Hydroxyethyl starch versus other fluids for non-septic patients in the intensive care unit: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

IntroductionUse of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) in septic patients is reported to increase the mortality and incidence of renal replacement therapy (RRT). However, whether or not use of HES would induce the same result in non-septic patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains unclear. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate 6% HES versus other fluids for non-septic ICU patients.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched from Pubmed, OvidSP, Embase database and Cochrane Library, published before November, 2013. A meta-analysis was made on the effect of 6% HES versus other fluids for non-septic ICU patients, including mortality, RRT incidence, bleeding volume, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and fluid application for non-septic patients in ICU.ResultsTwenty-two RCTs were included, involving 6,064 non-septic ICU patients. Compared with the other fluids, 6% HES was not associated with decreased overall mortality (RR = 1.03, 95%CI: 0.09 to 1.17; P = 0.67; I² = 0). There was no significant difference in RRT incidence, bleeding volume and red blood cell transfusion between 6% HES group and the other fluid groups. However, patients in HES group received less total intravenous fluids than those receiving crystalloids during the first day in ICU (SMD = −0.84; 95%CI: −1.39 to −0.30; P = 0.003, I² = 74%).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis found no increased mortality, RRT incidence, bleeding volumes or RBC transfusion in non-septic ICU patients, but the sample sizes were small and the studies generally were of poor quality.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-015-0833-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The effect of glutamine therapy on outcomes in critically ill patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

Glutamine supplementation is supposed to reduce mortality and nosocomial infections in critically ill patients. However, the recently published reducing deaths due to oxidative stress (REDOX) trials did not provide evidence supporting this. This study investigated the impact of glutamine-supplemented nutrition on the outcomes of critically ill patients using a meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched for and gathered data from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Elsevier, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov databases reporting the effects of glutamine supplementation on outcomes in critically ill patients. We produced subgroup analyses of the trials according to specific patient populations, modes of nutrition and glutamine dosages.

Results

Among 823 related articles, eighteen Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) met all inclusion criteria. Mortality events among 3,383 patients were reported in 17 RCTs. Mortality showed no significant difference between glutamine group and control group. In the high dosage subgroup (above 0.5 g/kg/d), the mortality rate in the glutamine group was significantly higher than that of the control group (relative risk (RR) 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02 to 1.38; P = 0.03). In 15 trials, which included a total of 2,862 patients, glutamine supplementation reportedly affected the incidence of nosocomial infections in the critically ill patients observed. The incidence of nosocomial infections in the glutamine group was significantly lower than that of the control group (RR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.97; P = 0.02). In the surgical ICU subgroup, glutamine supplementation statistically reduced the rate of nosocomial infections (RR 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.94; P = 0.04). In the parental nutrition subgroup, glutamine supplementation statistically reduced the rate of nosocomial infections (RR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.98; P = 0.03). The length of hospital stay was reported in 14 trials, in which a total of 2,777 patients were enrolled; however, the patient length of stay was not affected by glutamine supplementation.

Conclusions

Glutamine supplementation conferred no overall mortality and length of hospital stay benefit in critically ill patients. However, this therapy reduced nosocomial infections among critically ill patients, which differed according to patient populations, modes of nutrition and glutamine dosages.     

Autologous bone marrow cell therapy for patients with peripheral arterial disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: Early-phase clinical trials suggest that autologous bone-marrow-derived cells (BMCs) may have a positive effect on patients with severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, the therapeutic effects of BMCs treatment in various aspects remain controversial.

Research design and methods: We conducted a meta-analysis using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by comparing autologous BMCs therapy with controls in patients with severe PAD. Pubmed, EMBASE, EBSCO and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials ( to approximately April 2011) were searched.

Results: Seven RCTs with 276 patients were included. Pooled comparisons of studies found that BMCs therapy significantly improved ankle-brachial index (ABI) by 0.10 (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.14; p < 0.00001), transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcO₂) by 13.39 mmHg (95% CI, 6.69 to 20.1 mmHg; p < 0.0001) and pain-free walking distance by 119.91 m (95% CI, 90.71 to 149.11 m; p < 0.00001). BMCs therapy significantly decreased scale of rest pain by 1.13 (95% CI, -1.71 to -0.54, p = 0.0002) and helped heal ulcers (OR, 7.17; 95% CI, 2.66 to 19.32; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Our analysis based on seven RCTs suggests that autologous BMCs therapy, has a beneficial effect on physiologic and anatomic parameters in patients with severe PAD.     

Selenium supplementation for sepsis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Recently, several studies were conducted to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation in septic patients. However, no consistent conclusion was made. Thus, we aimed to systematically summarize the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of selenium supplementation on important clinical outcomes in septic patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted (up to August 25, 2012). RCTs were included if they reported the effect of selenium supplementation on the treatment of septic patients. A fixed-effect model was used, and in the case of significant heterogeneity, a random-effects model was employed.

Results

Five studies with a total of 530 patients were included. Pooled analysis showed that selenium supplementation did not reduce all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR] = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-1.07, P = .21), hospital-acquired pneumonia (RR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.73-1.82, P = .55), or length of intensive care unit stay (weighted mean differences = 2.32 days, 95% CI: − 0.05 to 4.69; P = .05). In addition, no significant difference was observed regarding adverse events between groups (RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.72-1.33, P = .87).

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis showed no benefit of selenium supplementation in patients with sepsis. Due to the limited number of RCTs included, more prospective multicenter clinical trials on selenium therapy in septic patients are warranted in the future.     

Vasopressin for cardiac arrest: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Prior meta-analyses-reported results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1997 and 2004 failed to show any vasopressin-related benefit in cardiac arrest. Based on new RCT-data and a hypothesis of a potentially increased vasoconstricting efficacy of vasopressin, we sought to determine whether the cumulative, current evidence supports or refutes an overall and/or selective benefit for vasopressin regarding sustained restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), long-term survival, and neurological outcome.

Methods

Two reviewers independently searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database for RCTs assigning adults with cardiac arrest to treatment with a vasopressin-containing regimen (vasopressin-group) vs adrenaline (epinephrine) alone (control-group) and reporting on long-term outcomes. Data from 4475 patients in 6 high-methodological quality RCTs were analyzed. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to initial cardiac rhythm and time from collapse to drug administration (T_DRUG) < 20 min.

Results

Vasopressin vs. control did not improve overall rates of sustained ROSC, long-term survival, or favourable neurological outcome. However, in asystole, vasopressin vs. control was associated with higher long-term survival {odds ratio (OR) = 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-3.12, P = 0.04}. In asystolic patients of RCTs with average T_DRUG < 20 min, vasopressin vs. control increased the rates of sustained ROSC (data available from 2 RCTs; OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.17-2.47, P = 0.005) and long-term survival (data available from 3 RCTs; OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.19-6.79, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Vasopressin use in the resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients is not associated with any overall benefit or harm. However, vasopressin may improve the long-term survival of asystolic patients, especially when average T_DRUG is <20 min.     

Morbidity in hospitalized patients receiving human albumin: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of albumin administration on morbidity in acutely ill hospitalized patients. DATA SOURCE: Computer searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library; hand searches of journals and Index Medicus; inquiries with investigators and fluid product suppliers; and examination of reference lists. No language or time period restrictions were adopted. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized, controlled trials comparing the administration of albumin with that of crystalloid, no albumin, or lower-dose albumin. DATA EXTRACTION: Two investigators independently extracted data. The primary endpoint for the meta-analysis was morbidity, defined as the incidence of complications, including death. Trial quality was evaluated by blinding, allocation concealment, presence of morbidity as a study endpoint, and individual patient crossover. DATA SYNTHESIS: Seventy-one trials were included in the categories of surgery or trauma, burns, hypoalbuminemia, high-risk neonates, ascites, and other indications. The 3,782 randomized patients in the included trials experienced a total of 3,287 complications, including 515 deaths and 2,772 cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic, infectious, renal, respiratory, and other complications. Albumin significantly reduced overall morbidity, with a risk ratio of 0.92 (confidence interval [CI], 0.86-0.98). Control group albumin dose significantly affected the incidence of complications (p = .002). In 32 trials with no albumin administered to the control group, the risk ratio was 0.77 (CI, 0.67-0.88) compared with 0.89 (CI, 0.80-1.00) in 20 trials with control patients receiving low-dose albumin and 1.07 (CI, 0.96-1.20) in 19 trials with moderate-dose control group albumin. CONCLUSIONS: Albumin reduces morbidity in acutely ill hospitalized patients. Concomitant administration of albumin in the control group can obscure the effects of albumin on clinical outcome in randomized trials.     

Rifampicin-impregnated central venous catheters: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: The use of antimicrobial-impregnated central venous catheters (CVCs) for the prevention of CVC microbial colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) remains controversial. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating CRBSI and colonization of CVCs impregnated with rifampicin-based antimicrobial combinations. Our main analysis compared the occurrence of CRBSI with rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs with that of non-rifampicin-impregnated CVCs. The PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched (until October 2006). RESULTS: Eight RCTs were included in the analysis. The main analysis (seven RCTs) demonstrated that rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs were associated with fewer CRBSIs compared with catheters not impregnated with rifampicin/minocycline (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.14-0.40). The same was true regarding colonization (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31-0.69). Further analysis, comparing rifampicin-based CVCs with non-rifampicin-impregnated CVCs, demonstrated superiority of rifampicin-based CVCs in reducing colonization (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24-0.62) and CRBSI (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.14-0.40). Similar results, suggesting superiority of rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs, were noted in a subgroup analysis of colonization and CRBSIs in which rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs were compared with simple, non-tunnelled, non-antimicrobially impregnated CVCs, a subgroup analysis that was performed by excluding low quality RCTs, and a subgroup analysis for colonization comprising studies in which the sonication technique was used. No serious adverse events and no difference in mortality between the two treatment groups were reported. No clear conclusions can be made regarding the impact of the use of rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs on the development of antimicrobial resistance based on the available data. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggests that rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs are safe and effective in reducing the rate of catheter colonization and CRBSI. Further research should focus on the possible development of resistance and on pharmacoeconomic issues related to the use of rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs.     

Cardiac contractility modulation for heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) emerges as a promising device treatment for heart failure (HF). This meta-analysis aimed to systematically review the latest available randomized evidence on the effectiveness and safety of CCM in HF. Methods: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched in November 2011 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials comparing CCM with sham treatment or usual care. Primary outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalizations, and adverse effects. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous data using a random-effects model. Results: Three studies enrolling 641 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed that, compared to control, CCM did not significantly improve all-cause mortality (n = 629, RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.50-2.86, P = 0.69), nor was there a favorable effect in all-cause hospitalizations. No increase in adverse effects with CCM was observed. Conclusions: Meta-analysis of data from small randomized trials suggests that CCM, although with no clear benefits in improving clinical outcomes, is not associated with worsening prognosis. Large, well-designed trials are needed to confirm its role in HF patients for whom cardiac resynchronization therapy is contraindicated or unsuccessful. (PACE 2012; 35:1111-1118).     

Assessment of efficacy and safety of UV-based therapy for psoriasis: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundPrevious studies have proven that ultraviolet (UV)-based phototherapy, including UVB or psoralen UVA (PUVA), and their combination therapies, is effective for psoriasis treatment.ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of different UV-based phototherapy in psoriasis.MethodsPubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Embase were systematically searched. A random-effect model network meta-analysis with frequentist framework was performed, and results were reported as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CI. The main variable for assessing effectiveness and safety are PASI 75 response and withdrawal due to AEs. Ranking effects were calculated by surface under the cumulative ranking analysis (SUCRA).ResultsThirty-two studies involving a total of 2120 psoriasis patients were included in this network meta-analysis. Overall, no significant difference was reported with respect to withdrawal due to AEs or incidence of erythema. The relatively safest strategy was combined adjuvant therapy with PUVA (cPUVA), especially PUVA combined with calcium/vitamin D derivatives (RR 0.98, 95% CI [0.30–3.17], SUCRA = 80.8%). Both cPUVA (RR 1.39, 95% CI [1.00– 1.94]) and combined adjuvant therapy with UVB (cUVB) (RR 1.27, 95% CI [1.03–1.57]) showed a superior effect than the monotherapy of UVA or UVB, respectively. PUVA combined with vitamin D and its derivatives (PAVD) ranked highest concerning clinical effect and safety (clusterank value = 7393.2).ConclusionsThe efficacy of all the combination therapy regimens was significantly superior to that of UV monotherapy, without significant differences in tolerability and safety. cUVB and cPUVA, and particularly the combination of UVA with calcium/vitamin D derivatives, was ranked as the overall safest and most effective phototherapy method.     

The effect of goal-directed therapy on mortality in patients with sepsis - earlier is better: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines recommend goal-directed therapy (GDT) for the early resuscitation of patients with sepsis. However, the findings of the ProCESS (Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock) trial showed no benefit from GDT for reducing mortality rates in early septic shock. We performed a meta-analysis to integrate these findings with existing literature on this topic and evaluate the effect of GDT on mortality due to sepsis.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases and reference lists of extracted articles. Randomized controlled trials comparing GDT with standard therapy or usual care in patients with sepsis were included. The prespecified primary outcome was overall mortality.

Results

In total, 13 trials involving 2,525 adult patients were included. GDT significantly reduced overall mortality in the random-effects model (relative risk (RR), 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71 to 0.96; P =0.01; I² = 56%). Predefined subgroup analysis according to the timing of GDT for resuscitation suggested that a mortality benefit was seen only in the subgroup of early GDT within the first 6 hours (seven trials; RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.89; P =0.0004; I² = 40%), but not in the subgroup with late or unclear timing of GDT (six trials; RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.24; P =0.59; I² = 56%). GDT was significantly associated with the use of dobutamine (five trials; RR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.20 to 6.10; P =0.02).

Conclusions

The results of the present meta-analysis suggest that GDT significantly reduces overall mortality in patients with sepsis, especially when initiated early. However, owing to the variable quality of the studies, strong and definitive recommendations cannot be made.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-014-0570-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Effectiveness of Tai Chi on fibromyalgia patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTo identify empirical evidence on the effectiveness of Tai Chi in treating fibromyalgia (FM).MethodWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effectiveness of Tai Chi and standard care or conventional therapeutic exercise in patients with FM. PubMed, Medline, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched for relevant studies published before May 2019. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated using the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), and the total score, pain score, sleep quality index, fatigue, depression, and quality of life were assessing among the patients.ResultsSix RCTs with 657 patients were included. Results of our meta-analysis indicated that Tai Chi exerts significant positive effects on reducing the total FIQ score at 12–16 weeks (standard mean difference [SMD]: −0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.90 to −0.31) and pain score (SMD: −0.88; 95% CI: −1.58 to −0.18), improving sleep quality (SMD: −0.57; 95% CI: −0.86 to −0.28), relieving fatigue (SMD: −0.92; 95% CI: −1.81 to −0.04), alleviating depression (SMD: −0.49; 95% CI: −0.97 to −0.01), and enhancing quality of life physically (SMD: 6.21; 95% CI: 3.18–9.24) and psychologically (SMD: 5.15; 95% CI: 1.50–8.81).ConclusionTai Chi exerts significantly greater effects on patients with FM than standard care; therefore, we suggest that Tai Chi can be used as an alternative treatment. However, more large-scale, high-quality, and multicenter trials are required to provide stronger evidence on the effectiveness of Tai Chi, as an alternative to aerobic exercise, compared with conventional therapeutic exercise.     

认知行为疗法对医学难以解释的躯体症状干预效果的Meta分析

目的评价认知行为疗法对医学难以解释的躯体症状的干预效果。方法计算机检索Cochrane图书馆、Pubmed、Embase、中文期刊全文数据库(CNKI)、万方、维普数据库中的随机对照实验,干预措施为认知行为疗法。严格质量评价后,采用RevMan5.4进行数据分析。使用标准化均数差计算试验的效应大小,并用I2检验评估样本的异质性。结果最终纳入9项研究,共计1035名研究对象。Meta分析结果显示,认知行为疗法可以缓解医学难以解释的躯体症状SMD=-0.33(n=1035,CI=-0.45-0.20),P<0.001。结论认知行为疗法能对医学难以解释的躯体症状产生有效干预。     

Proton pump inhibitor therapy for peptic ulcer bleeding: Cochrane collaboration meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in treating peptic ulcer bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Cochrane Library, and metaRegister of Controlled Trials databases and published proceedings of major meetings through November 2004 for randomized controlled trials that compared oral or intravenous PPIs with placebo or a histamine2-receptor antagonist for peptic ulcer bleeding. Pharmaceutical companies and relevant experts were contacted. Data extraction and assessment of study validity were performed independently in duplicate. Assessed outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality, rebleeding, surgery, and repeated endoscopic treatment. Influence of study characteristics on outcomes was examined by subgroup analyses and meta-regression. RESULTS: We included 24 trials (4373 participants). Statistical heterogeneity was evident only for rebleeding. Treatment with PPIs had no significant effect on mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.40; number needed to treat [NNT], incalculable) but significantly reduced rebleeding (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.37-0.65; NNT, 13) and the need for surgery (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.48-0.78; NNT, 34) and repeated endoscopic treatment (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.20-0.51; NNT, 10). Results were similar when analysis was confined to trials with adequate allocation concealment. Treatment with PPIs significantly reduced mortality in Asian trials (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.74; NNT, 34) and in patients with active bleeding or a nonbleeding visible vessel (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.91; NNT, 50). CONCLUSIONS: In ulcer bleeding, PPIs reduce rebleeding and the need for surgery and repeated endoscopic treatment. They improve mortality among patients at highest risk.