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Bjelakovic G, Nikolova D, Bjelakovic M, Pavlov CS, Sethi NJ, Korang SK, Gluud C. Effects of primary or secondary prevention with vitamin A supplementation on clinically important outcomes: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078053. [PMID: 38816049 PMCID: PMC11141198 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review with meta-analyses of randomised trials evaluated the preventive effects of vitamin A supplements versus placebo or no intervention on clinically important outcomes, in people of any age. METHODS We searched different electronic databases and other resources for randomised clinical trials that had compared vitamin A supplements versus placebo or no intervention (last search 16 April 2024). We used Cochrane methodology. We used the random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs), with 95% CIs. We analysed individually and cluster randomised trials separately. Our primary outcomes were mortality, adverse events and quality of life. We assessed risks of bias in the trials and used Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) to assess the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS We included 120 randomised trials (1 671 672 participants); 105 trials allocated individuals and 15 allocated clusters. 92 trials included children (78 individually; 14 cluster randomised) and 28 adults (27 individually; 1 cluster randomised). 14/105 individually randomised trials (13%) and none of the cluster randomised trials were at overall low risk of bias. Vitamin A did not reduce mortality in individually randomised trials (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.05; I²=32%; p=0.19; 105 trials; moderate certainty), and this effect was not affected by the risk of bias. In individually randomised trials, vitamin A had no effect on mortality in children (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.04; I²=24%; p=0.28; 78 trials, 178 094 participants) nor in adults (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.13; I²=24%; p=0.27; 27 trials, 61 880 participants). Vitamin A reduced mortality in the cluster randomised trials (0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.93; I²=66%; p=0.0008; 15 trials, 14 in children and 1 in adults; 364 343 participants; very low certainty). No trial reported serious adverse events or quality of life. Vitamin A slightly increased bulging fontanelle of neonates and infants. We are uncertain whether vitamin A influences blindness under the conditions examined. CONCLUSIONS Based on moderate certainty of evidence, vitamin A had no effect on mortality in the individually randomised trials. Very low certainty evidence obtained from cluster randomised trials suggested a beneficial effect of vitamin A on mortality. If preventive vitamin A programmes are to be continued, supporting evidence should come from randomised trials allocating individuals and assessing patient-meaningful outcomes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018104347.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Bjelakovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
- Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinic of Gastroenterohepatology, University Clinical Centre, Nis, Serbia
| | - Dimitrinka Nikolova
- Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Milica Bjelakovic
- Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinic of Gastroenterohepatology, University Clinical Centre, Nis, Serbia
| | - Chavdar S Pavlov
- Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gastroenterology, Botkin Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Department of Therapy, I.M. Sechenov, First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Naqash J Sethi
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steven Kwasi Korang
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Gluud
- Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, The Faculty of Heath Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Fisker AB, Martins JSD, Nanque LM, Jensen AM, Ca EJC, Nielsen S, Martins CL, Rodrigues A. Oral Polio Vaccine to Mitigate the Risk of Illness and Mortality During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Cluster-Randomized Trial in Guinea-Bissau. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac470. [PMID: 36193229 PMCID: PMC9494416 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Oral polio vaccine (OPV) may improve resistance to non-polio-infections. We tested whether OPV reduced the risk of illness and mortality before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines were available.
Methods
During the early COVID-19 pandemic, houses in urban Guinea-Bissau were randomized 1:1 to intervention or control. Residents aged 50+ years were invited to participate. Participants received bivalent OPV (single dose) or nothing. Rates of mortality, admissions, and consultation for infections (primary composite outcome) during 6 months of follow-up were compared in Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age and residential area. Secondary outcomes included mortality, admissions, consultations, and symptoms of infection.
Results
We followed 3726 participants (OPV, 1580; control, 2146) and registered 66 deaths, 97 admissions, and 298 consultations for infections. OPV did not reduce the risk of the composite outcome overall (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], .79–1.18). OPV reduced the risk in males (HR = 0.71; 95% CI, .51–.98) but not in females (HR = 1.18; 95% CI, .91–1.52) (P for same effect = .02). OPV also reduced the risk in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin scar-positive (HR = 0.70; 95% CI, .49–.99) but not in scar-negative participants (HR = 1.13; 95% CI, .89–1.45) (P = .03). OPV had no overall significant effect on mortality (HR = 0.96; 95% CI, .59–1.55), admissions (HR = 0.76; 95% CI, .49–1.17) or recorded consultations (HR = 0.99; 95% CI, .79–1.25), but the OPV group reported more episodes with symptoms of infection (6050 episodes; HR = 1.10 [95% CI, 1.03–1.17]).
Conclusions
In line with previous studies, OPV had beneficial nonspecific effects in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane B Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network , Bissau , Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Institute of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark
| | | | - Line M Nanque
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network , Bissau , Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Institute of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark
| | - Andreas M Jensen
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network , Bissau , Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Institute of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark
| | - Elsi J C Ca
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network , Bissau , Guinea-Bissau
| | - Sebastian Nielsen
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network , Bissau , Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Institute of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark
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Aaby P, Nielsen S, Fisker AB, Pedersen LM, Welaga P, Hanifi SMA, Martins CL, Rodrigues A, Chumakov K, Benn CS. Stopping oral polio vaccine (OPV) after defeating poliomyelitis in low-and-middle-income countries: Harmful unintended consequences? Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac340. [PMID: 35937644 PMCID: PMC9348612 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The live vaccines bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and measles vaccine have beneficial nonspecific effects (NSEs) reducing mortality, more than can be explained by prevention of tuberculosis or measles infection. Live oral polio vaccine (OPV) will be stopped after polio eradication; we therefore reviewed the potential NSEs of OPV. Methods OPV has been provided in 3 contexts: (1) coadministration of OPV and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age; (2) at birth (OPV0) with BCG; and (3) in OPV campaigns (C-OPVs) initiated to eradicate polio infection. We searched PubMed and Embase for studies of OPV with mortality as an outcome. We used meta-analysis to obtain the combined relative risk (RR) of mortality associated with different uses of OPV. Results First, in natural experiments when DTP was missing, OPV-only compared with DTP + OPV was associated with 3-fold lower mortality in community studies (RR, 0.33 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .14–.75]) and a hospital study (RR, 0.29 [95% CI, .11–.77]). Conversely, when OPV was missing, DTP-only was associated with 3-fold higher mortality than DTP + OPV (RR, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.27–8.21]). Second, in a randomized controlled trial, BCG + OPV0 vs BCG + no OPV0 was associated with 32% (95% CI, 0–55%) lower infant mortality. Beneficial NSEs were stronger with early use of OPV0. Third, in 5 population-based studies from Guinea-Bissau and Bangladesh, the mortality rate was 24% (95% CI, 17%–31%) lower after C-OPVs than before C-OPVs. Conclusions There have been few clinical polio cases reported in this century, and no confounding factors or bias would explain all these patterns. The only consistent interpretation is that OPV has beneficial NSEs, reducing nonpolio child mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network , Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Sebastian Nielsen
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network , Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark , Denmark
| | - Ane B Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network , Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark , Denmark
| | - Line M Pedersen
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network , Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark , Denmark
| | - Paul Welaga
- Navrongo Health Research Centre , P. O. Box 114, Navrongo , Ghana
| | - Syed M A Hanifi
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research , Bangladesh (icddr, b)
| | - Cesario L Martins
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network , Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Amabelia Rodrigues
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network , Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Konstantin Chumakov
- Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring , MD , USA
| | - Christine S Benn
- OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark , Denmark
- Danish Institute of Advanced Science, Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark , Denmark
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Hooper L, Esio-Bassey C, Brainard J, Fynn J, Jennings A, Jones N, Tailor BV, Abdelhamid A, Coe C, Esgunoglu L, Fallon C, Gyamfi E, Hill C, Howard Wilsher S, Narayanan N, Oladosu T, Parkinson E, Prentice E, Qurashi M, Read L, Getley H, Song F, Welch AA, Aggett P, Lietz G. Evidence to Underpin Vitamin A Requirements and Upper Limits in Children Aged 0 to 48 Months: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030407. [PMID: 35276767 PMCID: PMC8840537 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin A deficiency is a major health risk for infants and children in low- and middle-income countries. This scoping review identified, quantified, and mapped research for use in updating nutrient requirements and upper limits for vitamin A in children aged 0 to 48 months, using health-based or modelling-based approaches. Structured searches were run on Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central, from inception to 19 March 2021. Titles and abstracts were assessed independently in duplicate, as were 20% of full texts. Included studies were tabulated by question, methodology and date, with the most relevant data extracted and assessed for risk of bias. We found that the most recent health-based systematic reviews and trials assessed the effects of supplementation, though some addressed the effects of staple food fortification, complementary foods, biofortified maize or cassava, and fortified drinks, on health outcomes. Recent isotopic tracer studies and modelling approaches may help quantify the effects of bio-fortification, fortification, and food-based approaches for increasing vitamin A depots. A systematic review and several trials identified adverse events associated with higher vitamin A intakes, which should be useful for setting upper limits. We have generated and provide a database of relevant research. Full systematic reviews, based on this scoping review, are needed to answer specific questions to set vitamin A requirements and upper limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Hooper
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-1603-591268
| | - Chizoba Esio-Bassey
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Julii Brainard
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Judith Fynn
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Amy Jennings
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Natalia Jones
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK;
| | - Bhavesh V. Tailor
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Asmaa Abdelhamid
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Calvin Coe
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Latife Esgunoglu
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Ciara Fallon
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Ernestina Gyamfi
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Claire Hill
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Stephanie Howard Wilsher
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Nithin Narayanan
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Titilopemi Oladosu
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Ellice Parkinson
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK;
| | - Emma Prentice
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Meysoon Qurashi
- Department of Medicine, Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Lewsey Road, Luton LU4 0DZ, UK;
| | - Luke Read
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Harriet Getley
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Fujian Song
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Ailsa A. Welch
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (C.E.-B.); (J.B.); (J.F.); (A.J.); (B.V.T.); (A.A.); (C.C.); (L.E.); (C.F.); (E.G.); (C.H.); (S.H.W.); (N.N.); (T.O.); or (E.P.); (L.R.); (H.G.); (F.S.); (A.A.W.)
| | - Peter Aggett
- Lancashire School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK;
| | - Georg Lietz
- Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
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5
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Wastnedge E, Waters D, Murray SR, McGowan B, Chipeta E, Nyondo-Mipando AL, Gadama L, Gadama G, Masamba M, Malata M, Taulo F, Dube Q, Kawaza K, Khomani PM, Whyte S, Crampin M, Freyne B, Norman JE, Reynolds RM. Interventions to reduce preterm birth and stillbirth, and improve outcomes for babies born preterm in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. J Glob Health 2021; 11:04050. [PMID: 35003711 PMCID: PMC8709903 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing preterm birth and stillbirth and improving outcomes for babies born too soon is essential to reduce under-5 mortality globally. In the context of a rapidly evolving evidence base and problems with extrapolating efficacy data from high- to low-income settings, an assessment of the evidence for maternal and newborn interventions specific to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is required. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was done. We included all studies performed in LMICs since the Every Newborn Action Plan, between 2013 - 2018, which reported on interventions where the outcome assessed was reduction in preterm birth or stillbirth incidence and/or a reduction in preterm infant neonatal mortality. Evidence was categorised according to maternal or neonatal intervention groups and a narrative synthesis conducted. RESULTS 179 studies (147 primary evidence studies and 32 systematic reviews) were identified in 82 LMICs. 81 studies reported on maternal interventions and 98 reported on neonatal interventions. Interventions in pregnant mothers which resulted in significant reductions in preterm birth and stillbirth were (i) multiple micronutrient supplementation and (ii) enhanced quality of antenatal care. Routine antenatal ultrasound in LMICs increased identification of fetal antenatal conditions but did not reduce stillbirth or preterm birth due to the absence of services to manage these diagnoses. Interventions in pre-term neonates which improved their survival included (i) feeding support including probiotics and (ii) thermal regulation. Improved provision of neonatal resuscitation did not improve pre-term mortality rates, highlighting the importance of post-resuscitation care. Community mobilisation, for example through community education packages, was found to be an effective way of delivering interventions. CONCLUSIONS Evidence supports the implementation of several low-cost interventions with the potential to deliver reductions in preterm birth and stillbirth and improve outcomes for preterm babies in LMICs. These, however, must be complemented by overall health systems strengthening to be effective. Quality improvement methodology and learning health systems approaches can provide important means of understanding and tackling implementation challenges within local contexts. Further pragmatic efficacy trials of interventions in LMICs are essential, particularly for interventions not previously tested in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Wastnedge
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Donald Waters
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah R Murray
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian McGowan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Effie Chipeta
- Centre for Reproductive Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
- Department of Health Systems & Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Luis Gadama
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Gladys Gadama
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Martha Masamba
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Monica Malata
- Centre for Reproductive Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Frank Taulo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Queen Dube
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kondwani Kawaza
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Sonia Whyte
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mia Crampin
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bridget Freyne
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Research Program, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jane E Norman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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6
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Andersen A, Fisker AB, Nielsen S, Rodrigues A, Benn CS, Aaby P. National Immunization Campaigns With Oral Polio Vaccine May Reduce All-cause Mortality: An Analysis of 13 Years of Demographic Surveillance Data From an Urban African Area. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:e596-e603. [PMID: 32949460 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 2002 and 2014, Guinea-Bissau had 17 national campaigns with oral polio vaccine (OPV) as well as campaigns with vitamin A supplementation (VAS), measles vaccine (MV), and H1N1 influenza vaccine. We examined the impact of these campaigns on child survival. METHODS We examined the mortality rate between 1 day and 3 years of age of all children in the study area. We used Cox models with age as underlying time to calculate adjusted mortality rate ratios (MRRs) between "after-campaign" mortality and "before-campaign" mortality, adjusted for temporal change in mortality and stratified for season at risk. RESULTS Mortality was lower after OPV-only campaigns than before, with an MRR for after-campaign vs before-campaign being 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI], .67-.85). Other campaigns did not have similar effects, the MRR being 1.22 (95% CI, 1.04-1.44) for OPV + VAS campaigns, 1.39 (95% CI, 1.20-1.61) for VAS-only campaigns, 1.32 (95% CI, 1.09-1.60) for MV + VAS campaigns, and 1.13 (95% CI, .86-1.49) for the H1N1 campaign. Thus, all other campaigns differed significantly from the effect of OPV-only campaigns. Effects did not differ for trivalent, bivalent, or monovalent strains of OPV. With each additional campaign of OPV only, the mortality rate declined further (MRR, 0.86 [95% CI, .81-.92] per campaign). With follow-up to 3 years of age, the number needed to treat to save 1 life with the OPV-only campaign was 50 neonates. CONCLUSIONS OPV campaigns can have a much larger effect on child survival than otherwise assumed. Stopping OPV campaigns in low-income countries as part of the endgame for polio infection may increase child mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Andersen
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ane Bærent Fisker
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,OPEN, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sebastian Nielsen
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,OPEN, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Christine Stabell Benn
- OPEN, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Aaby
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,OPEN, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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7
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Varma A, Jensen AKG, Thysen SM, Pedersen LM, Aaby P, Fisker AB. Research protocol of two concurrent cluster-randomized trials: Real-life Effect of a CAMPaign with Measles Vaccination (RECAMP-MV) and Real-life Effect of a CAMPaign with Oral Polio Vaccination (RECAMP-OPV) on mortality and morbidity among children in rural Guinea-Bissau. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1506. [PMID: 31711464 PMCID: PMC6849174 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7813-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measles and oral polio vaccinations may reduce child mortality to an extent that cannot be explained by prevention of measles and polio infections; these vaccines seem to have beneficial non-specific effects. In the last decades, billions of children worldwide have received measles vaccine (MV) and oral polio vaccine (OPV) through campaigns. Meanwhile the under-five child mortality has declined. Past MV and OPV campaigns may have contributed to this decline, even in the absence of measles and polio infections. However, cessation of these campaigns, once their targeted infections are eradicated, may reverse the decline in the under-five child mortality. No randomized trial has assessed the real-life effect of either campaign on child mortality and morbidity. We present the research protocol of two concurrent trials: RECAMP-MV and RECAMP-OPV. METHODS Both trials are cluster-randomized trials among children registered in Bandim Health Project's rural health and demographic surveillance system throughout Guinea-Bissau. RECAMP-MV is conducted among children aged 9-59 months and RECAMP-OPV is conducted among children aged 0-8 months. We randomized 222 geographical clusters to intervention or control clusters. In intervention clusters, children are offered MV or OPV (according to age at enrolment) and a health check-up. In control clusters, children are offered only a health check-up. Enrolments began in November 2016 (RECAMP-MV) and March 2017 (RECAMP-OPV). We plan 18,000 enrolments for RECAMP-MV with an average follow-up period of 18 months and 10,000 enrolments for RECAMP-OPV with an average follow-up period of 10 months. Data collection is ongoing. The primary outcome in both trials is non-accidental death or non-accidental first non-fatal hospitalization with overnight stay (composite outcome). Secondary outcomes are: non-accidental death, repeated non-fatal hospitalizations with overnight stay, cause-specific primary outcome, outpatient visit, and illness. We obtained ethical approval from Guinea-Bissau and consultative approval from Denmark. DISCUSSION Cluster randomization and minimum risk of loss to follow-up are strengths, and no placebo a limitation. Our trials challenge the understanding that MV and OPV only prevent measles and polio, and that once both infections are eradicated, campaigns with MV and OPV can be phased out without negative implications on child health and survival. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03460002.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Varma
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark. .,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau. .,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Bandim Health Project, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - A K G Jensen
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - S M Thysen
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau.,Department of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - L M Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau
| | - P Aaby
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Bandim Health Project, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A B Fisker
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark. .,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau. .,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Bandim Health Project, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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8
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Mawson AR, Croft AM. Rubella Virus Infection, the Congenital Rubella Syndrome, and the Link to Autism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3543. [PMID: 31546693 PMCID: PMC6801530 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rubella is a systemic virus infection that is usually mild. It can, however, cause severe birth defects known as the congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) when infection occurs early in pregnancy. As many as 8%-13% of children with CRS developed autism during the rubella epidemic of the 1960s compared to the background rate of about 1 new case per 5000 children. Rubella infection and CRS are now rare in the U.S. and in Europe due to widespread vaccination. However, autism rates have risen dramatically in recent decades to about 3% of children today, with many cases appearing after a period of normal development ('regressive autism'). Evidence is reviewed here suggesting that the signs and symptoms of rubella may be due to alterations in the hepatic metabolism of vitamin A (retinoids), precipitated by the acute phase of the infection. The infection causes mild liver dysfunction and the spillage of stored vitamin A compounds into the circulation, resulting in an endogenous form of hypervitaminosis A. Given that vitamin A is a known teratogen, it is suggested that rubella infection occurring in the early weeks of pregnancy causes CRS through maternal liver dysfunction and exposure of the developing fetus to excessive vitamin A. On this view, the multiple manifestations of CRS and associated autism represent endogenous forms of hypervitaminosis A. It is further proposed that regressive autism results primarily from post-natal influences of a liver-damaging nature and exposure to excess vitamin A, inducing CRS-like features as a function of vitamin A toxicity, but without the associated dysmorphogenesis. A number of environmental factors are discussed that may plausibly be candidates for this role, and suggestions are offered for testing the model. The model also suggests a number of measures that may be effective both in reducing the risk of fetal CRS in women who acquire rubella in their first trimester and in reversing or minimizing regressive autism among children in whom the diagnosis is suspected or confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Mawson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39213, USA.
| | - Ashley M Croft
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK.
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9
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Biering-Sørensen S, Aaby P, Lund N, Monteiro I, Jensen KJ, Eriksen HB, Schaltz-Buchholzer F, Jørgensen ASP, Rodrigues A, Fisker AB, Benn CS. Early BCG-Denmark and Neonatal Mortality Among Infants Weighing <2500 g: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 65:1183-1190. [PMID: 29579158 PMCID: PMC5849087 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background BCG vaccine may reduce overall mortality by increasing resistance to nontuberculosis infections. In 2 randomized trials in Guinea-Bissau of early BCG-Denmark (Statens Serum Institut) given to low-weight (LW) neonates (<2500 g at inclusion) to reduce infant mortality rates, we observed a very beneficial effect in the neonatal period. We therefore conducted the present trial to test whether early BCG-Denmark reduces neonatal mortality by 45%. We also conducted a meta-analysis of the 3 BCG-Denmark trials. Methods In 2008–2013, we randomized LW neonates to “early BCG-Denmark” (intervention group; n = 2083) or “control” (local policy for LW and no BCG-Denmark; n = 2089) at discharge from the maternity ward or at first contact with the health center. The infants were randomized (1:1) without blinding in blocks of 24. Data was analyzed in Cox hazards models providing mortality rate ratios (MRRs). We had prespecified an analysis censoring follow-up at oral poliovirus vaccine campaigns. Results Early administration of BCG-Denmark was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in neonatal mortality rate (MRR, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], .47–1.04) and a 34% reduction (0.66; .44–1.00) when censoring for oral poliovirus vaccine campaigns. There was no reduction in mortality rate for noninfectious diseases, but a 43% reduction in infectious disease mortality rate (MRR, 0.57; 95% CI, .35–.93). A meta-analysis of 3 BCG trials showed that early BCG-Denmark reduced mortality by 38% (MRR, 0.62; 95% CI, .46–.83) within the neonatal period and 16% (0.84; .71–1.00) by age 12 months. Conclusion Early administration of BCG-Denmark in LW infants is associated with major reductions in mortality rate. It is important that all LW infants receive early BCG in areas with high neonatal mortality rates. Clinical Trials Registration NCT00625482.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Biering-Sørensen
- Research Center for Vitamins & Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Projécto de Saúde Bandim, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Peter Aaby
- Projécto de Saúde Bandim, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Najaaraq Lund
- Research Center for Vitamins & Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Projécto de Saúde Bandim, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Ivan Monteiro
- Projécto de Saúde Bandim, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Kristoffer Jarlov Jensen
- Research Center for Vitamins & Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Vaccinology, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksberg and
| | - Helle Brander Eriksen
- Research Center for Vitamins & Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Projécto de Saúde Bandim, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | | | | | | | - Ane Bærent Fisker
- Research Center for Vitamins & Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Projécto de Saúde Bandim, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Christine Stabell Benn
- Research Center for Vitamins & Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Denmark
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10
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de Bree LCJ, Koeken VACM, Joosten LAB, Aaby P, Benn CS, van Crevel R, Netea MG. Non-specific effects of vaccines: Current evidence and potential implications. Semin Immunol 2018; 39:35-43. [PMID: 30007489 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Besides protection against specific microorganisms, vaccines can induce heterologous or non-specific effects (NSE). Epidemiological data suggest that vaccination with live-attenuated vaccines such as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), measles vaccine, and oral polio vaccine results in increased overall childhood survival, and several of these observations have been confirmed in randomized trials. Immunological mechanisms mediating NSE include heterologous lymphocyte effects and induction of innate immune memory (trained immunity). Trained immunity induces long-term functional upregulation of innate immune cells through epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming. An overview of the epidemiological evidence of non-specific effects of vaccines and the latest insights regarding the biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon is presented, and future research priorities and potential implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C J de Bree
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Valerie A C M Koeken
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Aaby
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christine Stabell Benn
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Reinout van Crevel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department for Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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11
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Andersen A, Fisker AB, Rodrigues A, Martins C, Ravn H, Lund N, Biering-Sørensen S, Benn CS, Aaby P. National Immunization Campaigns with Oral Polio Vaccine Reduce All-Cause Mortality: A Natural Experiment within Seven Randomized Trials. Front Public Health 2018; 6:13. [PMID: 29456992 PMCID: PMC5801299 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent WHO review concluded that live BCG and measles vaccine (MV) may have beneficial non-specific effects (NSEs) reducing mortality from non-targeted diseases. NSEs of oral polio vaccine (OPV) were not examined. If OPV vaccination campaigns reduce the mortality rate, it would suggest beneficial NSEs. SETTING Between 2002 and 2014, Guinea-Bissau had 15 general OPV campaigns and other campaigns with OPV plus vitamin A supplementation (VAS), VAS-only, MV, and H1N1 vaccine. In this period, we conducted seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with mortality as main outcome. METHODS Within these RCTs, we assessed whether the mortality rate was lower after-campaign than before-campaign. We used Cox models with age as underlying time and further adjusted for low birth-weight, season and time trend in mortality. We calculated the adjusted mortality rate ratio (MRR) for after-campaign vs before-campaign. RESULTS The mortality rate was lower after OPV-only campaigns than before, the MRR being 0.81 (95% CI = 0.68-0.95). With each additional dose of campaign-OPV the mortality rate declined further (MRR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79-0.96) per dose) (test for trend, p = 0.005). No other type of campaign had similar beneficial effects. Depending on initial age and with follow-up to 3 years of age, the number needed to treat with campaign-OPV-only to save one life was between 68 and 230 children. CONCLUSION Bissau had no case of polio infection so the results suggest that campaign-OPV has beneficial NSEs. Discontinuation of OPV-campaigns in low-income countries may affect general child mortality levels negatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Andersen
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ane Baerent Fisker
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Cesario Martins
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Henrik Ravn
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Najaaraq Lund
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofie Biering-Sørensen
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christine Stabell Benn
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Aaby
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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12
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Growth faltering in rural Gambian children after four decades of interventions: a retrospective cohort study. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2017; 5:e208-e216. [PMID: 28104187 PMCID: PMC5340725 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(16)30355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Growth faltering remains common in children in sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Due to a very slow decline in the prevalence of stunting, the total number of children with stunting continues to rise in sub-Saharan Africa. Identification of effective interventions remains a challenge. Methods We analysed the effect of 36 years of intensive health interventions on growth in infants and young children from three rural Gambian villages. Routine growth data from birth to age 2 years were available for 3659 children between 1976 and 2012. Z scores for weight-for-age, length-for-age, weight-for-length, mid-upper-arm circumference, and head circumference were calculated using the WHO 2006 growth standards. Seasonal patterns of mean Z scores were obtained by Fourier regression. We additionally defined growth faltering as fall in Z score between 3 months and 21 months of age. Findings We noted secular improvements in all postnatal growth parameters (except weight-for-length), accompanied by declines over time in seasonal variability. The proportion of children with underweight or stunting at 2 years of age halved during four decades of the study period, from 38·7% (95% CI 33·5–44·0) for underweight and 57·1% (51·9–62·4) for stunting. However, despite unprecedented levels of intervention, postnatal growth faltering persisted, leading to poor nutritional status at 24 months (length-for-age Z score −1·36, 95% CI −1·44 to −1·27, weight-for-age Z score −1·20, −1·28 to −1·11, and head circumference Z score −0·51, −0·59 to −0·43). The prevalence of stunting and underweight remained unacceptably high (30·0%, 95% CI 27·0–33·0, for stunting and 22·1%, 19·4 to 24·8, for underweight). Interpretation A combination of nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions has achieved a halving of undernutrition rates, but despite these intensive interventions substantial growth faltering remains. We need to understand the missing contributors to growth faltering to guide development of new interventions. Funding UK Medical Research Council, UK Department for International Development.
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13
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Gannon BM, Davis CR, Nair N, Grahn M, Tanumihardjo SA. Single High-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation to Neonatal Piglets Results in a Transient Dose Response in Extrahepatic Organs and Sustained Increases in Liver Stores. J Nutr 2017; 147:798-806. [PMID: 28381532 DOI: 10.3945/jn.117.247577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Neonatal vitamin A (VA) supplementation is being evaluated as a public health policy for preventing infant mortality, but inconsistencies in mortality trials demand mechanistic work to determine biological plausibility.Objectives: We investigated the absorption, distribution, and storage of single large oral VA doses administered shortly after birth.Methods: Fifty pregnant sows (Sus scrofas domesticas) were fed a VA-free diet. Male and female newborn piglets (n = 313) were orally administered 0, 25,000, 50,000, or 200,000 IU VA in oil within 12 h of birth when mean ± SD weight was 1.56 ± 0.25 kg. Blood was drawn to determine absorption and storage 0.5-240 h after administration. Metabolic and postnatal dose-timing substudies were performed. Liver, lung, kidney, spleen, and adrenal VA concentrations were determined 7-240 h after administration.Results: Serum retinol and retinyl ester concentrations responded to treatment (P < 0.0001); however, differences between groups disappeared by 96 h. Liver VA concentrations responded to treatment (P < 0.0001), which persisted for 240 h. Liver VA for control piglets at 10 d (mean ± SD: 0.05 ± 0.02 μmol/g) was ≤0.1 μmol/g (deficiency), whereas groups that received VA maintained concentrations >0.1 μmol/g. Extrahepatic tissue VA concentrations displayed treatment effects (P ≤ 0.0077); groups that received treatments had higher VA concentrations than controls at early time points. Lung, kidney, and spleen VA did not differ between groups by 96 h, whereas adrenal glands did not differ by 240 h. Body weight was affected by treatment (P = 0.0002); VA-deficient piglets weighed 23-29% more than all treated groups 240 h after administration.Conclusions: A high dose of VA administered to newborn piglets was well absorbed, appeared in serum primarily as retinyl esters, and was taken up dose-dependently in all tissues studied; however, enhancement did not persist in sera, lungs, kidneys, spleens, or adrenal glands. Short-term impacts of retinoid signaling on weight gain remain to be elucidated, and longer follow-up studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan M Gannon
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Christopher R Davis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Nivedita Nair
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Michael Grahn
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Sherry A Tanumihardjo
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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14
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Aaby P, Andersen A, Martins CL, Fisker AB, Rodrigues A, Whittle HC, Benn CS. Does oral polio vaccine have non-specific effects on all-cause mortality? Natural experiments within a randomised controlled trial of early measles vaccine. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e013335. [PMID: 28011813 PMCID: PMC5223718 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BCG and measles vaccine (MV) may have beneficial non-specific effects (NSEs). If an unplanned intervention with a vaccine (a natural experiment) modifies the estimated effect in a randomised controlled trial (RCT), this suggests NSEs. We used this approach to test NSEs of triple oral polio vaccine (OPV). METHODS During an RCT of 2 doses of MV at 4.5 and 9 months versus 1 dose of MV at 9 months of age, we experienced 2 natural experiments with OPV. We assessed whether these OPV experiments modified the effect of 2-dose MV in the MV trial. SETTING MV RCT conducted in urban Guinea-Bissau 2003-2009. INTERVENTIONS Natural experiments with OPV due to missing vaccine and the implementation of OPV campaigns. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Changes in the mortality rate ratio (MRR) for 2-dose MV versus 1-dose MV. RESULTS First, the MRR (2-dose/1-dose MV) overall was 0.70 (0.52 to 0.94), but the MRR was 1.04 (0.53 to 2.04) when OPV at birth (OPV0) was not given, suggesting that early priming with OPV was important for the effect of 2-dose MV. The effect of OPV0 depended on age of administration; the MRR (2-dose/1-dose MV) was 0.45 (0.29 to 0.71) for children receiving OPV0 in the first week of life, but 3.63 (0.87 to 15.2) for those receiving OPV0 after the first month of life (p=0.007, test of no interaction). Second, campaign-OPV may have reduced the difference between the randomisation groups since the MRR (2-dose/1-dose MV) was 0.60 (0.42 to 0.85) for children who had not received campaign-OPV before RCT-enrolment versus 0.72 (0.23 to 2.31) and 1.42 (0.70 to 2.90) for children who had received 1 or 2 doses of campaign-OPV-before-enrolment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Bissau had no polio infection during this trial, so OPV0 and campaign-OPV may have NSEs since they modified the effect of 2-dose MV in an RCT. Different interventions may interact to a much larger effect than usually assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Andersen
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ane B Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Christine S Benn
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Imdad A, Ahmed Z, Bhutta ZA. Vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in infants one to six months of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 9:CD007480. [PMID: 27681486 PMCID: PMC6457829 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007480.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Vitamin A supplementation provided to infants less than six months of age is one of the strategies to improve the nutrition of infants at high risk of vitamin A deficiency and thus potentially reduce their mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of synthetic vitamin A supplementation in infants one to six months of age in low- and middle-income countries, irrespective of maternal antenatal or postnatal vitamin A supplementation status, on mortality, morbidity and adverse effects. SEARCH METHODS We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 2), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 5 March 2016), Embase (1980 to 5 March 2016) and CINAHL (1982 to 5 March 2016). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised, individually or cluster randomised trials involving synthetic vitamin A supplementation compared to placebo or no intervention provided to infants one to six months of age were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors assessed the studies for eligibility and assessed their risk of bias and collected data on outcomes. MAIN RESULTS The review included 12 studies (reported in 22 publications). The included studies assigned 24,846 participants aged one to six months to vitamin A supplementation or control group. There was no effect of vitamin A supplementation for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality based on seven studies that included 21,339 (85%) participants (risk ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89 to 1.25; I2 = 0%; test for heterogeneity: P = 0.79; quality of evidence: moderate). Also, there was no effect of vitamin A supplementation on mortality or morbidity due to diarrhoea and respiratory tract infection. There was an increased risk of bulging fontanelle within 24 to 72 hours of supplementation in the vitamin A group compared to control (RR 3.10, 95% CI 1.89 to 5.09; I2 = 9%, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.36; quality of evidence: high). There was no reported subsequent increased risk of death, convulsions or irritability in infants who developed bulging fontanelle after vitamin A supplementation, and it resolved in most cases within 72 hours. There was no increased risk of other adverse effects such as vomiting, irritability, diarrhoea, fever and convulsions in the vitamin A supplementation group compared to control. Vitamin A supplementation did not have any statistically significant effect on vitamin A deficiency (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.06; I2 = 27%; test for heterogeneity: P = 0.25; quality of evidence: moderate). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no convincing evidence that vitamin A supplementation for infants one to six months of age results in a reduction in infant mortality or morbidity in low- and middle-income countries. There is an increased risk of bulging fontanelle with vitamin A supplementation in this age group; however, there were no reported subsequent complications because of this adverse effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamer Imdad
- Vanderbilt University School of MedicineDepartment of Pediatrics, D. Brent Polk Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionNashvilleTNUSA37212
| | | | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Hospital for Sick ChildrenCenter for Global Child HealthTorontoONCanadaM5G A04
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16
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Zhang Z, Li J, Zheng W, Zhao G, Zhang H, Wang X, Guo Y, Qin C, Shi Y. Peripheral Lymphoid Volume Expansion and Maintenance Are Controlled by Gut Microbiota via RALDH+ Dendritic Cells. Immunity 2016; 44:330-42. [PMID: 26885858 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte homing to draining lymph nodes is critical for the initiation of immune responses. Secondary lymphoid organs of germ-free mice are underdeveloped. How gut commensal microbes remotely regulate cellularity and volume of secondary lymphoid organs remains unknown. We report here that, driven by commensal fungi, a wave of CD45(+)CD103(+)RALDH(+) cells migrates to the peripheral lymph nodes after birth. The arrival of these cells introduces high amounts of retinoic acid, mediates the neonatal to adult addressin switch on endothelial cells, and directs the homing of lymphocytes to both gut-associated lymphoid tissues and peripheral lymph nodes. In adult mice, a small number of these RALDH(+) cells might serve to maintain the volume of secondary lymphoid organs. Homing deficiency of these cells was associated with lymph node attrition in vitamin-A-deficient mice, suggesting a perpetual dependence on retinoic acid signaling for structural and functional maintenance of peripheral immune organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongde Zhang
- Institute for Immunology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianjian Li
- Institute for Immunology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wencheng Zheng
- Institute for Immunology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Guang Zhao
- Institute for Immunology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute for Immunology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Institute for Immunology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yaqian Guo
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Chuan Qin
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Institute for Immunology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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18
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Perumal N, Gaffey MF, Bassani DG, Roth DE. WHO Child Growth Standards Are Often Incorrectly Applied to Children Born Preterm in Epidemiologic Research. J Nutr 2015; 145:2429-39. [PMID: 26377758 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.214064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In epidemiologic research, there is no standard approach for accounting for gestational age (GA) at birth when interpreting postnatal anthropometric data in analyses of cohorts that include children born preterm (CBP). A scoping review was conducted to describe analytical approaches to account for GA at birth when applying the WHO Growth Standards (WHO-GS) to anthropometric data in epidemiologic studies. We searched PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for studies that applied WHO-GS, included CBP in the study population, had access to data within 1 mo of age, and were published between 2006 and 2015 in English. Of the 80 included studies that used the WHO-GS, 80% (64 of 80) included all children regardless of GA, whereas 20% (16 of 80) restricted analyses that used WHO-GS to term-born children. Among the 64 studies that included all children, 53 (83%) used chronological age and 11 (17%) used corrected age for CBP. Of the 53 studies that used chronological age, 12 (23%) excluded data that were likely contributed by CBP (e.g., very low birth weight or extremely low outlying z scores) and 19 (36%) adjusted for or stratified by GA at birth in regression analyses. In summary, researchers commonly apply WHO-GS to CBP, usually based on chronological age. Methodologic challenges of analyzing data from CBP in the application of WHO-GS were rarely explicitly addressed. Further efforts are required to establish acceptable approaches to account for heterogeneity in GA at birth in the analysis of post-term anthropometric data in epidemiologic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandita Perumal
- Centre for Global Child Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; and
| | - Michelle F Gaffey
- Centre for Global Child Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; and
| | - Diego G Bassani
- Centre for Global Child Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel E Roth
- Centre for Global Child Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; and Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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19
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Lund N, Andersen A, Hansen ASK, Jepsen FS, Barbosa A, Biering-Sørensen S, Rodrigues A, Ravn H, Aaby P, Benn CS. The Effect of Oral Polio Vaccine at Birth on Infant Mortality: A Randomized Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2015. [PMID: 26219694 PMCID: PMC4614411 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonates were randomized to oral polio vaccine (OPV) and followed for mortality. Among those enrolled within the first 2 days, OPV was associated with a 42% (10%–62%) reduction in infant infectious disease mortality. OPV at birth may provide nonspecific protection against infections. Background. Routine vaccines may have nonspecific effects on mortality. An observational study found that OPV given at birth (OPV0) was associated with increased male infant mortality. We investigated the effect of OPV0 on infant mortality in a randomized trial in Guinea-Bissau. Methods. A total of 7012 healthy normal-birth-weight neonates were randomized to BCG only (intervention group) or OPV0 with BCG (usual practice). All children were to receive OPV with pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B) at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. Seven national OPV campaigns were also conducted during the trial period. Children were followed to age 12 months. We used Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality. Results. The trial contradicted the original hypothesis about OPV0 increasing male infant mortality. Within 12 months, 73 children in the BCG + OPV group and 87 children in the BCG-only group died, all from infectious diseases. Comparing BCG + OPV0 vs BCG only, the HR was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], .61–1.13): 0.72 (95% CI, .47–1.10) in boys and 0.97 (95% CI, .61–1.54) in girls. For children enrolled within the first 2 days of life, the HR for BCG + OPV0 vs BCG only was 0.58 (95% CI, .38–.90). From enrollment until the time of OPV campaigns, the HR was 0.68 (95% CI, .45–1.00), the beneficial effect being separately significant for males (0.55 [95% CI, .32–.95]). Conclusions. This is the only randomized trial of the effect of OPV0 on mortality. OPV0 may be associated with nonspecific protection against infectious disease mortality, particularly when given early in life. There are reasons to monitor mortality when OPV is being phased out. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00710983.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najaaraq Lund
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen Department of Pediatrics, Kolding Hospital/University of Southern Denmark, Kolding
| | - Andreas Andersen
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen
| | | | - Frida S Jepsen
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | | | | | | | - Henrik Ravn
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital
| | - Peter Aaby
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Christine Stabell Benn
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital
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Benn CS, Aaby P, Arts RJW, Jensen KJ, Netea MG, Fisker AB. An enigma: why vitamin A supplementation does not always reduce mortality even though vitamin A deficiency is associated with increased mortality. Int J Epidemiol 2015; 44:906-18. [PMID: 26142161 PMCID: PMC4521135 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyv117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is associated with increased mortality. To prevent VAD, WHO recommends high-dose vitamin A supplementation (VAS) every 4-6 months for children aged between 6 months and 5 years of age in countries at risk of VAD. The policy is based on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) conducted in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Recent RCTs indicate that the policy may have ceased to be beneficial. In addition, RCTs attempting to extend the benefits to younger children have yielded conflicting results. Stratified analyses suggest that whereas some subgroups benefit more than expected from VAS, other subgroups may experience negative effects. METHODS AND RESULTS We reviewed the potential modifiers of the effect of VAS. The variable effect of VAS was not explained by underlying differences in VAD. Rather, the effect may depend on the sex of the child, the vaccine status and previous supplementation with vitamin A. Vitamin A is known to affect the Th1/Th2 balance and, in addition, recent evidence suggests that vitamin A may also induce epigenetic changes leading to down-regulation of the innate immune response. Thus VAS protects against VAD but has also important and long-lasting immunological effects, and the effect of providing VAS may vary depending on the state of the immune system. CONCLUSIONS To design optimal VAS programmes which target those who benefit and avoid those harmed, more studies are needed. Work is ongoing to define whether neonatal VAS should be considered in subgroups. In the most recent RCT in older children, VAS doubled the mortality for males but halved mortality for females. Hence, we urgently need to re-assess the effect of VAS on older children in large-scale RCTs powered to study effect modification by sex and other potential effect modifiers, and with nested immunological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine S Benn
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark, OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark / Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark,
| | - Peter Aaby
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark, Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau and
| | - Rob J W Arts
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kristoffer J Jensen
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ane B Fisker
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark, Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau and
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Affiliation(s)
- Batool A Haider
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Robert Harding Chair in Global Child Health and Policy, Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto M5G 0A4, ON, Canada; Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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