scholarly journals Duration of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances in adolescents and adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen Abbing ◽  
Vasiliki Koretsi ◽  
Theodore Eliades ◽  
Spyridon N. Papageorgiou
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Duration ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Orthodontic Appliances ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Fixed Appliances

Abstract Objectives Adults with fixed orthodontic appliances are increasing nowadays. Compared with adolescents, adults present biological differences that might influence treatment duration. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare duration of treatment with fixed appliances between adults and adolescents. Materials and methods Eight databases were searched up to September 2019 for randomized and non-randomized clinical studies comparing treatment duration with fixed appliances in adolescents and adult patients. After duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment with the Cochrane ROBINS-I tool, random effects meta-analyses of mean differences (MD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed, followed by assessment of the quality of evidence with GRADE. Results A total of 11 unique studies (one prospective and 10 retrospective non-randomized) with 2969 adolescents and 1380 adult patients were finally included. Meta-analysis of 7 studies found no significant difference in the duration of comprehensive treatment with fixed appliances (MD = − 0.8 month; 95% CI = − 4.2 to 2.6 months; P = 0.65; I2 = 92%) between adults and adolescents. Similarly, both distalization of upper first molars with skeletal anchorage for class II correction and the retraction of canines into the premolar extraction spaces lasted similarly long among adults and adolescents. On the other hand, alignment of palatally displaced canines lasted considerably longer in adults compared to adolescents (1 study; MD = 3.8 months; 95% CI = 1.4 to 6.2 months; P = 0.002). The quality of evidence for the meta-analysis was low due to the inclusion of non-randomized studies with considerable risk of bias. Conclusions While existing evidence does not indicate a difference in the overall duration of treatment with fixed appliances between adults and adolescents, the alignment of palatally displaced canines lasted significantly longer in adults. However, our confidence in these estimates is low due to the risk of bias in the included studies. Trial registration PROSPERO: (CRD42019148169)

Outpatient total hip arthroplasty does not increase complications and readmissions: a meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 112070002094879
Author(s):  
Vittorio Bordoni ◽  
Niccolò Marelli ◽  
Davide Previtali ◽  
Paolo Gaffurini ◽  
Giuseppe Filardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Hip Arthroplasty ◽  
Hip Arthroplasty ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Total Hip

Background: There is no consensus about the safety of outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively evaluate and compare outpatient and inpatient THA studies in terms of complication and readmission rates. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was performed on 26 July 2019 on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and on the grey literature databases. The papers thus collected were used for a meta-analysis comparing outpatient and inpatient THA in terms of complication and readmission rates. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were defined according to Cochrane guidelines. The PRISMA guidelines were used to determine which papers to include in this study. Results: The literature search resulted in 2317 articles; of these, 8 articles were used for the meta-analysis. A total of 66,971 patients were included, of which 1428 were THA outpatients. The overall complication rate for outpatient THAs was 3.0%, while inpatient THAs had an overall complication rate of 4.7%. The readmission rate was 1.4% in outpatient THAs and 3.0% in inpatient THAs. Only 6 studies reported the number of deaths, which ranged from 0% to 0.01%. The included studies present a moderate risk of bias and, according to GRADE guidelines, the level of evidence for complications and readmissions is very low. Conclusions: This meta-analysis documented that outpatient THA is a feasible approach since it does not increase complications or readmissions with respect to inpatient THA, but the available studies present a moderate risk of bias and the quality of evidence of these findings is very low. Future high-level studies are needed to confirm results and indications for outpatient THA.

scholarly journals Traction Therapy for Cervical Radicular Syndrome is Statistically Significant but not Clinically Relevant for Pain Relief. A Systematic Literature Review with Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3389
Author(s):  
Claudio Colombo ◽  
Stefano Salvioli ◽  
Silvia Gianola ◽  
Greta Castellini ◽  
Marco Testa
Keyword(s):  
Sequential Analysis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Trial Sequential Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Radicular Syndrome

Aim: We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of traction therapy in reducing pain by performing a systematic review with meta-analysis. We also explore the best modality for administering traction to patients with cervical radicular syndrome (CRS). Methods: We searched the Medline, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) electronic databases. Two reviewers independently selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared traction in addition to other treatments versus the effectiveness of other treatments alone for pain outcome. We calculated the mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used Cochrane’s tool to assess risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to evaluate the quality of evidence and summarize the study conclusions. Results: A total of seven studies (589 patients), one with low risk of bias, were evaluated. An overall estimate of treatment modalities showed low evidence that adding traction to other treatments is statistically significant (MD −5.93 [95% CI, −11.81 to −0.04] P = 0.05 and I2 = 57%) compared to other treatments alone. The subgroup analyses were still statistically significant only for mechanical and continuous modalities. Conclusions: Overall analysis showed that, compared to controls, reduction in pain intensity after traction therapy was achieved in patients with cervical radiculopathy. However, the quality of evidence was generally low and none of these effects were clinically meaningful.

scholarly journals Were Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections Efficacious for Angina Pectoris? A Frequentist Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoying Gao ◽  
Siu-wai Leung ◽  
Yongliang Jia
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Angina Pectoris ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Grade Approach

Abstract Background: The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCMIs) for angina pectoris has never been well investigated for lacking quality assessment of evidence. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive and rigorous network meta-analysis and assess the quality of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations and Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to compare the efficacy of all TCMIs in treating angina pectoris.Methods: Following the protocol (reference: CRD42018117720), randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared one TCMI with another TCMI or conventional treatments on anginal outcome measures (i.e. symptomatic improvement, electrocardiography improvement, symptomatic recovery, and electrocardiography recovery) were included. The risk of bias among included RCTs was assessed with the revised Cochrane’s risk of bias tool 2. Frequentist statistical analyses including subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression and publication bias analysis were performed. The certainty of evidence was assessed with the GRADE approach.Results: Totally, 475 RCTs including all 24 TCMIs were identified, while the quality of all but two included RCTs was poor. According to the network meta-analysis, Honghua (Safflower) injection were preferable both in improving symptoms and electrocardiography. However, significant inconsistency showed the intransitivity among indirect comparisons, results in network meta-analysis seemed thus not trustworthy. The quality of evidence was assessed as low or very low.Conclusions: The low-quality evidence reduced the confidence in the efficacious results. Current evidence hardly supports the beneficial effects of TCMIs in treating angina pectoris.

scholarly journals Prevalence of postural deviations in the spine in schoolchildren: a systematic review with meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Kasten ◽  
Bruna Nichele da Rosa ◽  
Emanuelle Francine Detogni Schmit ◽  
Matias Noll ◽  
Claudia Tarragô Candotti
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Positive Events ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Strength Of Evidence ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Thoracic And Lumbar Spine

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of spine postural deviations in Brazilian schoolchildren. Method: Searches were conducted in databases EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO, Science Direct, and Web of Science, as well as manual searches to identify studies that evaluated the prevalence of spine postural deviations in Brazilian schoolchildren. Two independent reviewers realized the study selection, evaluated the methodological quality and the risk of bias and extracted data. The homogeneity between the studies was evaluated and the quality of evidence level using the GRADE system. Results: 29 studies were included, of which extracted the frequency of positive events to changes in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, as well as the frequency of scoliosis between schoolchildren. Even performing the meta-analysis separated by subgroups according to the spine region, the heterogeneity level it was up to 90%, it is not possible to perform the meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of spine postural deviations in Brazilian schoolchildren. Conclusion: There is low strength of evidence to establish a consensus about the values of the prevalence of spine postural deviations in Brazilian schoolchildren.

scholarly journals Occupational risk factors for meniscal lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolin Bahns ◽  
Ulrich Bolm-Audorff ◽  
Andreas Seidler ◽  
Karla Romero Starke ◽  
Elke Ochsmann
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Occupational Risk ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Meniscal Lesions

Abstract Background Meniscal lesions are common and are associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis. Knee-straining activities at work such as kneeling or squatting cause high biomechanical stresses on the knee joints that can lead to acute or chronic injuries. The objective of this systematic review is to update the evidence on the potential relationship between occupational risk factors and meniscal lesions. Methods We searched the Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases until August 2021 to identify epidemiological observational studies on the association between occupational risk factors and meniscal lesions. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Effect measures were extracted from individual studies and pooled with random effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity analyses were conducted. We used GRADE (Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to assess the overall quality of evidence. Results The database search resulted in 11,006 references, and 46 additional studies were identified through hand search. Twenty-two studies (represented in 25 publications) met the predefined eligibility criteria and nine records were included in the meta-analysis. There was only one study with an overall low risk of bias. Significant associations between occupational risk factors and the development of meniscal lesions were found for kneeling (effect size (ES) 2.15, 95% CI 1.67–2.76), squatting (ES 2.01, 95% CI 1.34–3.03), climbing stairs (ES 2.28, 95% CI 1.58–3.30), lifting and carrying weights ≥ 10 kg (ES 1.63, 95% CI 1.35–1.96), lifting and carrying weights ≥ 25 kg (ES 1.56, 95% CI 1.08–2.24), playing football on a professional level (ES 5.22, 95% CI 3.24–8.41), working as a hard coal miner (ES 5.23, 95% CI 2.16–12.69) and floor layers (ES 1.99, 95% CI 1.43–2.78). The overall quality of evidence according GRADE was moderate to low. Conclusion We found consistent evidence of an increased risk of meniscal lesions by occupational knee-straining exposures. Our findings are important for the development of preventive strategies to reduce work-related knee disorders and work absence. Trial registration PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42020196279).

scholarly journals Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Migraine: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Xi Li ◽  
Xi-li Xiao ◽  
Dong-Ling Zhong ◽  
Liao-Jun Luo ◽  
Han Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Western Medicine ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Quality Of Evidence

Background. Migraine is a common neurological disease, which burdens individuals and society all over the world. Acupuncture, an important method in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is widely used in clinical practice as a treatment for migraine. Several systematic reviews (SRs) have investigated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for migraine. Objective. To summarize and critically assess the quality of relevant SRs and present an objective and comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for migraine. Data Sources. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, PROSPERO database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal (SCTJ), and WanFang database (WF) were searched from inception to December 2019 and grey literatures were manually searched. Selection Criteria. SRs which meet the criteria were independently selected by 2 reviewers according to a predetermined protocol. Data Extraction. Characteristics of included SRs were independently extracted by 2 reviewers following a predefined data extraction form. Review Appraisal. The methodological quality, risk of bias, and reporting quality of included SRs were assessed, respectively, by a Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2, the Risk of Bias in Systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool, and the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis-Acupuncture (PRISMA-A) statement. The quality of outcomes was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results. A total of 15 SRs were included. All the SRs were published between 2011–2019. Based on AMSTAR 2, 14 out of 15 SRs were rated critically low quality and 1 was rated low quality. According to ROBIS tool, 9 SRs (60%) were low risk of bias. With the PRISMA-A checklist, we found 11 out of 15 SRs were found adequately reported over 70%. With the GRADE tool, we found high quality of evidence indicated that the effective rate of acupuncture was superior to western medicine in treatment of migraine. Besides, acupuncture reduced more headache days and the times of using painkiller and was more effective in reducing the frequency and degree of headache than western medicine and sham acupuncture. Limitations. There might be some missing information. The accuracy of the conclusions may be decreased reduced since we were unable to synthesis all the evidence. Conclusions. Based on high quality of evidence, we concluded that acupuncture may be an effective and safe therapy for migraine. However, the quality of SRs in acupuncture for migraine still needs more improvement.

scholarly journals Outpatient total knee arthroplasty leads to a higher number of complications: a meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vittorio Bordoni ◽  
Alberto Poggi ◽  
Stefano Zaffagnini ◽  
Davide Previtali ◽  
Giuseppe Filardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complication Rate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Quality Of Evidence

Abstract Background Careful pre- and post-operative management can allow surgeons to perform outpatient TKA, making this a more affordable procedure. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to compare outpatient and inpatient TKA. Methods A systematic search of the literature was performed in July 2020 on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and on the grey literature databases. The papers collected were used for a meta-analysis comparing outpatient and inpatient TKA in terms of complication and readmission rates. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were defined according to Cochrane guidelines. Results The literature search resulted in 4107 articles; of these, 8 articles were used for the meta-analysis. A total of 212,632 patients were included, 6607 of whom were TKA outpatients. The overall complication rate for outpatient TKAs was 16.1%, while inpatient TKAs had an overall lower complication rate of 10.5% (p = 0.003). The readmission rate was 4.9% in outpatient TKAs and 5.9% in inpatient TKAs. Only 3 studies reported the number of deaths, which accounted for 0%. The included studies presented a moderate risk of bias, and according to GRADE guidelines, the level of evidence for complications and readmissions was very low. Conclusions This meta-analysis documented that outpatient TKA led to an increased number of complications although there were no differences in the number of readmissions. However, future high-level studies are needed to confirm results and indications for the outpatient approach, since the studies currently available have a moderate risk of bias and a very low quality of evidence.

Paracetamol versus other analgesia in adult patients with minor musculoskeletal injuries: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 493-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milan L Ridderikhof ◽  
Joppe Saanen ◽  
Helma Goddijn ◽  
Susan Van Dieren ◽  
Faridi Van Etten-Jamaludin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Pain Scores

ObjectivesPain treatment in acute musculoskeletal injuries usually consists of paracetamol, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids. It would be beneficial to determine whether paracetamol is as effective as other analgesics. The objective of this study was to evaluate available evidence regarding efficacy of paracetamol in these patients.MethodsEmbase, MEDLINE, Cochrane and relevant trial registers were searched from inception to 14 February 2018 by two independent reviewers to detect all randomised studies with adult patients with acute minor musculoskeletal injuries treated with paracetamol as compared with other analgesics. There were no language or date restrictions. Two independent reviewers evaluated risk of bias and quality of evidence. Primary outcome was decrease in pain scores during the first 24 hours, and secondary outcomes included pain decrease beyond 24 hours, need for additional analgesia and occurrence of adverse events.ResultsSeven trials were included, evaluating 2100 patients who were treated with paracetamol or NSAIDs or the combination of both as comparisons, of which only four studies addressed the primary outcome. No studies were found comparing paracetamol with opioids. There were no differences in analgesic effectiveness within and beyond 24 hours, nor in need for additional analgesia and occurrence of adverse events. Overall, quality of evidence was low. Because of methodological inconsistencies, a meta-analysis was not possible.ConclusionsBased on available evidence, paracetamol is as effective as NSAIDs or the combination of both in treating pain in adult patients with minor musculoskeletal injuries in the acute setting. The quality of evidence is low.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Supplementation and Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Abboud
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Quality Of Evidence

Suboptimal vitamin D status is associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) in children and adolescents. Whether vitamin D supplementation reduces BP remains unclear. To systematically review whether vitamin D supplementation reduces BP in children and adolescents, we conducted a literature review according to the PRISMA statement. We included vitamin-D supplementation human interventions studies that reported on BP as an outcome. We searched PUBMED, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the clinical trials website. We also hand searched the references of the included articles and previous reviews of vitamin D therapy. No language or time restrictions were applied. We extracted data on population characteristics, baseline and endline vitamin D and BP values, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. We performed a narrative review of the findings, conducted a meta-analysis when possible, and performed sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our results. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence produced in the meta-analysis. We included eight studies in our review and five studies in the meta-analysis, none of which included hypertensive only participants. The risk of bias was variable. In non-randomized studies, no effect of vitamin D supplementation was seen on systolic BP (SBP) (mean difference: 0.39 (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.9; 1.68) mmHg; p = 0.55; I2 = 0%). Only a significant decrease in diastolic BP (DBP) (mean difference: −1.87 (95% CI: −3.02; −0.72) mmHg; p = 0.001; I2 = 0%) was noted. Both analyses had a low quality of evidence. In randomized controlled trials (RCTs), no effect was noted on SBP (mean difference: −2.04 (95% CI: −5.12; 1.04) mmHg; p = 0.19; I2 = 71%) nor DBP (mean difference: 0.01 (95% CI: −1.09; 1.12) mmHg; p = 0.98; I2 = 0%). The final quality of evidence ranged between low and moderate. Sensitivity analyses did not affect the results. Vitamin D supplementation was found to be ineffective in lowering SBP and DBP in children and adolescents.

scholarly journals Systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease related to anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e040465
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Kamiya ◽  
Ogee Mer Panlaqui
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Interstitial Lung Disease ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Citrullinated Peptide

ObjectiveTo clarify the risk of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) related to anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody.Eligibility criteriaPatients with RA with and without ILD were eligible. The primary outcome was the prevalence or incidence of ILD. Primary studies of any design aside from a case report were eligible.Information sourcesMedline, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from the inception through 12 November 2019.Data extraction and risk of biasTwo reviewers independently selected eligible reports, extracted relevant data and assessed risk of bias using a modified Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.Data synthesisMeta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.Quality of evidenceThe Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was applied.ResultsAmong 29 out of 827 records retrieved through electronic databases and four additional reports identified from other sources, 29 studies were focused for the review. A total of 10158 subjects were included and the mean age at inclusion was between 45.8 and 63.9 years. The mean RA duration was between 4.3 and 14.9 years. The positivity of anti-CCP antibody ranged from 50.7% to 95.8%. All studies except for two were deemed as high risk of bias. A pooled analysis of univariate results demonstrated that the presence of anti-CCP antibody was significantly associated with RA-ILD with an OR of 2.10 (95% CI: 1.59 to 2.78). Similarly, the titre of anti-CCP antibody was significantly higher for RA-ILD with a standardised mean difference of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.20 to 0.65). These results were confirmed by multivariate analysis in the majority of studies and consistent by any subgroup and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionThe presence and higher titres of anti-CCP antibody were suggested to be significantly associated with an increased risk of RA-ILD. However, the quality of evidence was rated as low or very low.

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