Systematic Review Of Controlled Studies Research Articles

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonism for psychosis: a living systematic review and meta-analysis of human and non-human data.

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonism shows promise for treating psychosis, prompting us to synthesise data from human and non-human studies. We co-produced a living systematic review of controlled studies examining TAAR1 agonists in individuals (with or without psychosis/schizophrenia) and relevant animal models. Two independent reviewers identified studies in multiple electronic databases (until 17.11.2023), extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Primary outcomes were standardised mean differences (SMD) for overall symptoms in human studies and hyperlocomotion in animal models. We also examined adverse events and neurotransmitter signalling. We synthesised data with random-effects meta-analyses. Nine randomised trials provided data for two TAAR1 agonists (ulotaront and ralmitaront), and 15 animal studies for 10 TAAR1 agonists. Ulotaront and ralmitaront demonstrated few differences compared to placebo in improving overall symptoms in adults with acute schizophrenia (N=4 studies, n=1291 participants; SMD=0.15, 95%CI: -0.05, 0.34), and ralmitaront was less efficacious than risperidone (N=1, n=156, SMD=-0.53, 95%CI: -0.86, -0.20). Large placebo response was observed in ulotaront phase-III trials. Limited evidence suggested a relatively benign side-effect profile for TAAR1 agonists, although nausea and sedation were common after a single dose of ulotaront. In animal studies, TAAR1 agonists improved hyperlocomotion compared to control (N=13 studies, k=41 experiments, SMD=1.01, 95%CI: 0.74, 1.27), but seemed less efficacious compared to dopamine D 2 receptor antagonists (N=4, k=7, SMD=-0.62, 95%CI: -1.32, 0.08). Limited human and animal data indicated that TAAR1 agonists may regulate presynaptic dopaminergic signalling. TAAR1 agonists may be less efficacious than dopamine D 2 receptor antagonists already licensed for schizophrenia. The results are preliminary due to the limited number of drugs examined, lack of longer-term data, publication bias, and assay sensitivity concerns in trials associated with large placebo response. Considering their unique mechanism of action, relatively benign side-effect profile and ongoing drug development, further research is warranted. PROSPERO-ID: CRD42023451628.

Impact of lower concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide on cryopreservation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical studies

Background aimsCryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is crucial for autologous transplantation, cord blood banking and other special circumstances. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is used most commonly for cryopreserving HSC products but can cause infusional toxicities and affect cell viability and engraftment after transplant. A systematic review of controlled studies using lower concentrations of DMSO to cryopreserve HSC products in clinical transplant studies is needed to determine the effect of reducing DMSO concentrations on post-thaw cell viability, initial engraftment and adverse effects on patient health. MethodsAll studies identified in our systematic search (to July 11, 2023) examining the use of cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) for autologous stem cell transplantation (AHCT) were included. Meta-analysis was performed to determine how varying the concentration of DMSO during cryopreservation effects post-thaw cell viability, initial engraftment and adverse effects on patient health. ResultsA total of 1547 studies were identified in our systematic search, with seven published articles meeting eligibility for inclusion in meta-analysis. All patients underwent AHCT using (PBSCs) to treat hematologic malignancies. The viability of CD34+ cells post thaw was greater when cryopreserved with 5% DMSO compared with 10% DMSO, with lower rates of adverse side effects in patients. DMSO concentration had minimal impact on rates of initial engraftment. Significant heterogeneity in outcome reporting was observed and the potential for bias was identified in all studies. ConclusionsReducing the concentration of DMSO from 10% to 5% during cryopreservation of autologous PBSCs may improve cell viability and reduce DMSO-associated adverse effects in patients undergoing AHCT. Data from more studies with similar patients and standard outcome reporting are needed to increase confidence in our initial observations. Protocol registrationPROSPERO; registration number CRD42023476809 registered November 8, 2023.

P-531 Effectiveness and safety of uterine septum division: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Study question To evaluate whether division of uterine septum improves reproductive outcome as compared to no intervention and is a safe procedure. Summary answer While septal division doesn’t seem to improve live birth and clinical pregnancy rates or reduce miscarriage rates, it has improved preterm birth and malpresentation rates. What is known already Septate uteri are common congenital uterine malformations and are seen in about 1% of women. While most women with septate uterus have normal reproductive outcome, studies have reported increased risk of adverse reproductive outcome including miscarriages in women with septate uterus. Hysteroscopic metroplasty or hysteroscopic transcervical division of the uterine septum has been regularly done with an intention to improve the outcome, although evidence on its effectiveness is conflicting. A systematic review of controlled studies done in 2014 has shown a potential benefit, but later studies including a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) has shown no benefit. Study design, size, duration In this systematic review and meta-analysis, Medline and Cochrane Library databases were searched from commencement to December 2022. We identified 13 eligible studies of which 12 were non-randomised controlled studies and one RCT, comprising 1855 women. Participants/materials, setting, methods We included comparative studies of septal division versus non-intervention in women having septate uterus with a history of infertility or recurrent miscarriage. The outcomes assessed were live birth, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, preterm birth, malpresentation and complications. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used for quality assessment. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 software. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using random effects models. Main results and the role of chance The live birth rates were similar for the septal division and non-intervention groups (OR: 1.48; 95% CI 0.86-2.56). The clinical pregnancy rates (OR: 1.24; 95% CI 0.64-2.39) and miscarriage rates (OR: 0.61; 95% CI 0.35-1.06) were also similar. The preterm birth rates (OR: 0.67; 95% CI 0.47-0.95) and malpresentation at birth (OR: 0.34; 95% CI 0.23-0.53) were lower in patients managed surgically. The complication rates were reported in four studies and were ranging between 2.6% and 9.4% with the main reported complication being uterine perforation. Limitations, reasons for caution While the review included comparative studies, only one was RCT. High level of heterogeneity between studies was observed. Many had different inclusion and/ or exclusion criteria and used different diagnostic modalities and criteria. Wider implications of the findings The findings of our review help in counselling women seeking septal division, particularly of lack of benefit in improving live birth rates or reducing miscarriage, but may reduce preterm births and malpresentation. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies and low-quality evidence, large multicentre RCTs are warranted. Trial registration number not applicable

Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Advocacy Interventions for Adult Victims of Domestic Violence Within an Emergency Department Setting.

Advocacy interventions for survivors of domestic violence are well established and supported by evidence in some community and healthcare settings. Survivors of domestic violence identified in emergency departments have important differences, and it is not clear whether evidence can be applied to this population. We conducted an inclusive systematic review of controlled studies evaluating the effectiveness of advocacy workers for adult survivors identified in emergency departments. We identified five studies, all with substantial methodological flaws. The outcome measures were very varied. No study reported harm from advocacy. Most reported benefits from referrals to advocacy workers. Despite weak evidence, referral to advocacy workers for survivors of domestic violence is not harmful and offers benefits.

Long-term studies in cognitive training for older adults: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT.Studies show that aging is accompanied by losses in cognitive functions and that interventions can increase performance and/or support the maintenance of cognitive skills in the elderly.Objective:The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of long-term studies involving cognitive training (CT) in older adults without dementia and/or with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:A systematic review of controlled studies was published in scientific journals from 2000 onward, with duration ≥6 months, CT intervention, cognitively normal (CN) or MCI participants aged ≥60 years, and assessments using cognitive and/or neuropsychological tests.Results:A total of 32 studies were reviewed, comprising 10 on study protocols, 14 in CN older adults (no MCI and/or dementia), and 8 in older adults with MCI or at risk for dementia.Conclusions:The studies reported improvements in cognitive performance for some motor abilities, among older participants of CT with or without booster sessions, including multimodal interventions or otherwise.

Treatment of Adolescents with Concurrent Substance Use Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a risk factor for the development of substance abuse and substance use disorders (SUD) in adolescence and (early) adulthood. ADHD and SUD also frequently co-occur in treatment-seeking adolescents, which complicates diagnosis and treatment, and is associated with poor treatment outcomes. In this study, we provide a systematic review of controlled studies on the effectiveness of pharmacological, psychosocial, and complementary treatments of ADHD in adolescents with and without comorbid SUD. In addition, we review the longitudinal association between pharmacotherapy for childhood ADHD and the development of SUD in adolescence and early adulthood. We conducted a systematic review of the research literature published since 2000 using Medline, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases to select randomized clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses. The quality of the evidence from each study was rated using the SIGN grading system. Based on the limited evidence available, strong clinical recommendations are not justified, but provisionally, we conclude that stimulant treatment in children with ADHD may prevent the development of SUD in adolescence or young adulthood, that high-dose stimulant treatment could be an effective treatment for adolescents with ADHD and SUD comorbidity, that cognitive behavior therapy might have a small beneficial effect in these patients, and that alternative treatments are probably not effective. More studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions that will allow for strong clinical recommendations.

A systematic review of controlled studies of suicidal and self-harming behaviours in adolescents following bereavement by suicide.

Research suggests that being exposed to the suicide of others increases risk of subsequent suicidal or self-harming thoughts or behaviours. What is less clear is whether this applies to adolescents, and if the risk exceeds that following other causes of death, which has implications on suicide prevention approaches. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence on adolescent bereavement experiences by different causes to address this gap. A comprehensive literature search using four databases (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Embase) identified 21 studies which measured suicidal or self-harm outcomes among bereaved adolescents aged between 12 to 18 years old. The literature was screened, data was extracted using pre-piloted forms, and risk of bias was assessed using versions of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale; a proportion of papers were double extracted and assessed for bias. The review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016051125). A narrative synthesis of the literature demonstrated divergent findings depending on the outcome being measured. Suicide bereavement appears to be strongly associated with suicide mortality among parentally bereaved youth, while self-harm or non-fatal suicide attempts (either presenting to hospital or self-reported) showed mixed evidence. Suicidal ideation was not uniquely associated with suicide bereavement. An exploration of circumstances surrounding the death, characteristics of the person who died, and characteristics of the young person across each outcome measure suggested that earlier experiences of loss, shorter timeframes following the death, and maternal death are associated with particularly elevated risk of suicidal outcomes. Findings suggest that suicide loss is associated with subsequent suicide, and may be associated with non-fatal self-harm. A detailed account of the risk and protective factors surrounding suicide bereavement among young people is crucial to understand the pathways through which suicidal behaviours develop. Researchers, policy makers and practitioners with an interest in suicide prevention will benefit from clarity around the needs of young bereaved individuals.

Simulation training in non-cancer palliative care for healthcare workers: a systematic review of controlled studies

BackgroundThe need for healthcare workers (HCWs) to have skills and knowledge in non-cancer palliative care has been recognised. Simulation is increasingly being used for palliative care training, offering participants the...

Heart failure disease management: a systematic review of effectiveness in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

AimsHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) poses a substantial challenge for clinicians, but there is little guidance for effective management. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if there was evidence that disease management programmes (DMPs) improved outcomes for patients with HFpEF.Methods and resultsA systematic review of controlled studies in English or Greek of DMPs including patients with HFpEF from 2008 to 2018 was conducted using CINAHL, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Embase. Interventions were assessed using a DMP taxonomy and scored for complexity and intensity. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Initial and updated searches found 6089 titles once duplicates were removed. The final analysis included 18 studies with 5435 HF patients: 1866 patients (34%, study ranges 18–100%) had potential HFpEF (limited by variable definitions). Significant heterogeneity in terms of the population, intervention, comparisons, and outcomes prohibited meta‐analysis. Statistically significant or positive trends were found in mortality, hospitalization rates, self‐care ability, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and sleep, but findings were not robust or consistent. Four studies reported results separately for study‐defined HFpEF, with two finding less positive effect on outcomes.ConclusionsVarying definitions of HFpEF used in studies are a substantial limitation in interpretation of findings. The reduced efficacy noted in contemporary HF DMP studies may not only be due to improvements in usual care but may also reflect inclusion of heterogeneous patients with HFpEF or HF with mid‐range EF who may not respond in the same way as HFrEF to individual components. Given that patients with HFpEF are older and multi‐morbid, DMPs targeting HFpEF should not rely on a single‐disease focus but provide care that addresses predisposing and presentation phenotypes and draws on the principles of comprehensive geriatric assessment. Other components could also be more targeted to HFpEF such as modification of lifestyle factors for which there is emerging evidence, rather than simply continuing the model of care used in HFrEF. Based on current evidence, HF DMPs may improve mortality, hospitalization rates, self‐care, and quality of life in patients with HFpEF; however, further research specifically tailored to appropriately defined HFpEF is required.

Combating the COVID-19 battle with personal protective equipment (PPE) armamentarium.

Combating the COVID-19 battle with personal protective equipment (PPE) armamentarium.

Do orthodontic patients develop more gingival recession in anterior teeth compared to untreated individuals? A systematic review of controlled studies

To investigate, in an evidence-based manner, the contemporary available information regarding the development of gingival recession in the anterior teeth of orthodontically treated and age-matched untreated individuals. Eight databases were searched without restrictions from the date of coverage initiation to June 30th, 2019 (registration in PROSPERO: CRD42018080948). Studies evaluating gingival recession development following comprehensive orthodontic treatment were reviewed. Following study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, the random effects model was employed for exploratory data synthesis. The confidence in the retrieved estimates was appraised using current guidelines. Finally, three studies, with a follow-up of 6 years maximum, were identified. Overall, the amount of gingival recession did not increase significantly immediately after treatment with normal occlusion. However, for some of the comparisons considered, the risk for orthodontic patients to present with labial gingival recession seemed to increase, especially during retention [mandibular incisors 6 years post-treatment: Odds Ratio: 8.81, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.93-40.07, p=0.005]. Although the amount of recession does not differ, some increase in the risk for gingival recession development in the anterior teeth may be encountered in orthodontically-treated individuals compared to untreated subjects with normal occlusion. However, these findings should be viewed cautiously until more studies of high quality become available. Good practice would suggest that it is important to identify patients at potential risk and consider the possible implications for orthodontic treatment.

Effectiveness of interventions for people bereaved through suicide: a systematic review of controlled studies of grief, psychosocial and suicide-related outcomes

BackgroundSuicide bereavement is a risk factor for adverse outcomes related to grief, social functioning, mental health and suicidal behaviour. Consequently, suicide bereavement support (i.e., postvention) has been identified as an important suicide prevention strategy. However, little is known about its effectiveness. To redress this gap, this review aimed to assess the evidence of effectiveness of interventions for people bereaved by suicide, and appraise the quality of the research in this field.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. Searches of peer-reviewed literature in Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and EBM Reviews identified 12 papers reporting on 11 relevant studies conducted between 1984 and 2018.ResultsAcross studies, there was a wide variety of intervention modalities, study populations, control groups, and grief, psychosocial and suicide-related outcome measures. Overall, the quality of studies was weak. While there was some evidence of the effectiveness of interventions for uncomplicated grief, evidence of the effectiveness of complicated grief interventions was lacking. Based on this scant evidence, interventions which seem to show promise include supportive, therapeutic and educational approaches, involve the social environment of the bereaved, and comprise a series of sessions led by trained facilitators.ConclusionsThere is a clear need for additional methodologically sound studies in this area. Specifically, selection procedures, sample sizes, randomization, and the use of appropriate measures are crucial. As people bereaved by suicide are at-risk of adverse grief, mental ill-health and suicidal behaviour, further research across the life-span is essential to prevent grief and mental health ramifications.

Neuropsychology of generalized anxiety disorders: a systematic review

Cognitive symptoms in psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression have been widely studied and defined; however, despite the frequent subjective cognitive complaints in patients with anxiety disorders, neuropsychology of anxiety disorders has less consistent results in literature. This study offers a systematic review of controlled studies that evaluate neuropsychological findings in adults diagnosed of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD). Finally, 40 articles were selected for this systematic review, with a total sample of 1098 patients with GAD. Results suggest that subjects with GAD have a worse performance than controls in the following cognitive domains: complex attention (selective attention), executive functions (working memory, cognitive inhibition, decision making), and social cognition (recognizing and processing emotions, attribution bias). Most consistent results report the influence of emotional stimuli (specifically, threatening or anxiety-provoking stimuli) on performance on cognitive task related with complex attention, working memory and cognitive inhibition. In our knowledge, there is not any previous systematic review defining the neuropsychological profile of GAD. Due to the clinical and functional consequences of cognitive symptoms in these patients, future studies that allow a better knowledge on this field are needed: including larger samples of patients; controlling variables that could eventually modify the association between cognitive symptoms and GAD, such as pharmacological treatment and comorbid depression; focusing on specific neuropsychological test for GAD; and evaluating the effect of pharmacological and psychological treatment on cognitive symptoms in GAD patients.

Effectiveness of rehabilitation after cervical disk surgery: a systematic review of controlled studies

Objectives: To present a synopsis of evidence on the efficacy of rehabilitation after cervical disk surgery performed for neck pain and radiculopathy. Data sources: The databases of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central were searched for studies reporting effects of rehabilitation interventions in patients undergoing surgery due to cervical disk disease with pain and radicular syndrome, published before 31 August 2018. Review methods: Project was registered with PROSPERO database (number CRD42018085937). Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions versus other, sham, or no treatment were selected. The primary outcomes were disability and pain. Secondary outcomes were other measures assessing biological, psychological or social effect of rehabilitation. Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Evaluation of evidence was performed with the GRADE system. Results: Five papers were included in the review. The eligible studies were heterogeneous in intervention and outcome reporting. There are low- to very-low-quality evidence that some interventions (use of cervical collars after non-plated anterior cervical diskectomy an fusion, structured physiotherapy, and interactive patients’ education) provide some benefit within functioning, pain, and selected psychological variables in patients undergoing cervical disk surgery. Controlled trials addressing comprehensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation, multidisciplinary pain management, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, social and vocational interventions were not identified. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence with few trials of low quality to allow any conclusion to be drawn about the effectiveness, harms, and general ineffectiveness of rehabilitation for people who have had cervical disk surgery for pain or radiculopathy.

Interventions to support shared decision making for hypertension: A systematic review of controlled studies.

BackgroundHypertension (high blood pressure) is a common long‐term health condition. Patient involvement in treating and monitoring hypertension is essential. Control of hypertension improves population cardiovascular outcomes. However, for an individual, potential benefits and harms of treatment are finely balanced. Shared decision making has the potential to align decisions with the preferences and values of patients.ObjectiveDetermine the effectiveness of interventions to support shared decision making in hypertension.Search strategySearches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO up to 30 September 2017.Eligibility criteriaControlled studies evaluating the effects of shared decision‐making interventions for adults with hypertension compared with any comparator in any setting and reporting any outcome measures.ResultsSix studies (five randomized controlled trials) in European primary care were included. Main intervention components were as follows: training for health‐care professionals, decision aids, patient coaching and a patient leaflet. Four studies, none at low risk of bias, reported a measure of shared decision making; the intervention increased shared decision making in one study. Four studies reported blood pressure between 6 months and 3 years after the intervention; there was no difference in blood pressure between intervention and control groups in any study. Lack of comparability between studies prevented meta‐analysis.ConclusionsDespite widespread calls for shared decision making to be embedded in health care, there is little evidence to inform shared decision making for hypertension, one of the most common conditions managed in primary care.

Evidence-based practice educational intervention studies: a systematic review of what is taught and how it is measured

BackgroundDespite the established interest in evidence-based practice (EBP) as a core competence for clinicians, evidence for how best to teach and evaluate EBP remains weak. We sought to systematically assess coverage of the five EBP steps, review the outcome domains measured, and assess the properties of the instruments used in studies evaluating EBP educational interventions.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of controlled studies (i.e. studies with a separate control group) which had investigated the effect of EBP educational interventions. We used citation analysis technique and tracked the forward and backward citations of the index articles (i.e. the systematic reviews and primary studies included in an overview of the effect of EBP teaching) using Web of Science until May 2017. We extracted information on intervention content (grouped into the five EBP steps), and the outcome domains assessed. We also searched the literature for published reliability and validity data of the EBP instruments used.ResultsOf 1831 records identified, 302 full-text articles were screened, and 85 included. Of these, 46 (54%) studies were randomised trials, 51 (60%) included postgraduate level participants, and 63 (75%) taught medical professionals. EBP Step 3 (critical appraisal) was the most frequently taught step (63 studies; 74%). Only 10 (12%) of the studies taught content which addressed all five EBP steps. Of the 85 studies, 52 (61%) evaluated EBP skills, 39 (46%) knowledge, 35 (41%) attitudes, 19 (22%) behaviours, 15 (18%) self-efficacy, and 7 (8%) measured reactions to EBP teaching delivery. Of the 24 instruments used in the included studies, 6 were high-quality (achieved ≥3 types of established validity evidence) and these were used in 14 (29%) of the 52 studies that measured EBP skills; 14 (41%) of the 39 studies that measured EBP knowledge; and 8 (26%) of the 35 studies that measured EBP attitude.ConclusionsMost EBP educational interventions which have been evaluated in controlled studies focus on teaching only some of the EBP steps (predominantly critically appraisal of evidence) and did not use high-quality instruments to measure outcomes. Educational packages and instruments which address all EBP steps are needed to improve EBP teaching.

Dental arch spatial changes after premature loss of first primary molars: a systematic review of controlled studies.

Studies investigating dental arch spatial changes following first primary molar premature loss are controversial regarding clinical significance. The purpose of this review was to systematically investigate the relevant literature. Controlled studies investigating changes before and after premature loss of first primary molars were searched in various databases. Split-mouth design studies were considered eligible for inclusion. The risk of bias was judged according to ADA Clinical Practice Guidelines. Only two analyzable split-mouth studies on mandibular first primary molar loss were identified. Space loss in the extraction side was greater at 2, 4, 6 and 8-month follow-ups, reaching a -1.5mm difference in the final examination (95% Confidence Interval: -2.080 to -0.925; p=0.000; random effects model). Studies were judged to be at unclear risk of bias. The amount of space decrease after premature loss of first primary molars may have management implications under certain circumstances. Comprehensive assessment of the various characteristics of each patient should precede management decisions in individual cases.

The use of mobile applications to support self-management for people with asthma: a systematic review of controlled studies to identify features associated with clinical effectiveness and adherence.

Telehealth is promoted as a strategy to support self-management of long-term conditions. The aim of this systematic review is to identify which information and communication technology features implemented in mobile apps to support asthma self-management are associated with adoption, adherence to usage, and clinical effectiveness. We systematically searched 9 databases, scanned reference lists, and undertook manual searches (January 2000 to April 2016). We include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasiexperimental studies with adults. All eligible papers were assessed for quality, and we extracted data on the features included, health-related outcomes (asthma control, exacerbation rate), process/intermediate outcomes (adherence to monitoring or treatment, self-efficacy), and level of adoption of and adherence to use of technology. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were used. We included 12 RCTs employing a range of technologies. A meta-analysis (n = 3) showed improved asthma control (mean difference -0.25 [95% CI, -0.37 to -0.12]). Included studies incorporated 10 features grouped into 7 categories (education, monitoring/electronic diary, action plans, medication reminders/prompts, facilitating professional support, raising patient awareness of asthma control, and decision support for professionals). The most successful interventions included multiple features, but effects on health-related outcomes were inconsistent. No studies explicitly reported adoption of and adherence to the technology system. Meta-analysis of data from 3 trials showed improved asthma control, though overall the clinical effectiveness of apps, typically incorporating multiple features, varied. Further studies are needed to identify the features that are associated with adoption of and adherence to use of the mobile app and those that improve health outcomes.

Continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive ventilation in prehospital treatment of patients with acute respiratory failure: a systematic review of controlled studies.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) are frequently used inhospital for treating respiratory failure, especially in treatment of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Early initiation of treatment is important for success and introduction already in the prehospital setting may be beneficial. Our goal was to assess the evidence for an effect of prehospital CPAP or NIV as a supplement to standard medical treatment alone on the following outcome measures; mortality, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and intubation rate. We undertook a systematic review based on a search in the three databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane. We included 12 studies in our review, but only four of these were of acceptable size and quality to conclude on our endpoints of interest. All four studies examine prehospital CPAP. Of these, only one small, randomized controlled trial shows a reduced mortality rate and a reduced intubation rate with supplemental CPAP. The other three studies have neutral findings, but in two of these a trend toward lower intubation rate is found. The effect of supplemental NIV has only been evaluated in smaller studies with insufficient power to conclude on our endpoints. None of these studies have shown an effect on neither mortality nor intubation rate, but two small, randomized controlled trials show a reduction in intensive care unit length of stay and a trend toward lower intubation rate. The risk of both type two errors and publication bias is evident, and the findings are not consistent enough to make solid conclusion on supplemental prehospital NIV. Large, randomized controlled trials regarding the effect of NIV and CPAP as supplement to standard medical treatment alone, in the prehospital setting, are needed.

Efficacy of continuation/maintenance electroconvulsive therapy for the prevention of recurrence of a major depressive episode in adults with unipolar depression: a systematic review.

Divergent opinion surrounds the use of continuation/maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (c/mECT) as a recurrence prevention strategy in depression because of limited data on efficacy and adverse effects. In an effort to synthesize what is known about its efficacy, a systematic review of controlled studies reporting efficacy of c/mECT for the prevention of relapse or recurrence of a depressive episode in adults with unipolar major depression was conducted. Eleven electronic databases were searched with a 3-stage screening process conducted by the author with an independent review. Quality assessments and data extractions were performed on selected studies using preselected tools. Six studies met the inclusion criteria; these are as follows: 3 randomized controlled trials, 1 small nonrandomized controlled trial, and 2 retrospective chart reviews. All participants had undergone an index course of electroconvulsive therapy with positive effects before receiving c/mECT or control/comparison interventions. One randomized controlled trial and retrospective chart review showed no significant difference between c/mECT and control/comparison interventions; the remaining 4 studies showed a significantly superior effect of c/mECT for the prevention of recurrence of depression. Monotherapy of c/mECT was less efficacious than c/mECT in combination with antidepressant medication, as was c/mECT delivered on a schedule, which was unresponsive to early signs of recurrence. This review suggests that c/mECT is efficacious for the prevention of relapse/recurrence of major depression and that efficacy is increased when c/mECT is provided in combination with antidepressant medication and at flexible treatment intervals, responsive to early signs of recurrence.