Sage Journals, Ovid, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to September 2020. Five randomized controlled trials were identified. Findings revealed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety score. Concerning depression; one RCT showed a statistically significant decrease and two RCTs revealed a non-significant difference in depression level. The overall quality of the RCTs was not high. Despite that the RCTs showed benefits of BRT in managing anxiety. However, this is not the same for depression. The lack of high-quality scientific evidence supporting its retinue use indicates that additional well designed randomized controlled trials in multiple countries are warranted to support the efficacy of Benson’s relaxation technique on anxiety and depression among patients undergoing hemodialysis.

scholarly journals Cemented versus uncemented fixation in total hip replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Abdulkarim ◽  
Prasad Ellanti ◽  
Nicola Motterlini ◽  
Tom Fahey ◽  
John M. O’Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Implant Fixation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Optimal Method ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Total Hip ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

The optimal method of fixation for primary total hip replacements (THR), particularly fixation with or without the use of cement is still controversial. In a systematic review and metaanalysis of all randomized controlled trials comparing cemented versus uncemented THRS available in the published literature, we found that there is no significant difference between cemented and uncemented THRs in terms of implant survival as measured by the revision rate. Better short-term clinical outcome, particularly an improved pain score can be obtained with cemented fixation. However, the results are unclear for the long-term clinical and functional outcome between the two groups. No difference was evident in the mortality and the post operative complication rate. On the other hand, the radiographic findings were variable and do not seem to correlate with clinical findings as differences in the surgical technique and prosthesis design might be associated with the incidence of osteolysis. We concluded in our review that cemented THR is similar if not superior to uncemented THR, and provides better short term clinical outcomes. Further research, improved methodology and longer follow up are necessary to better define specific subgroups of patients in whom the relative benefits of cemented and uncemented implant fixation can be clearly demonstrated.

scholarly journals The Timing of Initiating Complementary Feeding in Preterm Infants and Its Effect on Overweight: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin M. Vissers ◽  
Edith J.M. Feskens ◽  
Johannes B. van Goudoever ◽  
Arieke J. Janse
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: What is the appropriate time to start complementary feeding for preterm infants? The answer to this question is yet under debate. The timing of initiating complementary feeding may be associated with overweight in term infants. This systematic review aimed to study the effect of the timing of initiating complementary feeding on overweight in preterm infants. Predefined search items included preterm infants, complementary feeding, overweight, and their synonyms. Summary: The search identified 15,749 articles, of which 5 articles were included. Three studies presented data of randomized controlled trials and 2 studies were cohort studies. Two randomized controlled trials found no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) Z-score between the intervention groups at 12 months of age. One randomized controlled trial presented a significant greater mean rate of growth in length per week until 12 months in the preterm weaning strategy-group compared with the current best practices. One observational study concluded that each month the infants received complementary food later, the Z-score for length and weight was reduced by 0.1. Key Messages: No clear conclusion could be drawn from the included studies. This review illustrates the need for further research to access the effect of the timing of initiating complementary feeding on overweight in preterm infants.

scholarly journals Current Evidence on Traditional Chinese Exercise for Cancers: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5011
Author(s):  
Yang Song ◽  
Dong Sun ◽  
Bíró István ◽  
Anand Thirupathi ◽  
Minjun Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Conventional Medical Treatment ◽  
Larger Sample

Traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) has gradually become one of the widespread complementary therapies for treatment and recovery of cancers. However, evidence based on the systematic evaluation of its efficacy is lacking, and there appears to be no conclusion regarding the setting of TCE interventions. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the current randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that outline the effects of TCE on cancer patients. Relevant studies were searched by GOOGLE SCHOLAR, SCIENCEDIRECT, and WEB OF SCIENCE using “traditional Chinese exercise” and “cancer.” Only RCTs published in peer-reviewed English journals were included. A total of 27 studies covering 1616 cancer patients satisfied the eligibility criteria for this review. Despite the methodological limitation and relatively high risk of bias possessed by some included studies, positive evidence was still detected on the effects of TCE on these cancer-related health outcomes in physical, psychological, and physiological parameters. The 60-min or 90-min course of TCE intervention for two to three times per week for 10 to 12 weeks was found to be the most common setting in these studies and has effectively benefited cancer patients. These findings add scientific support to encourage cancer patients to practice TCE during or after conventional medical treatment. Nevertheless, future well-designed RCTs with improved methodology and larger sample size on this field are much warranted for further verification.

scholarly journals Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soo-Hyun Sung ◽  
Angela-Dong-Min Sung ◽  
Hyun-Kyung Sung ◽  
Tteul-E-Bom An ◽  
Kyeong Han Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Pelvic Pain ◽  
Chronic Pelvic Pain ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Aim of the Study. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment (AT), including electroacupuncture or thread-embedding therapy in combination with modern technology, for chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women. Materials and Methods. We searched 12 electronic databases up to December 2017. All randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of AT for CPP were considered. Results. Four RCTs with 474 participants were included. The methodological quality of included studies was generally low. The results of meta-analysis of two studies showed that AT combined with conventional treatment (CT) was associated with significantly reduced CPP, based on the total effectiveness rate (n=277, mean difference = 1.29, confidence interval = 1.13 to 1.47, P=0.0001, I2 = 0%). Conclusions. This review suggests the potential of AT combined with CT compared to CT alone for treating female CPP. However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that AT can be recommended as a complementary and alternative (CAM) treatment for women with CPP. To draw a firm conclusion, future studies should require not only lager, more rigorously designed RCTs but also research on different AT types. Protocol Registration Number. This study is registered with PROSPERO 2018 (CRD42018088627).

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