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PubMed2000

A systematic review of drug induced ocular reactions in diabetes.

AIMS: To conduct a systematic review of drug induced adverse ocular effects in diabetes to determine if this approach identified any previously unrecognised adverse drug effects; to make a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of this approach in identifying adverse drug reactions; and to assess the current accessibility of this information to prescribing physicians. METHODS: Literature search of online biomedical databases. The search strategy linked eye disorders with adverse drug reactions and diabetes. Source journals were classified as medical, pharmaceutical, diabetes related, or ophthalmological. It was determined whether the reactions identified were recorded in drug datasheets and the British National Formulary. RESULTS: 63 references fulfilled the selection criteria, of which 45 were considered to be relevant to the study. The majority of these were case reports but cross sectional surveys, case-control and cohort studies, and review articles were also identified. 61% of the reactions were not recorded in the British National Formulary and 41% were not recorded in the datasheets. 55% appeared in specialist ophthalmology journals. CONCLUSIONS: This is a feasible approach to the identification of adverse drug reactions. Adverse reactions not listed in the most commonly used reference sources were found. The majority were published in specialist ophthalmology journals which might not be seen by prescribing physicians.

Chlorpropamide↗

PubMed2026

Exploring Genetic Therapies Targeting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Animal Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, neurodegenerative disease, for which there is currently no known cure. ALS primarily affects motor neurons, with rapid deterioration, meaning symptoms develop quickly, from problems with speech and muscle weakness to breathing issues and paralysis. This systematic review aimed to explore the preclinical efficacy of various genetic therapies used to target ALS using in vivo rodent models. METHODS: In vivo studies of genetic therapies targeting ALS and its symptoms published between January 2015 and December 2025 were included in this review. The following databases were used: Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed. The primary outcome investigated was the total number of motor neurons, with secondary outcomes of rodent survival and muscle function by observing rotarod performance also being analysed. The SYRCLE tool was used to assess risk of bias in included studies. RESULTS: Of the 451 studies identified by searching the databases, 53 studies were found to be eligible for this systematic review. The articles were divided into subcategories depending on the gene target of each therapy. Meta-analysis of outcomes within appropriate studies showed significant improvements for the majority of selected outcomes (p < 0.05), favouring genetic therapy intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that genetic therapies in rodent models targeting ALS are effective. However, due to a high risk of bias in preclinical studies, further high-quality studies are warranted to support this conclusion and onward translation into the clinic.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Efficacy of chemical root surface modifiers in the treatment of periodontal disease. A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal regeneration has been a relentless goal of the periodontist. Perhaps the oldest and most frequently attempted type of regeneration has involved chemical modification of the root surface. Varying results from histological and clinical studies have created controversy about the clinical effectiveness of root surface decalcification. RATIONALE: This systematic review assesses the efficacy of root surface biomodification through the use of citric acid, tetracycline, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in patients with chronic periodontitis. FOCUSED QUESTION: Does the use of chemical root declacification result in effective periodontal regeneration and improved clinical outcomes in patients with chronic periodontitis? SEARCH PROTOCOL: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; American College of Physicians Journal Club, evidence-based MEDLINE journals; and National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed Journals, as well as Dogpile, Google, and Copernic search engines were screened. Hand searches were performed on the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Journal of Periodontology, Journal of Periodontal Research, and Periodontology 2000. Searches were performed for relevant clinical trials published through September 25, 2002. SELECTION CRITERIA INCLUSION CRITERIA: Histological and clinical studies evaluating the effects of citric acid, tetracycline, or EDTA on root surfaces of patients with chronic periodontitis were considered for inclusion. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies evaluating extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., fibronectin), enamel matrix proteins (e.g., amelogenins), or other proteins or growth factors applied to the root surface were not included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Primary outcome measures included changes in connective tissue attachment, cementogenesis, clinical attachment levels, probing depths, and gingival recession. Secondary outcome measures included changes in bone level, gingival inflammation, and plaque levels. Results for continuous outcome measures for primary variables (clinical attachment levels, probing depths, and recession) were expressed as mean differences or standardized mean differences. Clinical attachment levels and reduction in probing depth were evaluated using meta-analysis. All papers were rated according to methodological strength of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: 1. Thirty-four studies incorporating a total patient population of 575 were analyzed: 26 for citric acid, 5 for tetracycline, and 3 for EDTA treatment. 2. Four of 8 human histological studies reported regeneration with the use of citric acid. Only 1 of 18 clinical studies reported attachment gain. 3. Of the 5 studies examined using tetracycline, 1 histological study and 1 clinical study reported attachment gain. 4. No regeneration was reported in the 3 studies evaluating the use of EDTA. 5. Meta-analysis performed on 28 clinical trials did not show any significant effects of acid root treatment on attachment level gains or probing depth. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: 1. Evidence to date suggests that the use of citric acid, tetracycline, or EDTA to modify the root surface provides no benefit of clinical significance to regeneration in patients with chronic periodontitis. 2. The best method for ascertaining the clinical efficacy of acid-treated root regeneration would be to conduct a randomized clinical trial with sufficient statistical power that is supported by quantitative histological evaluation. 3. The majority of the studies that evaluated the regenerative potential of root surface modifiers were observational in nature; therefore, the value of conclusions reached in this manuscript must be carefully considered.

Citric Acid↗

PubMed2026

Externally validated risk prediction models for gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Risk prediction models for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) offer potential for early identification and targeted prevention. External validation is crucial to assess model performance across diverse populations. Despite the availability of numerous GDM prediction models, limited evidence exists on their external validation frequency, methodological quality, and clinical applicability. This systematic review evaluated externally validated GDM prediction models, focusing on methodological rigor, reporting standards, and clinical relevance to inform future research and implementation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Emcare, and CINAHL were searched up to May 1, 2025. Studies reporting external validation of GDM risk prediction models were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies. Data were extracted using the CHARMS framework, and risk of bias and applicability were assessed using PROBAST+AI. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD420251125758). RESULTS: Twenty-six studies validated 33 models, with validation sample sizes ranging from 50 to 75 161. Over half used the IADPSG criteria to define GDM. Discrimination metrics were commonly reported, but calibration, overall performance, and clinical utility were often lacking. Meta-analysis was feasible for only four models: Teede et al., Nanda et al., Naylor et al., and Van Leeuwen et al., each showing fair discrimination. The Teede et al. model was the most widely validated, with 11 external validations across six continents and a pooled AUC of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.67-0.76). Despite fewer validations, the Nanda et al. model achieved the highest pooled discrimination (5 validations; pooled AUC 0.77, 95% CI: 0.74-0.80). The Naylor et al. and van Leeuwen et al. models also underwent meta-analysis, as sufficient external validation studies were available to support comparative performance assessment. Notably, 69.23% of studies had a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: While many models showed acceptable predictive performance, most validations were methodologically weak. Future studies should follow best-practice guidelines and promote scalable validation strategies, such as algorithm sharing, to enhance clinical utility.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Stuttering treatment research 1970-2005: II. Systematic review incorporating trial quality assessment of pharmacological approaches.

PURPOSE: To complete a systematic review, incorporating trial quality assessment, of published research about pharmacological treatments for stuttering. Goals included the identification of treatment recommendations and research needs based on the available high-quality evidence. METHOD: Multiple readers reviewed 31 articles published between 1970 and 2005, using a written data extraction instrument developed as a synthesis of existing standards and recommendations. Articles were then assessed using 5 methodological criteria and 4 outcomes criteria, also developed from previously published recommendations. RESULTS: None of the 31 articles met more than 3 of the 5 methodological criteria (M = 1.74). Four articles provided data to support a claim of short-term improvement in social, emotional, or cognitive variables. One article provided data to show that stuttering frequency was reduced to less than 5%, and 4 additional articles provided data to show that stuttering may have been reduced by at least half. Among the articles that met the trial quality inclusion criterion for the second stage of this review, none provided uncomplicated positive reports. CONCLUSIONS: None of the pharmacological agents tested for stuttering have been shown in methodologically sound reports to improve stuttering frequency to below 5%, to reduce stuttering by at least half, or to improve relevant social, emotional, or cognitive variables. These findings raise questions about the logic supporting the continued use of current pharmacological agents for stuttering.

Anticonvulsants↗

PubMed2000

Systematic review of psychosocial factors at work and private life as risk factors for back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of observational studies. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether psychosocial factors at work and in private life are risk factors for the occurrence of back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Several reviews on risk factors for back pain have paid attention to psychosocial factors. However, in none of the published reviews was a strict systematic approach used to identify and summarize the available evidence. METHODS: A computerized bibliographical search of several databases was performed, restricted to studies with a cohort or case-control design. A rating system was used to assess the strength of the evidence for various factors, based on the methodologic quality of the studies and the consistency of the findings. RESULTS: Eleven cohort and two case-control studies were included in this review. Strong evidence was found for low social support in the workplace and low job satisfaction as risk factors for back pain. Insufficient evidence was found for an effect of a high work pace, high qualitative demands, low job content, low job control, and psychosocial factors in private life. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence was found for an effect of low workplace social support and low job satisfaction. However, the result for workplace social support was sensitive to slight changes in the rating system, and the effect found for low job satisfaction may be a result of insufficient adjustment for psychosocial work characteristics and physical load at work. In addition, the combined evaluation of job content and job control, both aspects of decision latitude, led to strong evidence of a role for low job decision latitude. Thus, based on this review, there is evidence for an effect of work-related psychosocial factors, but the evidence for the role of specific factors has not been established yet.

Humans↗

PubMed2007

A systematic review of the safety of topical therapies for atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: The safety of topical therapies for atopic dermatitis (AD), a common and morbid disease, has recently been the focus of increased scrutiny, adding confusion as how best to manage these patients. OBJECTIVES: The objective of these systematic reviews was to determine the safety of topical therapies for AD. METHODS: Databases searched included: OVID Medline, Medline In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. In addition to the articles identified by this search, investigators were also referred to a list of links (most recently updated 25 September 2005) to recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) studies, reports and meetings regarding the topical calcineurin inhibitors for further potential references. Only fully published papers available in English and data obtained from FDA sites were included. Furthermore, the criteria for inclusion and exclusion for each systematic review were further evaluated at a meeting of all of the content and evidence-based medicine experts participating in this process and alteration of the inclusion criteria was done at that time when it was felt necessary to avoid inclusion of lower-quality data in the review. Qualitative review of the abstracted data was performed and reviewed at a meeting of all of the content and evidence-based medicine experts. RESULTS: While systemic exposure to these topical agents does occur, physiological changes appear to be uncommon and systemic complications rare and have only been found with use of topical corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data that are available the overall safety of AD therapies appears to be good with the only documented systemic side-effects of therapy those occasionally seen with use of topical corticosteroids.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2001

Do the Y-set and double-bag systems reduce the incidence of CAPD peritonitis? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is the most frequent serious complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). It has a major influence on the number of patients switching from CAPD to haemodialysis and has probably restricted the wider acceptance and uptake of CAPD as an alternative mode of dialysis. This systematic review sought to determine if modifications of the transfer set (Y-set or double-bag systems) used in CAPD exchanges are associated with a reduction in peritonitis and an improvement in other relevant outcomes. METHODS: Based on a comprehensive search strategy, we undertook a systematic review of randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing double-bag and/or Y-set CAPD exchange systems with standard systems, or comparing double-bag with Y-set systems, in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with CAPD. Only published data were used. Data were abstracted by a single investigator onto a standard form and subsequently entered into Review Manager 4.0.4. Its statistical package, Metaview 3.1, calculated an odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous data and a (weighted) mean difference for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Twelve eligible trials with a total of 991 randomized patients were identified. In trials comparing either the Y-set or double-bag systems with the standard systems, significantly fewer patients (133/363 vs 158/263; OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.24-0.46) experienced peritonitis and the number of patient-months on CAPD per episode of peritonitis was consistently greater. When the double-bag systems were compared with the Y-set systems significantly fewer patients experienced peritonitis (44/154 vs 66/138; OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27-0.71) and the number of patient-months on CAPD per episode of peritonitis was also greater. CONCLUSIONS: Double-bag systems should be the preferred exchange systems in CAPD.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Lower risk for tardive dyskinesia associated with second-generation antipsychotics: a systematic review of 1-year studies.

OBJECTIVE: Based on lower rates of acute extrapyramidal side effects associated with second-generation antipsychotics, compared to first-generation antipsychotics, and based on preliminary data, second-generation antipsychotics are expected to cause less tardive dyskinesia than first-generation antipsychotics. This hypothesis was examined in a systematic review of studies involving open or controlled treatment with any second-generation antipsychotic. METHOD: Studies of treatment with second-generation antipsychotics lasting > or =1 year and reporting on new cases of tardive dyskinesia or dyskinesia were systematically reviewed. RESULTS: In 11 studies, 2,769 patients received treatment with risperidone (five studies, N=1,235), olanzapine (two studies, N=610), quetiapine (two studies, N=386), amisulpride (one study, N=331), or ziprasidone (one study, N=207) for a weighted mean and median duration of 263 and 306 days, respectively. Study designs were double blind and randomized (N=3); open-label extensions of double-blind, randomized trials (N=4); and open label (N=4). Of the four trials that had a comparator (all involving adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders), three used haloperidol (N=408) and one used placebo (N=71). Studied populations included children (N=77), adults (N=1,419), adults and elderly persons (N=794), and exclusively patients age 54 years or older (N=479). The weighted mean annual incidence of tardive dyskinesia for second-generation antipsychotics was 0% in the children, 0.8% (range=0.0%-1.5%) in the adults, 6.8% in the mixed adult and elderly population, and 5.3% (range=0.0%-13.4%) in the patients age 54 years and older, compared to 5.4% (range=4.1%-7.4%) in adults treated with haloperidol. CONCLUSIONS: Results from 11 long-term studies support the idea that second-generation antipsychotics have a reduced risk for tardive dyskinesia, compared to first-generation antipsychotics, although the doses of haloperidol used in the comparator studies were relatively high. More carefully designed studies, ideally lasting beyond 1 year and comparing the effects of different second-generation antipsychotics in patients who have never taken first-generation antipsychotics, are needed to estimate the true risk. It would not appear premature for clinicians to consider these findings in making long-term treatment decisions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Psychosocial intervention following suicide attempt: a systematic review of treatment interventions.

Repeated suicide attempts are a common problem. However, few randomized controlled studies on the treatment of suicide attempters have been described. Although some of these studies showed beneficial effects on measures of well-being, none of them demonstrated lasting positive effects on repeated suicidal behaviour. In an attempt to analyse the results obtained, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of interventions for suicide attempters is presented. The literature was gathered by means of a CD-ROM literature reference search (MEDLINE/PSYCLIT). Subsequently, information on study design and treatment efficacy was abstracted. Studies that were homogeneous with regard to therapeutic principles were reviewed accordingly, and pooled analyses were performed. Meta-analyses accounted for inter-study variance (random-effects model) to estimate a common-effect measure (relative risk). Systematic review of the data showed considerable differences in both study design and therapeutic protocols. In view of these differences, a single pooled analysis of all studies appeared to be unfeasible. A pooled analysis of studies that focus on psychiatric management of poor compliance showed no significant effect on the repetition of suicide attempts. Similarly, studies of psychosocial crisis intervention, as well as studies of guaranteed in-patient shelter in cases of emergency, did not show a significant reduction in repeated suicide attempts. However, the pooled results of four studies on cognitive-behavioural therapies showed a significant preventive effect on repeated suicide attempts. At present, only the cognitive-behavioural approach appears to have a beneficial effect on repeated suicide attempts. However, because of methodological variability, the results obtained may be too optimistic. Additional research is required to establish the merits of this type of intervention.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2002

A systematic review of cardiovascular effects of epinephrine on hypertensive dental patients.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review was conducted to identify any additional risks of adverse cardiovascular outcomes to hypertensive individuals represented by use of epinephrine-containing anesthetic solutions and epinephrine-impregnated retraction cords. STUDY DESIGN: Two searches identified 373 local anesthetic and 33 retraction cord reports; 6 local anesthetic reports met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Use of epinephrine in uncontrolled hypertensive patients was associated with small, nonsignificant increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. No adverse outcomes were reported. Only one study examined effects of epinephrine on controlled hypertensive patients, in whom additional risks due to interactions with antihypertensive medication are possible. Available studies did not address effects of gingival retraction cord on hypertensive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although the increased risk for adverse events among uncontrolled hypertensive patients was found to be low and the reported occurrence of adverse events in hypertensive patients associated with the use of epinephrine in local anesthetics was minimal, the quantity and quality of the pertinent literature is problematic.

Anesthetics, Local↗

PubMed2006

Are antibiotics effective for acute purulent rhinitis? Systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo controlled randomised trials.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of antibiotics in acute purulent rhinitis (many guidelines advise against their use on the basis of one study that showed no effect). DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and reference lists of retrieved articles. REVIEW METHODS: Meta-analysis of data from double blind randomised placebo controlled trials comparing antibiotics with placebo for acute purulent rhinitis (duration less than 10 days). RESULTS: Seven studies were retrieved; four contributed data on benefits of antibiotics, and four contributed data on harms of antibiotics. The pooled relative risk of benefit for persistent purulent rhinitis at five to eight days with antibiotics was 1.18 (95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.33). The numbers needed to treat ranged from 7 to 15 when the pooled relative risk was applied to the range of control event rates. The relative risk for adverse effects with antibiotics was 1.46 (1.10 to 1.94). The numbers needed to harm for adverse effects ranged from 12 to 78. No serious harms were reported in the placebo arms. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics are probably effective for acute purulent rhinitis. They can cause harm, usually in the form of gastrointestinal effects. Most patients will get better without antibiotics, supporting the current "no antibiotic as first line" advice.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2005

Systematic review on analgesics given for pain following tonsillectomy in children.

In this systematic review effectiveness of analgesics for pain after tonsillectomy in children was evaluated and trial methodology of the included studies explored. Databases were searched for randomised, controlled studies on systemic paracetamol, NSAIDs and opioids. Eighty-four studies were evaluated for inclusion. Thirty-six studies were included and 48 excluded. Only in two studies investigated analgesics were given postoperatively for pain. All other studies investigated prophylactic administration of analgesics. Only five studies were truly placebo controlled. Trial methodology of the included studies varied greatly in respect to analgesics and doses used, duration of follow-up periods, methods of pain measurement, rescue analgesics and criteria for administrating rescue analgesia used. Sensitivity of studies was often unclear. Only 16 out of 36 studies were considered to be sensitive. Because of highly variable methodology and lack of sensitivity only limited conclusions on clinical efficacy of analgesics investigated can be drawn. No analgesic in single prophylactic dose provided analgesia for day of operation. Further studies are needed to find the optimal analgesic(s) for pain after tonsillectomy in children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Firm embryo transfer catheters for assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis using direct and adjusted indirect comparisons.

A systematic review of published evidence on firm embryo transfer catheters is presented. Extensive searches were conducted for full-text manuscripts, abstracts, ongoing and unpublished trials. Direct and adjusted indirect comparisons were undertaken, where appropriate. Twenty-six randomized controlled trials comparing embryo transfer catheters were identified. Only two trials (314 transfers) compared different firm embryo catheters. Using direct comparison, both the Tom Cat and Tefcat catheters demonstrated statistically significant increased chances of clinical pregnancy compared with the Tight Difficult Transfer (TDT) catheter (P=0.007; OR=3.67, 95% CI=1.48-9.10 and P<0.0001; OR=4.71, 95% CI=2.34-9.48 respectively). The implantation rates were also higher with the Tom Cat and Tefcat catheters than the TDT catheter (P=0.005; OR=3.67, 95% CI=1.48-9.10 and P<0.00001; OR=4.29, 95% CI=2.45-7.50 respectively). Using adjusted indirect comparison, Tom Cat and Tefcat catheters were compared, and shown to have similar pregnancy and implantation rates (OR=0.99; 95% CI=-0.87-1.79 and OR=0.86; 95% CI=-0.77-1.35). In conclusion, both Tom Cat and Tefcat catheters give better outcomes than the TDT catheter, but are similar to each other.

Catheterization↗

PubMed2002

Cost-effectiveness analyses of colorectal cancer screening: a systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and the British National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, January 1993 through September 2001. STUDY SELECTION: Original economic evaluations of colorectal cancer screening in average-risk patients were reviewed. The authors sought studies addressing the incremental cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies compared with no screening, of different screening strategies compared with one another, and of different ages of screening initiation and cessation. Two investigators independently reviewed each abstract, and potentially eligible articles were retrieved. A four-member working group reached consensus regarding final inclusion or exclusion of articles. DATA EXTRACTION: One reviewer extracted data into evidence tables. The results were checked by other members and discrepancies resolved by consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS: Among 180 potential articles identified, 7 were retained in the final analysis. Compared with no screening, cost-effectiveness ratios for screening with any of the commonly considered methods were generally between 10, 000 dollars and 25, 000 dollars per life-year saved. No one strategy was consistently found to be the most effective or to have the best incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Currently available models provided insufficient evidence to determine optimal starting and stopping ages for screening. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for colorectal cancer appears cost-effective compared with no screening, but a single optimal strategy cannot be determined from the currently available data. Additional data regarding adherence with screening over time, complication rates in real-world settings, and colorectal cancer biology are needed. Additional analyses are necessary to determine optimal ages of initiation and cessation.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Novel protein markers of acute coronary syndrome complications in low-risk outpatients: a systematic review of potential use in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Published literature was systematically reviewed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of new protein markers of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in symptomatic outpatients at low risk of ACS and related complications comparable to patients evaluated in emergency department chest pain units. METHODS: Studies were identified by a MEDLINE (1966 to May week 3, 2005) search. Abstracts were reviewed for relevance, and manuscripts were included by the independent consensus of 2 observers based on explicit criteria restricting the analysis to studies relevant to screening ambulatory patients with symptoms suggesting ACS. Publication bias was identified by a modified funnel plot analysis [study size (y) vs the inverse of the negative likelihood ratio (x)]. Results of individual markers were reported separately. When 3 or more eligible studies were identified, data were aggregated by use of the summary ROC (SROC) curve. RESULTS: Twenty-two protein markers in 10 unique populations met the inclusion criteria. Data required for SROC analysis (true- and false-positive rates) were available for 17 markers, in 9 unique populations, from publications and personal communications. Of these, only C-reactive protein was published in more than 2 populations to allow aggregation (6 studies total). C-Reactive protein demonstrated poor diagnostic performance on SROC curve analysis, with an area under the curve of 0.61 and a pooled diagnostic odds ratio of 1.81 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-3.07). CONCLUSION: Published evidence is not sufficient to support the routine use of new protein markers in screening for ACS in the emergency department setting.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

A systematic review of the prevalence of root sensitivity following periodontal therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the evidence on the prevalence of root sensitivity following periodontal therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical studies were searched for in electronic databases, hand searched journals and through contact with authors directly. The screening and data extraction were conducted by several reviewers independently. The main outcome measure was prevalence of root sensitivity following periodontal therapy. RESULTS: The prevalence of root sensitivity was 9-23% before and 54-55% after periodontal therapy. An increase in the intensity of root sensitivity occurred 1-3 weeks following therapy, after which it decreased. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that there are insufficient randomized controlled trials to adequately address the stipulated question. However, based on the scarce evidence from only two studies, root sensitivity occurs in approximately half of the patients following subgingival scaling and root planing. The intensity of root sensitivity increases for a few weeks after therapy, after which it decreases. In clinical practice, it may be recommended that patients should be made aware of the potential for root sensitivity prior to treatment. In research, it may be recommended to conduct randomized controlled and prospective studies with both short and long follow-up periods. Furthermore, to investigate the effects and the relationship of root instrumentation with the aetiology of root sensitivity, the efficacy of preventive and therapeutic regimes for root sensitivity, and the incidence and severity of root sensitivity by subjective patient-reporting, and the response to different modes of stimuli. Protocols should follow the criteria used in dentine hypersensitivity studies.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

PubMed2005

Erythromycin as a prokinetic agent in preterm neonates: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: It often takes several days or even weeks to establish full enteral feeds (FEFs) in preterm, especially extremely low birthweight neonates because of feed intolerance related to gastrointestinal hypomotility. Clinical trials of erythromycin as a prokinetic agent in preterm neonates have reported conflicting results. AIM: To systematically review the efficacy and safety of erythromycin as a prokinetic agent in preterm neonates. METHODS: Only randomised controlled trials in preterm neonates (gestation < or = 37 weeks) were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was the time to reach FEFs of 150 ml/kg/day. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of erythromycin related adverse effects such as diarrhoea, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. No restrictions were applied on the dose (low: 3-12 mg/kg/day; antimicrobial: > or = 12 mg/kg/6-8 hours) and route (oral or intravenous) and mode (prophylactic or rescue) of administration. The standard methodology for systematic reviews was followed. A subgroup analysis was pre-planned based on the dose and mode of drug administration. RESULTS: Seven trials (three prophylaxis, four rescue) with various doses, routes and modes of administration, and durations of erythromycin treatment and different results were found to be eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Meta-analysis could not be performed, as specific data were either inadequate or not available. CONCLUSION: The conflicting trial results may be explained by differences in dose and route and mode of administration of erythromycin and in gastrointestinal motor responses in the presence of different feeding conditions-for example, fasting v fed state, intermittent v continuous feeds. Gestational and postnatal ages during erythromycin treatment are also important.

Erythromycin↗