scholarly journals Biotic Supplements for Renal Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Pisano ◽  
Graziella D’Arrigo ◽  
Giuseppe Coppolino ◽  
Davide Bolignano
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Surrogate Outcomes ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Primary Endpoints ◽  
Intestinal Dysbiosis ◽  
Secondary Endpoints

Intestinal dysbiosis is highly pervasive among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and may play a key role in disease progression and complications. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate effects of biotic supplements on a large series of outcomes in renal patients. Ovid-MEDLINE, PubMed and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any biotic (pre-, pro- or synbiotics) to standard therapy or placebo. Primary endpoints were change in renal function and cardiovascular events; secondary endpoints were change in proteinuria/albuminuria, inflammation, uremic toxins, quality of life and nutritional status. Seventeen eligible studies (701 participants) were reviewed. Biotics treatment did not modify estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (mean difference (MD) 0.34 mL/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI −0.19, 0.86), serum creatinine (MD −0.13 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.32, 0.07), C-reactive protein (MD 0.75 mg/dL; 95% CI −1.54, 3.03) and urea (standardized MD (SMD) −0.02; 95% CI −0.25, 0.20) as compared to control. Outcome data on the other endpoints of interest were lacking, sparse or in an unsuitable format to be analyzed collectively. According to the currently available evidence, there is no conclusive rationale for recommending biotic supplements for improving outcomes in renal patients. Large-scale, well-designed and adequately powered studies focusing on hard rather than surrogate outcomes are still awaited.

Acupuncture for Recurrent Headaches: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Cephalalgia ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 779-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Melchart ◽  
K Linde ◽  
P Fischer ◽  
A White ◽  
G Allais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Rate Ratio ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Responder Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials

Objective: To assess whether there is evidence that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of recurrent headaches. Design: Systematic review. Study selection: Randomized or quasi-randomized clinical trials comparing acupuncture with any type of control intervention for the treatment of recurrent headaches. Data sources: Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Field for Complementary Medicine, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register), personal communications and bibliographies. Data collection and analysis: Information on patients, interventions, methods, and results were extracted by at least two independent reviewers using a pretested form. A pooled estimate of the responder rate ratio (responder rate in treatment group/responder rate in control group) was calculated as a crude indicator of trial results as meta-analysis of more specific outcome data was impossible due to heterogeneity and insufficient reporting. Results: Twenty-two trials, including a total of 1042 patients (median 36, range 10-150), met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen trials were in migraine patients, six in tension-headache patients, and in one trial patients with various headaches were included. The majority of the 14 trials comparing true and sham acupuncture showed at least a trend in favor of true acupuncture. The pooled responder rate ratio was 1.53 (95% confidence interval 1.11 to 2.11). The eight trials comparing acupuncture and other treatment forms had contradictory results. Conclusions: Overall, the existing evidence suggests that acupuncture has a role in the treatment of recurrent headaches. However, the quality and amount of evidence is not fully convincing. There is urgent need for well-planned, large-scale studies to assess effectiveness and efficiency of acupuncture under real life conditions.

scholarly journals Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and risk of recurrence after ischaemic stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 239698732098400
Author(s):  
JJ McCabe ◽  
E O’Reilly ◽  
S Coveney ◽  
R Collins ◽  
L Healy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Random Effects ◽  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Randomised Trials ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Vascular Events ◽  
Reactive Protein

Background Recent randomised trials showed benefit for anti-inflammatory therapies in coronary disease but excluded stroke. The prognostic value of blood inflammatory markers after stroke is uncertain and guidelines do not recommend their routine measurement for risk stratification. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the association of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen and risk of recurrent stroke or major vascular events (MVEs). We searched EMBASE and Ovid Medline until 10/1/19. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed for studies reporting comparable effect measures. Results Of 2,515 reports identified, 39 met eligibility criteria (IL-6, n = 10; CRP, n = 33; fibrinogen, n = 16). An association with recurrent stroke was reported in 12/26 studies (CRP), 2/11 (fibrinogen) and 3/6 (IL-6). On random-effects meta-analysis of comparable studies, CRP was associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke [pooled hazard ratio (HR) per 1 standard-deviation (SD) increase in loge-CRP (1.14, 95% CI 1.06–1.22, p < 0.01)] and MVEs (pooled HR 1.21, CI 1.10–1.34, p < 0.01). Fibrinogen was also associated with recurrent stroke (HR 1.26, CI 1.07–1.47, p < 0.01) and MVEs (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.15–1.49, p < 0.01). Trends were identified for IL-6 for recurrent stroke (HR per 1-SD increase 1.17, CI 0.97–1.41, p = 0.10) and MVEs (HR 1.22, CI 0.96–1.55, p = 0.10). Conclusion Despite evidence suggesting an association between inflammatory markers and post-stroke vascular recurrence, substantial methodological heterogeneity was apparent between studies. Individual-patient pooled analysis and standardisation of methods are needed to determine the prognostic role of blood inflammatory markers and to improve patient selection for randomised trials of inflammatory therapies.

scholarly journals Thoracic Epidural Abscesses: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 68S-84S ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin A. Howie ◽  
Iyooh U. Davidson ◽  
Joseph E. Tanenbaum ◽  
Markian A. Pahuta ◽  
Avery L. Buchholz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Thoracic Epidural ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Thoracic Level ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Spinal Epidural

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: Past research has demonstrated increased speed and severity of progression for spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs) of the thoracic level, specifically, when compared with SEAs of other spinal cord levels. Untreated, this infection can result in permanent neurological sequelae with eventual progression to death if inadequately managed. Despite the seriousness of this disease, no articles have focused on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of SEAs of the thoracic level. For this reason, specific focus on SEAs of the thoracic level occurred when researchers designed and implemented the following systematic review. Methods: A query of Ovid-Medline and EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and additional review sources was conducted. Search criteria focused on articles specific to thoracic epidural abscesses. Results: Twenty-five articles met inclusion criteria. The most commonly reported symptoms present on admission included back pain, paraparesis/paraplegia, fever, and loss of bowel/bladder control. Significant risk factors included diabetes, intravenous drug use, and advanced age ( P = .001). Patients were most often treated surgically with either laminectomy, hemilaminectomy, or radical decompression with debridement. Patients who presented with neurological deficits and had delayed surgical intervention following a failed antibiotic course tended to do worse compared with their immediate surgical management counterparts ( P < .005). Conclusions: For the first time researchers have focused specifically on SEAs of the thoracic level, as opposed to previously published general analysis of SEAs as a whole. Based on the results, investigators recommend early magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, laboratory workup (sedimentation rate/C-reactive protein, complete blood count), abscess culture followed by empiric antibiotics, and immediate surgical decompression when neurological deficits are present.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Suprascapular Nerve Block in the Treatment of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yajing Hou ◽  
Yong Wang ◽  
Xiaojing Sun ◽  
Yake Lou ◽  
Ying Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Nerve Block ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve Block ◽  
Secondary Endpoints

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP).Background: SSNB is widely used in various shoulder pains, but whether it is effective in HSP remains unknown.Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched to identify potential citations. Randomized controlled trials meeting the eligible criteria were included in our analysis. The primary endpoint was Visual Analog Scale (VAS) with a maximum value of 100 and a minimum value of 0. Secondary endpoints were passive range of motion (PROM) that pain starts, and the PROM mainly included abduction, flexion, and external rotation. In addition, the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) was also included in our secondary endpoints.Results: Eight studies with 281 patients were included in our analysis. For VAS, there was no obvious difference between SSNB group and control group regardless of the follow-up period (&lt;4 weeks or ≥4 weeks), which were −6.62 (−15.76, 2.53; p = 0.16) and 1.78 (−16.18, 19.74; p = 0.85). For shoulder function, the PROM of abduction, flexion, and external rotation was similar between groups. However, motor function indicator FMA is lower in SSNB control than that in control group, with a mean difference (and 95% CI) of −2.59 (−4.52, −0.66; p = 0.008).Conclusion: SSNB is an effective way for HSP patients.Systematic Review Registration: Registration ID: CRD42021252429.

scholarly journals WITHDRAWN: The prevalence of HIV among MSM in China: a large-scale systematic review and meta-analysis

Oncotarget ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng-Jie Dong ◽  
Bin Peng ◽  
Zhen-Feng Liu ◽  
Cai-Qin Wang ◽  
Hao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis
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