Patient-Initiated Second Opinions: Systematic Review of Characteristics and Impact on Diagnosis,Treatment, and Satisfaction

The impact of second opinions on diagnosis in radiology and pathology is well documented; however, the value of patient-initiated second opinions for diagnosis and treatment in general medical practice is unknown. We conducted a systematic review of patient-initiated second opinions to assess their impact on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction and to determine characteristics and motivating factors of patients who seek a second opinion. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Academic OneFile databases using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) indexes and keyword searches. Search terms included referral and consultation, patient-initiated, patient preference, patient participation, second opinion, second review, and diagnosis. Multiple reviewers screened abstracts and articles to determine eligibility and extract data. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and rated study quality using Cochrane's GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. We screened 1342 abstracts and reviewed full text of 41 articles, identifying 7 articles that reported clinical agreement data and 10 that discussed patient characteristics, motivation, and satisfaction. We found that a second opinion typically confirms the original diagnosis or treatment regimen but that 90% of patients with poorly defined conditions remain undiagnosed. However, 10% to 62% of second opinions yield a major change in the diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis. A larger fraction of patients receive different advice on treatment than on diagnosis. Factors motivating a second opinion include diagnosis or treatment confirmation, dissatisfaction with a consultation, desire for more information, persistent symptoms, or treatment complications. Patients generally believed that second opinions were valuable. Second opinions can result in diagnostic and treatment differences. The literature on patient-initiated second opinions is limited, and the accuracy of the second opinion through follow-up is generally unknown. Standardized methods and outcome measures are needed to determine the value of second opinions, and the potential of second opinions to reduce diagnostic errors merits more rigorous evaluation.     

A meta-analysis about the association between −1082G/A and −819C/T polymorphisms of IL-10 gene and risk of type 2 diabetes

The present meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the association between the −1082G/A and −819C/T polymorphisms of the IL-10 gene and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Relevant articles were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess the strength of the association between target polymorphisms and the risk of T2DM. Significant associations between the −1082G/A polymorphism and T2DM were found for the allele contrast (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: [0.83, 0.98], P = 0.02), homozygote contrast (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: [0.69, 0.97], P = 0.02), and recessive genetic model (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: [0.74, 0.96], P = 0.01). However, no significant association was found for the dominant genetic model (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: [0.80, 1.05], P = 0.08). The association between −819C/T polymorphism and T2DM was significant for the allele contrast (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: [0.64, 0.84], P < 0.01); however, no significant associations were found for −819C/T in the homozygote contrast (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: [0.38, 2.67], P = 0.99), dominant genetic model (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: [0.50, 1.77], P = 0.86), and recessive genetic model (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: [0.50, 1.68], P = 0.78). No significant publication bias was detected. This meta-analysis suggests that allele A of −1082G/A and allele C of −819C/T in the IL-10 gene have potentially protective effects in terms of risk of T2DM.     

Diagnostic capability of questionnaires and clinical examinations to assess sleep-disordered breathing in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe reference standard for the diagnosis of pediatric sleep-disorder breathing (SDB) is a full polysomnography (PSG) (an overnight sleep study). There are many obstacles to children being able to undergo a full PSG; therefore, the authors evaluated the diagnostic value of alternative diagnostic methods (clinical history and physical examination) for pediatric SDB.Types of Studies ReviewedThe authors selected articles in which the investigators' primary objective was to evaluate the diagnostic capability of physical evaluations and questionnaires compared with the current reference standard (that is, a full PSG) to diagnose SDB in children younger than 18 years. The authors searched several electronic databases without limitations.ResultsUsing a two-step selection process, the authors identified 24 articles and used them to conduct a qualitative analysis. They conducted a meta-analysis on 11 of these articles. Among these articles, only one involved a test that had diagnostic accuracy good enough to warrant its use as a screening method for pediatric SDB, but its diagnostic accuracy was not sufficient to be considered a true diagnostic tool (that is, a replacement for full PSG) for pediatric SDB.Practical ImplicationsThe involvement of dentists in the screening process for pediatric SDB can contribute significantly to children's health. The identified questionnaire could be considered an acceptable screening test to determine which children to refer to a sleep medicine specialist.     

近5年中国科学引文数据库护理干预性系统评价/Meta分析报告质量分析

目的 评价近5年中国科学引文数据库收录的护理期刊发表的干预性系统评价/Meta分析的报告质量,以期规范其研究过程和报告方法,提升系统评价/Meta分析质量。方法 计算机检索CNKI、VIP、CBM和Wanfang数据库,搜集中国科学引文数据库收录的护理期刊发表的干预性系统评价/Meta分析研究,检索时限为2015年1月—2020年6月。由2名研究者独立筛选文献、提取资料,采用系统评价和Meta分析优先报告的条目进行报告质量评价;采用Office Excel 2019、Stata 15.0软件对相关数据进行统计和分析。结果 共纳入干预性系统评价/Meta分析176篇,其PRISMA评分为14.5~24.5分（20.17±2.00）,其中有1篇研究评分≤15分,有严重信息缺失;122篇评分为15~21分,存在一定报告缺陷;53篇评分为21~27分,报告相对完全。报告质量不足主要表现为结构式摘要（0/176）,方案和注册（0/176）,检索策略（55/176）,研究间偏倚（26/176）和资金支持（0/176）报告不全面。亚组分析结果显示：有基金资助、作者单位性质为医院和单位数为1个可明显提高系统评价/Meta分析报告质量（P<0.05）;作者人数对系统评价/Meta分析的报告质量影响不显著（P>0.05）。结论 目前,我国护理领域干预性系统评价/Meta分析的报告质量差异较大。因此,有必要采取相应的措施,加大对PRISMA的宣传和普及,推动其在护理期刊稿约中的引用;研究人员应严格遵守PRISMA相关条目,规范、详细地进行报告;护理期刊的编辑和审稿人在同行评审阶段也要严格遵循PRISMA的指导方针,以期提高系统评价/Meta分析的质量。     

Is laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) the new kid on the block in systemic sclerosis? A systematic literature review and pilot study to evaluate reliability of LASCA to measure peripheral blood perfusion in scleroderma patients

Objectives

A reliable tool to evaluate flow is paramount in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We describe herein on the one hand a systematic literature review on the reliability of laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) to measure the peripheral blood perfusion (PBP) in SSc and perform an additional pilot study, investigating the intra- and inter-rater reliability of LASCA.

Gastrocutaneous fistulae in children — A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiology and treatment options

Background

Gastrostomy tubes are a common adjunct to the care of vulnerable pediatric patients. This study systematically evaluates the epidemiology and risk-factors for gastrocutaneous fistulae (GCF) after gastrostomy removal in children and reviews treatment options focusing on nonoperative management (NOM).

Enrollment and reporting practices in pediatric general surgical randomized clinical trials: A systematic review and observational analysis

Background

Pediatric surgical randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are labor-intensive and costly. This systematic review investigated patient accrual and estimates of study duration in RCTs by interrogating enrollment and registration practices.

Aromatherapy for the relief of symptoms in burn patients: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background

Aromatherapy is often used to manage several conditions, including pain, psychological distress, and burn-related symptoms. The objective of this review was to assess the current evidence regarding the efficacy of aromatherapy as a treatment for burn wounds.