Meta-analyses including non-randomized studies of therapeutic interventions: a methodological review

Cannabinoids for the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

In 2016, the global number of individuals living with dementia was 43.8 million, representing a 117% increase from 1990-mainly due to increases in aging and population growth. Up to 90% of individuals with dementia experience neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). However, the limitations of current treatments for NPS have drivent he search for safer pharmacotherapies-including cannabinoids.

AIM

To assess the efficacy and acceptability of cannabinoids for the treatment of NPS in individuals with dementia.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Of 6,902 papers, 9 were eligible (n = 205, 44% female, 78 ± 7 years, 85% Alzheimer disease). Trials were in North America and Europe and explored tetrahydrocannabinol (n = 3), dronabinol (n = 5), or nabilone (n = 1).

MEASUREMENT

Titles/abstracts were independently screened by one reviewer and reviewed by a second. Full-text screening was by two reviewers with discrepancies resolved via a third reviewer. We extracted data on the standardized mean difference (SMD) for several NPS instruments, trial completion, and adverse events. Data were pooled using random-effects models.

FINDINGS

Cannabinoids led to significant improvements across NPS instruments, including the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory (SMD = -0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.45 to -0.16), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (SMD = -0.61; CI, -1.07 to -0.15), and nocturnal actigraphy (SMD = -1.05; CI, -1.56 to -0.54h). Cannabinoids were well-tolerated, with an overall trial completion rate of 93% (193/205) and no serious treatment-related adverse events. Treatment efficacy was associated with baseline dementia severity and dose, but not dementia subtype, age, or sex. The overall study quality was rated as low.

CONCLUSIONS

There is preliminary evidence for the efficacy and tolerability of cannabinoids as treatments for NPS. Population-based studies are needed to characterize their real-world effectiveness and acceptability.

Patients' Experiences of Telehealth in Palliative Home Care: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Telehealth is increasingly being used in home care and could be one measure to support the needs of home-based patients receiving palliative care. However, no previous scoping review has mapped existing studies on the use of telehealth for patients in palliative home care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to map and assess published studies on the use of telehealth for patients in palliative home care.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley. Reporting was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A systematic and comprehensive search of Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health was performed for studies published between January 2000 and October 2018. Two authors independently assessed eligibility and extracted data.

RESULTS

The review included 22 papers from 19 studies. Four thematic groupings were identified among the included papers: easy and effortless use of telehealth regardless of the current health condition, visual features that enhance communication and care via telehealth, symptom management and self-management promotion by telehealth, and perceptions of improved palliative care at home.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of telehealth in palliative home care seems to be feasible, improving access to health care professionals at home and enhancing feelings of security and safety. The visual features of telehealth seem to allow a genuine relationship with health care professionals. However, there are contradicting results on whether the use of telehealth improves burdensome symptoms and quality of life. Future research should investigate the experiences of using telehealth among patients with life-limiting illness other than cancer and patients aged 85 years or older. More research is needed to increase the body of knowledge regarding the effectiveness of telehealth on symptoms and quality of life.

A Meta-Analysis on the Effect of Dexamethasone on the Sugammadex Reversal of Rocuronium-Induced Neuromuscular Block

Sugammadex reverses the rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block by trapping the cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring of rocuronium. Dexamethasone shares the same steroidal structure with rocuronium. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of dexamethasone on neuromuscular reversal of sugammadex after general anesthesia. Electronic databases were searched to identify all trials investigating the effect of dexamethasone on neuromuscular reversal of sugammadex after general anesthesia. The primary outcome was time for neuromuscular reversal, defined as the time to reach a Train-of-Four (TOF) ratio of 0.9 after sugammadex administration. The secondary outcome was the time to extubation after sugammadex administration. The mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were used for these continuous variables. Six trials were identified; a total of 329 patients were included. The analyses indicated that dexamethasone did not influence the time for neuromuscular reversal of sugammadex (MD −3.28, 95% CI −36.56 to 29.99, p = 0.847) and time to extubation (MD 25.99, 95% CI −4.32 to 56.31, p = 0.093) after general anesthesia. The results indicate that dexamethasone did not influence the neuromuscular reversal of sugammadex in patients after general anesthesia. Therefore, the dexamethasone does not appear to interfere with reversal of neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex in patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery.

Salvage therapy for progressive, treatment-refractory or recurrent pediatric medulloblastoma: a systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system tumors remain the leading cause of cancer-related mortality amongst children with solid tumors, with medulloblastoma (MB) representing the most common pediatric brain malignancy. Despite best current therapies, patients with recurrent MB experience have an alarmingly high mortality rate and often have limited therapeutic options beyond inadequate chemotherapy or experimental clinical trials. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature regarding treatment strategies employed in recurrent pediatric MB will evaluate previous salvage therapies in order to guide future clinical trials. The aim of this systematic review will be to investigate the efficacy and safety of salvage therapies for the management of children with progressive, treatment-refractory, or recurrent MB.

METHODS

We will conduct literature searches (from 1995 onwards) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies examining the survival and toxicity of therapies administered to treatment-refractory pediatric MB patients will be included. Two reviewers will independently assess the search results based on predefined selection criteria, complete data abstraction, and quality assessment. The primary outcomes of this review will be overall and progression-free survival. Secondary outcomes will include safety and toxicity of each therapy administered. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. Due to the nature of the research question and published literature, we expect large inter-study heterogeneity and therefore will use random effects regression analysis to extract the combined effect. In additional analyses, we will investigate the role of re-irradiation and mono- vs. poly-therapy in recurrent disease, and whether molecular subgrouping of MB influences salvage therapy.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review will provide an overview of the current literature regarding salvage therapies for relapsed MB patients. Investigation of clinically tested therapies for children with recurrent MB has significant implications for clinical practice. By reviewing the efficacy and toxicity of MB salvage therapies, this study will identify effective therapeutic strategies administered to recurrent MB patients and can inform future clinical trials aimed to improve patient survivorship and quality of life.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42020167421.

Timing to perform VATS for traumatic-retained hemothorax (a systematic review and meta-analysis)

PURPOSE

In this systematic review, we analyzed the optimal time range to evacuate traumatic-retained hemothorax using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and the U.S. National Library of Medicine clinical trials database up to February 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with relevant data were included. Data were extracted from studies that reported the success, mortality, or length of hospital stay (LOS) after using VATS during at least two out of three of our time-ranges of interest: days 1-3 (group A), days 4-6 (group B), and day 7 or later (group C).

RESULTS

Six cohort studies with 476 total participants were included in the meta-analysis. The patients in group A had a significantly higher success rate than those in group C (RR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.21-0.84, p = 0.01). The total LOS for patients whose retained hemothorax was evacuated in group A was 4.7 days shorter than that for those in group B (95% CI =  - 5.6 to  - 3.8, p = 0.006). Likewise, group B patients were discharged 18.1 days earlier than group C patients (95% CI =  - 22.3 to  - 14, p < 0.001). Short-term mortality was not decreased by early VATS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that VATS should be considered within the first three days of admission if this intervention is the clinician's choice to evacuate a traumatic-retained hemothorax. Protocol registration number in PROSPERO: CRD42017046856.

Does an Alternative Sunitinib Dosing Schedule Really Improve Survival Outcomes over a Conventional Dosing Schedule in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) can obfuscate the maintenance of a conventional schedule of sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Accordingly, alternative schedules seeking to improve the safety profile of sunitinib have been tested. Recently, two meta-analyses similarly described improved safety profiles favoring a two weeks on and one week off (2/1) schedule, but with conflicting results for survival outcomes. Therefore, we conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis, including all recently published studies and using complementary statistical methods. Endpoints included progression-free survival, overall survival, and AEs of 15 types. Eleven articles were included in this meta-analysis. Using adjusted findings, we noted statistically better results in progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.84; p = 0.005), but no difference in overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–1.04; p = 0.08). Moreover, the 2/1 schedule was beneficial for reducing the incidence of several AEs. Conclusively, our meta-analysis suggests that the 2/1 schedule holds promise as an alternative means of reducing AEs and maintaining patient quality of life. While the survival outcomes of the 2/1 schedule seem also to be favorable, the level of evidence for this was low, and the interpretation of these findings should warrant caution. Large scale randomized trials are needed to support these results.

The efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for PTSD symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) for PTSD is an emerging treatment of remarkable promise, but its efficacy and safety are still unclear. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of VRET for individuals with PTSD, and to identify the potential moderating variables associated with interventions.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, Science Direct, and EBSCO. We identified 18 studies on PTSD including 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 654 participants) and 5 single-group trials (60 participants).

RESULTS

The main effects analysis showed a moderate effect size (g = 0.327, 95% CI: 0.105-0.550, p<0.01) for VRET compared to control conditions on PTSD symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that the effects of VRET were larger when compared to inactive groups (g = 0.567) than active control groups (g = 0.017). This finding was in agreement with depressive symptoms. A dose-response relationship existed with more VRET sessions showing larger effects. There was a long-range effect of VRET on PTSD symptoms indicating a sustained decrease in PTSD symptoms at 3-month follow-up (g = 0.697) and 6-month follow-up (g = 0.848). The single-group trials analysis revealed that the VRET intervention had a significant effect on PTSD.

LIMITATIONS

Many of the combat-related PTSD subjects resulted in uncertainty regarding meta-analytical estimates and subsequent conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrated that VRET could produce significant PTSD symptoms reduction and supported its application in treating PTSD.

Effects of active video games on children and adolescents: A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of active video games (AVGs) on obesity-related outcomes and physical activity levels in children and adolescents.

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

METHODS

Literature search was performed in five electronic databases and the main clinical trials registries. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of AVGs compared with no/minimal intervention on obesity-related outcomes (body mass index [BMI], body weight, body fat, and waist circumference) and physical activity levels of children and adolescents were eligible. Two independent reviewers extracted the data of each included study. PEDro scale was used to assess risk of bias and GRADE approach to evaluate overall quality of evidence. Pooled estimates were obtained using random effect models.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were considered eligible for this review. Included studies mostly reported outcome data at short-term (less or equal than three months) and intermediate-term follow-up (more than 3 months, but <12 months). AVGs were more effective than no/minimal intervention in reducing BMI/zBMI at short-term (SMD = -0.34; 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.05) and intermediate-term follow-up (SMD = -0.36; 95% CI: -0.01 to -0.71). In addition, AVGs were more effective in reducing body weight compared with no/minimal intervention at intermediate-term follow-up (SMD = -0.25; 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.04). Regarding physical activity levels, AVGs were not more effective compared with minimal intervention at short-term and intermediate-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review identified that AVGs were better than minimal intervention in reducing BMI and body weight, but not for increasing physical activity in young people.

Prolonged Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring and Secondary Stroke Prevention in Patients With Cryptogenic Cerebral Ischemia

Background and Purpose- Although prolonged cardiac rhythm monitoring (PCM) can reveal a substantial proportion of ischemic stroke (IS) patients with atrial fibrillation not detected by conventional short-term monitoring, current guidelines indicate an uncertain clinical benefit for PCM. We evaluated the impact of PCM on secondary stroke prevention using data from available to date randomized clinical trials and observational studies. Methods- We performed a comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial), and conference proceedings to identify studies reporting stroke recurrence rates in patients with history of cryptogenic IS or transient ischemic attack (TIA) receiving PCM compared with patients receiving conventional (non-PCM) cardiac monitoring. Results- We included 4 studies (2 randomized clinical trials and 2 observational studies), including a total of 1102 patients (mean age: 68 years, 41% women). We documented an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation detection (risk ratio=2.46; 95% CI, 1.61-3.76) and anticoagulant initiation (risk ratio=2.07; 95% CI, 1.36-3.17) and decreased risk of recurrent stroke (risk ratio=0.45; 95% CI, 0.21-0.97) and recurrent stroke/TIA (risk ratio=0.49; 95% CI, 0.30-0.81) during follow-up for IS/TIA patients who underwent PCM compared with IS/TIA patients receiving conventional cardiac monitoring. In the subgroup analysis, according to study type, atrial fibrillation detection, anticoagulant initiation, and IS/TIA recurrence rates were comparable between PCM and non-PCM in randomized clinical trials and observational studies. No evidence of heterogeneity (I²<12%) was documented across all the aforementioned subgroups. Conclusions- We provide preliminary evidence for a potential impact of PCM on secondary stroke prevention, as patients with cryptogenic IS/TIA undergoing PCM had higher rates of atrial fibrillation detection, anticoagulant initiation, and lower stroke recurrence.

Meta-analysis of the effect of extending the interval after long-course chemoradiotherapy before surgery in locally advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The current standard of care in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Surgery is conventionally performed approximately 6-8 weeks after nCRT. This study aimed to determine the effect on outcomes of extending this interval.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed for studies reporting oncological results that compared the classical interval (less than 8 weeks) from the end of nCRT to TME with a minimum 8-week interval in patients with LARC. The primary endpoint was the rate of pathological complete response (pCR). Secondary endpoints were recurrence-free survival, local recurrence and distant metastasis rates, R0 resection rates, completeness of TME, margin positivity, sphincter preservation, stoma formation, anastomotic leak and other complications. A meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel method.

RESULTS

Twenty-six publications, including four RCTs, with 25 445 patients were identified. A minimum 8-week interval was associated with increased odds of pCR (odds ratio (OR) 1·41, 95 per cent c.i. 1·30 to 1·52; P < 0·001) and tumour downstaging (OR 1·18, 1·05 to 1·32; P = 0·004). R0 resection rates, TME completeness, lymph node yield, sphincter preservation, stoma formation and complication rates were similar between the two groups. The increased rate of pCR translated to reduced distant metastasis (OR 0·71, 0·54 to 0·93; P = 0·01) and overall recurrence (OR 0·76, 0·58 to 0·98; P = 0·04), but not local recurrence (OR 0·83, 0·49 to 1·42; P = 0·50).

CONCLUSION

A minimum 8-week interval from the end of nCRT to TME increases pCR and downstaging rates, and improves recurrence-free survival without compromising surgical morbidity.

Investigation on Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer among Elderly Patients Treated with Chinese Herbal Medicine versus Chemotherapy: A Pooled Analysis of Individual Data

Purpose

Many patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) seek help from Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the survival between CHM and chemotherapy (CT) treatment of patients aged ≥60 years with advanced Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) wild type NSCLC and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥ 60.

Methods

We extracted individual data of all eligible patients from 1 randomized control trial and 2 cohort studies and performed a pooled analysis. Survival outcomes of patients were compared between CHM group and CT group using Cox regression model stratified for study.

Results

A total of 486 patients were included in the study, including 262 patients in the CHM group and 224 patients in the CT group. The median overall survival time was 10.9 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 8.9-13.0) months in CHM group and 9.8 (95% CI: 8.1-11.5) days in CT group (p=0.592). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI for CHM compared to CT are 0.98 (0.87, 1.10, p=0.751) in the stratified Cox regression model. Stratified analysis showed a trend that previously treated elderly patients with EGFR wild type advanced NSCLC probably gain greater survival benefit from CHM (adjusted HR:0.83, 95% CI: 0.68-1.01, p=0.063).

Conclusions

There might be no significant difference in survival for elderly patients with advanced EGFR wild type NSCLC between the CHM and CT groups in the current study. And previously treated elderly patients with advanced NSCLC probably receive greater benefit from CHM. However, limited by the design and unpreplanned study hypothesis, the results must be confirmed by randomized control trial before making a conclusion.

Effectiveness of nursing interventions for breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To critically review and synthesize the findings of studies that evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions for improving breathlessness in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews of nursing interventions for breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have not been specifically addressed.

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Embase was performed for studies published between January 2000 and June 2017.

REVIEW METHODS

Risk of bias, data extraction and meta-analysis were conducted using Cochrane methodology. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Twenty papers were included. A meta-analysis of interventions performed at home, including two trials, showed a significant effect in favour of experimental groups for the symptom score of the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire compared with controls. A meta-analysis of interventions performed in clinics with home follow-up showed a significant effect in favour of experimental groups for the mastery and fatigue scores of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire compared with controls. In this category of intervention, an additional meta-analysis showed a significant effect in favour of experimental groups for the symptom, activity and total scores of the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire compared with controls. The quality of evidence was assessed to be very low to moderate.

CONCLUSION

The results are equivocal as to whether nursing interventions performed at home and nursing interventions performed in hospital with follow-up improve breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is a common, debilitating psychological problem. In the present study, two meta-analyses examined the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety. The first meta-analysis tested whether virtual reality exposure therapy reduces social anxiety more than a waitlist control condition. The results of the first meta-analysis, consisting of six studies and 233 participants, showed a significant overall effect size, indicating that virtual reality exposure therapy was effective in reducing social anxiety. The second meta-analysis tested whether the standard treatment for social anxiety, which includes in vivo or imaginal exposure, leads to greater effects than virtual reality exposure therapy. The second meta-analysis, consisting of seven studies and 340 total participants, showed essentially no difference in effect sizes between virtual reality exposure and in vivo or imaginal exposure. The results of the two meta-analyses support the use of virtual reality in the treatment of social anxiety.

Interrupted versus Continuous Suturing for Vesicourethral Anastomosis During Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) is a crucial step during radical prostatectomy (RP). Generally, either a continuous (CS) or an interrupted suture (IS) is used. However, there is no clear evidence if one technique is superior to the other.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide a systematic overview and comparison between IS and CS for the VUA during RP.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The study was conducting according to the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic data base search (Pubmed, Embase, and Central) was performed. Outcomes included catheterization time, extravasation, anastomotic time, length of hospital stay, continence, and development of strictures.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 2021 studies were retrieved, of which nine studies (1475 patients) were included in analysis. Results showed a shorter catheterization time (2.06 d; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-3.57; p=0.007), anastomotic time (6.39min; 95% CI: 3.68-9.10; p<0.001), and a lower rate of extravasation (odds ratio [OR]: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.26-4.43; p<0.007) in favor of CS. There were no differences between groups concerning length of hospital stay (0.40 d; 95% CI: -1.41-2.20; p=0.670) or continence at 3 mo (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.83-1.44; p=0.540), 6 mo (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.67-1.61; p=0.870) or 12 mo (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.92-2.24; p=0.110), respectively. The incidence of urethral strictures was not different between the techniques (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.42-2.40; p=1.000). The quality of evidence according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool was rated as low.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis showed advantages of CS for catheterization time, anastomotic time, and rate of extravasation without compromising other parameters. Although CS seems to offer favorable results, its technical challenge in open RP and the generally low quality of data makes a clear recommendation impossible.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Continuous and interrupted suturing are safe suture techniques for the vesicourethral anastomosis during radical prostatectomy. The choice of the suture technique should be based on surgeon's experience and technical approach.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42017076126.

Which surgical approach for palatally displaced canines?

Data sourcesCochrane Oral Health's Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline Ovid and Embase Ovid (up to February 2017); ongoing clinical trials were searched in clinicaltrials.gov as well as the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry. Reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews were searched. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication and study authors were contacted when necessary.Study selectionRandomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials assessing open and closed surgical exposures in palatally displaced canines with no restriction on age, presenting malocclusion or type of orthodontic treatment. Unilaterally and bilaterally displaced canines were included in the review. The primary outcomes considered were sufficient eruption of the canine to allow orthodontic alignment without requiring additional surgery, post surgical complications and aesthetics.Data extraction and synthesisTwo authors independently screened titles and abstracts of all studies identified through the search and reviewed full articles against established inclusion criteria. Any disagreements between the authors were resolved by consensus or by consulting an expert. Risk of bias assessment was done using Cochrane Collaboration's tool and study authors were contacted for missing information. Dichotomous outcomes (success of surgery - yes or no) were expressed as risk ratio and 95% CI. Continuous outcomes (pain on VAS scale) were expressed as mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (if different scales were used).ResultsA total of three studies (six articles) representing 146 participants were included in the SR. One was an RCT while the other two were quasi-RCTs. With regards to successful eruption, there was no evidence of a difference between the open and closed groups (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.06, P = 0.79). Other primary measures (including surgical complications or aesthetics) or secondary measures were either reported in just one trial or used different measures, so pooling of data was not possible.ConclusionsLimited available evidence suggests surgical exposure of palatally displaced canines is successful in bringing canines into alignment. However, data do not support one technique over the other (closed vs open). One trial was at low risk of bias while the others were at high risk of bias. This adds to the uncertainty of the conclusions.

Direct Pulp Capping: What is the Most Effective Therapy?-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Direct pulp capping therapies use biomaterials to protect exposed tissues, inducing repair through the production of a mineralized barrier. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of biomaterials and techniques by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were used to search the literature published from January 1, 1980 until August 31, 2017. Studies that met inclusion criteria were screened by 2 authors individually. The meta-analysis was performed on mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement vs calcium hydroxide cement, tricalcium silicate cement vs MTA cement, and adhesive systems vs CaOH cement and evaluated the success rate, inflammatory response, and dentin bridge formation.

RESULTS

Forty-six studies were included in the systematic review, while 22 studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant heterogeneity between the studies. MTA cements showed a significantly higher success rate, in all parameters, compared with calcium hydroxide cements (odds ratio = 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90-3.90; P = 0.000). However, when compared with the tricalcium silicate cements, there were no statistically significant differences (odds ratio = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.53-2.65; P = 0.672). Adhesive systems showed a significantly lower success rate, in all parameters, compared with calcium hydroxide cements (odds ratio = 0.062; 95% CI = 0.024-0.157; P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

MTA cements have a higher success rate, with a lower inflammatory response and a more predictable hard dentin barrier formation than calcium hydroxide cements. However, there were no differences, in these parameters, when MTA cement was compared with tricalcium silicate cements. Dental adhesives systems showed the lowest success rates.

Mobile Health Technology Interventions for Suicide Prevention: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous research has reported that two of the major barriers to help-seeking for individuals at risk of suicide are stigma and geographical isolation. Mobile technology offers a potential means of delivering evidence-based interventions with greater specificity to the individual, and at the time that it is needed. Despite documented motivation by at-risk individuals to use mobile technology to track mental health and to support psychological interventions, there is a shortfall of outcomes data on the efficacy of mobile health (mHealth) technology on suicide-specific outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to develop a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile technology-based interventions for suicide prevention.

METHODS

The search includes the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL: The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CRESP and relevant sources of gray literature. Studies that have evaluated psychological or nonpsychological interventions delivered via mobile computing and communication technology, and have suicidality as an outcome measure will be included. Two authors will independently extract data and assess the study suitability in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. Studies will be included if they measure at least one suicide outcome variable (ie, suicidal ideation, suicidal intent, nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior, suicidal behavior). Secondary outcomes will be measures of symptoms of depression. Where studies are sufficiently homogenous and reported outcomes are amenable for pooled synthesis, meta-analysis will be performed. A narrative synthesis will be conducted if the data is unsuitable for a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The review is in progress, with findings expected by summer 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

To date, evaluations of mobile technology-based interventions in suicide prevention have focused on evaluating content as opposed to efficacy. Indeed, previous research has identified mobile applications that appear to present harmful content. The current review will address a gap in the literature by evaluating the efficacy of stand-alone mobile technology tools in suicide prevention. It is imperative that research identifies the evidence base for such tools in suicide prevention in order to inform policy, guide clinical practice, inform users and focus future research.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42017072899; https:// www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42017072899  (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/ 6tZAj0yqJ).

Antibiotics versus no antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis - a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) is common and antibiotics are the cornerstone of traditional conservative management. This approach lacks clear evidence base and studies have recently suggested that avoidance of antibiotics is a safe and efficacious way to manage AUD. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the safety and efficacy of treating AUD without antibiotics.

METHODS

A systematic search of Embase, Cochrane library, MEDLINE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and ClinicalTrials. gov was performed. Studies comparing antibiotics versus no antibiotics in the treatment of AUD were included. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model with the primary outcome measure being diverticulitis-associated complications. Secondary outcomes were readmission rate, diverticulitis recurrence, mean hospital stay, requirement for surgery and requirement for percutaneous drainage.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included involving 2469 patients; 1626 in the non-antibiotic group (NAb) and 843 in the antibiotic group (Ab). There was a higher complication rate in the Ab group however this was not significant (1.9% versus 2.6%) with a combined risk ratio (RR) of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.25 to 1.57, p=0.32). There was a shorter mean length of hospital stay in the Nab group (standard mean difference of -1.18 (95% CI, -2.34 to -0.03 p= 0.04). There was no significant difference in readmission, recurrence and surgical intervention rate or requirement for percutaneous drainage.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of AUD without antibiotics may be feasible with outcomes that are comparable to antibiotic treatment and with potential benefits for patients and the NHS. Large scale randomised multicentre studies are needed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Improving metabolic monitoring rate for young people aged 35 and younger taking antipsychotic medications to treat a psychosis: A literature review

Young people aged 35 and younger who are taking antipsychotic medications to treat a psychosis are a high risk for developing metabolic syndrome due to the adverse effects of the medications. This paper reports the finding of a review of literature to identify interventions to improve metabolic monitoring rates in this group. A review of 478 studies identified 15 articles which met the inclusion criteria. Five articles reported single-intervention studies and the remaining integrated two or more interventions to improve uptake level of metabolic monitoring. As metabolic syndrome can be detected early through metabolic monitoring in young people taking antipsychotics, early intervention is important to improve their physical health trajectory.

Interrupted versus continuous suturing for vesicourethral anastomosis during radical prostatectomy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Radical prostatectomy is the mainstay of treatment for prostate cancer. The vesicourethral anastomosis is a critical step, which most likely impacts urinary continence and urethral stenosis. To date, it still remains unclear whether interrupted and continuous suturing for the anastomosis have different outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare different suture techniques for vesicourethral anastomosis in terms of surgical and functional parameters.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A comprehensive literature search will be conducted covering MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies comparing interrupted versus continuous suturing will be included in the analyses. No language restrictions will be applied. Screening, data extraction, statistical analysis and reporting will be done in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Quality assessment will be performed with the help of the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for assessing quality of non-randomised studies. The quality of evidence will be evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. The primary outcome will be the time until removal of the urinary catheter. Secondary outcomes include rate of extravasation, length of hospital stay, time needed to perform the anastomosis, continence level at defined postoperative intervals and development of urethral strictures. Quantitative analysis will be calculated if meaningful.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

In order to meet the highest ethical and methodological standards. we followed the PRISMA Protocol 2015 checklist. Each item was answered appropriately. For systematic reviews the ethical issues are strictly methodological as only data that were published earlier will be used. The full manuscript will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Furthermore, the results will be presented on national and international congresses.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

International prospective register of systematic reviews PROSPERO CRD42017076126.

Safety and effectiveness of antireflux surgery in obese patients

Introduction The incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and obesity has increased significantly in recent years. The number of antireflux procedures being carried out on people with a higher body mass index (BMI) has been rising. Evidence is conflicting for outcomes of antireflux surgery in obese patients in terms of its safety and efficacy. Given the contradictory reports, this meta-analysis was undertaken to establish the outcomes of antireflux surgery (ARS) in obese patients and its associated safety. Methods A systematic electronic search was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE®, Ovid®, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar™ databases to identify studies that analysed the effect of BMI on the outcomes of ARS. A meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. The intraoperative and postoperative outcomes that were examined included operative time, conversion to an open procedure, mean length of hospital stay, recurrence of acid reflux requiring reoperation and wrap migration. Results A total of 3,772 patients were included in 13 studies. There was no significant difference in procedure conversion rate, recurrence of reflux requiring reoperation or wrap migration between obese and non-obese patients. However, both the mean operative time and mean length of stay were longer for obese patients. Conclusions ARS in obese patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is safe and outcomes are comparable with those in patients with a BMI in the normal range. A high BMI should therefore not be a deterrent to considering ARS for appropriate patients.

Effectiveness of online and mobile telephone applications ('apps') for the self-management of suicidal ideation and self-harm: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Online and mobile telephone applications ('apps') have the potential to improve the scalability of effective interventions for suicidal ideation and self-harm. The aim of this review was therefore to investigate the effectiveness of digital interventions for the self-management of suicidal ideation or self-harm.

METHODS

Seven databases (Applied Science & Technology; CENTRAL; CRESP; Embase; Global Health; PsycARTICLES; PsycINFO; Medline) were searched to 31 March, 2017. Studies that examined the effectiveness of digital interventions for suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, or which reported outcome data for suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, within a randomised controlled trial (RCT), pseudo-RCT, or observational pre-test/post-test design were included in the review.

RESULTS

Fourteen non-overlapping studies were included, reporting data from a total of 3,356 participants. Overall, digital interventions were associated with reductions for suicidal ideation scores at post-intervention. There was no evidence of a treatment effect for self-harm or attempted suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies were biased in relation to at least one aspect of study design, and particularly the domains of participant, clinical personnel, and outcome assessor blinding. Performance and detection bias therefore cannot be ruled out. Digital interventions for suicidal ideation and self-harm may be more effective than waitlist control. It is unclear whether these reductions would be clinically meaningful at present. Further evidence, particularly with regards to the potential mechanisms of action of these interventions, as well as safety, is required before these interventions could recommended.

Meta-analysis of closure of the fascial defect during laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair

Background

Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) is being used increasingly, with reported outcomes equivalent to those of open hernia repair. Closure of the fascial defect (CFD) is a technique that may reduce seroma formation and bulging after LIVHR. Non-closure of the fascial defect makes the repair of larger defects easier and reduces postoperative pain. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether CFD affects the rate of adverse outcomes, such as recurrence, pseudo-recurrence, mesh eventration or bulging, and the rate of seroma formation.

Methods

A systematic search was performed of PubMed, Ovid, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and Scopus to identify RCTs that analysed CFD with regard to rates of adverse outcomes. A meta-analysis was done using fixed-effect methods. The primary outcome of interest was adverse events. Secondary outcomes were seroma, postoperative pain, mean hospital stay, mean duration of operation and surgical techniques employed.

Results

A total of 16 studies were identified involving 3638 patients, 2963 in the CFD group and 675 in the non-closure of facial defect group. Significantly fewer adverse events were noted following CFD than non-closure (4·9 per cent (79 of 1613) versus 22·3 per cent (114 of 511)), with a combined risk ratio (RR) of 0·25 (95 per cent c.i. 0·18 to 0·33; P &lt; 0·001). CFD resulted in a significantly lower rate of seroma (2·5 per cent (39 of 1546) versus 12·2 per cent (47 of 385)), with a combined RR of 0·37 (0·23 to 0·57; P &lt; 0·001), and shorter duration of hospital stay. No significant difference was noted in postoperative pain.

Conclusion

CFD during LIVHR reduces the rate of seroma formation and adverse hernia-site events.