Blueberry and cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aimsCardiovascular disease (CVD) remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity that can be prevented by the consumption of healthy foods. These include blueberry, a dark coloured berry containing extremely high amounts of functional ingredients. We therefore examined the extent to which supplementation with blueberry effects on CVD risk indices.MethodsWe searched the ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Library on March 2020 and checked reference lists from primary studies and review articles for any additional studies. No language restrictions were applied. All randomized and controlled clinical trials (RCTs) using blueberry supplements to modify CVD risk factors were included in our analysis.ResultsMean Difference (MD) was pooled using a random effects model and 11 studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled effect size showed that supplementation with blueberry had a small insignificant effect in reducing plasma triglycerides (MD = −0.27 mmol/l; 95 % CI: −0.57, 0.17, p = 0.06). Although current study found no differences between blueberry and control groups for any other outcomes, subgroup analysis suggested a favourable impact of blueberry on reducing body weight. Significant weight loss was indicated from studies longer with a follow up of more than 6 weeks or with blueberry powder or freeze-dried blueberry.ConclusionCurrent evidence is insufficient to show a benefit of blueberry supplements in modifying CVD risk factors across a variety of adult populations. Robust data and larger studies are required to assess potential effects.     

Pediatric Tui Na for cough in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pediatric Tui Na for the treatment of cough in children under seven years of age.Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.MethodsWe searched seven major databases and two ongoing trial registers before November 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on pediatric Tui Na for cough in children. Main outcome measures were cough related status (such as cough frequency, severity, and duration), use of western medicines, quality of life, medical costs, recurrence rate, adverse events and acceptance. Two reviewers independentlyselected studies and extracted data. Results were presented by RevMan 5.4 as risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs), both with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Risk of bias were assessed using ROB tools and quality of evidence by GRADE.ResultsSixteen RCTs involving 1502 participants were included in this review. Most trials were poor in quality for not reporting allocation concealment, blinding of outcomeassessment or outcome data completeness. The pooled results demonstrated that pediatric Tui Na alone (2 RCTs, 205 participants; MD −2.22, 95 %CI −3.71 to −0.73; P = 0.004; I ² = 90 %; low certainty) or combined with conventional treatment (7 RCTs, 668 participants; MD −1.66, 95 %CI −2.89 to −0.44; P = 0.008; I ² = 98 %; low certainty) shortened cough duration. The combined treatment also decreased the recurrence rate of cough (3 RCTs, 135 participants; RR 0.35, 95 %CI 0.21–0.58; P < 0.0001; I ² = 0 %; moderate certainty). There were insufficient data on adverse events.ConclusionsThis review indicates that pediatric Tui Na may shorten the course and decrease the recurrence rate of cough in children, and appears to be relatively safe. However, large-sample, multi-center and high-quality RCTs are warranted to confirm these findings.     

瑜伽干预下背痛效果的Meta分析

目的系统评价瑜伽治疗下背痛的有效性。方法计算机检索Web of Science、BBSCO Academic Source Complete、Elsevier ScienceDirect、Scopus、PubMed、WanFang Data和CNKI数据库,搜集有关瑜伽治疗下背痛有效性的随机对照试验(randomized controlled trial,RCT),检索时限均从建库至2019年11月4日。由2名研究者独立筛选文献、提取资料并评价纳入研究的偏倚风险后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入14个RCT,包括1 684例患者。Meta分析结果显示:与常规治疗相比,瑜伽治疗下背痛的RMDQ问卷评分更低[MD=–1.86,95%CI(–2.39,–1.33),P<0.000 01],其差异有统计学意义。亚组分析结果显示,不同锻炼频率、下背痛程度、致因、干预周期、样本量等亚组的瑜伽治疗效果均优于常规治疗组,差异均有统计学意义。结论现有证据表明,瑜伽治疗下背痛能取得更好疗效。受纳入研究数量和质量限制,上述结论尚需开展更多高质量研究予以验证。     

Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundEchinacea preparations are commonly used to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infection.ObjectivesTo assess current evidence for the safety and efficacy of echinacea containing preparations in preventing and treating upper respiratory tract infection.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, CAB extracts, Web of Science, Cochrane DARE, clinicaltrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP – 1980 to present day.Eligibility criteriaRandomised double-blind placebo-controlled trials using an echinacea preparation to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections.Participants and interventionsParticipants who are otherwise healthy of any age and sex. We considered any echinacea containing preparation.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsWe used the Cochrane collaborations tool for quality assessment of included studies and performed three meta-analyses; on the prevention, duration and safety of echinacea.ResultsFor the prevention of upper respiratory tract infection using echinacea we found a risk ratio of 0.78 [95% CI 0.68–0.88], for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection using echinacea we found a mean difference in average duration of −0.45 [95% 1.85–0.94] days, finally for the safety meta-analyses we found a risk ratio of 1.09 [95% CI 0.95–1.25].LimitationsThe limitations of our review include the clinical heterogeneity – for example many different preparations were tested, the risk of selective reporting, deviations from our protocol and lack of contact with study authors.ConclusionsOur review presents evidence that echinacea might have a preventative effect on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections but whether this effect is clinically meaningful is debatable. We did not find any evidence for an effect on the duration of upper respiratory tract infections. Regarding the safety of echinacea no risk is apparent in the short term at least. The strength of these conclusions is limited by the risk of selective reporting and methodological heterogeneity.Implications of key findingsBased on the results of this review users of echinacea can be assured that echinacea preparations are safe to consume in the short term however they should not be confident that commercially available remedies are likely to shorten the duration or effectively prevent URTI. Researchers interested in the potential preventative effects of echinacea identified in this study should aim to increase the methodological strength of any further trials.PROSPERO IDCRD42018090783.     

Clinical effectiveness of Tui Na for insomnia compared with estazolam: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveThe purpose of this systematic review (SR) is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tui Na therapy for insomnia.MethodsTwo authors separately searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, SinoMed Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Science Technology Journal Database, related SR and published protocols at the same time to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared Tui Na therapy with estazolam therapy for insomnia, from their inception to January^1st 2019. Screening documents, data extraction, quality assessment of methodology and quality assessment of evidence were also conducted by two authors separately at the same time.We used Cochrane Risk of Bias tool to assess the methodological quality of included RCTs. The results of meta-analysis were made via RevMan software (5.3). The quality of evidence was assessed by on-line GRADEpro. The primary outcome: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, the secondary outcome: clinical effectiveness rate and the safety index: adverse events. The clinical effectiveness of these included RCTs all focused on the improvement of patients’ satisfaction with sleep time and sleep quality.ResultsWe included 22 RCTs(1,999 participants), meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The assessment of methodological quality was not satisfied, in which “high risk”, “unclear risk” and “low risk” all existed. The results of meta-analysis demonstrated that (1)for primary outcome, the PSQI score of Tui Na therapy was lower than that of estazolam therapy after treatment in subgroup1(Head)(MD-2.39,95%CI[-3.79,-0.98],I² = 82%,n = 291,3 trials) and subgroup4(Abdomen)(MD-1.7,95%CI[-2.53,-0.87],I² = 0%,n = 120,2 trials);while there was no significant difference between Tui Na therapy and estazolam therapy in subgroup2(Head and trunk)(MD-1.39,95%CI[-3.03,0.24],I² = 90%,n = 200, 2 trials) and subgroup3(Head, trunk and extremities)(MD-0.51,95%CI[-1.53,0.5],I² = 30%,n = 126,2 trials).(2) for secondary outcomes(the clinical effectiveness rate and safety index),the clinical effectiveness rate of Tui Na therapy was higher than that of estazolam therapy after treatment in subgroup1(Head)(RR1.21,95%CI[1.05,1.39],I² = 26%,n = 239,3 trials), subgroup2(Head and trunk)(RR1.15,95%CI[1.08,1.23],I² = 33%,n = 1024,10 trials) and subgroup4(Abdomen)(RR1.12,95%CI[1.01,1.23],I² = 0%,n = 180,3 trials); while there was no significant difference between Tui Na therapy and estazolam therapy in subgroup3(Head, trunk and extremities)(RR1.03,95%CI[0.94,1.13],I² = 28%,n = 346,4 trials).Safety index, 5 RCTs reported adverse events. Among them, only 1 RCT reported adverse event in Tui Na therapy, which was daytime drowsiness; all 5 RCTs reported adverse events in estazolam therapy, which were dry mouth, dizziness, daytime drowsiness etc. The evidence quality was generally low to very low.ConclusionTui Na therapy appeared to be superior to estazolam therapy in treating areas(head; abdomen), while there was no significant difference between Tui Na therapy and estazolam therapy in treating areas(head and trunk; head, trunk and extremities). No serious adverse event was reported in Tui Na therapy. However the methodological quality and evidence quality were not satisfied. Therefore we could not make a convincing conclusion on the effectiveness and safety of Tui Na therapy for insomnia. Practitioners should combine their experience, evidence of our review and patients’ preferences to make a proper treatment. And more high quality RCTs and well-designed protocols of Tui Na therapy for insomnia are needed in the future.     

姑息照护在心力衰竭患者中应用效果的系统评价

目的系统评价姑息照护干预心力衰竭患者的疗效。方法计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、CINAHL、The Cochrane Library、VIP、CNKI、CBM和WanFang Data数据库,搜集关于姑息照护干预心衰患者疗效的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时限均为建库至2021年9月。由2名研究者独立筛选文献、提取资料并评价纳入研究的偏倚风险后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入11个RCT,包括912例患者。Meta分析结果显示,姑息照护可提高心力衰竭患者的生活质量[KCCQ或McGill QoL量表:SMD=0.85,95%CI(0.13,1.58),P=0.02;MLHFQ量表:SMD=-1.32,95%CI(-2.10,-0.54),P=0.0009]、降低患者抑郁水平[SMD=-0.58,95%CI(-0.87,-0.28),P=0.0001]与焦虑水平[SMD=-0.51,95%CI(-0.89,-0.13),P=0.008]、改善不良症状[SMD=-1.46,95%CI(-2.67,-0.24),P=0.02],减少人均住院时间[MD=-0.94,95%CI(-1.28,-0.60),P<0.00001]和降低再入院率[RR=0.64,95%CI(0.42,0.98),P=0.04],但对于患者的死亡率[RR=1.00,95%CI(0.63,1.57),P=0.99]并无明显影响。结论当前有限证据表明,姑息照护可改善心衰患者生活质量、情绪状态、不良症状,减少住院时间和降低再入院率。受纳入研究数量和质量的限制,上述结论尚待更多高质量研究予以验证。     

Chinese herbal medicine Dengzhan Xixin injection for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Dengzhan Xixin (Erigeron breviscapus) injection for acute ischemic stroke.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42016038413, http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).MethodsSix electronic databases were searched from inception to March 2016 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of Dengzhan Xixin (DZXX) injection for acute ischemic stroke. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Data synthesiswas performed using RevMan 5.3 and was presented with mean difference (MD) or relative risk (RR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI). A summary of finding table was generated by GRADEpro (version 3.6).ResultsTwenty-five RCTs with 2498 participants were included and all trials adopted conventional therapy (CT) in both arms. Most of the studies had high risk of bias. The addition of DZXX to CT showed no significant benefit on death (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.05–1.63) within the treatment period (14–35 d), but showed higher Barthel index score (MD 10.20, 95% CI 8.16–12.25), lower neurological function deficit score (MD −3.99, 95% CI −5.68 to −2.30, by NFDS; MD −1.67, 95% CI −2.59 to −0.76, by NIHSS), and lower treatment failure (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.31–0.52). Thirteen trials (52%) reported the outcome of adverse events, but no serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionLow quality evidence implied that DZXX injection appeared to improve neurological function in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, this potential benefit should be further studied in large, rigorous trials.     

A systematic review of acupuncture for sleep quality in people with insomnia

ObjectiveAcupuncture is widely used in Asia and increasingly in Western countries. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effects of acupuncture for insomnia.MethodsWe identified randomized controlled trials from English and Chinese databases. Data were extracted using a predefined form and analysed using RevMan 5.2. We included studies that compared acupuncture to sham/placebo, standard pharmacotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome was sleep quality assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsA total of 30 studies involving 2363 participants were included. Acupuncture point combinations included the use of at least one of the recommended points for insomnia, HT7, GV20, SP6. Pharmacotherapy control was used in 27 studies and sham/placebo in three studies. Cognitive behavioral therapy was not used in any of the studies. Pharmacotherapies in all studies were benzodiazepine receptor agonists, except for one that used an antidepressant. Acupuncture was superior to sham/placebo in terms of PSQI (MD −0.79, 95% CI −1.38, −0.19, I² = 49%). Acupuncture was also more effective than pharmacotherapy (MD −2.76, 95% CI −3.67, −1.85, I² = 94%). Most studies were at risk of bias. Some mild adverse events were reported but they were not causally related to the acupuncture treatments.ConclusionsAcupuncture compared to sham/placebo and pharmacotherapy showed statistically significant results. However, the evidence is limited by bias in the included studies and heterogeneity. Well-designed studies are needed to confirm the results identified in this review.     

Sanfu acupoint herbal patching for stable asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BackgroundSanfu acupoint herbal patching (SAHP) is extensively used in people with stable asthma in China. However, the evidence available is scarce. This systematic review aims to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effect and safety of SAHP in people with stable asthma.MethodsWe searched seven electronic databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane risk of bias tool was utilised to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies and RevMan 5.3 and GRADEpro 3.6.1 were applied to perform data analyses.ResultsA total of 34 RCTs involving 3313 participants were included. The overall methodological quality of the trials was of high risk of bias. SAHP plus conventional therapy (CT) decreased the mean frequency (times per year) of asthma exacerbations compared with CT alone (MD: −1.42; 95% CI: −2.19 to −0.65; 7 RCTs), and similar effect was found for SAHP versus sham SAHP (MD: 0.42; 95%CI: 0.26–0.69; 1 RCT). For lung function (including PEF%, FEV₁% and FEV₁/FVC), SAHP plus CT showed better effect than CT alone, and so did SAHP versus sham SAHP on PEF and PEF%. Adverse effects in the SAHP groups were reported to be mild and well tolerated.ConclusionsSAHP alone or combined with CT appears to be more effective than sham SAHP or CT on reduction of asthma exacerbations, improving lung function, and SAHP seems to be safe. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to limitations in trial quality. Further, rigorously designed, large-scale trials are warranted for robust evidence.     

Acupuncture for oculomotor nerve palsy:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP).MethodsThe following database will be required from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture alone versus no treatment/another active therapy/sham acupuncture or comparing acupuncture with another active therapy versus the same active therapy were included. Meta-analysis was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Data was analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results were reported as risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes or mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to access the methodological quality of the trails.ResultsEighteen RCTs with 1150 participants comparing acupuncture versus other therapies were included. The results showed a significant differences in the clinical efficiency rate (RR = 1.30, 95 %CI = 1.23–1.37, P < 0.001), scores of diplopia (MD = − 0.78, 95 %CI = − 1.39 to − 0.77, P < 0.001), palpebral fissure size (MD = 1.04, 95 %CI = 0.41–1.68, P = 0.001), the pupil diameter (MD = − 0.56, 95 %CI = − 0.70 to − 0.42, P < 0.001), quality of life (MD = 8.96, 95 %CI = 6.79–11.13, P < 0.001) between the experiment and control groups. However, there were no significant differences in the adverse effects (RR = 0.52, 95 %CI = 0.22–1.22, P = 0.13). The quality of the evidence test by GRADE was low or very low.ConclusionMost included studies suggested that acupuncture was more effective than the control group in the treatment of ONP. However, the quality evidence of most of the studies was low and most of them were performed in China.     

The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundLavender is considered as one of the medicinal plants to manage stress. Although many preliminary studies evaluated the effect of lavender on individuals’ stress level, to the best of our knowledge, we did not find a study that summarizes the results. Therefore, the present study aimed to estimate the Pooled effect of lavender on the stress level of individuals using systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodA systematic literature review based on PRISMA 2020 was performed on the SID, MagIran, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) databases, and Google Scholar motor engine using related MeSH/Emtree and ‎Free Text words,‎ including “Lavender*”, “Lavandula*”, “Stress*”, “Stress Disorders, Traumatic”, and “Stress, Psychological” with no time limitation until August 2021: We also searched two Iranain free local resourses including MagIran https://www.magiran.com and Scientific Information Database (SID) https://www.sid.ir. The quality assessment of studies was performed using JBI checklist. Heterogeneity among studies was quantified using I² index and Random Effects model was used to combine the data and perform the meta-analysis.ResultsIn the initial search, 1520 articles were found. After excluding the irrelevant studies, finally, 21 articles with a sample size of 791 in the intervention group and 804 in the control group were included in the meta-analysis. As a result of combining the studies, stress score after using lavender in the intervention group showed a significant decrease of 0.63 ± 0.13 (95% CI) more than that in the control group (P < 0.001). The results of subgroup analysis demonstrated that the highest standardized mean difference (SMD) before and after the intervention in the intervention group compared to the control group was related to L. angustifolia species with 0.73 ± 0.22, student groups with 2.27 ± 1.34, and diagnostic tool of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) with 0.82 ± 0.42, indicating that the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe pooled estimation of this systematic reiew and meta-analysis revealed that lavender significantly reduces individuals’ stress. Therefore, it seems that the use of lavender can be considered as a part of a stress management programs, especially in student groups.     

火针治疗带状疱疹后遗神经痛有效性和安全性的系统评价

目的系统评价火针治疗带状疱疹后遗神经痛(PHN)的有效性和安全性。方法计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、The Cochrane Library、CNKI、WanFang Data、CBM和VIP数据库,搜集有关火针治疗PHN有效性和安全性的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时限均从建库至2021年6月5日。由2名研究者独立筛选文献、提取资料并评价纳入研究的偏倚风险后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入31个RCT,包括2755例患者。Meta分析结果显示:火针与西药相比可降低PHN患者的VAS评分[SMD=-1.00,95%CI(-1.36,-0.63),P<0.00001];火针联合西药与单用西药相比,可提高总有效率[RR=1.15,95%CI(1.06,1.23),P=0.0003],降低VAS评分[SMD=-1.92,95%CI(-2.87,-0.97),P<0.0001]、SAS评分[SMD=-0.89,95%CI(-1.20,-0.59),P<0.00001]。火针与常规针刺相比,可降低VAS评分[SMD=-1.37,95%CI(-2.35,-0.39),P=0.006],缩短即刻止痛时间[SMD=-0.64,95%CI(-0.88,-0.39),P<0.00001]。与中药相比,火针联合中药可降低VAS评分[SMD=-1.00,95%CI(-1.53,-0.47),P=0.0002]、SDS评分[SMD=-1.59,95%CI(-1.18,-1.31),P<0.00001]、SAS评分[SMD=-1.79,95%CI(-2.08,-1.49),P<0.00001]。此外,试验组不良反应发生率明显低于对照组。结论现有证据表明,火针可明显减轻PHN患者的疼痛强度,缓解焦虑,提高生活质量。受纳入研究数量和质量的限制,上述结论尚待更多高质量研究予以验证。     

血管内超声与冠状动脉造影指导的经皮冠状动脉介入治疗左主干病变有效性和安全性的Meta分析

目的系统评价血管内超声(IVUS)与冠状动脉造影指导的经皮冠状动脉介入(PCI)治疗左主干病变的有效性和安全性。方法计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、The Cochrane Library、CBM、CNKI、VIP和WanFang Data数据库,搜集IVUS与冠状动脉造影指导的PCI治疗左主干病变安全性和有效性的随机对照试验(RCT)和队列研究,检索时限均为建库至2019年3月。由2名研究者独立筛选文献、提取资料并评价纳入研究的偏倚风险后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入7个研究,包括7 777例患者。Meta分析结果显示:与冠状动脉造影指导的PCI相比,IVUS指导的PCI心源性死亡[OR=0.45,95%CI(0.34,0.61),P<0.000 01]、心肌梗死[OR=0.67,95%CI(0.53,0.84),P=0.004]、主要心血管不良事件[OR=0.46,95%CI(0.34,0.61),P<0.000 01]、总死亡[OR=0.54,95%CI(0.44,0.67),P<0.000 01]、支架内血栓[OR=0.28,95%CI(0.18,0.45),P<0.000 01]的发生率均更低。两组靶血管再血管化[OR=0.80,95%CI(0.40,1.61),P=0.54]、靶病变血运重建[OR=0.68,95%CI(0.36,1.27),P=0.23]发生率的差异无统计学意义。结论当前证据显示,与冠状动脉造影相比,IVUS指导的PCI治疗左主干病变可降低心源性死亡、心肌梗死、主要不良心血管事件、支架内血栓形成、总死亡的发生率,但对靶病变血运重建和靶血管再血管化发生率无影响。受纳入研究数量和质量限制,上述结论尚需开展更多高质量研究予以验证。     

康复者恢复期血浆治疗新型冠状病毒疾病临床疗效的系统评价

目的系统评价新型冠状病毒疾病(COVID-19)康复者恢复期血浆(CP)治疗COVID-19的临床疗效。方法计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、The Cochrane Library、VIP、WanFang Data和CNKI数据库,搜集有关CP治疗COVID-19疗效的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时限均从建库至2021年9月15日。由2名研究者独立筛选文献、提取资料并评价纳入研究的偏倚风险后,采用RevMan 5.4.1软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入16个RCT,包括15301例患者。Meta分析结果显示:CP治疗组与空白对照组[RR=0.99,95%CI(0.93,1.05),P=0.63]或生理盐水组[RR=1.06,95%CI(0.60,1.86),P=0.84]相比,病死率差异无统计学意义。但与标准血浆相比,CP组病死率更低[RR=0.59,95%CI(0.37,0.95),P=0.03]。此外,与空白对照或生理盐水相比,CP治疗不能改善28~30天临床病情;疾病早期和随机化分组时不需有创机械通气的患者给予CP治疗不能降低病死率。结论当前证据显示,与空白对照或生理盐水相比,CP治疗COVID-19患者不能降低病死率。但当病情发展到需要使用标准血浆时,CP治疗可能会降低患者的病死率。另外,疾病早期或非危重COVID-19患者使用CP不能降低病死率及改善临床症状。受纳入研究数量和质量的限制,上述结论尚待更多高质量研究予以验证。     

Electro-acupuncture vs. sham electro-acupuncture for chronic severe functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of electro-acupuncture (EA) relative to sham electro-acupuncture (sham EA) in treating chronic severe functional constipation (CSFC). Methods: A comprehensive search for relevant studies published between January 1, 1951 and May 14, 2020 was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Web of Science, and EMbase. Two investigators independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. The software Endnote X9 was used for screening articles, and the Review Manager 5.3 for analyzing data.ResultsThe meta-analyses involved 6 studies and 1457 individuals. The pooled results favored the EA group for the increase of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week in the fourth week (MD = 0.80, P = 0.001) during treatment, and further improved in the eight weeks (MD = 1.25, P < 0.001). During the follow-up period, significant changes in CSBMs per week were seen in the experimental group (MD = 1.38, P = 0.008); the effect decreased in the twelfth week (MD = 0.87, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the Bristol stool scale score between the two groups in the fourth week (MD = 0.40, P = 0.08), but significant differences were observed in the eighth week (MD = 0.40, P = 0.03). A significant reduction in patient assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL) score were observed in the EA group during treatment (SMD = -0.83, P < 0.001). No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsEA had favorable effects on CSFC, and the longer the treatment duration was, the better was the effect, but the effect showed a certain period of validity. However, the results may be influenced by the clinical heterogeneity of acupuncture points, depth of needling, intensity, and frequency of EA.     

The efficacy of high- and low-dose curcumin in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to critically appraise and evaluate effects of low- and high-dose curcuminoids on pain and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to compare adverse events (AEs) between curcuminoids and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).MethodsWe systematically reviewed all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on curcuminoids in knee osteoarthritis from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, AMED, Cinahl, ISI Web of Science, Chinese medical database, and Indian Scientific databases from inception to June 21, 2021.ResultsWe included eleven studies with a total of 1258 participants with primary knee OA. The meta-analysis results showed that curcuminoids were significantly more effective than comparators regarding visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores. However, no significant difference in pain relief or AEs between the high-dose (daily dose ≥1000 mg or total dose ≥42 gm) and low-dose (daily dose <1000 mg or total dose <42 gm) curcuminoid treatments was observed. When comparing curcumininoids versus NSAIDs, a significant difference in VAS pain was found. For AE analysis, three of our included studies used NSAIDs as comparators, with all reporting higher AE rates in the NSAID group, though significance was reached in only one study.ConclusionsThe results of our meta-analysis suggest that low- and high-dose curcuminoids have similar pain relief effects and AEs in knee OA. Curcuminoids are also associated with better pain relief than NSAIDs; therefore, using curcuminoids as an adjunctive treatment in knee OA is recommended.     

Acupuncture for the treatment of childhood anorexia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesChildhood anorexia, among the commonest symptoms of children, involved long-term loss of appetite/decreased food intake and refusal to try or eat certain foods. Acupuncture is increasingly popular in childhood anorexia due to the side effects and dissatisfaction of conventional treatment, but, the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for childhood anorexia have not been reviewed systematically.MethodsFrom 12 electronic databases, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing acupuncture for childhood anorexia were identified in June 2021, with posttreatment improvement in clinical symptoms of anorexia as the primary outcome. A meta-analysis was conducted if two or more studies used the same interventions or same outcome measures. The risk of bias and quality of evidence were evaluated.ResultsA total of 32 RCTs with 3518 participants were included. When acupuncture was used as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, the total effectiveness rate based on anorexia symptoms, hemoglobin levels, abdominal subcutaneous fat, and body weight significantly improved. However, results in nutritional indices were inconsistent. The recurrence rate of anorexia was significantly lower in the acupuncture group. No serious adverse events in relation to acupuncture were reported. in general, the risk of bias of the included studies was unclear and the quality of evidence for the main findings was low to moderate.ConclusionsAcupuncture may improve symptoms of childhood anorexia without serious adverse events. However, because of the low methodological quality and quality of evidence in existing reports, further high-quality clinical trials are needed to conclusively establish the efficacy and safety of this treatment.     

Intravenous acetaminophen reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Opioids are a key risk factor for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). As intravenous (i.v.) acetaminophen reduces postoperative pain and opioid requirements, one would expect i.v. acetaminophen to be associated with a lower incidence of opioid-induced side effects, including PONV. We conducted a systematic search using Medline and Cochrane databases supplemented with hand search of abstract proceedings to identify randomized-controlled trials of i.v. acetaminophen. Inclusion criteria were (a) randomized for i.v. acetaminophen vs a placebo control, (b) general anesthesia, and (c) reported or obtainable PONV outcomes. Primary outcome was postoperative nausea and secondary outcome was postoperative vomiting. We included 30 studies with 2364 patients (1223 in the acetaminophen group, 1141 in the placebo group). The relative risk (95% confidence interval) was 0.73 (0.60–0.88) for nausea and 0.63 (0.45–0.88) for vomiting. Data showed significant heterogeneity for both nausea (P = 0.02, I² = 38%) and vomiting (P = 0.006, I² = 47%), but were homogeneous when studies were grouped according to timing of first administration: i.v. acetaminophen reduced nausea when given prophylactically either before surgery, 0.54 (0.40–0.74), or before arrival in the postanesthesia care unit, 0.67 (0.55–0.83); but not when given after the onset of pain, 1.12 (0.85–1.48). When i.v. acetaminophen was given prophylactically, the reduction of nausea correlated with the reduction of pain (odds ratio 0.66, 0.47–0.93), but not with reduction in postoperative opioids (odds ratio 0.89, 0.64–1.22). Prophylactically administered i.v. acetaminophen reduced PONV, mainly mediated through superior pain control.