Bayesian Network Meta-analysis Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of therapies related to acupuncture for acute herpes zoster: A PRISMA systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is mainly characterized by intense pain and severe skin lesions, particularly during the acute phase, which seriously affects the patient's quality of life. Acupuncture is a widely used and effective treatment for HZ. However, there are many types of acupuncture, which have different curative efficacy. This study employed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess and rank the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture therapies. The database of Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese BioMedical Database, VIP Database, and Wanfang Database were searched from inception to December 31, 2022 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture related therapies in the treatment of acute HZ. The outcome indicators measured were visual analogue scale (VAS), date of cessation of herpes increase (DCHI), effective rate (ER), postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and adverse events (AEs). Bayesian network meta-analyses were performed using the GeMTC package (version 1.0-1) and R software (version 4.2.3). A total of 59 RCTs with 3930 patients were included. The results of this NMA were as follows: compared with pharmacotherapy, electroacupuncture (EA) + pricking and cupping (PC) shown the best efficacy to improve VAS score and reduce DCHI. In terms of ER, EA + fire needle (FN) had the highest results of probability ranking. PC was more effective in reducing the incidence of PHN. Furthermore, this study shown that the incidence of AEs associated with acupuncture-related therapies was acceptable. This study indicated that therapies related to acupuncture were both effective and safe in treating acute HZ, and could significantly reduce patients' symptoms such as pain and skin lesions with fewer adverse events. Clinically, the selection of the appropriate therapy should be based on practical considerations. However, due to the limitations of this study, more high-quality trials are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-related therapy for the treatment of acute HZ.

Acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: Bayesian meta-analysis.

Acupuncture stands out as a prominent complementary and alternative medicine therapy employed for functional dyspepsia (FD). We conducted a Bayesian meta-analysis to ascertain both the relative effectiveness and safety of various acupuncture methods in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. We systematically searched eight electronic databases, spanning from their inception to April 2023. The eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials investigating acupuncture treatments for FD. Study appraisal was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3 and ADDIS V.1.16.6 software. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to compare and rank the efficacy of different acupuncture therapies for FD symptoms. This study found that combining different acupuncture methods or using acupuncture in conjunction with Western medicine is more effective in improving symptoms of functional dyspepsia compared to using Western medicine alone. According to the comprehensive analysis results, notably, the combination of Western medicine and acupuncture exhibited superior efficacy in alleviating early satiation and postprandial fullness symptoms. For ameliorating epigastric pain, acupuncture combined with moxibustion proved to be the most effective treatment, while moxibustion emerged as the optimal choice for addressing burning sensations. Warming needle was identified as the preferred method for promoting motilin levels. The findings of this study demonstrate that acupuncture, both independently and in conjunction with other modalities, emerged as a secure and effective treatment option for patients with functional dyspepsia.

Tension-Type Headache Management: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Tension-type headache (TTH) is common but challenging to manage due to limited effectiveness of conventional treatments. This study examines six complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions through network meta-analysis to identify effective TTH management strategies. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, OVID, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM databases for randomized controlled trials on CAM for TTH treatment. Headache frequency and intensity were the primary outcomes. Methodological quality was evaluated on the basis of the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We used R software to conduct this Bayesian network meta-analysis. We used mean difference (MD) with 95% credible intervals (CI) to calculate the continuous outcomes and analyzed the percentages of the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve. In total, 32 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2405 participants were analyzed. For reducing headache intensity, the network meta-analysis shows that acupuncture therapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine (AT_TCM), manual therapy (MT), psychological treatment (PT), and traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and manual therapy (TCM_AT_MT) are superior to Western medicine (WM). In the SUCRA curve, TCM_AT_MT is the best for reducing headache frequency (HF). This review, assessed as low-quality evidence by GRADE, cautiously suggests potential benefits of PT over other CAM interventions for TTH and indicates TCM_AT_MT might better reduce HF. It proposes that combining CAM interventions could enhance outcomes. Due to the preliminary nature of these findings, further high-quality RCTs are essential to confirm these suggestions and provide clearer clinical guidance. CRD42021252073.

Non-pharmacological interventions to prevent PICS in critically ill adult patients: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundPostintensive care syndrome (PICS) is common in critically ill adults who were treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although comparative analyses between types of non-pharmacological measures and usual care to prevent PICS have been performed, it remains unclear which of these potential treatments is the most effective for prevention.MethodsTo obtain the best evidence for non-pharmaceutical interventions in preventing PICS, a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analyses (NMAs) will be conducted by searching nine electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two reviewers will carefully screen the titles, abstracts, and full-text papers to identify and extract relevant data. Furthermore, the research team will meticulously check the bibliographic references of the selected studies and related reviews to discover any articles pertinent to this research. The primary focus of the study is to examine the prevalence and severity of PICS among critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. The additional outcomes encompass patient satisfaction and adverse effects related to the preventive intervention. The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk-of-bias assessment tool will be utilized to evaluate the risk of bias in the included RCTs. To assess the efficacy of various preventative measures, traditional pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian NMA will be used. To gauge the confidence in the evidence supporting the results, we will utilize the Confidence in NMA tool.DiscussionThere are multiple non-pharmacological interventions available for preventing the occurrence and development of PICS. However, most approaches have only been directly compared to standard care, lacking comprehensive evidence and clinical balance. Although the most effective care methods are still unknown, our research will provide valuable evidence for further non-pharmacological interventions and clinical practices aimed at preventing PICS. The research is expected to offer useful data to help healthcare workers and those creating guidelines decide on the most effective path of action for preventing PICS in adult ICU patients.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42023439343.Graphical

Surgical Treatment for Endometrial Cancer, Hysterectomy Performed via Minimally Invasive Routes Compared with Open Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background: Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy via minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has emerged as the standard of care for early-stage endometrial cancer (EC). Prior systematic reviews and meta-analyses have focused on outcomes reported solely from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), overlooking valuable data from non-randomised studies. This inaugural systematic review and network meta-analysis comprehensively compares clinical and oncological outcomes between MIS and open surgery for early-stage EC, incorporating evidence from randomised and non-randomised studies. Methods: This study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020186959). All original research of any experimental design reporting clinical and oncological outcomes of surgical treatment for endometrial cancer was included. Study selection was restricted to English-language peer-reviewed journal articles published 1 January 1995–31 December 2021. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted. Results: A total of 99 studies were included in the network meta-analysis, comprising 181,716 women and 14 outcomes. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery demonstrated reduced blood loss and length of hospital stay but increased operating time. Compared with laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery was associated with a significant reduction in ileus (OR = 0.40, 95% CrI: 0.17–0.87) and total intra-operative complications (OR = 0.38, 95% CrI: 0.17–0.75) as well as a higher disease-free survival (OR = 2.45, 95% CrI: 1.04–6.34). Conclusions: For treating early endometrial cancer, minimal-access surgery via robotic-assisted or laparoscopic techniques appears safer and more efficacious than open surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery is associated with fewer complications and favourable oncological outcomes.

The impact of monotherapies for male androgenetic alopecia: A network meta-analysis study.

The evidence base pertaining to the efficacy of monotherapies for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss, is ever expanding-and this warrants a formal comparison therapies' effect on a frequent basis. The objective of the current study was to determine the comparative effect of relevant monotherapies for male AGA. Our aim was achieved by conducting Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA), under a random effects model, for two outcomes: 6-month change in (1) total and (2) terminal hair density in adult (i.e., aged 18 years and above) men with AGA; these analyses were preceded by a systematic search of the peer-reviewed literature for suitable data. Interventions' surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) and pairwise relative effects (quantified as mean differences) were estimated through the NMAs. We determined the comparative effect of 20 active comparators and a control (i.e., placebo/vehicle). "Dutasteride 0.5 mg once daily for 24 weeks" was ranked the most effective in terms of 6-month change in (1) total hair density (SUCRA = 87%) and terminal hair density (SUCRA = 98%). Our results showed that interventions' effectiveness can be dose dependent. Our updated analyses of the up-to-date evidence regarding monotherapies for male AGA showed that the oral form of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are more effective than oral minoxidil and other newer agents like Botox, microneedling, and photobiomodulation. Our findings can better inform clinical decision making and design of future research studies.

Comparative efficacy and safety of different drugs in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

The goal of this study was to estimate the relative efficacy and safety of different biological agents (infliximab, canakinumab, baricitinib, anakinra, adalimumab, tofacitinib, tocilizumab, and rilonacept) compared with placebo for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients, through a network meta-analysis. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from database inception to July 2023 for randomized controlled trials comparing different biological agents (infliximab, canakinumab, baricitinib, anakinra, adalimumab, tofacitinib, tocilizumab, and rilonacept) or placebo directly or indirectly in JIA. Bayesian network meta-analyses were conducted. Data was extracted and analyzed by R with gemtc package. The treatment options were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value. We identified 10 randomized controlled trials and analyzed 898 participants. Canakinumab (odds ratio 55.0, 95% credible intervals 2.4-67.0) was more effective than the placebo, and the difference was statistically significant. However, there was no statistical significance between other drugs versus placebo in terms of the modified ACRpedi30 (P > .05). The SUCRA shows that canakinumab ranked first (SUCRA, 86.9%), anakinra ranked second (SUCRA, 77.7%), adalimumab ranked third (SUCRA, 61.9%), and placebo ranked the last (SUCRA, 6.3%). Nevertheless, there were no notable discrepancies in the occurrence of adverse events, hepatic-related adverse events, infectious adverse event, serious adverse events, and serious infection following treatment with canakinumab, anakinra, tocilizumab, rilonacept, or the placebo. Based on the clustergram of modified ACRpedi30 and adverse events, canakinumab is suggested for JIA according to the surface under SUCRAs considering the symptom and adverse events simultaneously. Among patients with JIA, canakinumab exhibited the highest likelihood of being the optimal treatment for achieving the modified ACRpedi30 response rate, and neither of the tested biological agents carried a significant risk of serious adverse events.

Duhamel and transanal endorectal pull-throughs for Hirschsprung disease: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

BackgroundTo comprehensively compare the effects of open Duhamel (OD), laparoscopic-assisted Duhamel (LD), transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT), and laparoscopic-assisted endorectal pull-through (LEPT) in Hirschsprung disease.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP were comprehensively searched up to August 4, 2022. The outcomes were operation-related indicators and complication-related indicators. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Network plots, forest plots, league tables and rank probabilities were drawn for all outcomes. For measurement data, weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% credibility intervals (CrIs) were reported; for enumeration data, relative risks (RRs) and 95%CrIs were calculated.ResultsSixty-two studies of 4781 patients were included, with 2039 TEPT patients, 1669 LEPT patients, 951 OD patients and 122 LD patients. Intraoperative blood loss in the OD group was more than that in the LEPT group (pooled WMD = 44.00, 95%CrI: 27.33, 60.94). Patients lost more blood during TEPT versus LEPT (pooled WMD = 13.08, 95%CrI: 1.80, 24.30). In terms of intraoperative blood loss, LEPT was most likely to be the optimal procedure (79.76%). Patients undergoing OD had significantly longer gastrointestinal function recovery time, as compared with those undergoing LEPT (pooled WMD = 30.39, 95%CrI: 16.08, 44.94). The TEPT group had significantly longer gastrointestinal function recovery time than the LEPT group (pooled WMD = 11.49, 95%CrI: 0.96, 22.05). LEPT was most likely to be the best operation regarding gastrointestinal function recovery time (98.28%). Longer hospital stay was observed in patients with OD versus LEPT (pooled WMD = 5.24, 95%CrI: 2.98, 7.47). Hospital stay in the TEPT group was significantly longer than that in the LEPT group (pooled WMD = 1.99, 95%CrI: 0.37, 3.58). LEPT had the highest possibility to be the most effective operation with respect to hospital stay. The significantly reduced incidence of complications was found in the LEPT group versus the LD group (pooled RR = 0.24, 95%CrI: 0.12, 0.48). Compared with LEPT, OD was associated with a significantly increased incidence of complications (pooled RR = 5.10, 95%CrI: 3.48, 7.45). Patients undergoing TEPT had a significantly greater incidence of complications than those undergoing LEPT (pooled RR = 1.98, 95%CrI: 1.63, 2.42). For complications, LEPT is most likely to have the best effect (99.99%). Compared with the LEPT group, the OD group had a significantly increased incidence of anastomotic leakage (pooled RR = 5.35, 95%CrI: 1.45, 27.68). LEPT had the highest likelihood to be the best operation regarding anastomotic leakage (63.57%). The incidence of infection in the OD group was significantly higher than that in the LEPT group (pooled RR = 4.52, 95%CrI: 2.45, 8.84). The TEPT group had a significantly increased incidence of infection than the LEPT group (pooled RR = 1.87, 95%CrI: 1.13, 3.18). LEPT is most likely to be the best operation concerning infection (66.32%). Compared with LEPT, OD was associated with a significantly higher incidence of soiling (pooled RR = 1.91, 95%CrI: 1.16, 3.17). Patients with LEPT had the greatest likelihood not to develop soiling (86.16%). In contrast to LD, LEPT was significantly more effective in reducing the incidence of constipation (pooled RR = 0.39, 95%CrI: 0.15, 0.97). LEPT was most likely not to result in constipation (97.81%). LEPT was associated with a significantly lower incidence of Hirschprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) than LD (pooled RR = 0.34, 95%CrI: 0.13, 0.85). The OD group had a significantly higher incidence of HAEC than the LEPT group (pooled RR = 2.29, 95%CrI: 1.31, 4.0). The incidence of HAEC was significantly greater in the TEPT group versus the LEPT group (pooled RR = 1.74, 95%CrI: 1.24, 2.45). LEPT was most likely to be the optimal operation in terms of HAEC (98.76%).ConclusionLEPT may be a superior operation to OD, LD and TEPT in improving operation condition and complications, which might serve as a reference for Hirschsprung disease treatment.

Abstract PO2-04-07: Efficacy and Safety of First-line Therapy in Patients with HER-2 positive Advanced Breast Cancer:A network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract Background: The numerous but conflicting first-line treatment regimens for Her-2 positive advanced breast cancer necessitate a comprehensive evaluation to inform clinical decision-making. In this study, we conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the efficacy and safety of different interventions. Methods: We systematically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library and online abstracts published by ASCO, SABCS. NMA was performed using R software, STATA and Review Manager 5.4 to calculate and analyze the primary endpoint progression free survival (PFS), as well as the secondary endpoints of overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and adverse events (AE) higher than grade 3. Results: Out of the 8,603 manuscripts retrieved, we included 30 RCTs involving 12,045 patients in our analysis. Regarding PFS, the combination of trastuzumab with TKI was more favorable than dual-target therapy (hazard ratio=0.54, 95% [CI]: 0.40–0.72), and combination chemotherapy was superior to monotherapy (HR=0.66, 0.53-0.83). It is important to note that the addition of anthracycline did not result in improved PFS (HR=1.27, 0.87-1.86). For the HR+HER2+ population, dual-target plus endocrine therapy was more effective than single-target plus endocrine therapy (HR=0.65, 0.53-0.80). Monotherapy combined with dual-target therapy significantly improved OS and ORR compared to monotherapy with single-target therapy (HR=0.69, 0.56-0.84; OR=1.89, 1.34-2.65). A comprehensive analysis of both PFS and AE higher than grade 3 indicated that monotherapy plus dual-target therapy struck a balanced approach between effectiveness and toxicity compared to other regimens. Conclusions: Monotherapy plus dual-target therapy remains the optimal choice among all first-line treatment options for advanced breast cancer. The combination of trastuzumab with TKI demonstrated a significant improvement in PFS, but further data are warranted to confirm the survival benefit. Figure 1. Network diagrams of PFS, OS, ORR and adverse events higher than grade 3 in eligible experimental arms. Figure 2. Forest plot of PFS, OS, ORR and adverse events higher than grade 3 in eligible experimental arms. (A): PFS of HER2+ for experimental arms. (B): PFS of HR+ and HER2+ for experimental arms. (C): OS of HER2+ for experimental arms. (D): ORR of HER2+ for experimental arms. (E): Adverse events higher than grade 3 of HER2+ for experimental arms. Figure 3. Each endpoint ranking for experimental arms. (SUCRA, surface under the cumulative ranking) (A): PFS ranking for experimental arms. (B): OS ranking for experimental arms. (C): ORR ranking for experimental arms. (D): Adverse events higher than grade 3 ranking for experimental arms. (E): Experimental arms ordered by their overall probability as the best treatment in terms of both efficacy and safety Citation Format: Junxiao Wang, Yushuai Yu, Jie Zhang, Chuangui Song. Efficacy and Safety of First-line Therapy in Patients with HER-2 positive Advanced Breast Cancer:A network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-04-07.

Comparison of Dual Antiplatelet Therapies for Minor, Nondisabling, Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) appears to be an effective treatment option for minor (nondisabling) acute ischemic stroke. This conclusion is based on trials that include both transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke; however, these 2 conditions may differ. To compare DAPT regimens specifically for minor stroke. PubMed was searched for randomized clinical trials published up to November 4, 2023. Search terms strategy included TIA, transient ischemic attack, minor stroke, or moderate stroke, with the filter randomized controlled trial. Unpublished data on minor stroke were sourced from authors and/or institutions. Trials testing DAPT within the first 24 hours of a minor stroke (defined as a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5) were included by consensus. Of 1508 studies screened, 6 (0.3%) initially met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The study was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines by multiple observers. Bayesian fixed-effect network meta-analysis was conducted. Secondary analysis performed for high-risk TIA alone. Treatments were ranked using a probability measure called surface under the cumulative rank curve (SUCRA). The primary outcome was subsequent ischemic stroke at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included major hemorrhage, mortality, and hemorrhagic stroke. The number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) were obtained. Five trials were included that described 28 148 patients, of whom 22 203 (78.9%) had a minor stroke. Of these, 13 995 (63.0%) were in DAPT groups and 8208 (37.0%) in aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) groups. Aspirin and ticagrelor had a 94% probability of being the superior treatment for minor stroke (SUCRA, 0.94) for the primary outcome. Both aspirin and ticagrelor (NNT, 40; 95% CI, 31-64) and aspirin and clopidogrel (NNT, 58; 95% CI, 39-136) were superior to aspirin alone in the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke at 90 days. Both treatments had higher rates of major hemorrhage than aspirin alone (NNH for aspirin and ticagrelor, 284; 95% CI, 108-1715 vs NNH for aspirin and clopidogrel, 330; 95% CI, 118-3430), but neither had increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke or death. For high-risk TIA, ticagrelor and aspirin had a 60% probability (SUCRA, 0.60) and clopidogrel and aspirin had a 40% probability (SUCRA 0.40) of being a superior treatment; neither was optimum, but both were superior to aspirin alone for the primary outcome. These findings suggest that DAPT with aspirin and ticagrelor has higher probability of being the superior treatment among patients with minor stroke when presence of CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles has not been excluded. For patients with TIA, the superiority of aspirin and ticagrelor vs aspirin and clopidogrel was not demonstrated.

MP20-16 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patient Outcomes in Robotic Assisted Simple Prostatectomy vs. Prostate Enucleation: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-analysis

MP20-16 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patient Outcomes in Robotic Assisted Simple Prostatectomy vs. Prostate Enucleation: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-analysis

Adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer: a safety analysis of clinical trials and FDA pharmacovigilance system.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the application of ICIs can also cause treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This study was to evaluate both the irAEs and trAEs of different ICI strategies for NSCLC based on randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The study also examined real-world pharmacovigilance data from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) regarding claimed ICI-associated AEs in clinical practice. Based on Pubmed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane CENTRAL, we retrieved RCTs comparing ICIs with chemotherapy drugs or with different ICI regimens for the treatment of NSCLC up to October 20, 2023. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% credible intervals (95%CrI). Separately, a retrospective pharmacovigilance study was performed based on FAERS database, extracting ICI-associated AEs in NSCLC patients between the first quarter (Q1) of 2004 and Q4 of 2023. The proportional reports reporting odds ratio was calculated to analyze the disproportionality. The NMA included 51 RCTs that involved a total of 26,958 patients with NSCLC. Based on the lowest risk of any trAEs, cemiplimab, tislelizumab, and durvalumab were ranked as the best. Among the agents associated with the lowest risk of grades 3-5 trAEs, tislelizumab, avelumab, and nivolumab were most likely to rank highest. As far as any or grades 3-5 irAEs are concerned, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab plus chemotherapy is considered the most safety option. However, it is associated with a high risk of grades 3-5 trAEs. As a result of FAERS pharmacovigilance data analysis, 9,420 AEs cases have been identified in 7,339 NSCLC patients treated with ICIs, and ICIs were related to statistically significant positive signal with 311 preferred terms (PTs), and comprehensively investigated and identified those AEs highly associated with ICIs. In total, 152 significant signals were associated with Nivolumab, with malignant neoplasm progression, death, and hypothyroidism being the most frequent PTs. These findings revealed that ICIs differed in their safety profile. ICI treatment strategies can be improved and preventive methods can be developed for NSCLC patients based on our results.

Comparative effects of exercise interventions and mindfulness-based interventions for cognitive impairment and quality of life in breast cancer survivors during or after cancer treatment: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

The aim of this network meta-analysis was to compare the improvement effects of various exercise interventions and mindfulness-based interventions to determine the best interventions for the improvement of cognitive impairment. 7 databases were searched to screen RCTs of exercise interventions and mindfulness-based interventions to improve cognitive impairment. The network meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3, R 4.2.1 and ADDIS 1.16.8 software. 34 RCTs involving 14 interventions were included in the study. In terms of cognitive function, except for mindfulness-based stress reduction, all interventions showed significantly greater improvement in cognitive function compared with conventional therapy. Physical activity and Qigong showed better effect in improving executive function. In terms of improving verbal memory, compensatory cognitive training, neurofeedback training, Qigong and sham Qigong were more effective than other interventions. On performing surface under the cumulative ranking curve analysis, acceptance and commitment therapy, neurofeedback training, Qigong, and mediation had the best effects on cognitive function, quality of life, executive function, and processing speed, respectively. Mindfulness-based interventions were found to be more effective than exercise interventions for alleviating cognitive impairment. More robust RCTs focusing on acceptance and commitment therapy for cognitive impairment are required to support the current evidence.

The Comparative Effects of Monotherapy with Topical Minoxidil, Oral Finasteride, and Topical Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are long-standing androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatments; topical finasteride is a more recent medicine. Few studies have compared their therapeutic effects in postmenopausal women. We compared the therapeutic impact of topical finasteride (1–4 sprays of 0.25% topical finasteride solution daily for 12 months), oral finasteride (2.5 mg oral finasteride once daily for 12 months), and topical minoxidil (1 mL of topical minoxidil 5% twice daily for 12 months) in postmenopausal women with AGA. Methods: We conducted Bayesian network meta-analyses of individual patient-level data insofar as four clinically relevant endpoints, namely, 12-month change in (1) total hair density, (2) hair diameter, (3) clinical photographs, and (4) patients’ opinion of efficacy. Data were obtained through medical charts. Regimens’ surface under the cumulative ranking distribution (SUCRA) values and relative effects – as per odds ratios – were computed. Results: As per SUCRA, the most and least effective regimens – across the four outcomes – were oral finasteride, and topical finasteride, respectively; however, no significant statistical differences were found (i.e., p > 0.05). Conclusion: Oral finasteride is ranked more effective than the topical forms of minoxidil and finasteride; however, more studies are needed to confirm this result.

Effect of different oral anticoagulants on cognitive function in patients with atrial fibrillation: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is 1 of the most common types of arrhythmias. At present, the treatment for patients with AF mainly includes oral anticoagulants (OACs). Studies have shown that OACs are associated with cognitive decline in patients with atrial fibrillation; however, there is a lack of relevant evidence. This study used Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) to investigate the effects of different oral anticoagulants on cognitive decline in patients with AF. We systematically searched for clinical studies on oral anticoagulants in patients with AF in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library as of July 3, 2023. Cochrane's randomized controlled trial bias risk assessment tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used to assess the bias risk of the included studies. The main outcome measure was decreased cognitive functioning. Ten studies were included, including 2 RCTs and 7 RCSs, including 882,847 patients with AF. Five oral anticoagulants and 2 anticoagulants were included: VKAs (especially warfarin), Dabigatran, Edoxaban, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, and Aspirin, Clopidogrel. The results of the mesh meta-analysis showed that VKAs were superior to warfarin in reducing the risk of cognitive decline in patients with AF (OR = -1.19, 95% CI (-2.35, -0.06), P < .05) (Table 5). The top 3 drugs in terms of the probability of reducing the incidence of cognitive impairment in patients with AF with different oral anticoagulants were VKAs (87%), rivaroxaban (62.2%), and dabigatran (60.8%). Based on the results of this study, VKAs may be the best intervention measure for reducing the risk of cognitive decline in patients with AF. Owing to the limitations of this study, more high-quality randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes and multiple centers are required to provide more evidence.

Spontaneous recovery from neuromuscular block after a single dose of a muscle relaxant in pediatric patients: A systematic review using a network meta-analytic and meta-regression approach.

Age-related differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and the short duration of many surgical procedures put pediatric patients at risk of postoperative residual curarization (PORC). To date, the duration of neuromuscular blocking agent effect in children has not been analyzed in a quantitative review. The current meta-analysis aimed to compare spontaneous recovery following administration of various types and doses of neuromuscular blocking agents and to quantify the effect of prognostic variables associated with the recovery time in pediatric patients. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that compared the time to 25% T1 (t25), from 25% to 75% T1 (RI25-75), and to ≥90% train-of-four (tTOF90) neuromuscular recovery between common neuromuscular blocking agent treatments administered as a single bolus to healthy pediatric participants. We compared spontaneous t25, RI25-75, and tTOF90 between (1) neuromuscular blocking agent treatments and (2) age groups receiving a given neuromuscular blocking agent intervention and anesthesia technique. Bayesian random-effects network and pairwise meta-analyses along with meta-regression were used to evaluate the results. We used data from 71 randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials including 4319 participants. Network meta-analysis allowed for the juxtaposition and ranking of spontaneous t25, RI25-75, and tTOF90 following common neuromuscular blocking agent interventions. For all neuromuscular blocking agents a log-linear relationship between dose and duration of action was found. With the neuromuscular blocking agent treatments studied, the average tTOF90 (mean[CrI95]) in children (>2-11 y) was 41.96 [14.35, 69.50] and 17.06 [5.99, 28.30] min shorter than in neonates (<28 d) and infants (28 d-12 M), respectively. We found a negative log-linear correlation between age and duration of neuromuscular blocking agent effect. The difference in the tTOF90 (mean[CrI95]) between children and other age groups increased by 21.66 [8.82, 34.53] min with the use of aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking agents and by 24.73 [7.92, 41.43] min with the addition of sevoflurane/isoflurane for anesthesia maintenance. The times to neuromuscular recovery are highly variable. These can decrease significantly with age and are prolonged when volatile anesthetics are administered. This variability, combined with the short duration of many pediatric surgical procedures, makes quantitative neuromuscular monitoring mandatory even after a single dose of neuromuscular blocking agent.

Clinical efficacy of lenvatinib, trans-arterial chemoembolization, and PD-1/L1 inhibitors in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Currently, the effectiveness of TACE, Lenvatinib, and PD-1/L1 inhibitors used alone or in combination has been thoroughly reported. However, the differences in effectiveness between these treatment protocols require further verification. To this end, this study employs a Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of TACE, Lenvatinib, and PD-1/L1 inhibitors, whether administered by monotherapy or in combination, providing evidence-based medicine for the treatment of unresectable HCC. This study employed a network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), Programmed Cell Death Protein/Ligand 1 (PD-1/L1) inhibitors, and Lenvatinib in the treatment of advanced HCC. Literature on the treatment of advanced HCC with TACE, PD-1/L1 inhibitors, and Lenvatinib was searched for in both Chinese and English databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang. Two researchers conducted independent screening and data extraction, and the meta-analysis was performed using R language with the gemtc package. After retrieval and screening, a total of 21 articles were included, involving 2052 participants and six treatment modalities: Lenvatinib (L), TACE (T), TACE + Lenvatinib (TL), Lenvatinib + PD-1/L1 inhibitors (LP), TACE + Lenvatinib + PD-1/L1 inhibitors (TLP), and TACE + PD-1/L1 inhibitors (TP). In terms of objective response rate (ORR), the TLP regimen provided the optimal effect. In predicting the best ORR, TLP had the highest (75.5%) probability. In terms of disease control rate (DCR), the TLP regimen showed the best effect. In predicting the best DCR, the TLP again offered the highest (76.1%) probability. In terms of overall survival (OS), the best outcome was observed in the TLP protocol. In predicting the best OS, the TLP holds the highest (86.00%) probability. Furthermore, the best outcome in progression-free survival (PFS) was found in the TLP regimen. In predicting the best PFS, the TLP still holds the highest (97.0%) result. The combination of TACE, Lenvatinib, and PD-1/L1 inhibitors appears to provide the maximum benefit for inoperable HCC patients.

Efficacy and safety of antibiotics targeting Gram-negative bacteria in nosocomial pneumonia: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

BackgroundMultiple randomized controlled studies have compared numerous antibiotic regimens, including new, recently commercialized antibiotics in the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia (NP). The objective of this Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the efficacy and the safety of different antibiotic treatments for NP.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases from 2000 through 2021. The study selection included studies comparing antibiotics targeting Gram-negative bacilli in the setting of NP. The primary endpoint was 28 day mortality. Secondary outcomes were clinical cure, microbiological cure and adverse events.ResultsSixteen studies encompassing 4993 patients were included in this analysis comparing 13 antibiotic regimens. The level of evidence for mortality comparisons ranged from very low to moderate. No significant difference in 28 day mortality was found among all beta-lactam regimens. Only the combination of meropenem plus aerosolized colistin was associated with a significant decrease of mortality compared to using intravenous colistin alone (OR = 0.43; 95% credible interval [0.17–0.94]), based on the results of the smallest trial included. The clinical failure rate of ceftazidime was higher than meropenem with (OR = 1.97; 95% CrI [1.19–3.45]) or without aerosolized colistin (OR = 1.40; 95% CrI [1.00–2.01]), imipemen/cilastatin/relebactam (OR = 1.74; 95% CrI [1.03–2.90]) and ceftazidime/avibactam (OR = 1.48; 95% CrI [1.02–2.20]). For microbiological cure, no substantial difference between regimens was found, but ceftolozane/tazobactam had the highest probability of being superior to comparators. In safety analyses, there was no significant difference between treatments for the occurrence of adverse events, but acute kidney failure was more common in patients receiving intravenous colistin.ConclusionsThis network meta-analysis suggests that most antibiotic regimens, including new combinations and cefiderocol, have similar efficacy and safety in treating susceptible Gram-negative bacilli in NP. Further studies are necessary for NP caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.Registration PROSPERO CRD42021226603

Cost-effectiveness analysis of abrocitinib compared with standard of care in adult moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in Japan.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a significant clinical, economic, and human burden. The JAK1 Atopic Dermatitis Efficacy and Safety (JADE) program's Phase 3 trials demonstrated that as a treatment for moderate-to-severe AD in adults with previous exposure to immunotherapy, abrocitinib showed superior efficacy and safety compared with standard of care (SoC), consisting of topical corticosteroids. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of abrocitinib with SoC versus SoC alone for this patient population in Japan from a societal perspective. A hybrid decision tree and Markov model were used to capture the initial treatment and long-term maintenance phases. Clinical inputs at 16 weeks were obtained through a Bayesian network meta-analysis of four pivotal trials from the JADE program. Clinical inputs at 52 weeks were derived from the JADE EXTEND trial. Response-specific utility inputs were obtained from published literature. Resource use, costs, and productivity inputs were gathered from Japanese claims analysis, literature, public documents, and expert opinion. Costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were discounted at 2.0% per year and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to validate the base case results and explore a payer perspective. Over a lifetime horizon and with the base-case societal perspective, abrocitinib produced a mean gain of 0.75 QALYs, incremental costs of JPY (¥) 2 270 386 (USD [$] 17 265.6), and a resulting ICER of ¥3 034 514 ($23 076.5) per QALY compared with SoC. From a payer perspective, the incremental costs increased to ¥4 476 777 ($34 044.4), with an ICER of ¥5 983 495 ($45 502.6) per QALY. The results were most sensitive to treatment-specific, response-based utility weights, drug costs, and productivity-related inputs. From a Japanese societal perspective, abrocitinib demonstrated superior QALYs and with a willingness-to-pay threshold of ¥5 000 000 ($38 023.4) per QALY, can be considered cost-effective compared with SoC as a treatment for moderate-to-severe AD in adult patients with previous immunosuppressant exposure.

Art therapies and cognitive function in elderly with subjective cognitive decline: a protocol for a network meta-analysis

IntroductionSubjective cognitive decline means a decline in the subjective perception of self-cognitive function, which is likely to evolve into mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The number of elderly with subjective...