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PubMed2000

Cervical cancer and sexual lifestyle: a systematic review of health education interventions targeted at women.

A systematic review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of health education interventions to promote sexual risk reduction behaviours amongst women in order to reduce transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading agent in the development of cervical cancer. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies. Studies were included in the review if they evaluated educational interventions targeting women only and measured the impact on either a behavioural outcome such as condom use for sexual intercourse, partner reduction or abstinence, or a clinical outcome such as incidence of a STD. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria for the review; all had the primary aim of preventing HIV and other STDs rather than cervical cancer. Ten of the 30 studies were considered to provide the strongest evidence for a causal relationship between the intervention and the change in outcomes measured. Each of these 10 most rigorous studies showed a statistically significant positive effect on sexual risk reduction, typically with increased use of condoms for vaginal intercourse. This positive effect was generally sustained up to 3 months after intervention. It was concluded that educational interventions targeting socially and economically disadvantaged women in which information provision is complemented by sexual negotiation skill development can encourage at least short-term sexual risk reduction behaviour. This effect has the potential to reduce the transmission of HPV and thus possibly reduce the incidence of cervical carcinoma.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Treatment of xerostomia: a systematic review of therapeutic trials.

The results of the present systematic review of randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals demonstrate the presence of a wide variety of biases and the weakness of the existing literature of xerostomia treatment. The report of statistically significant efficacy on an outcome measure is only meaningful in the setting of a well-controlled, appropriately designed clinical trial. This points to the importance of evaluating the quality of the clinical trial closely when deciding if study results are applicable to a specific patient population. Future studies in the management of xerostomia will require an increased effort on the part of investigators to eliminate easily recognized flaws during the planning stages of a clinical trial. Minimizing bias in clinical studies will allow for easier interpretation and comparisons of different studies. Better clinical trial design is vital to provide maximal confidence in the efficacy of xerostomia interventions.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2005

A systematic review of sociodemographic, physical, and psychological predictors of multidisciplinary rehabilitation-or, back school treatment outcome in patients with chronic low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review. OBJECTIVE: To determine predictors of outcome of multidisciplinary rehabilitation-or back school treatment for patients with chronic low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Numerous reviews have been performed to gain insight into which patients benefit from which treatment. However, no review has systematically focused on predictors from multiple domains (i.e., sociodemographic, physical, and psychological), or on treatment outcome measured as activity limitation or participation restriction. METHODS: Studies were found by searching medical and psychological databases, and screening references. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality using standard criteria. Studies were only included if they met a predefined level of internal validity. A qualitative analysis was performed. RESULTS: Heterogeneity among studies in patient characteristics, predictors, treatment, and outcomes limited evidence. All reviewed studies were descriptive or exploratory in nature. Consistent evidence was found for the predictive value of pain intensity (more pain--> worse outcome), several work-related parameters (e.g., high satisfaction--> better outcome), and coping style (less active coping--> better outcome). Other sociodemographic and physical variables consistently lacked predictive value. No consistent evidence was found for other psychological variables. CONCLUSIONS: It is impossible to define a generic set of predictors of outcome of multidisciplinary rehabilitation and back schools for patients with chronic low back pain because the reviewed studies were descriptive or exploratory in nature, and most predictors were only studied once. Nevertheless, for several predictors, consistent evidence was found. Large confirmatory studies are needed to test the value of these predictors.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed2026

Association between pulse pressure and markers of cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Our aim was to systematically review and meta-analyse evidence on the association between pulse pressure (PP) and cognitive function using PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase and Scopus (inception-July 2025) publication databases. Studies were included if they reported an association between PP and cognitive function and summarized narratively and by performing fixed-effects meta-analysis. The search identified 4171 publications with 43 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Domains assessed included global cognition, memory, language, attention, executive function, processing speed and visuospatial ability. Meta-analysis suggests a positive association between PP and global cognition, and a negative association with memory in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with inconsistent findings from narratively summarized studies. Processing speed, executive function and language negatively associated with PP in cross-sectional studies with limited evidence provided by longitudinal studies or narratively summarized studies. There was limited evidence of an association with attention and visuospatial ability.

Humans↗
PubMed1999

Effect of intensive therapy on early macrovascular disease in young individuals with type 1 diabetes. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of intensive insulin therapy (IIT) in type 1 diabetes to determine the effect on macrovascular complications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: MEDLINE (1966-1996), Citation Index, reference lists, and personal files were used to identify RCTs of > 2 years' duration comparing IIT to conventional therapy (CT) in type 1 diabetes. Two independent reviewers applied selection criteria and identified 11 studies; 5 were subsequently excluded because no data were available for macrovascular complications. Data were extracted on macrovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors. Macrovascular disease was defined as angina, myocardial infarction, angioplasty, coronary artery bypass graft, stroke, claudication, or peripheral bypass. The first event of each type was counted. RESULTS: IIT decreased the number of macrovascular events (odds ratio [OR] 0.55, [95% CI 0.35-0.88], P = 0.015) but had no significant effect on the number of patients developing macrovascular disease (OR 0.72, [95% CI 0.44-1.17], P = 0.22) or on macrovascular mortality (OR 0.91, [95% CI 0.31-2.65], P = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: IIT decreases the extent of early macrovascular disease in young individuals with type 1 diabetes but has no effect on the number of patients affected or on macrovascular mortality. These data suggest that IIT may stabilize macrovascular disease or prevent progression in those at risk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Complementary and alternative medicine for labor pain: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature for, and critically appraise, randomized controlled trials of any type of complementary and alternative therapies for labor pain. STUDY DESIGN: Six electronic databases were searched from their inception until July 2003. The inclusion criteria were that they were prospective, randomized controlled trials, involved healthy pregnant women at term, and contained outcome measures of labor pain. RESULTS: Our search strategy found 18 trials. Six of these did not meet our inclusion criteria. The remaining 12 trials involved acupuncture (2), biofeedback (1), hypnosis (2), intracutaneous sterile water injections (4), massage (2), and respiratory autogenic training (1). CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence for the efficacy of any of the complementary and alternative therapies for labor pain, with the exception of intracutaneous sterile water injections. For all the other treatments described it is impossible to make any definitive conclusions regarding effectiveness in labor pain control.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2004

Epidemiology of constipation in North America: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the published literature regarding prevalence, risk factors, incidence, natural history, and the effect on quality of life of constipation in North America. METHODS: A computer-assisted search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents databases was performed independently by two investigators. Study selection criteria included the following: (1) North American population-based sample of adults with constipation; (2) publication in full manuscript form in English; and (3) report on the prevalence, incidence, and natural history of constipation or impact of constipation on quality of life. Eligible articles were reviewed in a duplicate, independent manner. Data extracted were compiled in tables and presented in descriptive form. RESULTS: The estimates of the prevalence of constipation in North America ranged from 1.9% to 27.2%, with most estimates from 12% to 19%. Prevalence estimates by gender support a female-to-male ratio of 2.2:1. Constipation appears to increase with increasing age, particularly after age 65. No true population-based incidence studies or natural history studies were identified. In one cohort, 89% of patients with constipation still reported constipation at 14.7 months follow-up. From limited data, quality of life appears to be diminished by constipation, but the clinical significance of this is unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Constipation is very common, as approximately 63 million people in North America meet the Rome II criteria for constipation. Minimal data are available regarding incidence, natural history, and quality of life in patients with constipation. Effort should be expended toward the study of these topics, particularly in the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by this condition.

Constipation↗
PubMed2006

Gabapentin and postoperative pain--a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of perioperative gabapentin administration for the control of acute postoperative pain. We searched Medline (1966-2006), the Cochrane Library (2006), Scopus, CINAHL and bibliographies from clinical trials and review articles. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing gabapentin with inactive controls in surgical patients. Sixteen valid RCTs were included. Weighted mean difference (WMD) for postoperative pain intensity (0-100 mm visual analogue scale) was -16.55 mm at 6 h and -10.87 mm at 24 h for treatment with a single preoperative dose of gabapentin 1200 mg. Cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h was also significantly decreased with gabapentin (WMD, -27.90 mg). When gabapentin was administered at doses less than 1200 mg, pain intensity was also lower at 6 h (WMD, -22.43 mm) and 24 h (WMD, -13.18 mm). Cumulative 24 h opioid consumption was also lower (WMD, -7.25 mg). Gabapentin was associated with an increased risk of sedation (Peto OR 3.86; 95% CI 2.50-5.94) but less opioid-related side effects such as vomiting (Peto OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.39-0.86) and pruritus (Peto OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.10-0.74). In conclusion, gabapentin has an analgesic and opioid-sparing effect in acute postoperative pain management when used in conjunction with opioids.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

Non-invasive brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to quantify the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of motor dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Prospective studies which evaluated the effects of either TMS (12 studies) or ECT (five studies) on motor function in PD using the motor subscale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) for TMS studies and any continuous measures of motor function in PD for ECT studies were included. The pooled effect size (standardised mean difference between pre-treatment versus post-treatment means) from a random effects model was 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.38, 0.85) for TMS treatment and 1.68 (0.79, 2.56) for ECT treatment, and from a fixed effects model was 0.59 (0.39, 0.78) for TMS treatment and 1.55 (1.07, 2.03) for ECT treatment. TMS, across applied stimulation sites and parameters, can exert a significant, albeit modest, positive effect on the motor function of patients with PD. ECT also may exert a significant effect on motor function in PD patients.

Electroconvulsive Therapy↗
PubMed2003

Palliative therapy of disseminated malignant melanoma: a systematic review of 41 randomised clinical trials.

We undertook a systematic review of 41 randomised studies in disseminated melanoma, identified by a comprehensive search. We aimed to investigate rates of response to various treatment modalities and the outcome for the patients. We analysed seven studies that compared polychemotherapy with single-agent dacarbazine, six that compared different chemotherapeutic schedules with each other, five on the addition of tamoxifen to a reference therapy, and six that included non-specific immunostimulators. In 17 studies, the addition of interferon alfa, interleukin 2, or both, to a reference therapy was investigated, including trials with biochemotherapy. Many trials had small sample sizes and did not report a power analysis; not all were analysed by intention to treat. Although some treatment regimens, especially polychemotherapeutic schedules, seem to increase response rates, none of the treatment schedules was proven to prolong overall survival. Patients with disseminated melanoma should be treated with well-tolerated drug regimens, such as single-agent treatments or in combination with interferon alfa. Systemic treatments should preferably be investigated in randomised trials so that the potential benefits of new treatment concepts can be thoroughly examined.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1999

A systematic review of laser therapy for venous leg ulcers.

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to establish the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy as a treatment for venous leg ulcers. Wound-care journals, conference proceedings and electronic databases (including Medline and Cinahl) were searched up to October 1997 for RCTs comparing low-level laser therapy with sham laser, no laser, or non-coherent light of other wavelengths. In addition, companies who manufacture or distribute therapeutic lasers were contacted for any unpublished or ongoing studies. Results from searches were scrutinised by one reviewer to identify possible RCTs and full reports of these were obtained. Details of eligible studies were extracted and summarised using a data extraction sheet. Data extraction was checked by a second reviewer. Meta-analysis was used to combine the results of trials where the interventions and outcome measures were sufficiently similar. A total of four eligible RCTs were identified. Two compared treatment with laser therapy to sham or placebo laser treatment. One study compared laser therapy with ultraviolet therapy. The fourth was a three-armed study which compared the effects of laser therapy alone, laser therapy plus infrared light, and non-coherent unpolarised red light. The comparisons of laser therapy with placebo, and laser therapy with ultraviolet therapy, showed no significant difference between treatments with regard to ulcer healing rates. The comparison of laser with red light showed a significant increase in complete healing at nine months for the combination of laser and infrared light compared to non-coherent unpolarised red light. We have not found any evidence of the benefit of low-level laser therapy per se on venous leg ulcer healing. It appears that a combination of HeNe laser and infrared light may promote the healing of venous ulcers, however more research is needed.

Evidence-Based Medicine↗
PubMed2007

Surgical treatment of chronic patellar tendinosis: a systematic review.

There is no consensus in the literature on the best surgical procedure for patellar tendinosis when nonoperative treatment fails. With a systematic review, we asked whether surgical treatment of the inferior pole of the patella, closing of the paratenon, or immobilization affected the percentage of patients reporting good to excellent results (percent success). We completed a systematic review of surgical treatment for patellar tendinosis. A literature search of Medline, CINAHL, and Sport Discus revealed 30 articles on treatment of patellar tendinosis. Ten met our initial inclusion criteria. Most studies were retrospective and used varying techniques. Outcome measures were individual to the specific article, making it difficult to compare the results of the studies. Studies that described surgical treatment of the inferior pole of the patella had 70.9% success compared to 91.7% for those that performed no patella bony work. Closure of the paratenon was reported in seven studies with 84.8% success compared to 91.5% for the other studies. Immobilization was used in four studies with 82.4% success compared to 94.9% success for four studies that did not immobilize postoperatively. Care must be taken when comparing these weighted averages since only two of the nine studies described exactly the same technique. Ideally, prospective controlled studies with validated assessment tools and activity scores are required to determine the best treatment for our patients.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2002

The epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome in North America: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review published literature about the prevalence, incidence, and natural history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in North America. METHODS: A computer-assisted search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents/Science Edition databases was performed independently by two investigators. Study selection criteria included: 1) North American population-based sample of adults; 2) objective diagnostic criteria for IBS (i.e., Rome or Manning criteria); and 3) publication in full manuscript form in English. Eligible articles were reviewed in a duplicate and independent manner. Data extracted were converted into individual tables and presented in descriptive form. RESULTS: The prevalence of IBS in North America ranges from 3% to 20%, with most prevalence estimates ranging from 10% to 15%. The prevalences of diarrhea-predominant and constipation-predominant IBS are both approximately 5%. Published prevalence estimates by gender range from 2:1 female predominance to a ratio of 1:1. Constipation-predominant IBS is more common in female individuals. The prevalence of IBS varies minimally with age. No true population-based incidence studies or natural history studies were found. In one cohort surveyed on two occasions 1 yr apart, 9% of subjects who were free of IBS at baseline reported IBS at follow-up producing an onset rate of 67 per 1000 person-years. In all, 38% of patients meeting criteria for IBS did not meet IBS criteria at 1-yr follow-up. CONCLUSION: Approximately 30 million people in North America meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS. However, data about the natural history of IBS is quite sparse and renewed efforts should be focused at developing appropriately designed trials of the epidemiology of IBS.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2005

Atrial flutter and the risk of thromboembolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to assess the risk of thromboembolism associated with atrial flutter. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, bibliographies, and consultation with clinical experts were used to identify studies that report the risk of thromboembolism associated with attempted cardioversion and longer-term risk in chronic atrial flutter. The review process and data extraction were performed by two reviewers. Study event rates were assessed graphically, and a chi-squared test was used to assess heterogeneity across studies. Meta-regression with weighted logistic regression was used to assess the association between study-level clinical factors and reported thromboembolic event rates. RESULTS: We found 13 studies that reported the risk of thromboembolism associated with cardioversion of atrial flutter. Short-term event rates ranged from 0% to 7.3%. A chi-squared test for heterogeneity was significant (P < 0.001), so results were not pooled. Instead, a meta-regression analysis was performed, which partly explained the heterogeneity across studies. Studies were more likely to report high event rates when they included patients with a prior history of thromboembolism, and to report lower event rates when at least some patients were anticoagulated or if patients underwent echocardiography before cardioversion. Four studies reported the longer-term risk of thromboembolism, and these suggest a yearly event rate of approximately 3% with sustained atrial flutter. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that atrial flutter is indeed associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, and that clinical factors account for the low event rates reported in some studies.

Atrial Flutter↗
PubMed2007

Air fluid versus fluid-only models of embryo catheter loading: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this systematic review was to determine the beneficial or detrimental effect of using air bubbles to bracket the embryo-containing medium during embryo transfer. To test this theory, a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing air fluid versus fluid-only methods was performed. The primary outcome measures were live birth, ongoing and clinical pregnancy rates. The secondary outcome measures were the rates of implantation, miscarriage, multiple and ectopic pregnancies and retained embryos. Electronic (e.g.PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and hand searches of the literature revealed two included studies (298 women). Meta-analysis was conducted using the Mantel-Haenszel method (fixed-effect model). For the primary outcome measures, there were no significant differences between the two methods with regards to live birth (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.59-3.07), ongoing pregnancy (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.59-3.07) and clinical pregnancy (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.70-1.83) rates. For the secondary outcomes, there were no significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion there is insufficient evidence to suggest that the fluid-only method is superior to the use of air brackets during embryo loading. There is a need for well-designed and powered randomized trials to determine any possible benefit to either method.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed2006

The association between diabetes and hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review of epidemiologic evidence.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to estimate the magnitude and determinants of association between diabetes and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: MEDLINE searches were conducted for published full studies (between January 1966 and February 2005) that provided risk estimates and met criteria concerning the definition of exposure and outcomes. Two investigators independently performed standardized search and data abstraction. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for individual outcomes were obtained or calculated for each study and were synthesized using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among 13 case-control studies, diabetes was associated significantly with HCC in 9 studies (pooled odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-3.5). Among 13 cohort studies, diabetes was associated significantly with HCC in 7 studies (pooled risk ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-3.2). The results were relatively consistent in different populations, different geographic locations, and a variety of control groups. The significant association between HCC and diabetes was independent of alcohol use or viral hepatitis in the 10 studies that examined these factors. Few studies adjusted for diet and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for HCC. However, more research is required to examine issues related to the duration and treatment of diabetes, and confounding by diet and obesity.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed2003

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in porphyria cutanea tarda: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). METHODS: Studies evaluating prevalence of HCV infection in patients with PCT were considered. Bibliographical searches were conducted in several electronic databases. Studies comparing HCV prevalence in PCT (cases) and in a reference group (controls) were included in the meta-analysis, combining the Odds Ratios (OR) of the individual studies. RESULTS: Fifty studies including 2,167 patients were identified. Mean HCV prevalence by serology was 47%, and 50% with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HCV prevalence markedly varied depending on the country and the type of PCT (57% in the sporadic and 26% in the familial form). Eight case-control studies were identified. Seven studies compared HCV prevalence in PCT vs. healthy controls: 40% vs. 0.24%, respectively (OR=275; 95% confidence interval=104-725). Heterogeneity disappeared when only studies evaluating HCV infection by PCR were included. CONCLUSIONS: HCV prevalence in patients with PCT is approximately 50%, much higher than that reported in general population, suggesting a possible etiopathogenic role of HCV in PCT. The striking geographical variation in this association suggests that genetic and/or environmental factors may also be involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Hepatitis C↗
PubMed2006

Accuracy of monoclonal stool antigen test for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and a meta-analysis of accuracy of monoclonal stool antigen test (SAT) for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. METHODS SELECTION OF STUDIES: assessing the accuracy of monoclonal SAT for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. SEARCH STRATEGY: electronic and manual bibliographical searches. DATA EXTRACTION: independently done by two reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS: meta-analyses combining the sensitivities, specificities, and likelihood ratios (LRs) of the individual studies. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies, including 2,499 patients, evaluated the monoclonal SAT before eradication therapy. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, and LR- were: 0.94 (95% CI 0.93-0.95), 0.97 (0.96-0.98), 24 (15-41), and 0.07 (0.04-0.12). The accuracy of both monoclonal and polyclonal SAT was evaluated together in 13 pretreatment studies, and higher pooled sensitivity was demonstrated with the monoclonal technique (0.95 vs 0.83). Twelve studies, including 957 patients, assessed the monoclonal SAT to confirm eradication after therapy. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, and LR- were 0.93 (0.89-0.96), 0.96 (0.94-0.97), 17 (12-23), and 0.1 (0.07-0.15). Both tests were evaluated together in eight post-treatment studies and, again, the monoclonal technique showed higher sensitivity (0.91 vs 0.76). Heterogeneity among studies disappeared when a single outlier study was excluded. Subanalysis depending on the reference method, the study population, or the study quality showed similar results. CONCLUSION: Monoclonal SAT is an accurate noninvasive method both for the initial diagnosis of H. pylori infection and for the confirmation of its eradication after treatment. The monoclonal technique has higher sensitivity than the polyclonal one, especially in the post-treatment setting.

Antigens, Bacterial↗