scholarly journals Is Routine Preoperative Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Prior to Bariatric Surgery Mandatory? Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 10,685 Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 3073-3083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walid El Ansari ◽  
Ayman El-Menyar ◽  
Brijesh Sathian ◽  
Hassan Al-Thani ◽  
Mohammed Al-Kuwari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background This systematic review and meta-analysis searched, retrieved and synthesized the evidence as to whether preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (p-EGD) should be routine before bariatric surgery (BS). Methods Databases searched for retrospective, prospective, and randomized (RCT) or quasi-RCT studies (01 January 2000–30 April 2019) of outcomes of routine p-EGD before BS. STROBE checklist assessed the quality of the studies. P-EGD findings were categorized: Group 0 (no abnormal findings); Group 1 (abnormal findings that do not necessitate changing the surgical approach or postponing surgery); Group 2 (abnormal findings that change the surgical approach or postpone surgery); and Group 3 (findings that signify absolute contraindications to surgery). We assessed data heterogeneity and publication bias. Random effect model was used. Results Twenty-five eligible studies were included (10,685 patients). Studies were heterogeneous, and there was publication bias. Group 0 comprised 5424 patients (56%, 95% CI: 45–67%); Group 1, 2064 patients (26%, 95% CI: 23–50%); Group 2, 1351 patients (16%, 95% CI: 11–21%); and Group 3 included 31 patients (0.4%, 95% CI: 0–1%). Conclusion For 82% of patients, routine p-EGD did not change surgical plan/ postpone surgery. For 16% of patients, p-EGD findings necessitated changing the surgical approach/ postponing surgery, but the proportion of postponements due to medical treatment of H Pylori as opposed to “necessary” substantial change in surgical approach is unclear. For 0.4% patients, p-EGD findings signified absolute contraindication to surgery. These findings invite a revisit to whether p-EGD should be routine before BS, and whether it is judicious to expose many obese patients to an invasive procedure that has potential risk and insufficient evidence of effectiveness. Further justification is required.

scholarly journals Association between Oral Contraceptives and cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and metanalysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Giacchetta ◽  
M Chiavarini ◽  
G Naldini ◽  
R Fabiani
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Oral Contraceptives ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Hormonal Factors ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background The probability of developing invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is higher in women than in men up until the age of 49. Several studies investigated the association between hormonal factors and CMM. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the evidence on the association between Oral Contraceptives (OC) and the risk of CMM. Methods This review and meta-analysis follow the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic literature search was conducted on Medline and Web of Science until December 2019. Studies were eligible if reported a risk estimate for the association between OC and CMM. Heterogeneity testing was performed using Cochran's Q and I2 statistics. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's test and Begg's test. Meta-analysis was performed using random effect model. Results The results of the pooled analysis of all 32 studies showed no significant association between OC and the risk of CMM (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.94-1.11; I2=39.32%, p = 0.013). The stratified analyses by study design found no significant association between OC and the risk of CMM neither in the 18 case-control studies (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.87-1.21; I2=56.91%, p = 0.002) nor in the 14 cohort studies (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.98-1.11; I2=0.00%, p = 0.557). No significant publication bias could be detected by Egger's test or Begg's test. Conclusions This meta-analysis of available literature suggests no significant association between OC and the risk of developing CMM. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the possible relationship of OC use and other hormonal factors potentially contributing to the increased risk of CMM in women during their reproductive years. Key messages Oral contraceptives (OC) do not significantly contribute to the risk of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma (CMM). Further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of other hormonal factors in the increased probability of developing CMM in women during their reproductive years.

scholarly journals Association of human papilloma Virus infection other than cervical cancer: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-128
Author(s):  
Habtamu Molla ◽  
Habtamu Temesgen ◽  
Dereje Beyene
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Human Papilloma Virus ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Papilloma Virus ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Human Papilloma Virus (hpv) infection causes different cancer diseases. Cervical cancer is the most common hpv related disease. hpv infection also causes cancer of anus, vulva, vagina, penis, skin, bladder, prostate, breast, oral and others because the hpv virus is epithelium-tropic. But the association of hpv infection other than cervical cancer, for example breast cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer etc is still inconclusive. Thus, the objective of this review was to collect published information on hpv infection other than cervix to explore the pooled prevalence of hpv infection as well as related types of cancers.  Publish research articles of hpv infection and cancer risks other than cervical cancer were systematically searched through Internet. The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines were followed. Joanna Brigg’s Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (jbi-mastari) adapted for cross sectional/case control study design was used for quality assessment of each individual study. A total of 22 studies were extracted and analyzed using stata 14. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence; whereas subgroup analysis and meta-regression was performed to identify the probable source of heterogeneity. Both Egger’s and Begg’s tests were used to check publication bias.  The totals of 486 studies were retrieved and 22 studies were included in this meta- analysis. The meta-analysis result showed that the pooled prevalence of hpv infection other than cervix was 34.36% (95% CI: 23.75, 44.97) with severe heterogeneity (I2 = 99.5%; p<0.001) with no publication bias. The highest pooled prevalence of hpv infection other than cervix was related to genital cancer which is 58.63% (95% CI: 51.86, 65.39), followed by oral cancer (47.15% with 95% CI: 19.67, 74.63). Although cervical cancer is primarily hpv induced cancer which well articulated with so many researches, other cancer types (based on the location of the hpv infection) are also increasing across the world based on this systematic and meta-analysis study. hpv infection increases the risk of developing cancers other than cervical cancer.

scholarly journals Effects of underlying morbidities on the occurrence of deaths in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostaured Khan ◽  
Md Nuruzzaman Khan ◽  
Md. Golam Mustagir ◽  
Juwel Rana ◽  
Md Saiful Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Trim And Fill

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the most hectic pandemic of the era, is increasing exponentially and taking thousands of lives worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of pre-existing morbidities among COVID-19 infected patients and their mortality risks against each type of pre-existing morbidity category. Methods: To conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched using specified relavent keywords. Further searches were conducted using the reference list of the selected studies, renowned pre-print servers (e.g., medRxiv, bioRixv, SSRN), and relevant journal websites. Studies written in the English language included if those were conducted among COVID-19 patients with and without comorbidities and presented survivor vs. non-survivor counts or hazard/odds of deaths or survivors against types of pre-existing morbidities. Comorbidities reported in the selected studies were grouped into eight categories. The pooled likelihoods of deaths in each category were estimated using a fixed or random-effect model, based on the heterogeneity assessment. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of the funnel plot asymmetry and Eggers regression test. Trim and Fill method was used if there any publication bias was found. Results: A total of 42 studies included in this study comprised of 39,398 samples. The most common pre-existing morbidities in COVID-19 infected patients were hypertension (36.5%), cardiovascular disease (11.9%), and diabetes (22.0%). The higher likelihood of deaths was found among COVID-19 patients who had pre-existing cardiovascular diseases (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 2.79-3.95), immune and metabolic disorders (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 2.00-2.85), respiratory diseases (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.80-2.26), cerebrovascular diseases (OR: 4.12, 95% CI: 3.04-5.58), any types of cancers (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.63-3.03), renal (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 2.60-3.52), and liver diseases (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.21-1.71). Conclusions: This study provides evidence of a higher likelihood of deaths among COVID-19 patients against morbidity categories. These findings could potentially help healthcare providers to sort out the most endangered COVID-19 patients by comorbidities, take precautionary measures during hospitalization, assess susceptibility to death, and prioritize their treatment, which could potentially reduce the number of fatalities in COVID-19.

scholarly journals COVID-19 clinical characteristics, and sex-specific risk of mortality: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Nasiri ◽  
Sara Haddadi ◽  
Azin Tahvildari ◽  
Yeganeh Farsi ◽  
Mahta Arbabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
World Health ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Health Organization

Objectives: The rapidly evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. It was first detected in the city of Wuhan in China and has spread globally resulting in substantial health and economic crisis in many countries. Observational studies have partially identified the different aspects of this disease. Up to this date, no comprehensive systematic review for the clinical, laboratory, epidemiologic and mortality findings has been published. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis for a better understanding of COVID-19. Methods: We reviewed the scientific literature published from January 1, 2019 to March 3, 2020. Statistical analyses were performed with STATA (version 14, IC; Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). The pooled frequency with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was assessed using random effect model. Publication bias was assessed and p <0.05 was considered a statistically significant publication bias. Results: Out of 1102 studies, 32 satisfied the inclusion criteria. A total of 4789 patients with a mean age of 49 years were evaluated. Fever (83.0%, CI 77.5 to 87.6), cough (65.2%, CI 58.6 to 71.2) and myalgia/fatigue (34.7, CI 26.0 to 44.4) were the most common symptoms. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (18.5 %, CI 12.7 to 24.4) and Cardiovascular disease (14.9 %, CI 6.0 to 23.8). Among the laboratory abnormalities, elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (72.0% (CI 54.3 to 84.6) and lymphopenia (50.1%, CI 38.0 to 62.4) were the most common findings. Bilateral ground-glass opacities (66.0%, CI 51.1 to 78.0) was the most common CT-Scan presentation. Pooled mortality rate was 6.6%, with males having significantly higher mortality compared to females (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 9.1, P = 0.01). Conclusion: COVID-19 commonly presented with a progressive course of cough and fever with more than half of hospitalized patients showing leukopenia or a high CRP on their laboratory findings. Mortality associated with COVID19 was higher than that reported in studies in China with Males having a 3-fold higher risk of mortality in COVID19 compared to females.

scholarly journals Reduction of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) after Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3568
Author(s):  
Andryanto Sutanto ◽  
Citrawati Dyah Kencono Wungu ◽  
Hendri Susilo ◽  
Henry Sutanto
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Diet Control

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and obesity is a major risk factor that increases the morbidity and mortality of CVDs. Lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet control, physical exercise and behavioral changes) have been the first-line managements of obesity for decades. Nonetheless, when such interventions fail, pharmacotherapies and bariatric surgery are considered. Interestingly, a sudden weight loss (e.g., due to bariatric surgery) could also increase mortality. Thus, it remains unclear whether the bariatric surgery-associated weight reduction in patients with obesity and CVDs is beneficial for the reduction of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE). Here, we performed a systematic literature search and meta-analysis of published studies comparing MACE in patients with obesity and CVDs who underwent bariatric surgery with control patients (no surgery). Eleven studies, with a total of 1,772,305 patients, which consisted of 74,042 patients who underwent any form of bariatric surgery and 1,698,263 patients with no surgery, were included in the systematic review. Next, the studies’ data, including odds ratio (OR) and adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), were pooled and analyzed in a meta-analysis using a random effect model. The meta-analysis of ten studies showed that the bariatric surgery group had significantly lower odds of MACE as compared to no surgery (OR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.40–0.60; p < 0.00001; I2 = 93%) and the adjustment to confounding variables in nine studies revealed consistent results (aHR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.49–0.66; p < 0.00001; I2 = 73%), suggesting the benefit of bariatric surgery in reducing the occurrence of MACE in patients with obesity and CVDs (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021274343).

scholarly journals Effect of anticholinergic medications on the risk of dementia: a Protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Maraghi ◽  
Ali Reza Safarpour ◽  
Maryam Hajmohammadi ◽  
Ali Akbar Oroojan ◽  
Amal Saki Malehi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Forest Plot ◽  
Anticholinergic Drugs ◽  
Effect Model ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity

Abstract Introduction: The most kind of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer’s is a type of degenerative cerebrovascular disorder which exacerbates over time. Meanwhile, anticholinergic drugs can potentially modify the risk factors. As different studies have achieved different results and the clinical findings of these interventions have not been conclusive, the objective of this research will be to evaluate the effect of anticholinergic drugs on the risk of dementia.Materials& Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis with no language limitation between 1988.12.15 and 2020.12.15 will search WoS, EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest electronic databases and grey literature. Our search strategy with suitability criteria evaluating the effect of anticholinergic drugs on the risk of dementia. Two authors will independently implement the selection phases, data extraction, and quality assessment. Any discrepancies between reviewers will be resolved by consensus; otherwise, the viewpoint of a third specialist person will be applied. The reviewers will evaluate the risk of bias using NOS. We will conduct a meta-analysis with Random Effect Model or Fixed Effect Model according to severity of methodological heterogeneity. The results will be presented via the forest plot for the composition of final studies’ data, to demonstrate the separated and combined frequency and their corresponding 95% CIs and summary tables and narrative summaries. Using I2 statistics and the Q-statistic test, the statistical heterogeneity will be evaluated. For evaluating the possible reporting bias, the Funnel plot will be used; also Begg's and Egger's tests will be applied for significant results of the publication bias, and the Fill & Trim method for reformed publication bias. Ethical and dissemination: The systematic review findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will also be presented at national/international academic and clinical conferences.PROSPRO Registration: CRD42020219612

scholarly journals Effect of Bariatric Surgery on the Circulating Level of Adiponectin, Chemerin, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1, Leptin, Resistin, and Visfatin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (04) ◽  
pp. 207-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moein Askarpour ◽  
Shahab Alizadeh ◽  
Amir Hadi ◽  
Michael E. Symonds ◽  
Maryam Miraghajani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor ◽  
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ◽  
Activator Inhibitor ◽  
Pai 1

AbstractDifferent adipokines secreted from adipose tissue, exert a range of physiological effects. The aim of present systematic review and meta-analysis was to critically investigate the consequence of bariatric surgery on circulating adipokines, that is, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor, and chemerin. After systematically checking the following electronic databases: ISI web of Science, Scopus and PubMed without limitation in time and language up to February 2019, a pool based on a random effect model was established. Eighty-five eligible studies were entered for quantitative analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed that circulating adiponectin increased significantly after bariatric surgery [Standardized mean difference (SMD)=1.401, 95% CI: 1.101, 1.701, p<0.001]; whilst leptin (SMD=–2.178, 95% CI: –2.433, –1.923, p<0.001), PAI-1 (–14.928 ng/ml 95% CI: –21.794, –8.063, p<0.001), and chemerin (–50.238 ng/ml 95% CI: –85.708, –14.768, p<0.001) decreased. However, serum visfatin (2.05 ng/ml, 95% CI: –5.07, 9.17, p=0.573) and resistin (–2.080 ng/ml, 95% CI: –5.352, 1.192, p=0.21) were unchanged. In conclusion, bariatric surgery is associated with a reduction in specific adipokines including leptin, chemerin, and PAI-1, whereas adiponectin is raised, adaptations that could be indicative of improved fat mass and function.

scholarly journals Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure Tool for Evaluating the Educational Environment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (F) ◽  
pp. 108-116
Author(s):  
Faraz Ahmed Farooqi ◽  
Soban Qadir Khan ◽  
Abdul Khabeer ◽  
Saqib Ali ◽  
Asim Al-Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Positive Side ◽  
Group 2

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to study the literature evaluating the educational environment by using DREEM tool and compute overall mean DREEM score by using Meta-analysis. Further, variation in DREEM score was also studied by distributing studies into different time periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and Web of Science databases, followed by review and analysis. All the studies which used DREEM as a tool, published from 1997 to December 2015 were included. Heterogeneity between the studies was assessed by I2-coefficient and Q-statistics. Where significant heterogeneity existed random effect, model was used. Egger’s symmetric test and Begg’s funnel plot was used to study possibility of publication bias. The PRISMA Guideline for systematics review was used. RESULTS: Out of 128 published DREEM studies, 43 passed the criteria and included in analysis. Overall mean DREEM score through Meta-analysis was 2.426 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.34-2.52). Studies were divided into two groups for analyzing the time effect. Mean score of the studies published during 1997 to 2009 (group 1) was 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35-2.64) and for the studies from 2010 to 2015 (group 2) was 2.39 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.29-2.5). CONCLUSION: Overall DREEM score was more towards positive side than negative. Current review revealed that DREEM has not been used as predictor for achievement of any medical college instead it can be used to predict high and low achievers in a medical school. This review can signify DREEM to be suitable and consistent tool showing learning environment of institute and student’s prerequisites.

scholarly journals Alteration of Postural Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
David Núñez-Fuentes ◽  
Esteban Obrero-Gaitán ◽  
Noelia Zagalaz-Anula ◽  
Alfonso Javier Ibáñez-Vera ◽  
Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Postural Balance ◽  
Fibromyalgia Syndrome ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Sensory Organization ◽  
Effect Model

Balance problems are one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). However, the extent and nature of this balance disorder are not known. The objective of this work was to determine the best evidence for the alteration of postural balance in patients with FMS and analyze differences with healthy controls. To meet this objective, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. A bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and SciELO. Observational studies that assessed postural balance in patients with FMS compared to healthy subjects in baseline conditions, were selected. In a random-effect model, the pooled effect was calculated with the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Nineteen studies reporting data of 2347 participants (95% female) were included. FMS patients showed poor balance with a large effect on static (SMD = 1.578; 95% CI = 1.164, 1.992), dynamic (SMD = 0.946; 95% CI = 0.598, 1.294), functional balance (SMD = 1.138; 95% CI = 0.689, 1.588) and on balance confidence (SMD = 1.194; 95% CI = 0.914, 1.473). Analysis of the Sensory Organization Test showed large alteration of vestibular (SMD = 1.631; 95% CI = 0.467, 2.795) and visual scores (SMD = 1.317; 95% CI = 0.153, 2.481) compared to healthy controls. Patients with FMS showed worse scores for different measures of postural balance compared to healthy controls. Concretely, FMS patients appear to have poor vestibular and visual scores with a possible somatosensory dependence.

scholarly journals Magnitude and determinants of neural tube defect in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Atlaw ◽  
Yohannes Tekalegn ◽  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
Kenbon Seyoum ◽  
Damtew Solomon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Maternal Exposure ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Effect Model ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of disorders that arise from the failure of the neural tube close between 21 and 28 days after conception. About 90% of neural tube defects and 95% of death due to these defects occurs in low-income countries. Since these NTDs cause considerable morbidity and mortality, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of NTDs in Africa. Methods The protocol of this study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO number: CRD42020149356). All major databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar search engine were systematically searched. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa, and Cochran’s Q-statistics and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Begg ’s tests, and the association between determinant factors and NTDs was estimated using a random-effect model. Results Of the total 2679 articles, 37 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was 50.71 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 48.03, 53.44). Folic acid supplementation (AOR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19–0.85), maternal exposure to pesticide (AOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.04–10.39), mothers with a previous history of stillbirth (AOR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.99–5.65) and maternal exposure to x-ray radiation (AOR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.27–4.31) were found to be determinants of NTDs. Conclusions The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was found to be high. Maternal exposure to pesticides and x-ray radiation were significantly associated with NTDs. Folic acid supplementation before and within the first month of pregnancy was found to be a protective factor for NTDs.

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