scholarly journals Does Perturbation-Based Balance Training Prevent Falls? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trials

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 700-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avril Mansfield ◽  
Jennifer S. Wong ◽  
Jessica Bryce ◽  
Svetlana Knorr ◽  
Kara K. Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Risk Ratio ◽  
Rate Ratio ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Neurological Conditions

BackgroundOlder adults and individuals with neurological conditions are at an increased risk for falls. Although physical exercise can prevent falls, certain types of exercise may be more effective. Perturbation-based balance training is a novel intervention involving repeated postural perturbations aiming to improve control of rapid balance reactions.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of perturbation-based balance training on falls in daily life.Data SourcesMEDLINE (1946–July 2014), EMBASE (1974–July 2014), PEDro (all dates), CENTRAL (1991–July 2014), and Google Scholar (all dates) were the data sources used in this study.Study SelectionRandomized controlled trials written in English were included if they focused on perturbation-based balance training among older adults or individuals with neurological conditions and collected falls data posttraining.Data ExtractionTwo investigators extracted data independently. Study authors were contacted to obtain missing information. A PEDro score was obtained for each study. Primary outcomes were proportion of participants who reported one or more falls (ie, number of “fallers”) and the total number of falls. The risk ratio (proportion of fallers) and rate ratio (number of falls) were entered into the analysis.>Data SynthesisEight studies involving 404 participants were included. Participants who completed perturbation-based balance training were less likely to report a fall (overall risk ratio=0.71; 95% confidence interval=0.52, 0.96; P=.02) and reported fewer falls than those in the control groups (overall rate ratio=0.54; 95% confidence interval=0.34, 0.85; P=.007).LimitationsStudy authors do not always identify that they have included perturbation training in their intervention; therefore, it is possible that some appropriate studies were not included. Study designs were heterogeneous, preventing subanalyses.ConclusionsPerturbation-based balance training appears to reduce fall risk among older adults and individuals with Parkinson disease.

Infectious complications in lupus nephritis treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lupus ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
K M Thong ◽  
T M Chan
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Nephritis ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Risk Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Induction Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Serious Infections ◽  
Related Mortality

Objectives Infection is an important concern in lupus nephritis treatment, but few studies have focused on this complication. Available data suggest marked variation in occurrence and outcome. This meta-analysis and review aims to provide an overview of infective complications, focusing on the risk factors and outcomes. Methods Original articles on lupus nephritis Class III/IV/V published in the period January 1980 to December 2016 were identified from the Pubmed/Medline electronic database. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to investigate total and serious infections at different phases of treatment and their associated factors. A descriptive review that included all studies was also performed, providing details on the types of infection, infection-related mortality, and potential impact of different eras on infection rates. Results A total of 56 studies (32 randomized controlled trials) were included. The incidence rates of overall and serious infections were higher during the induction than maintenance phase of therapy, with serious infections occurring at 8.2–50 and 3.5 per 100 patient-years, respectively. Recent data, predominantly from Asia, suggested lower rates of overall infections with induction regimens that included tacrolimus compared with mycophenolate (risk ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.33–0.76, p = 0.001). Mycophenolate as induction treatment was associated with lower overall infection risks than cyclophosphamide in non-Asians (risk ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.48–0.75, p < 0.001). The rates of serious infections were 4.1–25% in Asian and 4.4–8.5% in non-Asian countries; with infection-related mortality rates of 0–6.7% in Asian, compared to 0–2.1% in non-Asian locations. Conclusions Infection remains a serious complication during treatment of lupus nephritis, but the reported rates and outcomes varied markedly. Mycophenolate was associated with lower infection risk than cyclophosphamide in non-Asians. Infection-related deaths appeared more common in Asian patients.

scholarly journals Influency of pentoxifylline treatment for neonatal sepsis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

2019 ◽  
pp. 102490791986424
Author(s):  
Peiyun Peng ◽  
Yunfeng Xia
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Risk Ratio ◽  
Neonatal Sepsis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Mean Differences

Introduction: Pentoxifylline may be an important approach to treat neonatal sepsis. However, its use has not been well established. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of pentoxifylline treatment for neonatal sepsis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials are searched. Randomized controlled trials assessing the influence of pentoxifylline treatment on neonatal sepsis are included. Two investigators independently have searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results: Seven randomized controlled trials involving 439 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control intervention for neonatal sepsis, pentoxifylline treatment is associated with reduced hospital stay (standard mean differences = −0.61; 95% confidence interval = −0.93 to −0.29; p = 0.0002) and metabolic acidosis (risk ratio = 0.38; 95% confidence interval = 0.22 to 0.66; p = 0.0006), but has no remarkable impact on mortality (risk ratio = 0.59; 95% confidence interval = 0.30 to 1.16; p = 0.13), serum tumor necrosis factor-α (standard mean differences = −0.38; 95% confidence interval = −1.29 to 0.52; p = 0.41), serum C-reactive protein (standard mean differences = −0.25; 95% confidence interval = −0.92 to 0.42; p = 0.47), plasma interleukin-6 (standard mean differences = −0.13; 95% confidence interval = −0.41 to 0.15; p = 0.37), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (risk ratio = 0.55; 95% confidence interval = 0.25 to 1.21; p = 0.14), and oliguria/anuria (risk ratio = 0.77; 95% confidence interval = 0.28 to 2.16; p = 0.62). Conclusion: Pentoxifylline treatment may be associated with reduced mortality and hospital stay in neonatal sepsis with caution.

scholarly journals Comparison of denosumab and zoledronic acid for the treatment of solid tumors and multiple myeloma with bone metastasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lianghai Jiang ◽  
Xianghua Cui ◽  
Haoning Ma ◽  
Xiangsheng Tang
Keyword(s):  
Zoledronic Acid ◽  
Bone Metastasis ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Risk Ratio ◽  
Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objective To compare the efficacy and safety between denosumab and zoledronic acid for advanced cancer with bone metastasis. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials up to December 2020 that compared denosumab and zoledronic acid in the treatment of advanced cancer with bone metastasis. The following clinical outcomes were extracted for analysis: time to first skeletal-related event, time to first-and-subsequent skeletal-related events, overall survival, and disease progression. Safety outcomes including incidence of adverse events, serious adverse events, acute-phase reactions, renal toxicity, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and hypocalcemia were also extracted. Results Four randomized controlled trials involving 7201 patients were included. The overall analysis showed that denosumab was superior to zoledronic acid in delaying time to first skeletal-related event (hazard ratio = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.93; P < 0.01) and time to first-and-subsequent skeletal-related events (risk ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.81–0.93; P < 0.01). Denosumab was associated with lower incidence of renal toxicity (risk ratio 0.69; 95% confidence interval 0.54–0.87; P < 0.01) and acute phase reaction (risk ratio 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.38–0.56; P < 0.01), but higher incidence of hypocalcemia (risk ratio 1.78; 95% confidence interval 1.33–2.38; P < 0.01) and osteonecrosis of the jaw (risk ratio 1.41; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.95; P = 0.04). No significant differences were found in overall survival, time to disease progression, or incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events between denosumab and zoledronic acid. Conclusions Compared with zoledronic acid, denosumab is associated with delayed first-and-subsequent skeletal-related events, lower incidence of renal toxicity, and acute phase reaction, but higher incidence of hypocalcemia and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Hence, denosumab seems to be a promising choice for advanced cancer with bone metastasis. Nonetheless, more randomized controlled trials are needed for further evaluation.

scholarly journals The Effect of Exercise Intervention on Reducing the Fall Risk in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12562
Author(s):  
Mingyu Sun ◽  
Leizi Min ◽  
Na Xu ◽  
Lei Huang ◽  
Xuemei Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Core Training

Exercise intervention has a positive effect on reducing the fall risk in older adults. To investigate the effect of different factors of exercise intervention (type, duration, and frequency) on reducing the fall risk in older adults, a meta-analysis was performed in this study. According to the PRISMA®, two researchers independently searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to assess the quality of the studies using the PEDro scale. A total of 648 subjects in 10 randomized controlled trials were included in this study, and the exercise interventions included integrated training (resistance training, core training, and balance training), balance training, core training, Pilates, Ba Duan Jin, and Tai Chi. These studies show that exercise intervention has a huge and significant impact on reducing the risk of falls of the elderly. In conclusion, an integrated intervention with a frequency of more than five times a week and a duration of more than 32 weeks are more effective in reducing the fall risk.

The Effect of Unsupervised Home-Based Exercise Training on Physical Functioning Outcomes in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
pp. 109980042198943
Author(s):  
Mahdi Mahjur ◽  
Ali Asghar Norasteh
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Body Strength

Background: Exercise training such as balance, aerobic, and resistance training is able to improve physical functioning of older adults. Delivering such exercise regimes at home without supervision may be useful for older adults because they do not have to leave their homes. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to establish the effect of unsupervised home-based exercise training regimes on physical functioning (balance and muscle strength) in older adults. Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases and reference lists of included investigations were searched. Study selection: Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise training impact on balance and upper body strength with concurrent control groups were included in the analysis. Results: Our analyses revealed that in older adults, unsupervised home-based various exercise training was effective in improving measures of proactive balance (mean difference (MD) = −1.37 s; 95% confidence interval (CI), −2.24, −0.51 s; p = 0.002) and balance test battery (MD: 1.80; 95% CI, 0.46, 3.14 s; p = 0.009). There were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups for upper body strength ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Unsupervised home-based exercise training improves balance in older adults. Future investigations are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying unsupervised home-based exercise training’s effect on this population’s physical functioning outcomes.

scholarly journals Convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients: a protocol of a prospective meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lajos Szakó ◽  
Nelli Farkas ◽  
Szabolcs Kiss ◽  
Szilárd Váncsa ◽  
Noémi Zádori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Organ Failure ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Plasma Therapy ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection with possible serious consequences. The plasma of recovered patients might serve as treatment, which we aim to assess in the form of a prospective meta-analysis focusing on mortality, multi-organ failure, duration of intensive care unit stay, and adverse events. Methods A systematic search was conducted to find relevant registered randomized controlled trials in five trial registries. A comprehensive search will be done continuously on a monthly basis in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science to find the results of previously registered randomized controlled trials. The selection will be done by two independent authors. Data extraction will be carried out by two other independent reviewers. Disagreements will be resolved by a third investigator. An update of the search of the registries and the first search of the databases will be done on the 21st of July. Data synthesis will be performed following the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. In the case of dichotomous outcomes (mortality and organ failure), we will calculate pooled risk ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from two-by-two tables (treatment Y/N, outcome Y/N). Data from models with multivariate adjustment (hazard ratios, odds ratio, risk ratio) will be preferred for the analysis. P less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. In the case of ICU stay, weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval will be calculated. Heterogeneity will be tested with I2, and χ2 tests. Meta-analysis will be performed if at least 3 studies report on the same outcome and population. Discussion Convalescent plasma therapy is a considerable alternative in COVID-19, which we aim to investigate in a prospective meta-analysis.

The effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation of the legs in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110569
Author(s):  
Hsun-Yi Wang ◽  
Yu-Hsuan Chen ◽  
Yi-Chun Kuan ◽  
Shih-Wei Huang ◽  
Li-Fong Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Functional Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation of the legs in patients with heart failure. Methods Data were obtained from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases until August 12, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of functional electrical stimulation applied to the legs of patients with heart failure, namely changes in cardiopulmonary function, muscle strength, and quality of life. Results In total, 14 randomized controlled trials (consisting of 518 patients) were included in our article. Pooled estimates demonstrated that functional electrical stimulation significantly improved peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2; standardized mean difference = 0.33, 95% confidence interval = 0.07–0.59, eight randomized controlled trials, n = 321), 6-min walking distance (mean difference = 48.03 m, 95% confidence interval = 28.50–67.57 m, 10 randomized controlled trials, n = 380), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire quality of life score (mean difference =  − 8.23, 95% confidence interval =  − 12.64 to − 3.83, nine randomized controlled trials, n = 383). Muscle strength of lower extremities was not significantly improved in the functional electrical stimulation group compared with that in the control group (standardized mean difference = 0.26, 95% confidence interval =  − 0.18 to 0.71, five randomized controlled trials, n = 218). Furthermore, the subgroup analysis revealed that functional electrical stimulation significantly improved peak VO2, 6-min walking distance, and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire quality of life score in the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction subgroups. Conclusion Functional electrical stimulation can effectively improve the cardiopulmonary function and quality of life in patients with heart failure. However, functional electrical stimulation did not significantly improve muscle strength in the legs.

scholarly journals Lower Risk of Recurrence After Mesh Repair Versus Non-Mesh Sutured Repair in Open Umbilical Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2018 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Bisgaard ◽  
R. Kaufmann ◽  
M. W. Christoffersen ◽  
P. Strandfelt ◽  
L. L. Gluud
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Mesh Repair ◽  
Umbilical Hernia ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Seroma Formation ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background and Aims: The use of mesh repair in a small- or middle-sized umbilical hernia remains controversial, and evidence is based on only few and small heterogeneous randomized trials. The primary aim was to assess differences, if any, in recurrence (clinical and reoperation), and secondary aim was to assess differences in infections, seroma formation, hematomas, chronic pain, cosmetic result, and quality of life. Method: A systematic review (predefined search strategy) and meta-analyses were conducted based on pre-study strict and well-defined methodology. The literature search was completed on 1 January 2018. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Results: Five randomized controlled trials were identified (mesh repair, n = 326 versus non-mesh sutured repair, n = 330) and 602 records were excluded. Randomized controlled trials included patients with defect diameters of ⩾1 to 4 cm. Mesh repair reduced the risk of recurrence compared with sutured repair with a relative risk of 0.28 (95% confidence interval = 0.13–0.58, I2 = 0%, number needed to treat = 13 patients). Additional analyses found no differences between the two surgical techniques regarding infection (relative risk = 0.80, 95% confidence interval = 0.36–1.79), seroma formation (relative risk = 1.38, 95% confidence interval = 0.57–3.32), or hematomas (relative risk = 0.55, 95% confidence interval = 0.23–1.30). Lack of sufficient data precluded meta-analysis evaluating risk of seroma formation, hematomas, chronic pain, cosmetic result, and quality of life. Conclusion: Mesh repair is recommended for umbilical hernia of ⩾1 to 4 cm. More evidence is needed for the optimal placement of the mesh (sublay or onlay) and the role of mesh in patients with an umbilical hernia <1 cm.

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