Moderate Risk Of Bias Research Articles

A Narrative Review in Hip Surgery: Key Findings from a Leading Orthopedic Journal in 2022–2023

Background/Objectives: Orthopedic hip surgery has undergone advances driven by innovations in surgical techniques and improved patient care protocols. The aim was to synthesize and appraise all studies relevant to hip surgery published in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (KSSTA) in 2022–2023. Methods: The search included all studies published in KSSTA from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. Quality assessment was performed using appropriate tools for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and systematic reviews. Due to the diverse nature of the included studies, a narrative synthesis approach was used. Results: A total of 33 primary studies were included in this narrative review, of which 10 were reviews (5 systematic reviews), 1 was an RCT, and 22 were non-RCTs. A total of 11 were from the UK, 10 studies were from the USA, and 5 were from Canada. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) was investigated in a total of 23 studies, followed by hip micro-instability in 7 studies, dysplasia in 5 studies, and gluteal and hamstring tears in 4 studies. The RCT had a low risk of bias. Of the 22 non-RCTs, 16 had a low risk of bias, 5 had a moderate risk of bias, and 1 had a high risk of bias. All systematic reviews were of moderate quality. Conclusions: Hip arthroscopy is an effective treatment for FAI with promising early outcomes, especially when combined with closed capsular repair and appropriate rehabilitation. Surgeons should tailor their approach to capsular management to optimize recovery, as closed capsular repair may enhance functional outcomes. Additionally, preoperative tools like the HAR Index can help identify patients at higher risk of requiring hip arthroplasty after surgery. The conclusions of the included primary studies align with current general recommendations and contribute valuable insights to the field of hip orthopedics.

What Is the Accuracy of 16S PCR Followed by Sanger Sequencing or Next-generation Sequencing in Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Identifying a microorganism in patients with native vertebral osteomyelitis presents diagnostic challenges. Microorganism identification through culture-based methods is constrained by prolonged processing times and sensitivity limitations. Despite the availability of molecular diagnostic techniques for identifying microorganisms in native vertebral osteomyelitis, there is considerable variability in reported sensitivity and specificity across studies, leading to uncertainty in their clinical utility. What are the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios for 16S broad-range PCR followed by Sanger sequencing (16S) and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS) for detecting bacteria in native vertebral osteomyelitis? On June 29, 2023, we searched Cochrane, Embase, Medline, and Scopus for results from January 1970 to June 2023. Included studies involved adult patients with suspected native vertebral osteomyelitis undergoing molecular diagnostics-16S bacterial broad-range PCR followed by Sanger sequencing and shotgun or targeted metagenomic NGS-for bacteria detection. Studies involving nonnative vertebral osteomyelitis and cases of brucellar, tubercular, or fungal etiology were excluded. The reference standard for the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis was a composite clinical- and investigator-defined native vertebral osteomyelitis diagnosis. Diagnostic performance was assessed using a bivariate random-effects model. Risk of bias and diagnostic applicability were evaluated using the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. After a manual screening of 3403 studies, 10 studies (5 on 16S, 5 on NGS) were included in the present analysis, from which 391 patients were included from a total of 958 patients overall. Quality assessment via QUADAS-2 criteria showed moderate risk of bias and good applicability. 16S showed 78% (95% confidence interval [CI] 95% CI 31% to 96%) sensitivity and 94% (95% CI 73% to 99%) specificity, whereas NGS demonstrated 82% (95% CI 63% to 93%) sensitivity and 71% (95% CI 37% to 91%) specificity. In addition, the diagnostic ORs were 59 (95% CI 9 to 388) and 11 (95% CI 4 to 35) for 16S and NGS, respectively. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves showed high test performance for 16S (area under the curve for 16S 95% [95% CI 93% to 97%] and for NGS 89% [95% CI 86% to 92%]). Certainty in estimates was moderate because of sample size limitations. This meta-analysis found moderate-to-high diagnostic performance of molecular methods on direct patient specimens for the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis. When used as a complementary test to microbiological analyses, a positive 16S result rules in the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis, while further studies are needed to understand the role of NGS in the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis. When available, these tests should be used in addition to conventional microbiology, especially in complex cases with extensively negative standard microbiological test results, to detect fastidious bacteria or to confirm the causative bacteria when their isolation and pathogenicity are unclear. A large sample size is needed in future research to understand the use of these techniques as standalone tests for diagnosis. Level III, diagnostic study.

Relationship between Shoulder Pain, Trunk and Lower Limb Pain in Overhead Athletes: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

Forty-nine percent of overhead athletes suffer from shoulder pain. Throwing movements require the participation of all components of the kinetic chain to reduce risk for shoulder overuse. Thus, limited lower limb range of motion or weakness has been identified as a risk factor for shoulder pain in overhead athletes. This systematic review aims to evaluate the association between shoulder, trunk, and lower limb pain in overhead athletes. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct and CENTRAL/Cochrane databases for observational studies. Search terms included sports-related terms (e.g., 'overhead', 'baseball', 'volleyball', 'handball') and injury-related terms (e.g., 'injury history', 'shoulder pain', 'lower limb pain', 'hip pain', 'knee pain', 'ankle pain', 'foot pain', 'trunk pain'). Studies were considered for review if they met the following criteria: inclusion of overhead athletes, investigation of injury or pain in shoulder and lower limb or trunk, had data related to or could calculate the calculation of odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR), available in French or English. The ROBINS-E tool was used to assess the methodological quality of each article. The data were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis, using odds ratios to estimate the strength of the association between shoulder pain and pain at other locations. Seven articles were included. Five of them were at moderate risk of bias and two were at high risk of bias. Shoulder pain was associated with low back pain (OR=5.51), hip pain (OR=4.32), knee pain (OR=3.03) and ankle/foot pain (OR=2.84). This systematic review highlighted, with very low to low certainty, a significant association between shoulder pain and trunk/lower limb pain or injuries. Level 3.

The epidemiology of low back pain in chiropractors and chiropractic students: a systematic review of the literature.

Chiropractors and chiropractic students commonly report low back pain (LBP). However, the burden of LBP in this occupational group has not been synthesized in the literature. This systematic review aims to describe the epidemiology of LBP in chiropractors and chiropractic students. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to May 1, 2023. Eligible studies were cross-sectional, cohort, or case-control studies investigating the prevalence, incidence, associated factors, or risk factors of LBP in chiropractors or chiropractic students. Reviewers independently screened articles and assessed risk of bias using the appropriate JBI Checklists for the observational study design. We descriptively synthesized studies that were rated as low or moderate risk of bias. Of 2012 citations screened, we included 2 cross-sectional studies in the evidence synthesis (1 study rated as moderate risk of bias on chiropractors, and 1 rated as low risk of bias on chiropractic students). For chiropractors, the 12-month prevalence of work-related overuse injuries to the low back was 35.6% (95% CI 29.1, 42.0) in women and 22.4% (95% CI 16.3, 29.6) in men. The 12-month prevalence of work-related acute physical injuries to the low back in chiropractors were 3.4% (95% CI 1.6, 6.8) for women and 0.7% (95% CI 0.1, 3.7) for men. Among chiropractic students, the 1-week prevalence of LBP was 69% (95% CI 64.8, 73.0). This was higher among female students (72.5%, 95% CI 67.1, 77.4) and lower among male students (64%, 95% CI 57.0, 70.6). There is limited high-quality evidence on the epidemiology of LBP in chiropractors and chiropractic students. Our systematic review provides a synthesis of the body of literature, highlighting that chiropractors and chiropractic students commonly report LBP. Future high-quality research is needed to address the incidence, associated factors, and risk factors of LBP.

Response to Bridging Therapy as a Prognostic Indicator of Post-Transplantation Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence and Survival: A Systematic Review.

Liver transplantation (LT) is one of the most effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic livers. Neoadjuvant bridging treatment in patients qualifying and listed for LT is advised but is still debatable owing to the low level of evidence. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to assess the prognostic value of bridging therapy, in terms of radiological and histopathological examination outcomes, for survival after LT. The systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched. In total, five studies were included. An evaluation with the ROBINS-I resulted in studies classified as the following: moderate risk of bias (n = 1) and serious risk of bias (n = 4). The results of the analysis indicated that favorable LT outcomes were most common with complete response or partial radiological response. Poor radiological response or progressive disease during bridging treatment was generally associated with worse overall LT survival. There were not enough data to support the use of this approach to achieve a complete pathologic response. Radiological, pathological, histological, cellular, and molecular tumor features should be included in future LT qualification models.

Abstract 4125679: Physical activity among gender minority adults: A systematic review

Introduction: Gender minority (GM; e.g., transgender, non-binary) adults have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than their cisgender (i.e., non-transgender) counterparts. Physical activity (PA) is associated with a lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. Compared to cisgender adults, GM adults face unique challenges (e.g., discrimination, lack of safe spaces) to meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening PA recommendations, which may negatively impact their overall health and well-being. There is also limited evidence on factors associated with lower PA among GM adults. Goal: To understand differences in the prevalence of PA between GM and cisgender adults and to identify factors associated with PA among GM adults. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we performed a comprehensive search using five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Since, CINAHL, and Scopus). We included peer-reviewed, English-language, quantitative empirical studies focused on PA among GM adults published between 2004 and 2024. We excluded qualitative studies, reviews, editorials, conference abstracts, and grey literature. We performed quality appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: A total of 5,163 articles were retrieved and 24 met inclusion criteria. The included studies had a low to moderate risk of bias. Methodological weaknesses of the included studies were an overreliance on self-reported PA with no objective assessment using accelerometry, use of non-validated PA measures, and limited assessment of muscle-strengthening PA. Most studies (n = 15) reported lower aerobic and muscle-strengthening PA among GM adults compared to their cisgender counterparts. Two studies found that GM adults with higher perceived psychological stress reported lower PA. One study found that GM adults who were on gender-affirming hormone therapy reported higher PA than GM adults who were not. Conclusions: Findings highlight that GM adults report lower aerobic and muscle-strengthening PA than cisgender adults. There is a need for more comprehensive research to understand these disparities and their impact on GM adults’ cardiovascular health. This systematic review can inform future research and the development of tailored interventions to increase PA among GM adults.

A Systematic Review of Dietary Lifestyle Interventions for Neuropathic Pain.

Background/Objectives: Chronic severe neuropathic pain (NP) affects one in 10 individuals over the age of 30 in North America. Standard pharmacological interventions are associated with significant side effects and have limited effectiveness. Diets seeking to improve physiological health, support gut barrier integrity, and decrease systemic inflammation have recently emerged as powerful tools conferring neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing the overall morbidity and mortality of multiple neurological and metabolic diseases. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature around NP outcomes following dietary interventions compared to routine standard of care. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, an initial search yielded 15,387 records after deduplication. Six interventional trials specifically assessing dietary interventions for neuropathic pain were included and analyzed. The dietary lifestyle interventions included low-fat plant-based, plant-based fasting-mimicking, low-calorie, potassium-reduced, gluten-free, and intermittent high-protein/Mediterranean diets. Results: The included studies described some statistically significant improvements in pain severity on objective quantitative sensory testing, electrophysiology, imaging, and subjective questionnaires. The overall risk of bias was moderate, with only one trial demonstrating a low risk of bias across all assessed domains. No serious adverse events were identified, and dietary interventions were generally well tolerated. Conclusions: The data collected and synthesized in this systematic review indicate that dietary lifestyle interventions may offer a low-risk, low-cost, low-tech option for chronic neuropathic pain management, potentially improving quality of life and reducing overall morbidity. However, given substantial variability across studies and a moderate risk of bias, further research is warranted to substantiate these findings.

Pigtail Catheter Compared to Formal Intercostal Catheter for the Management of Isolated Traumatic Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: The optimal management approach for adults with traumatic pneumothorax without haemothorax remains an area of debate. Specifically, there is lack of consensus as to whether insertion of a pigtail catheter is superior to a formal intercostal catheter in improving complication rates. (2) Methods: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases were systematically searched for studies evaluating pigtail catheters compared to formal intercostal catheters for the management of traumatic pneumothorax. Investigative outcomes of interest included pain, duration management, failure, need for formal thoracoscopic surgery, need for supplemental oxygen, length of stay, infection and overall total complications. (3) Results: Three studies evaluating 280 patients were included in this analysis. There was no significant difference in total complications, rates of failure, length of stay or duration of management between pigtail catheters and formal intercostal catheters. This evidence was based on studies of low to moderate risk of bias with poor control for confounding factors. (4) Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates lack of evidence to suggest pigtail catheters are superior to formal intercostal catheter for traumatic pneumothorax. These findings may reflect a true absence of effect between either approach for this patient cohort or non-committal findings in light of limitations of the underlying evidence. Further prospective trials with larger sample sizes and control for confounders are required to validate the outcomes between these two modalities of treatment.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Effectiveness of Strategies for Enhancing Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting

BackgroundPharmacovigilance is essential for patient safety, but underreporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is a global challenge. ObjectivesThis review evaluated the effectiveness of strategies for enhancing ADR reporting by healthcare professionals (HCPs). MethodsThis systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane and the PRISMA guidelines. Five international databases were searched from inception to December 2023 and updated search to September 2024. Randomized clinical controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs on enhancing ADR reporting were included. The primary outcomes were the number of overall ADR and high-quality ADR reports. Study quality was assessed using the EPOC risk of bias (ROB), and ROBIN-I for RCT, and non-RCT. All data were evaluated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic and chi-squared tests. ResultsFrom 1,672 studies, 13 studies (10 RCTs, and 3 non-RCTs) with 28,116 participants were included. Two of 10 RCTs had low ROB while the remaining were judged as unclear and moderate ROB. Most studies were in high-income countries, and the main strategy was educating HCPs through workshops. Meta-analysis showed significant increases in overall ADR reporting through educating HCPs with a rate ratio (RR) of 5.09 (95%CI: 3.36-7.71, I2=84.5%, low certainty), and in high-quality reporting with 1.31 (95%CI:1.09-1.58, I2=0.0%, moderate certainty). Subgroup analysis indicated that educating HCPs through face-to-face workshops combined with the Tawai app (RR:10.5, 95%CI:8.74-12.61), a face-to-face workshop alone (RR:6.69, 95%CI:5.43-8.25, I2=0.0%), and repeated telephone (RR:2.59, 95%CI:1.75-3.84, I2=8.8%) significantly increased the overall number of ADR reports with moderate certainty. Email or letter communications showed no significant effect. ConclusionEducating HCPs via interactive strategies like face-to-face workshops with or without a mobile app and repeated phone calls improved ADR reporting. However, long-term, high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings before recommending widespread implementation in clinical practice, especially in LMICs.

Sex differences in mortality associated with heatwaves: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction The existence of sex and gender differences in the mortality associated with heatwaves remains unclear. Methods A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of population-based studies that investigated the mortality associated with heatwaves and reported results stratified by sex/gender was conducted (PROSPERO registration CRD42023430208). Bibliographic databases Medline and Embase were searched from inception to May 2024 with MESH terms for heatwaves/extreme heat and mortality. This was complemented with hand-searching of reference lists of relevant studies. The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Results In total, 931 studies were identified, of which 32 studies were included in the qualitative review and 11 in the meta-analysis. Most studies (20/32) reported a higher risk of heat-related death for women than men even after adjusting for or stratifying by age. Twelve studies showed statistically significant higher risks of death for women than men and 7 studies identified an increased risk of death for women, but the wide confidence intervals precluded making definite conclusions. Two studies reported a higher risk of death for men in comparison to women but only one was statistically significant. The remaining 10 studies found comparable risks for women and men. For the 11 studies included in the meta-analysis, women had an 8% increased risk of death in comparison to men (RR 1.08, 95% CI [1.02 to 1.14]). There was significant heterogeneity (I2=69%, p = 0.001) due to the variability in the definition of exposure, population, and setting. Most studies had a low to moderate risk of bias. Conclusions Women appeared to have an increased risk of death associated with heatwaves in comparison to men. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying factors and ensure the health protection response considers the gendered impact of heatwaves.

Educational programmes for improving medication adherence among older adults with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Adhering to CAD medications is the priority of its treatment. However, medication adherence is suboptimal among older adults with CAD. Educational programmes are widely used and recommended in improving medication adherence among older adults with CAD. However, the evidence about the effects of educational programmes on medication adherence among older adults with CAD is limited. Aim To evaluate the best available research evidence on the effects of educational programmes designed for improving medication adherence among older adults with CAD. Methods 12 English databases and five Chinese databases were searched from inception to January 2024. Randomised controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies examining the effects of educational programmes for improving medication adherence among older adults with CAD were included. The educational programmes included a set of planned activities aiming at improving the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of medication adherence. The outcome of medication adherence was measured by either objective or subjective methods. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool v2 or the Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effect models as appropriate. Narrative synthesis was conducted if the results of the included studies were not appropriate or possible for meta-analysis. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence. Results 5,607 records were retrieved and 5,599 records were excluded. Seven studies including six randomised controlled trials and one quasi-experimental study were included. Two studies were rated as low risk of bias. Five studies were rated as some concerns or moderate risk of bias due to inadequate information on blinding, allocation concealment, and the analysis of data according to the intention-to-treat principle. The results showed that the educational programmes were associated with significant improvements in medication adherence at immediately post-intervention (Standardised mean difference (SMD): 1.61, 95% CI: 0.03 to 3.19, P=0.05, Low quality of evidence), and at one to six months post-intervention (SMD: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.94, P=0.006, Moderate quality of evidence). Narrative synthesis found that the educational programmes potentially improved medication adherence over six months post-intervention. Conclusions The results show that the educational programmes could improve medication adherence among older adults with CAD. Designing the educational programmes with theoretical frameworks would be helpful to address the complex health needs of the older adults with CAD. More rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of the programmes on long-term medication adherence of the older adults is warranted.Figure 1.Immediate post-interventionFigure 2.Medium-term post-intervention

Is Serum Vitamin D Associated with Depression or Anxiety in Ante- and Postnatal Adult Women? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

To collect evidence from studies that explored the associations between serum vitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations/status and the presence of depressive/anxiety symptoms in the ante- and/or postnatal periods (PROSPERO-CRD42023390895). Studies that assessed serum 25[OH]D concentrations in adult women during the ante/postnatal periods and those that used valid instruments to identify the experience/severity of depressive/anxiety symptoms were included. Independent researchers performed the identification/selection of studies, data extraction, risk of bias (RoB) assessment, and bibliometric analysis steps. Of the total of 6769 eligible records, 15 cohort studies [high (n = 3), moderate (n = 7), and low (n = 5) RoB], nine cross-sectional studies [moderate (n = 3) and low (n = 6) RoB], and one case-control study [moderate RoB] were included (n = 25). Depression (n = 24) and anxiety (n = 4) symptoms were assessed. A significant difference in antenatal serum 25[OH]D concentrations between the groups of women with and without depression was identified (mean difference: -4.63 ng/mL; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: -8.88; -0.38). Postnatal serum 25[OH]D concentrations were found to be, on average, -2.36 ng/mL (95% CI: -4.59; -0.14) lower in women with postnatal depression than in those without. Maternal antenatal anxiety was associated with significantly lower concentrations/deficiency of 25[OH]D in only one included study. Based on very low/low-quality evidence, it was observed that reduced serum 25[OH]D concentrations in the ante- and postnatal period are associated with the presence of ante- and postnatal depressive symptoms, respectively. Low/deficient antenatal serum 25[OH]D concentrations may not be related to the presence of anxiety symptoms before childbirth. Well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to explore the estimated pooled effect of these associations.

Incidence of and risk factors for lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy in adults: a systematic review.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy is associated with greater pain, disability, healthcare use, and costs compared with nonspecific low back pain. Reliable information about its incidence and risk factors were lacking. (1) What is the incidence of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy in adults? (2) What are the risk factors for LDH with radiculopathy in adults? Systematic review. We searched five electronic databases from 1970 to September 2023. Eligible cohort and case-control studies were identified and independently assessed for risk of bias. A qualitative best evidence synthesis of low and moderate risk of bias studies was conducted. We critically reviewed 87 studies and synthesised data from 59 (68%) studies; 12 were of low and 47 of moderate risk of bias. The lower and upper bound limits of the 95% CIs of annual incidence estimates ranged from 0.3 to 2.7 per 1000 persons for surgical case definitions, from 0.04 to 1.5 per 1,000 persons for hospital-based case definitions, and from 0.1 to 298.3 per 1,000 persons for clinical case definitions. Factors associated with the development of LDH with radiculopathy included middle-age (30-50years), smoking, higher BMI, presence of cardiovascular risk factors (in women), and greater cumulative occupational lumbar load by forward bending postures and manual materials handling, with effect sizes ranging from ranging from 1.1 (1.0-1.3) to 3.7 (2.3-6.0). Incidence of LDH varies in different populations and according to case definition. Risk factors include individual, behavioural, and work-related variables. Our findings support the need to develop standardised case definitions that validly classify the clinical spectrum of LDH and for future low risk of bias studies examining causal relationships for LDH with radiculopathy in adults.

The impact of contextual effects in exercise therapy for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundLow back pain is the leading cause of global disability for which exercise therapy is a widely recommended treatment. Research indicates that contextual factors may also influence treatment outcomes in low back pain. Examples include the patient-therapist relationship and other treatment-related circumstances that affect patient expectations. By focusing on the specific treatment effect, clinical trials often ignore the effect of contextual factors, thereby contributing to the so-called efficacy paradox. This means that treatment effects observed in clinical practice are often greater than those reported in clinical trials.This systematic review aims to investigate the proportion of improvement in pain and disability that can be attributed to contextual effects in the outcome of exercise therapy for patients with low back pain.MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database were searched for eligible articles reporting randomized controlled trials that compared exercise therapy to placebo interventions. Risk of bias was assessed with the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Outcomes of interest were pain and disability. Meta-analysis was carried out to calculate the proportion attributable to contextual effects for both pain and disability. The body of evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology.ResultsEight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Five studies were rated as having a moderate risk of bias and two studies had a low risk of bias. Proportion attributable to contextual effects was 0.60 (95% CI 0.40–0.89) for pain and 0.69 (95% CI 0.48–1.00) for disability. Certainty of the evidence as assessed with the GRADE methodology was low.ConclusionsA large extent of pain and disability improvement after exercise therapy in low back pain is attributable to contextual effects although this conclusion is based on low certainty evidence.

Relationship Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Stunting in Pediatric Populations in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and stunting are prevalent global health issues, particularly in developing countries, where previous studies have suggested a potential relationship between them. This systematic review aims to analyze the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and stunting in pediatric populations in developing countries. Literature searches were conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO Host. The primary outcome was the association between IDA and stunting. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort studies and the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) for other observational studies. Meta-analysis was performed with a random-effects model and heterogeneity assessment. A Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment was performed to determine the certainty and importance of the study. Out of 19,095 articles, 15 studies were included in the systematic review, and 4 studies were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing 21,936 subjects aged 0 to 12 years. IDA prevalence ranged from 3.6 to 58.8%, while stunting prevalence varied from 6.6 to 44.5%. Nine articles supported a significant relationship between IDA and stunting, revealing that stunted children had a 1.31-6.785 times higher risk of developing IDA. The odds ratio of children with IDA to be stunted was 2.27 (95% CI = 1.30-3.95). All studies exhibited a moderate risk of bias. GRADE assessment suggested that the evidence's certainty is low but important. The high IDA prevalence in developing countries, including Indonesia, is associated with stunting in children, suggesting a synergistic relationship.

Intraoperative redosing of antibiotics for prevention of surgical site infections: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

AbstractBackgroundAppropriate antibiotic prophylaxis is essential for preventing surgical site infections (SSI); however, the clinical benefit of intraoperative redosing remains unclear and controversial owing to insufficient reliable evidence. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotic redosing in lengthy surgical procedures.MethodsWe systematically searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Ichushi‐Web databases for articles published until 31 December, 2023. We compared the incidence of SSI between patients receiving and not receiving intraoperative redosing of antibiotics in surgeries lasting ≥3 h. Subgroup analyses were conducted across study characteristics. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Mantel–Haenszel random effects model. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS‐I.ResultsOverall, seven observational studies involving 4,671 patients were included. Intraoperative antibiotic redosing significantly reduced the risk of SSI compared with non‐redosing (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.45–0.94, p = 0.02). Subgroup analyses showed that intraoperative redosing decreased SSI risk in studies with a minimum 4‐h operative time, no postoperative antibiotic continuation, and a moderate risk of bias. However, the statistical heterogeneity of the analyses was high among the studies.ConclusionsIntraoperative redosing with prophylactic antibiotics during lengthy surgeries may be associated with a lower risk of SSI than non‐redosing. Therefore, we recommend intraoperative redosing for surgeries lasting beyond 3–4 h to reduce the risk of infection. Further research is required to clarify the optimal redosing interval, which should be prioritized in future studies.

Home use of mifepristone for medical abortion: a systematic review

BackgroundIn many countries, persons seeking medical abortion with mifepristone followed by misoprostol can self-administer the second drug, misoprostol, at home, but self-administration of the first drug, mifepristone, is not allowed...

12366 The Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Bone Health: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis

Abstract Disclosure: C. Teo: None. Y. Chan: None. J. Tay: None. C. Cheong: None. Importance: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a globally prevalent yet underdiagnosed sleep disorder with well-known metabolic consequences. However, the relationship between OSA and bone health, especially osteoporosis, remains poorly understood. Given that both OSA and osteoporosis are highly prevalent chronic conditions with significant public health indications, elucidating the relationship between these conditions is important. Objective: To investigate the association of OSA with bone health, specifically if individuals with OSA had a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, and discuss its clinical implications. Data Sources: A systematic search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase and Cochrane Library from inception to 22 November 2023. Keywords related to obstructive sleep apnea, osteoporosis and bone density were included. Study Selection: Studies that reported on the association between OSA and osteoporosis in adults aged 18 years and above were included. Outcomes of interest included any markers of osteoporosis or bone mineral density. Data Extraction and Synthesis: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and data extracted independently by two observers. Meta-analysis across studies was pooled using a random-effects model. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): Correlation of OSA with bone mineral density, as well as the mean difference in bone density scores and the risk of developing osteoporosis among between individuals with OSA and without OSA. Results: We identified 15 studies comprising 158,273 individuals. All studies had low or moderate risk of bias. The presence of OSA was negatively correlated with bone mineral density on meta-analysis (pooled correlation = -0.30; 95% CI -0.42 – -0.17; N = 8). Individuals with OSA also had poorer bone mineral density scores (mean difference = -0.58, 95% CI, -1.15 – 0.01; N = 8), and had significantly higher risk of developing osteoporosis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.14–4.136; N = 4). Notably, both body mass index (BMI) and age were not significant effect modulators in the correlation of OSA and bone density. Conclusions and Relevance: OSA is associated with diminished bone health and a significant risk in developing osteoporosis. Further studies are required to determine if treatment of OSA may have the potential to mitigate these risks. Presentation: 6/3/2024

A systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy of vasopressin as a vasoconstrictive and uterotonic drug in laparoscopic myomectomy

Abstract Introduction: Laparoscopic myomectomy is a commonly performed operation with fast recovery and excellent results. However, haemorrhagic nature of the operation mandates us to use variety of vasoconstrictive and uterotonic agents. Amongst which, one of them is vasopressin. It is a synthetic antidiuretic hormone analogue which has been in common use as a vasoconstrictive agent in various surgical procedures including laparoscopic myomectomy. Methods: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials published from 2013 to 2023 (10 years) comparing the use of vasopressin against other drug or placebo or different doses of vasopressin was performed. The outcome measures were intraoperative blood loss, need for blood transfusion, difference in the haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct). Results: We identified 176 articles through the study search, amongst which 12 articles were included for the meta-analysis. There was a significant heterogeneity in the studies with moderate risk of bias in eight studies and low risk of bias in four studies. Compared to placebo, vasopressin showed significantly lower odds need of blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.61, P = 0.002) and significantly lower pre–post fall in Hb (OR −3.12, 95% CI: −4.63–−1.60, P < 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss (OR −0.56 (95% CI: −2.04–0.92, P = 0.46) and pre–post fall in Hct (OR −0.94, 95% CI: −1.96–0.07, P > 0.05). Compared to other drug (epinephrine, misoprostol and octreotide acetate), vasopressin showed no significant superiority in controlling blood loss (P > 0.05). Even the two doses of vasopressin (dilute vs. concentrated) showed no statistically significant difference between surgical blood loss and need for blood transfusion (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Vasopressin is an efficacious drug to be used for controlling blood loss, decreasing blood transfusion requirement and maintaining Hb and Hct during laparoscopic myomectomy.

Genedrive kit for detecting single nucleotide polymorphism m.1555A>G in neonates and their mothers: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Neonates with suspected sepsis are commonly treated with gentamicin, an aminoglycoside. These antibiotics are associated with high risk of ototoxicity, including profound bilateral deafness, in people with the m.1555A>G mitochondrial genetic variant. This early value assessment summarised and critically assessed the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Genedrive MT-RNR1 ID Kit for identifying the gene m.1555A>G variant in neonates and mothers of neonates needing antibiotics or anticipated to need antibiotics. Following feedback from the scoping workshop and specialist assessment subgroup meeting, we also considered the Genedrive MT-RNR1 ID Kit for identifying the m.1555A>G variant in mothers prior to giving birth. For clinical effectiveness, we searched three major databases in October 2022: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature). For cost-effectiveness, in addition to the three mentioned databases we searched Cochrane and RePEc-IDEAS. Study selection and risk-of-bias assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers (Ryan PW Kenny and Akvile Stoniute for clinical effectiveness and Hosein Shabaninejad and Tomos Robinson for cost-effectiveness). Any differences were resolved through discussion, or by a third reviewer (Nick Meader). Risk of bias was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. One study (n = 751 neonates recruited) was included in the clinical effectiveness review and no studies were included in the cost-effectiveness review. All except one outcome (test failure rate: low risk of bias) were rated as being at moderate risk of bias. The study reported accuracy of the test (sensitivity 100%, 95% confidence interval 29.2% to 100%; specificity 99.2%, 95% confidence interval 98% to 99.7%), number of neonates successfully tested (n = 424/526 admissions), test failure rate (17.1%, although this was reduced to 5.7%), impact on antibiotic use (all those with a m.1555A>G genotype avoided aminoglycosides), time taken to obtain a sample (6 minutes), time to genotyping (26 minutes), time to antibiotic treatment (55.18 minutes) and the number of neonates with m.1555A>G (n = 3). The economic component of this work identified key evidence gaps for which further data are required before a robust economic evaluation can be conducted. These include the sensitivity of the Genedrive MT-RNR1 ID Kit for identifying the gene m.1555A>G variant in neonates, the magnitude of risk for aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss in neonates with m.1555A>G, and the prevalence of the m.1555A>G variant. Other potentially important gaps include how data regarding maternal inheritance may potentially be used in the clinical pathway. This early value assessment suggests that the Genedrive MT-RNR1 ID Kit has the potential to identify the m.1555A>G variant and to be cost-effective. The Genedrive MT-RNR1 ID Kit dominates the current standard of care over the lifetime, as it is less costly and more effective. For a 50-year time horizon, the Genedrive MT-RNR1 ID Kit was also the dominant strategy. For a 10-year time horizon, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated to be £103 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Nevertheless, as anticipated, there is insufficient evidence to conduct a full diagnostic assessment of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Genedrive MT-RNR1 ID Kit in neonates directly or in their mothers. This report includes a list of research priorities to reduce the uncertainty around this early value assessment and to provide the additional data needed to inform a full diagnostic assessment, including cost-effectiveness modelling. This study is registered as PROSPERO (CRD42022364770). This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR135636) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 75. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.