Systematic review

Role of flavonoids in the management of acutely symptomatic haemorrhoids: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Rehman S.; Miles W.; Sains P.; Sajid M.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery; Sep 2019; vol. 106, S5, p. 110

Abstract:
Aims: The objective of this article is to assess the role of role of flavonoids in the management of acutely
symptomatic haemorrhoids.
Method(s): The data retrieved from the published randomized, controlled trials (RCT) regarding the role of flavonoids in the management of acutely symptomatic haemorrhoids was analysed using the principles of metaanalysis. The summated outcome of dichotomous variables was expressed in odds ratio (OR).
Result(s): Ten RCTs on 1478 patients comparing the surgical outcomes in patients having clinically and endoscopically diagnosed acute symptomatic haemorrhoids after using flavonoids versus placebo preparation were analysed. In the random effects model analysis using the statistical software Review Manager 5.3, the symptomatic relief (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.16, 1.3928; z = 1.36; P = 0.18), satisfaction on pain relief (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.08, 1.07; z = 1.86; P = 0.06), recurrence (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.14, 1.63; z = 1.17; P = 0.24) and complications rate (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.49, 3.54; z = 0.54; P = 0.59) were statistically similar in both groups. However, symptomatic haemorrhoidal bleeding control rate was higher in flavonoids group (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.13, 0.84; z = 2.33; P = 0.02).
Conclusion(s): Use of flavonoids to treat symptomatic acute haemorrhoids failed to demonstrate better effectiveness over traditional placebo remedies except better bleeding control.

Link to full-text [NHS OpenAthens account required]

Developing an intervention around referral and admissions to intensive care: a mixed-methods study (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Bassford C, Griffiths F, Svantesson M, Ryan M, Krucien N, Dale J, Rees S, Rees K, Ignatowicz A, Parsons H, Flowers N, Fritz Z, Perkins G, Quinton S, Symons S, White C, Huang H, Turner J, Brooke M, McCreedy A, Blake C & Slowther A.

Study involved patients at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

Citation:
Health Services and Delivery Research 2019, Vol 7, Issue 39

Abstract:
Background: Intensive care treatment can be life-saving, but it is invasive and distressing for patients receiving it and it is not always successful. Deciding whether or not a patient will benefit from intensive care is a difficult clinical and ethical challenge.
Objectives: To explore the decision-making process for referral and admission to the intensive care unit and to develop and test an intervention to improve it.
Methods: A mixed-methods study comprising (1) two systematic reviews investigating the factors associated with decisions to admit patients to the intensive care unit and the experiences of clinicians, patients and families; (2) observation of decisions and interviews with intensive care unit doctors, referring doctors, and patients and families in six NHS trusts in the Midlands, UK; (3) a choice experiment survey distributed to UK intensive care unit consultants and critical care outreach nurses, eliciting their preferences for factors used in decision-making for intensive care unit admission; (4) development of a decision-support intervention informed by the previous work streams, including an ethical framework for decision-making and supporting referral and decision-support forms and patient and family information leaflets. Implementation feasibility was tested in three NHS trusts; (5) development and testing of a tool to evaluate the ethical quality of decision-making related to intensive care unit admission, based on the assessment of patient records. The tool was tested for inter-rater and intersite reliability in 120 patient records.
Results: Influences on decision-making identified in the systematic review and ethnographic study included age, presence of chronic illness, functional status, presence of a do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation order, referring specialty, referrer seniority and intensive care unit bed availability. Intensive care unit doctors used a gestalt assessment of the patient when making decisions. The choice experiment showed that age was the most important factor in consultants’ and critical care outreach nurses’ preferences for admission. The ethnographic study illuminated the complexity of the decision-making process, and the importance of interprofessional relationships and good communication between teams and with patients and families. Doctors found it difficult to articulate and balance the benefits and burdens of intensive care unit treatment for a patient. There was low uptake of the decision-support intervention, although doctors who used it noted that it improved articulation of reasons for decisions and communication with patients.
Limitations: Limitations existed in each of the component studies; for example, we had difficulty recruiting patients and families in our qualitative work. However, the project benefited from a mixed-method approach that mitigated the potential limitations of the component studies.
Conclusions: Decision-making surrounding referral and admission to the intensive care unit is complex. This study has provided evidence and resources to help clinicians and organisations aiming to improve the decision-making for and, ultimately, the care of critically ill patients.
Future work: Further research is needed into decision-making practices, particularly in how best to engage with patients and families during the decision process. The development and evaluation of training for clinicians involved in these decisions should be a priority for future work.
Study registration: The systematic reviews of this study are registered as PROSPERO CRD42016039054, CRD42015019711 and CRD42015019714.
Funding: The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme. The University of Aberdeen and the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates fund the Health Economics Research Unit.

Link to full-text [no password required]

Preoperative anemia and outcomes in cardiovascular surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Systematic Review

Author(s):
*Padmanabhan, Hari; Siau, Keith; *Curtis, Jason; Ng, Alex; Menon, Shyam; Luckraz, Heyman; Brookes, Matthew J

Citation:
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Dec 2019; vol. 108 (no. 6); p. 1840-1848

Abstract:
BACKGROUND Pre-operative anemia is common in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. However, its effect on postoperative outcomes remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the impact of anemia on outcomes following cardiac surgery.METHODS A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative or in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury (AKI), stroke, blood transfusion, and infection. A meta-analytic model was used to determine the differences in the above postoperative outcomes between anemic and non-anemic patients. RESULTS Out of 1103 studies screened, 22 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 23624 (20.6%) out of 114277 patients were anemic. Anemia was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.32-3.24; I2=69.6%; p<0?001), AKI (OR 3.13, 95% CI 2.37-4.12; I2=71.1%; p<0?001), stroke (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.24-1.72; I2=21.6%; p<0?001), and infection (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.98-3.55; I2=46.7%; p<0?001). More anemic patients were transfused than non-anemic (33.3 versus 11.9%). No statistically significant association was found between mortality and blood transfusion (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.92-1.98; I2=83.7%; p=0.12) but we were not able to compare mortality with or without transfusion in those who were or were not anemic. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative anemia is associated with adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery. These findings support the addition of preoperative anemia to future risk prediction models, and as a target for risk modification.

Altmetrics

Approaches to alcohol screening in secondary care: a review and meta-analysis (2017)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Walsh S.; Haroon S.; Nirantharakumar K.; Bhala N.

Citation:
The Lancet; Nov 2017; vol. 390

Abstract:
Background Alcohol misuse is common among patients accessing secondary care and an important cause of premature disability and death. The objective of this review was to summarise approaches to alcohol screening in secondary care, including the diagnostic accuracy, uptake, yield, and implementation challenges. Methods Search terms for alcohol, screening, and secondary care were combined in Medline, EMBASE, and other bibliographic databases for English language studies published from Jan 1, 2000, to Sept 4, 2015. We included studies and reviews of any design that evaluated alcohol screening with questionnaires or biochemical tests among adolescents and adults in secondary care. The primary outcomes were the diagnostic accuracy, uptake, and yield of alcohol screening. A random-effects proportion meta-analysis summarised screening uptake and yield, stratified by clinical setting. Findings 97 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included, with data from 1 213 761 screened patients. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and AUDITConsumption (AUDIT-C) were the most widely validated screening tests and demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and uptake. Overall, uptake for alcohol screening in secondary care was 79% (95% CI 74-84; n=45 studies, 477 533 of 604 471 screened patients) and the highest uptake was in outpatient clinics at 91% (82-96; n=8, 208 245 of 228 841). Overall, the proportion of patients screening positive for alcohol misuse was 28% (23-32, n=44; 135 741 of 484 788) with the highest yield in outpatient clinics of 31% (22-41; n=7, 72 270 of 233 128). However, there was significant heterogeneity in estimates of both uptake and yield of alcohol screening (I2>90%). Interpretation Alcohol screening in secondary care is likely to have a high uptake and yield, particularly in outpatient clinics. AUDIT and AUDIT-C are the most widely validated screening tools for alcohol misuse in secondary care and have high diagnostic accuracy and uptake. The review included a large number of studies, and a range of clinical settings and patient groups, strengthening the generalisability of the findings. However, a systematic assessment of risk of bias was not conducted and study selection was performed by one reviewer. Further research is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of alcohol screening in secondary care.

Surgery for constipation: systematic review and practice recommendations: Results II: Hitching procedures for the rectum (2017)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Systematic Review

Author(s):
Grossi U.; Knowles C.H.; Mason J.; *Lacy-Colson J.; Brown S.R.; Campbell K.; Chapman M.; Clarke A.; Cruickshank

Citation:
Colorectal Disease; Sep 2017; vol. 19 ; p. 37-48

Abstract:
Aim: To assess the outcomes of rectal suspension procedures (forms of rectopexy) in adults with chronic constipation. Method: Standardised methods and reporting of benefits and harms were used for all Capacity reviews that closely adhered to PRISMA 2016 guidance. Main conclusions were presented as summary evidence statements with a summative Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2009) level. Results: Eighteen articles were identified, providing data on outcomes in 1238 patients. All studies reported only on laparoscopic approaches. Length of procedures ranged between 1.5 to 3.5 h, and length of stay between 4 to 5 days. Data on harms were inconsistently reported and heterogeneous, making estimates of harm tentative and imprecise. Morbidity rates ranged between 5-15%, with mesh complications accounting for 0.5% of patients overall. No mortality was reported after any procedures in a total of 1044 patients. Although inconsistently reported, good or satisfactory outcome occurred in 83% (74-91%) of patients; 86% (20-97%) of patients reported improvements in constipation after laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR). About 2-7% of patients developed anatomical recurrence. Patient selection was inconsistently documented. As most common indication, high grade rectal intussusception was corrected in 80-100% of cases after robotic or LVMR. Healing of prolapse-associated solitary rectal ulcer syndrome occurred in around 80% of patients after LVMR.
Conclusion: Evidence supporting rectal suspension procedures is currently derived from poor quality studies. Methodologically robust trials are needed to inform future clinical decision making.

External beam radiotherapy in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review. (2016)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Systematic Review

Author(s):
*Fussey JM, Crunkhorn R, Tedla M, Weickert MO, Mehanna H.

Citation:
Head Neck. Volume38, IssueS1, April 2016, Pages E2297-E2305

Abstract:
External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is not a first line treatment in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), but is recommended as an adjuvant treatment in certain cases. The evidence for EBRT in DTC is limited. A comprehensive literature search was performed. Data on patient demographics, disease stage, treatment characteristics, and outcomes were collected from included articles after quality appraisal. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria, with a pooled population of 5114. Only 1 study was prospective and there were no randomized controlled trials. Most of the evidence suggests that EBRT improves locoregional control in patients at high risk of locoregional recurrence. This was corroborated by analysis of pooled patient data. Available evidence suggests an improvement in locoregional control when EBRT is used in patients over the age of 45 at high risk for locoregional recurrence. However, there is a need for long-term prospective multicenter research on the subject.

Treatment of the first episode of childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2015)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Zolotas E., *Leontsinis I.

Citation:
Archives of Disease in Childhood, April 2015, vol./is. 100/(A208-A209)

Abstract:
Background and objective Corticosteroids induce remission in 80% of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). However 90% of steroid responders experience at least one relapse and 40% of them suffer from frequent relapses. The optimal treatment for the first episode of INS in terms of preventing subsequent relapses remains controversial. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials without language restriction. We also searched proceedings from international conferences and we contacted investigators. We only included RCT which compared different regimens for the treatment of the first episode of INS in children. Results 26 RCT were included. Nine studies compared the classic two-month steroid regimen with prolonged steroid courses ranging from three to seven months. Meta-analysis of those studies showed no difference in the number of children with frequent relapses [RR: 0.79, 95% CI (0.57, 1.08)] (Figure 1) and number of relapses per patient [WMD: -0.37, 95% CI (-0.85, 0.1)]. Cumulative steroid dose was significantly higher with prolonged courses [SMD: 0.48 95% CI (0.16, 0.81)] (Figure 2). Eight studies compared three months with six months of steroid treatment. Similarly there was no difference in frequent relapses [RR: 0.63, 95% CI (0.36, 1.10)] (Figure 3) and relapses per patient [WMD: -0.32, 95% CI (-0.65, 0.00)]. Three RCT explored the potential benefit of adding cyclosporine, azithromycin or sarei-to, a Chinese herb, to steroids. Only sarei-to was showed to improve frequent relapses and number of relapses per patient. Conclusion This meta-analysis showed no sufficient evidence that prolonged steroid courses for the first episode of INS can prevent future relapses. The cumulative steroid dose was significantly higher with prolonged courses suggesting a potential for increased toxicity, even though the incidence of side effects was similar. In conclusion, the current evidence cannot support that prolongation of steroid treatment for the first episode of INS for more than two to three months is beneficial. Abbreviations RR relative risk, CI confidence intervals, WMD weighted mean difference, SMD standardised mean difference (Figure Presented).

Link to full-text: http://adc.bmj.com/content/100/Suppl_3/A208.2.full.pdf+html

Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care tests for detecting albuminuria: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2014)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*McTaggart M.P., Newall R.G., Hirst J.A., Bankhead C.R., Lamb E.J., Roberts N.W., Price C.P.

Citation:
Annals of Internal Medicine, April 2014, vol./is. 160/8(550-557), 0003-4819;1539-3704 (15 Apr 2014)

Abstract:
Experts recommend screening for albuminuria in patients at risk for kidney disease. Purpose: To systematically review evidence about the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care (POC) tests for detecting albuminuria in individuals for whom guidelines recommend such detection. Data Sources: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medion database, MEDLINE, and Science Citation Index from 1963 through 5 December 2013; hand searches of other relevant journals; and reference lists. Study Selection: Cross-sectional studies, published in any language, that compared the accuracy of machine-read POC tests of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio with that of laboratory measurement. Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted study data and assessed study quality using the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2) tool. Data Synthesis: Sixteen studies (n = 3356 patients) that evaluated semiquantitative or quantitative POC tests and used random urine samples collected in primary or secondary ambulatory care settings met inclusion criteria. Pooling results from a bivariate randomeffects model gave sensitivity and specificity estimates of 76% (95% CI, 63% to 86%) and 93% (CI, 84% to 97%), respectively, for the semiquantitative test. Sensitivity and specificity estimates for the quantitative test were 96% (CI, 78% to 99%) and 98% (CI, 93% to 99%), respectively. The negative likelihood ratios for the semiquantitative and quantitative tests were 0.26 (CI, 0.16 to 0.40) and 0.04 (CI, 0.01 to 0.25), respectively. Limitation: Accuracy estimates were based on data from singlesample urine measurement, but guidelines require that diagnosis of albuminuria be based on at least 2 of 3 samples collected in a 6-month period. Conclusion: A negative semiquantitative POC test result does not rule out albuminuria, whereas quantitative POC testing meets required performance standards and can be used to rule out albuminuria.

Link to more details or full-text: Hepatology

Safety of short, in-hospital delays before surgery for acute appendicitis: Multicentre cohort study, systematic review, and meta-analysis (2014)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Bhangu A., Panagiotopoulou I.G., Chatzizacharias N., Rana M., Rollins K., Ejtehadi F., Jha B., Tan Y.W., Fanous N., Markides G., Tan A., Marshal C., Akhtar S., Mullassery D., Ismail A., Hitchins C., Sharif S., Osborne L., Sengupta N., Challand C., Pournaras D., Bevan K., King J., Massey J., Sandhu I., Wells J.M., Teichmann D.A., Peckham-Cooper A., Sellers M., Folaranmi S.E., Davies B., Potter S., Egbeare D., Kallaway C., Parsons S., Upchurch E., Lazaridis A., Cocker D., King D., Behar N., Loukogeorgakis S.P., Kalaiselvan R., Marzouk S., H. Turner E.J., Kaptanis S., Kaur V., Shingler G., Bennett A., Shaikh S., Aly M., Coad J., Khong T., Nouman Z., Crawford J., Szatmary P., West H., MacDonald A., Lambert J., Gash K., Hanks K.A., Griggs E., Humphreys L., Torrance A., Hardman J., Taylor L., Rex D., Bennett J., Crowther N., McAree B., Flexer S., Mistry P., Jain P., Hwang M., Richardson J., Oswald N., Wells A., Newsome H., Martinez P., B. Alvarez C.A., Leon J., Carradice D., Gohil R., Mount M., Campbell A., Iype S., Dyson E., Groot-Wassink T., Ross A.R., Charlesworth P., Baylem N., Voll J., Sian T., Creedon L., Hicks G., Goring J., Ng V., Tiboni S., Palser T., Rees B., Ravindra P., Neophytou C., Dent H., Lo T., Broom L., O’Connell M., Foulkes R., Griffith D., Butcher K., McLaren O., Tai A., Yano H., T. Torrance H.D., Moussa O., Mittapalli D., Watt D., Basson S., Gilliland J., Wilkins A., Yee J., Cain H., Wilson M., Pearson J., Turnbull E., Brigic A., Yassin N.A., Clarke J., Mallappa S., Jackson P., Jones C., Lakshminarayanan B., Sharma A., Fareed K., Yip G., Brown A., Patel N., Ghisel M., Tanner N., Jones H., Witherspoon J., Phillips M., Ho M.F., Ng S., Mak T., Campain N., Mukhey D., Mitchell W.K., Amawi F., Dickson E., Aggarwal S., Satherley L.K., Asprou F., Keys C., Steven M., Muhlschlegel J., Hamilton E., Yin J., Dilworth M., Wright A., Spreadborough P., Singh M., Mockford K., Morgan J., *Ball W., *Royle J., *Lacy-Colson J., Lai W., Griffiths S., Mitchell S., Parsons C., Joel A.S., Mason P.F., Harrison G.J., Steinke J., Rafique H., Battersby C., Hawkins W., Gurram D., Hateley C.A., Penkethman A., Lambden C., Conway A., Dent P., Yacob D., Oshin O.A., Hargreaves A., Gossedge G., Long J., Walls M., Futaba K., Pinkney T., Puig S., Nepogodiev D., Marriott P., Boddy A., Jones A., Tennuci C., Battersby N., Wilkin R., Lloyd C., Sein E., McEvoy K., Whisker L., Austin S., Colori A., Sinclair P., Loughran M., Lawrence A., Horsnell J., Bagenal J., Pisesky A., Mastoridis S., Solanki K., Siddiq I., Merker L., Sarmah P., Richardson C., Hanratty D., Evans L., Mortimer M., Bhalla A., Bartlett D., Beral D., Blencowe N.S., Cornish J., Haddow J.B., Hall N.J., Johnstone M., Pilgrim S., Trong S., Velineni R.

Citation:
Annals of Surgery, May 2014, vol./is. 259/5(894-903), 0003-4932;1528-1140 (May 2014)

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To determine safety of short in-hospital delays before appendicectomy. BACKGROUND: Short organizational delays before appendicectomy may safely improve provision of acute surgical services. METHODS: The primary endpoint was the rate of complex appendicitis (perforation, gangrene, and/or abscess). The main explanatory variable was timing of surgery, using less than 12 hours from admission as the reference. The first part of this study analyzed primary data from a multicentre study on appendicectomy from 95 centers. The second part combined this data with a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. RESULTS: The cohort study included 2510 patients with acute appendicitis, of whom 812 (32.4%) had complex findings. Adjusted multivariable binary regression modelling showed that timing of operation was not related to risk of complex appendicitis [12-24 hours odds ratio (OR) 0.98 (P = 0.869); 24-48 hours OR 0.88 (P = 0.329); 48+ hours OR 0.82 (P = 0.317)]. However, after 48 hours, the risk of surgical site infection and 30-day adverse events both increased [adjusted ORs 2.24 (P = 0.039) and 1.71 (P = 0.024), respectively]. Meta-analysis of 11 nonrandomized studies (8858 patients) revealed that delay of 12 to 24 hours after admission did not increase the risk of complex appendicitis (OR 0.97, P = 0.750). CONCLUSIONS: Short delays of less than 24 hours before appendicectomy were not associated with increased rates of complex pathology in selected patients. These organizational delays may aid service provision, but planned delay beyond this should be avoided. However, where optimal surgical systems allow for expeditious surgery, prompt appendicectomy will still aid fastest resolution of pain for the individual patient.

Link to more details or full-text: