scholarly journals Moxibustion for Primary Dysmenorrhea at Different Interventional Times: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao-qin Gou ◽  
Jing Gao ◽  
Chen-xi Wu ◽  
Ding-xi Bai ◽  
Hong-yuan Mou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effective Rate ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Primary Dysmenorrhea ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Difference

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common diseases in gynecology at present. Some clinical trials have reported the effects of moxibustion and confirmed temporal factors are the important elements influencing the efficacy of moxibustion. However, no systematic review has yet been conducted. In this study, we assessed the effects of moxibustion in patients with PD enrolled in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the difference among different intervention times to start moxibustion. We extracted data for studies searched from 10 electronic databases and evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. We discussed three outcomes: effective rate, pain remission, and the level of PGF2αin serum. Current clinical researches showed that, compared with nonmoxibustion treatments for PD, moxibustion leads to higher effective rate and lower level of PGF2αin serum. However, there was no difference in using moxibustion to treat PD at different intervention times. Based on the theory of Chinese medicine and the results of this study, choosing 5 ± 2 days before menstruation to start moxibustion can achieve good efficacy for PD patients. However, more high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm the conclusions.

scholarly journals Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Shensong Yangxin Capsule-Amiodarone Combination on Heart Failure Complicated by Ventricular Arrhythmia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinfu Cao ◽  
Mingxue Zhou ◽  
Hongxu Liu ◽  
Xiufen Chen ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ventricular Arrhythmia ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Total Effective Rate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effective Rate ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background: Shensong Yangxin capsule (SSYX) is a well-known traditional Chinese patent medicine for treating arrhythmia. Recently, a flurry of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SSYX combined with amiodarone (SSYX-amiodarone) was reported in the treatment of heart failure (HF) complicated by ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in China. However, these RCTs have not been systematically evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SSYX-amiodarone in the treatment of heart failure complicated by ventricular arrhythmia (HF-VA).Methods: Seven electronic literature databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, China Biomedical database web, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases, Chinese Scientific Journal database and Wanfang database) were searched from their inceptions to June 1, 2020 to identify RCTs of SSYX-amiodarone in the treatment of HF-VA. The primary outcomes included the total effective rate and adverse events (ADRs). The secondary outcomes included the frequency of ventricular premature complexes, left ventricular ejection fraction, N terminal pro Btype natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and QT dispersion (QTd). The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. All data was analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software. The registration number of this protocol is PROSPERO CRD42020196689.Results: There are Eighteen trials involving 1,697 patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that SSYX-amiodarone group was superior to the amiodarone group in improving the total effective rate [RR = 1.21; 95%CI (1.16, 1.27); p < 0.01], meanwhile reducing the ADRs [RR = 0.65; 95%CI (0.45, 0.95); p = 0.03], VPCs [MD = 170.96; 95%CI (159.88, 182.04); p < 0.01] and QTd [MD = 8.39; 95%CI (6.91, 9.87); p < 0.01]. No significant difference of enhancing LVEF [MD = 4.32; 95%CI (−0.56, 9.20); p = 0.08] and reducing NT-proBNP [SMD = 0.17; 95%CI (−0.81, 1.14); p = 0.73] was observed between SSYX-amiodarone and amiodarone group.Conclusions: Despite the apparent positive findings reported, the evidence provided by this meta-analysis was still insufficient to support the routine use of SSYX-amiodarone for HF-VA due to the poor methodological quality of included studies. The overall effect should to be verified in further through more well-design clinical studies with reasonable sample and good methodological quality.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Text Messaging Interventions on Blood Pressure Control Among Patients With Hypertension: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hon Lon Tam ◽  
Eliza Mi Ling Wong ◽  
Kin Cheung ◽  
Siu Fung Chung
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Reduction Effect ◽  
Text Messaging Intervention

BACKGROUND Controlling blood pressure (BP) is an international health concern, and high BP is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease mortality. Evidence has shown that educational interventions directed at patients potentially improve BP control and adherence to medications and lifestyle modifications. In addition, a text messaging intervention has a potential effect on BP control; however, the dosage of a text messaging intervention has not been determined in previous reviews, resulting in difficult application in practice. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to identify the effectiveness of a text messaging intervention on hypertension management with a specific focus on the dosage of text messaging and the type of additional interventions with text messaging. METHODS A systematic review was conducted and reported on in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Participants were aged 18 years and older and diagnosed with primary hypertension. The included studies used text messaging as a component of the intervention. We searched for randomized controlled trials published until June 30, 2020, from the following health-related electronic databases: Embase, Medline, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Data were extracted for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study, and the quality of the included studies was assessed independently by two authors. RESULTS Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall methodological quality was fair (mean score 5.75). The frequency of text message delivery varied from daily to biweekly. Health education was identified in 4 studies as an additional intervention with text messaging. The overall results showed that the text messaging intervention significantly reduced systolic BP (SBP) but not diastolic BP (DBP). There was no significant difference in BP reduction between studies that lasted 6 months or less and those that lasted more than 7 months. Seven studies that lasted 6 months or less involving 1428 patients with hypertension were pooled for further meta-analysis. Text messages delivered at a lower frequency (once per week or less) had a small effect on SBP reduction (effect size 0.35, <i>P</i>&lt;.01) and DBP reduction (effect size 0.28, <i>P</i>=.01). In addition, the use of a text messaging intervention halved the odds of uncontrolled BP among patients with hypertension in 6 months (odds ratio 0.46, <i>P</i>=.02). CONCLUSIONS This review found that a text messaging intervention was effective in BP control. One-way text messaging delivered in a weekly manner was suggested to be effective and required fewer resources. Future studies should use different forms of text message and be integrated into other interventions to improve adherence behaviors and BP control among patients with hypertension.

scholarly journals Effects of Warm Needle Acupuncture on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Gao-Feng Liu ◽  
Zhen Gao ◽  
Zheng-Nan Liu ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
Sheng Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effective Rate ◽  
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Needle Acupuncture

Background. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are a common and prevalent disease with main symptoms of pain, joint sounds, and mandibular movement disorders, which seriously affects the mental health and quality of life of the sufferers. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of studies utilizing warm needle acupuncture (WNA) for the treatment of TMD, and the quality of the studies has gradually improved. However, evidence from evidence-based medicine is lacking. This study aims to use a systematic review and meta-analysis method to understand the efficacy of WNA for the treatment of TMD. Methods and Analysis. We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of WNA for the treatment of TMD from 9 electronic databases, including 5 English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and MEDLINE) and 4 Chinese databases (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese VIP Information, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM)) from their inception to May 2021. The included RCTs compared WNA with acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacological therapy, or other therapies. And outcome indicators such as total effective rate and cure rate were assessed. All analyses were conducted using RevMan software V5.3 and Stata16. Measurement count data used the relative risk (RR) as the efficacy statistic, and each effect size was given its point estimate value and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. The meta-analysis included 10 studies with a total of 670 patients, which included 340 patients in the experimental group and 330 patients in the control group. The data in this review showed that WNA is superior to treatments such as acupuncture alone, acupuncture therapy combined with TDP, drug therapy, and ultrasonic therapy in terms of effective rate (RR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.35; and P = 0.003) and cure rate (RR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.46 to 2.28; and P < 0.00001) for the treatment of TMD. Conclusions. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides new evidence for the effectiveness of WNA for the treatment of TMD. However, the above conclusions need to be further verified by multicenter prospective studies of larger samples and higher-quality RCTs. Protocol registration number: INPLASY202160030.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Systematic Review of the Homeopathic Outcome Studies in Patients with HIV/AIDS

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (42) ◽  
pp. 2-12
Author(s):  
Subhranil Saha ◽  
Malay Mundle ◽  
Shubhamoy Ghosh ◽  
Munmun Koley ◽  
Sk. Intaj Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Outcome Studies ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background & Aim: Systematic reviews of high-quality randomized controlled trials are crucial to evidence-based medicine. The objective of this review is to test whether there is enough evidence of efficacy of homeopathy from conducted clinical trials in humans suffering from HIV/AIDS. Methods: The study design was criteria-based systematic review of cumulative research and assessment of the methodological quality of only 5 published clinical trials and one review article. Among the clinical outcome studies, 3 studies were of open-label, non-randomized, non-controlled format, 2 were randomized controlled trials and one was a set of replication study. The qualities of the trials were evaluated using a list of validated and pre-defined criteria of good methodology, and the outcomes of the trials were interpreted in relation to their quality. Main outcome measures were methodological qualities in terms of consideration of threats to external, internal, construct and statistical conclusion validity. Results: Trials were too few in number and were not of very high quality. The results showed a positive trend regardless of the quality of the trial or the variety of homeopathy used. The results of this review may be complicated by publication bias. Conclusions: At this moment, the evidences are not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions. So, further evaluation of homeopathy by well-performed controlled trials of high methodological quality is required.

Skeletal and dental effects of surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Bortolotti ◽  
Livia Solidoro ◽  
Maria Lavinia Bartolucci ◽  
Serena Incerti Parenti ◽  
Corrado Paganelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Transverse Dimension ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Summary Background Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is a surgical technique developed to correct transverse discrepancies in skeletally mature patients. However, there is limited evidence concerning the immediate skeletal and dental changes obtained only due to SARME. Objective The aim of the present systematic review is to investigate the immediate skeletal and dental effects of SARME in adult patients with transverse maxillary hypoplasia. Search Methods An electronic search of the literature in MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs and Scopus databases was performed. Selection Criteria Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies investigating the skeletal and dental effects of SARME procedures in adult patients were included. Data Collection and Analysis The included studies received a methodological quality scoring according to the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. The quality of evidence was assessed by means of the Grading Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. For each included study and for each analysed parameter, the difference in means and 95 per cent confidence interval was calculated between baseline and immediate post-expansion. A meta-analysis of original outcome data, if possible, was conducted. Results Nine articles were selected. The methodological quality ratings indicated that one study was at low risk of bias, seven presented some concerns and only one was at high risk of bias. In all the included studies, the SARME procedure resulted in a significant expansion of the maxillary transverse dimension. The meta-analysis compared skeletal and dental inter-molar width before and after treatment: the mean difference was of 3.3 mm (2.8–3.9) and 7.0 mm (6.1–7.8), respectively (P-value less than 0.001). The quality of evidence was low-moderate. Conclusions SARME is effective in obtaining a significant expansion of the maxillary transverse dimension. However, the immediate SARME effect is mainly a molar expansion rather than a pure bone transverse widening of the maxilla. Registration The review protocol was registered at PROSPERO database with the registration number CRD42018117967.

How Does Mindfulness Affect Cognition? A Reflection on Confounding Issues Surrounding Mindfulness-based Intervention Research Targeting Cognitive Outcomes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R Vago ◽  
Resh Gupta ◽  
Sara Lazar
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Existing Data

One potential pathway by which mindfulness-based meditation improves health outcomes is through changes in cognitive functioning. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) was conducted with a focus on assessing the state of the evidence for effects on cognitive processes and associated assays. Here, we comment on confounding issues surrounding the reporting of these and related findings, including 1) criteria that appropriately define an MBI; 2) limitations of assays used to measure cognition; and 3) methodological quality of MBI trials and reporting of findings. Because these issues contribute to potentially distorted interpretations of existing data, we offer constructive means for interpretation and recommendations for moving the field of mindfulness research forward regarding the effects on cognition.

scholarly journals The global summit on the efficacy and effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy for the prevention and treatment of non-musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Côté ◽  
Jan Hartvigsen ◽  
Iben Axén ◽  
Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde ◽  
Melissa Corso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Spinal Manipulative Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Primary Dysmenorrhea ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Manipulative Therapy ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background A small proportion of chiropractors, osteopaths, and other manual medicine providers use spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) to manage non-musculoskeletal disorders. However, the efficacy and effectiveness of these interventions to prevent or treat non-musculoskeletal disorders remain controversial. Objectives We convened a Global Summit of international scientists to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of SMT for the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of non-musculoskeletal disorders. Global summit The Global Summit took place on September 14–15, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. It was attended by 50 researchers from 8 countries and 28 observers from 18 chiropractic organizations. At the summit, participants critically appraised the literature and synthesized the evidence. Systematic review of the literature We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and the Index to Chiropractic Literature from inception to May 15, 2019 using subject headings specific to each database and free text words relevant to manipulation/manual therapy, effectiveness, prevention, treatment, and non-musculoskeletal disorders. Eligible for review were randomized controlled trials published in English. The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed independently by reviewers using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) criteria for randomized controlled trials. We synthesized the evidence from articles with high or acceptable methodological quality according to the Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) Guideline. The final risk of bias and evidence tables were reviewed by researchers who attended the Global Summit and 75% (38/50) had to approve the content to reach consensus. Results We retrieved 4997 citations, removed 1123 duplicates and screened 3874 citations. Of those, the eligibility of 32 articles was evaluated at the Global Summit and 16 articles were included in our systematic review. Our synthesis included six randomized controlled trials with acceptable or high methodological quality (reported in seven articles). These trials investigated the efficacy or effectiveness of SMT for the management of infantile colic, childhood asthma, hypertension, primary dysmenorrhea, and migraine. None of the trials evaluated the effectiveness of SMT in preventing the occurrence of non-musculoskeletal disorders. Consensus was reached on the content of all risk of bias and evidence tables. All randomized controlled trials with high or acceptable quality found that SMT was not superior to sham interventions for the treatment of these non-musculoskeletal disorders. Six of 50 participants (12%) in the Global Summit did not approve the final report. Conclusion Our systematic review included six randomized clinical trials (534 participants) of acceptable or high quality investigating the efficacy or effectiveness of SMT for the treatment of non-musculoskeletal disorders. We found no evidence of an effect of SMT for the management of non-musculoskeletal disorders including infantile colic, childhood asthma, hypertension, primary dysmenorrhea, and migraine. This finding challenges the validity of the theory that treating spinal dysfunctions with SMT has a physiological effect on organs and their function. Governments, payers, regulators, educators, and clinicians should consider this evidence when developing policies about the use and reimbursement of SMT for non-musculoskeletal disorders.

scholarly journals Acupuncture for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzi S. Y. Mansu ◽  
Haiying Liang ◽  
Shefton Parker ◽  
Meaghan E. Coyle ◽  
Kaiyi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Acne Vulgaris ◽  
Acupuncture Group ◽  
Lesion Count ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Reporting Requirements ◽  
Auricular Acupressure

Purpose. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the current best available evidence of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and related therapies for acne vulgaris. Methods. Eleven English and Chinese databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acne vulgaris compared to pharmacotherapies, no treatment, and sham or placebo acupuncture. Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan software. Results. Twelve RCTs were included in the qualitative review and 10 RCTs were included in meta-analysis. Methodological quality of trials was generally low. The chance of achieving ≥30% change in lesion count in the acupuncture group was no different to the pharmacotherapy group (RR: 1.07 [95% CI 0.98, 1.17]; I2=8%) and ≥50% change in lesion count in the acupuncture group was not statistically different to the pharmacotherapy group (RR: 1.07 [95% CI 0.98, 1.17]; I2=50%). Conclusions. While caution should be exercised due to quality of the included studies, acupuncture and auricular acupressure were not statistically different to guideline recommended treatments but were with fewer side effects and may be a treatment option. Future trials should address the methodological weaknesses and meet standard reporting requirements stipulated in STRICTA.

Need for high-quality studies in health technology assessments: The case of a systematic review of treatment for retinoblastoma

2006 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 408-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catriona M. Mc Daid ◽  
Suzanne Hartley ◽  
Anne-Marie Bagnall ◽  
Gill Ritchie ◽  
Kate Light ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Retrospective Studies ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the evidence for treatments for retinoblastoma in children.Methods: Seventeen electronic databases were searched. Two reviewers independently selected studies. Studies of participants diagnosed with childhood retinoblastoma, any interventions, and all clinical outcomes were eligible. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials and cohort studies with clear comparisons between treatment groups were included. Methodological quality was assessed.Results: Thirty-one observational comparative studies were included, of which twenty-seven were retrospective. The methodological quality was generally poor, with a high risk of selection bias in all studies. Although there were high levels of treatment success in many of the studies, due to the limitations of the evidence identified, it was not possible to make meaningful and robust conclusions about the relative effectiveness of different treatment approaches for retinoblastoma in children.Conclusions: Good quality randomized controlled trials are required. Where controlled trials are not feasible, only high quality prospective, nonrandomized studies should be given consideration, due to the generally higher risk of bias in retrospective studies.

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