Project description:BackgroundAcupuncture has been found to be an effective treatment for functional dyspepsia (FD). Currently, several types of acupuncture have been developed but it is not clear which type is suitable for FD. Currently, doctors often rely on experience to decide which form of acupuncture to apply. Herein, we employed network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the effectiveness of various methods of acupuncture in the treatment of functional dyspepsia.MethodsWe searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatments for functional dyspepsia in seven databases; PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Chinese Science and Technique Journals (CQVIP), and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) from the date of database inception to October 10, 2019. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to analyze the risk of bias of the included RCTs. Pairwise meta-analyses were performed with RevMan 5.3 and the network meta-analysis of the included RCTs was performed using the frequentist framework.ResultsA total of 35 studies involving 3301 patients and 10 interventions were eligible for this study. NMA results showed that five types of acupuncture (manual acupuncture, acupoint application, moxibustion, acupoint catgut embedding, and warm acupuncture alone) all were superior to prokinetics (itopride, mosapride, and domperidone) and sham acupuncture in terms of improving the symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Specifically, manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture were more effective in improving the MOS 36 Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) compared to itopride and sham acupuncture, and electroacupuncture was the best among the three acupuncture therapies (acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and acupoint catgut embedding). Moxibustion and manual acupuncture were more effective in improving Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI) compared to itopride, domperidone, and sham acupuncture; moxibustion ranks first among the three acupuncture therapies (acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion).ConclusionsThese results showed that manual acupuncture alone was the most effective therapy for FD. It should, therefore, be considered as an alternative treatment for FD patients who are unresponsive to prokinetics or intolerant to the adverse effects of prokinetics. We recommend further multiple centers and high-quality RCT studies to confirm the present findings.
Project description:BackgroundIn metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), first line treatment options usually include combination regimens of folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX or mFOLFIRINOX) or gemcitabine based regimens such as in combination with albumin-bound paclitaxel (GEM + nab-PTX). After progression, multiple regimens including NALIRI + 5-FU and folinic acid, FOLFIRINOX, 5-FU-based oxaliplatin doublets (OFF, FOLFOX, or XELOX), or 5-FU-based monotherapy (FL, capecitabine, or S-1) are considered appropriate by major guidelines. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the efficacy of different treatment strategies tested as second-line regimens for patients with mPDAC after first-line gemcitabine-based systemic treatment.MethodsRandomized phase II and III clinical trials (RCTs) were included if they were published or presented in English. Trials of interest compared two active systemic treatments as second-line regimens until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. We performed a Bayesian NMA with published hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of different second-line therapies for mPDAC. The main outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS), secondary endpoints were grade 3-4 toxicities. We calculated the relative ranking of agents for each outcome as their surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA). A higher SUCRA score meant a higher ranking for efficacy outcomes.ResultsA NMA of 9 treatments was performed for OS (n = 2521 patients enrolled). Compared with 5-FU + folinic acid both irinotecan or NALIRI + fluoropyrimidines had a trend to better OS (HR = 0.76, 95%CI 0.21-2.75 and HR = 0.74, 95%CI 0.31-1.85). Fluoropyrimidines + folinic acid + oxaliplatin were no better than the combination without oxaliplatin. The analysis of treatment ranking showed that the combination of NALIRI + 5-FU + folinic acid was most likely to yield the highest OS results (SUCRA = 0.7). Furthermore, the NMA results indicated that with the highest SUCRA score (SUCRA = 0.91), NALIRI + 5-FU + folinic acid may be the optimal choice for improved PFS amongst all regimens studied.ConclusionsAccording to the NMA results, NALIRI + 5-FU, and folinic acid may represent the best second-line treatment for improved survival outcomes in mPDAC. Further evidence from prospective trials is needed to determine the best treatment option for this group of patients.
Project description:BackgroundAt present, there are many commonly used moxibustion methods in clinical practice, but it is unclear which moxibustion is more suitable for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR), so we used a network meta-analysis to analyze the effectiveness of various moxibustion types in the treatment of AR.MethodsWe searched 8 databases for comprehensive inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for moxibustion in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The search time was from the beginning of database establishment to January 2022. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to analyze the risk of bias of the included RCTs. Bayesian network meta-analysis of the included RCT was performed using the R software GEMTC and the RJAGS package.ResultsA total of 38 RCTs were included, involving 4257 patients and 9 types of moxibustion. The network meta-analysis results revealed that heat-sensitive moxibustion (HSM) not only has the best effect in terms of effective rate (Odd ratio [OR]: 32.77, 95% Credible intervals [CrIs]: 1.86-1360.2) among the nine types of moxibustion, but also has good effect in improving the quality of life score (standard mean differences [SMD]: 0.6, 95% CrIs: 0.07-1.29). In terms of improving IgE and VAS scores, various types of moxibustion were comparable to the efficacy of western medicine.ConclusionThe results showed that HSM was the most effective treatment for AR compared with other types of moxibustion. Therefore, it can be regarded as a complementary and alternative therapy for AR patients with poor effects of traditional treatment and patients who are susceptible to adverse reactions of western medicine.
Project description:PurposeThe best pattern of neoadjuvant therapy for resectable locoregional esophageal cancer has not been determined. Our study evaluated the efficacy and postoperative events of different treatments using the Bayesian network meta-analysis.MethodsWe systematically tracked randomized clinical trials from the Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The following treatments were included: neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery (NCRT + S), neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (NCT + S), neoadjuvant radiotherapy followed by surgery (NRT + S), and surgery alone (S). The Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tools were used to assess the quality of included trials. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival or disease-free survival (PFS/DFS) were assessed through hazard ratios (HR). Locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, postoperative mortality, and postoperative morbidity were assessed through odds ratios (OR). These outcomes were compared between different treatments through Bayesian network meta-analysis.ResultsTwenty trials with 4384 patients were included. Compared with S, only NCRT + S could significantly improve OS for patients with esophageal cancer (HR = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-0.88). NCRT + S and NCT + S significantly improved PFS/DFS compared with S (NCRT + S vs. S, HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.63-0.81; NCT + S vs. S, HR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.97). NCRT + S significantly reduced both locoregional recurrence (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.51-0.88) and distant metastasis (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.45-0.90) compared with S. There were no differences in postoperative morbidity between the four treatments. However, NCRT + S also increased postoperative mortality compared with S (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.09-2.82) and NCT + S (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.11-3.51).ConclusionNCRT + S is the most efficient neoadjuvant treatment for resectable locoregional esophageal cancer. However, NCRT + S increases the risk of postoperative mortality but not morbidity.
Project description:Study designSystematic review with network meta-analysis.ObjectiveTo compare patient outcomes of lumbar discectomy with bone-anchored annular closure (LD + AC), lumbar discectomy (LD), and continuing conservative care (CC) for treatment of lumbar disc herniation refractory to initial conservative management.Summary of background dataSeveral treatment options are available to patients with refractory symptoms of lumbar disc herniation, but their comparative efficacy is unclear.MethodsA systematic review was performed to compare efficacy of LD + AC, LD, and CC for treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Outcomes included leg pain, back pain, disability (each reported on a 0-100 scale), reherniation, and reoperation. Data were analyzed using random effects network meta-analysis.ResultsThis review included 14 comparative studies (8 randomized) involving 3947 patients-11 studies of LD versus CC (3232 patients), 3 studies of LD + AC versus LD (715 patients), and no studies of LD + AC versus CC. LD was more effective than CC in reducing leg pain (mean difference [MD] -10, P < .001) and back pain (MD -7, P < .001). LD + AC was more effective than LD in reducing risk of reherniation (odds ratio 0.38, P < .001) and reoperation (odds ratio 0.33, P < .001). There was indirect evidence that LD + AC was more effective than CC in reducing leg pain (MD -25, P = .003), back pain (MD -20, P = .02), and disability (MD -13, P = .02) although the treatment effect was smaller in randomized trials.ConclusionsResults of a network meta-analysis show LD is more effective than CC in alleviating symptoms of lumbar disc herniation refractory to initial conservative management. Further, LD + AC lowers risk of reherniation and reoperation versus LD and may improve patient symptoms more than CC.
Project description:ImportanceZenker diverticulum (ZD) can cause significant dysphagia, and symptoms can return or persist after surgery. This systematic review and network meta-analysis is the first to our knowledge to compare 3 common surgical techniques for ZD.ObjectiveTo compare the 3 most common surgical techniques-endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy, endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy, and transcervical diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy-in adult patients with ZD.Data sourcesThe published literature was searched using strategies designed by a medical librarian (search performed September 21, 2018). Strategies were established using a combination of controlled vocabulary terms and keywords and were executed in Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to September 21, 2018), Embase (1947 to September 21, 2018), Scopus (1823 to September 21, 2018), Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Results were limited to English using database-supplied filters, which generated studies from 1997 to 2017.Study selectionInclusion criteria were cohort studies or randomized clinical trials. Studies that included patients needing revision surgery or undergoing an alternative technique were excluded.Data extraction and synthesisThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses-Network Meta-analyses (PRISMA-NMA) checklist was used to report the study findings. Two authors independently reviewed the studies.Main outcome and measureThe primary outcome measure was the incidence of persistent or recurrent symptoms following surgery. The primary study outcome was planned before data collection began.ResultsThe search generated 529 studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 cohort studies remained, consisting of 903 patients treated with either laser-assisted diverticulotomy (n = 283), transcervical diverticulectomy (n = 150), or stapler-assisted diverticulotomy (n = 470). A network meta-analysis was performed. Between endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy and open diverticulectomy, the open approach showed a statistically lower likelihood of persistent/recurrent symptoms following treatment (odds ratio [OR], 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04-0.91). Comparing laser-assisted diverticulotomy with the stapler-assisted technique, there was not a significant difference between the 2 techniques (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.43-1.60). The consistency model for the network meta-analysis was supported (χ21 = 0.12; P = .73).Conclusions and relevanceThis systematic review and meta-analysis compared 3 common techniques for treating ZD. The open approach showed a decreased likelihood of persistent or recurrent symptoms following surgery compared with the 2 other techniques.
Project description:Background Menstrual migraine is a subtype of migraine disease that is typically more disabling, longer-lasting, and more challenging to treat. The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the relative efficacy of treatments for menstrual migraine. Methods We systematically searched databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane, and included all eligible randomized controlled trials in the study. We conducted the statistical analysis using Stata version 14.0, based on the frequentist framework. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials version 2 (RoB2) to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Results This network meta-analysis included 14 randomized controlled trials with 4601 patients. For short-term prophylaxis, frovatriptan 2.5 mg twice daily had the highest probability of effectiveness [OR = 1.87 (95% CI: 1.48 to 2.38)] compared to placebo. For acute treatment, the results showed that sumatriptan 100 mg [OR = 4.32 (95% CI: 2.95 to 6.34)] was the most effective treatment compared to placebo. Conclusions These findings suggest that frovatriptan 2.5 mg twice daily was best for short-term prevention, sumatriptan 100 mg were best for acute treatment. More high-quality randomized trials are required to determine the most effective treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10194-023-01625-x.
Project description:Background and study aimsIn recent years, cold snare polypectomy (CSP) has been increasingly used for small polyps (<10 mm) instead of hot snare polypectomy (HSP). However, evidence-based research regarding the effectiveness and safety of CSP and HSP are still lacking. Additionally, for 4-10 -mm non-pedunculated polyps, the polyp removal method is still controversial. Therefore, it is clinically significant to conduct pair-wise and network meta-analyses to assess such resection methods.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Only studies that involved the resection of polyps <10 mm were included. Outcomes included the complete resection rate, polyp retrieval rate, procedure-related complications, and procedure times.ResultsOverall, 23 RCTs (5,352 patients) were identified. In meta-analysis compared CSP versus HSP for polyps <10 mm, CSP showed lower complete resection rate than HSP although with no statistically significant difference [odds ratio (OR): 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56-1.06]. CSP showed a lower risk of major post-polypectomy complications compared to HSP (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11-0.73). In the network meta-analysis for 4-10 mm non-pedunculated polyps, HSP, and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) showed a higher complete resection rate than CSP (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3-9.2 vs. OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.0-10) but a significantly longer time than CSP (WMD: 16.55 s, 95% CI [7.48 s, 25.25 s], p < 0.001), (WMD: 48.00 s, 95% CI [16.54 s, 79.46 s], p = 0.003). Underwater CSP ranked third for complete resection with no complications.ConclusionFor <10 mm polyps, CSP is safer than HSP, especially for patients taking antithrombotic drugs. For 4-10 mm non-pedunculated polyps, HSP, and EMR have higher complete resection rates than CSP.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022315575.
Project description:The goal of nonrestorative or non- and microinvasive caries treatment (fluoride- and nonfluoride-based interventions) is to manage the caries disease process at a lesion level and minimize the loss of sound tooth structure. The purpose of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to summarize the available evidence on nonrestorative treatments for the outcomes of 1) arrest or reversal of noncavitated and cavitated carious lesions on primary and permanent teeth and 2) adverse events. We included parallel and split-mouth randomized controlled trials where patients were followed for any length of time. Studies were identified with MEDLINE and Embase via Ovid, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Pairs of reviewers independently conducted the selection of studies, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessments, and assessment of the certainty in the evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Data were synthesized with a random effects model and a frequentist approach. Forty-four trials (48 reports) were eligible, which included 7,378 participants and assessed the effect of 22 interventions in arresting or reversing noncavitated or cavitated carious lesions. Four network meta-analyses suggested that sealants + 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish, resin infiltration + 5% NaF varnish, and 5,000-ppm F (1.1% NaF) toothpaste or gel were the most effective for arresting or reversing noncavitated occlusal, approximal, and noncavitated and cavitated root carious lesions on primary and/or permanent teeth, respectively (low- to moderate-certainty evidence). Study-level data indicated that 5% NaF varnish was the most effective for arresting or reversing noncavitated facial/lingual carious lesions (low certainty) and that 38% silver diamine fluoride solution applied biannually was the most effective for arresting advanced cavitated carious lesions on any coronal surface (moderate to high certainty). Preventing the onset of caries is the ultimate goal of a caries management plan. However, if the disease is present, there is a variety of effective interventions to treat carious lesions nonrestoratively.