Repository Therapy for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

Repository therapy with an emulsified antigen preparation for pollen asthma and hay fever was used over the past three years. Overall results indicate that the response in the majority of patients was as good as that obtained with conventional preseasonal or perennial treatment. Reactions were noted in four of the 15 patients so treated during the first year of study, in 25 of 58 patients treated in the second year, and in 11 of 175 treated in the final year. These varied from mild to severe systemic reactions, some of which required hospitalization. With improvement and modification of the technique, such as the administration of the antigen in two injections rather than in a single injection, the incidence and severity of reactions were markedly reduced. The procedure is not without hazard; it requires great care, and initial experience is best obtained in a hospital environment.     

Efficacy and Safety of Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants versus Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis

BackgroundUse of the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is endorsed by current guidelines for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However efficacy and safety of NOACs in patients undergoing catheter ablation (RFCA) of AF has not been well established yet.ObjectivesTo perform a meta-analysis of all studies comparing NOACs and vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (VKAs) in patients undergoing RFCA.ResultsThere was no significant difference in thromboembolic complications (RR 1.39; p=0.13). Bleeding complications were significantly lower in the NOACs-treated arm as compared to VKAs (RR=0.67, p<0.001). Interestingly, a larger number of thromboembolic events was found in the VKAs-treated arm in those studies where VKAs had been interrupted during the periprocedural phase (RR=0.68; p=ns). In this same subgroup a significantly higher incidence of both minor (RR=0.54; p=0.002) and major bleeding (RR=0.41; p=0.01) events was recorded. Conversely, the incidence of thromboembolic events in the VKAs-treated arm was significantly lower in those studies with uninterrupted periprocedural anticoagulation treatment (RR=1.89; p=0.02).LimitationsAs with every meta-analysis, no patients-level data were available.

Conclusions and Implications

The use of NOACs in patients undergoing RFCA is safe, given the lower incidence of bleedings observed with NOACs. On the other side, periprocedural interruption of VKAs and bridging with heparin is associated with a higher bleeding rate with no significant benefit on onset of thromboembolic events.     

Cluster Subcutaneous Allergen Specific Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Although allergen specific immunotherapy (SIT) represents the only immune- modifying and curative option available for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), the optimal schedule for specific subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is still unknown. The objective of this study is to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of cluster SCIT for patients with AR.

Methods

By searching PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane clinical trials database from 1980 through May 10th, 2013, we collected and analyzed the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of cluster SCIT to assess its efficacy and safety.

Results

Eight trials involving 567 participants were included in this systematic review. Our meta-analysis showed that cluster SCIT have similar effect in reduction of both rhinitis symptoms and the requirement for anti-allergic medication compared with conventional SCIT, but when comparing cluster SCIT with placebo, no statistic significance were found in reduction of symptom scores or medication scores. Some caution is required in this interpretation as there was significant heterogeneity between studies. Data relating to Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) in 3 included studies were analyzed, which consistently point to the efficacy of cluster SCIT in improving quality of life compared to placebo. To assess the safety of cluster SCIT, meta-analysis showed that no differences existed in the incidence of either local adverse reaction or systemic adverse reaction between the cluster group and control group.

Conclusion

Based on the current limited evidence, we still could not conclude affirmatively that cluster SCIT was a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of AR patients. Further large-scale, well-designed RCTs on this topic are still needed.     

Efficacy and Safety of Biodegradable Polymer Biolimus-Eluting Stents versus Durable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stents: A Meta-Analysis

Backgrounds

Drug-eluting stents (DES) with biodegradable polymers have been developed to address the risk of thrombosis associated with first-generation DES. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents (BES) versus durable polymer DES.

Methods

Systematic database searches of MEDLINE (1950 to June 2013), EMBASE (1966 to June 2013), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 6 of 12, June 2013), and a review of related literature were conducted. All randomized controlled trials comparing biodegradable polymer BES versus durable polymer DES were included.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials investigating 11,015 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of major adverse cardiac events did not differ significantly between the patients treated with the biodegradable polymer BES and the durable polymer DES (Relative risk [RR], 0.970; 95% CI, 0.848–1.111; p = 0.662). However, biodegradable polymer BES was associated with reduced risk of very late ST compared with the durable polymer DES, while the risk of early or late ST was similar (RR for early or late ST, 1.167; 95% CI 0.755–1.802; p = 0.487; RR 0.273; 95% CI 0.115–0.652; p = 0.003; p for interaction = 0.003).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, treatments with biodegradable polymer BES did not significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiac events, but demonstrated a significantly lower risk of very late ST when compared to durable polymer DES. This conclusion requires confirmation by further studies with long-term follow-up.

PROSPERO register number

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42013004364#.UnM2lfmsj6J     

Meta-Analysis of Associations of IL1 Receptor Antagonist and Estrogen Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Susceptibility

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects a number of different organs and tissues. Interleukin-1 (IL1) and estrogen are considered potential elements in the pathology of SLE. Recently, the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism in the IL1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1-RN) and PvuII (rs2234693) and XbaI (rs9340799) polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) have been associated with a predisposition to SLE. However, the evidence for these associations is inconclusive. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to validate the roles of these polymorphisms in SLE susceptibility. We searched four databases and identified a total of 17 eligible articles comprising 24 studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to assess the qualities of the selected studies. We assessed the strengths of the associations using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Regarding the IL-1RN VNTR, the 2 allele significantly increased SLE susceptibility (2 vs. L: OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.03–1.73, P = 0.03). The ESR1 PvuII CC/CT genotype was also associated with SLE susceptibility (CC/CT vs. TT: OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06–1.47, P = 0.01), and the difference was especially pronounced among Asians (CC/CT vs. TT: OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.04–1.69, P = 0.02). No significant association between the ESR1 XbaI polymorphism and SLE susceptibility was observed in the overall analysis. However, a marginally significant association between the GG/GA genotype was found in individuals of Asian descent (GG/GA vs. AA: OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.01–1.67, P = 0.04). These results indicate that the IL1-RN VNTR 2 allele, ESR1 PvuII CC/CT genotype and ESR1 XbaI GG/GA genotype may increase SLE susceptibility, especially in Asian individuals.     

Efficacy and Safety of Talc Pleurodesis for Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Talc pleurodesis has been widely used to control malignant pleural effusion; however, it is still not clear whether talc pleurodesis is more effective than other local therapies. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of talc pleurodesis in the management of malignant pleural effusion.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for English-language studies of clinical controlled trials comparing talc pleurodesis with control therapies until August 8, 2013. Success rate and incidence of adverse events were evaluated. Relative risks were estimated using random- or fixed- effects model and statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I² test.

Results

Twenty trials involving 1,525 patients with malignant pleural effusion were included. The success rate of talc pleurodesis was significantly higher than that of control therapies (relative risk, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.45; p = 0.035) with similar adverse events. In addition, thoracoscopic talc poudrage was more effective than bedside talc slurry (relative risk, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.23; p = 0.026).

Conclusions

The current evidences suggested the benefit for talc pleurodesis in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion. Talc pleurodesis, especially thoracoscopic talc poudrage pleurodesis, should be performed in patients with malignant pleural effusion, especially those with life-expectancy longer than one month.     

Efficacy and Safety of Endovascular Treatment versus Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Purpose

Although endovascular therapy (ET) is increasingly used in patients with moderate to severe acute ischemic stroke, its efficacy and safety remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis aiming to compare the benefits and safety of endovascular treatment and intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Science direct and Springer unitil July, 2013. The primary outcomes included good outcome (mRS ≤ 2) and excellent outcome (mRS ≤ 1) at 90 days or at trial end point. Secondary outcomes were occurrence of symptomatic hemorrhage and all-cause mortality.

Results

Using a prespecified search strategy, 5 RCTs with 1106 patients comparing ET and intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) were included in the meta-analysis. ET and IVT were associated with similar good (43.06% vs 41.78%; OR=1.14; 95% CI, 0.77 to 1.69; P=0.52;) and excellent (30.43% vs 30.42%; OR=1.05; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.38; P=0.72;) outcome. For additional end points, ET was not associated with increased occurrence of symptomatic hemorrhage (6.25% vs. 6.22%; OR=1.03; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.69; P=0.91;), or all-cause mortality (18.45% vs. 17.35%; OR=1.00; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.39; P=0.99;).

Conclusions

Formal meta-analysis indicates that there are similar safety outcomes and functional independence with endovascular therapy and intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.     

IL1 Receptor Antagonist Gene IL1-RN Variable Number of Tandem Repeats Polymorphism and Cancer Risk: A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) and IL1beta (IL1β), members of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL1) family, play a potential role against infection and in the pathogenesis of cancers. The variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism in the second intron of the IL1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1-RN) and a polymorphism in exon 5 of IL1B (IL1B+3954C>T, rs1143634) have been suggested in predisposition to cancer risk. However, studies have shown inconsistent results. To validate any association, a meta-analysis was performed with 14,854 cases and 19,337 controls from 71 published case–control studies for IL1-RN VNTR and 33 eligible studies contained 7,847 cases and 8917 controls for IL1B +3954. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from comparisons to assess the strength of the association. There was significant association between the IL1-RN VNTR polymorphism and the risk of cancer for any overall comparison. Furthermore, cancer type stratification analysis revealed that there were significantly increased risks of gastric cancer, bladder cancer and other cancer groups. Infection status analysis indicated that the H. pylori or HBV/HCV infection and IL1-RN VNTR genotypes were independent factors for developing gastric or hepatocellular cancers. In addition, a borderline significant association was observed between IL1B+3954 polymorphism and the increased cancer risk. Although some modest bias could not be eliminated, this meta-analysis suggested that the IL1-RN VNTR polymorphisms may contribute to genetic susceptibility to gastric cancer. More studies are needed to further evaluate the role of the IL1B+3954 polymorphism in the etiology of cancer.     

Receptor Interactions of Abbott-81988, A Highly Potent,Non-Peptide Angiotensin-II Antagonist Selective for Type-1 Receptors

Abstract

Abbott-81988 (A-81988) was selected from a series of related compounds as a highly potent and selective antagonist of angiotensin receptors. In the rabbit aorta, A-81988 exhibited a _pA₂ of 10.12 (± 0.08) vs. angiotensin-II, for type 1 receptors (AT₁), and the antagonism appeared competitive. These results agreed with radioligand assays in which A-81988 inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵l]-Sar¹ –lle⁸—Angiotensin-II to rat liver membranes with a _pK_I of 9.12 (± 0.63). A-81988 was selective for AT₁ receptors based on its lack of activity at other sites, such as aortic α 1 receptors. Moreover, A-81988 lacked affinity for AT₂ receptors of bovine cerebellar membranes or for α or β adrenergic receptors in binding assays. A-81988 lowered blood pressure significantly in vivo in renal artery-ligated rats at doses of 0.3 mg/kg administered either i.v. or p.o. The compound was rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the duodenum of anesthetized rats and demonstrated very low first-pass metabolism in the rat liver. These properties of selectivity toward and potency for antagonizing AT₁ receptors, activity in lowering blood pressure in experimental animals, and favorable pharmacokinetic properties indicate that A-81988 should be a useful antihypertensive agent in man.     

Efficacy and Safety of Antidepressants for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

Aim

The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the efficacy and safety of antidepressants for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and The Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of antidepressants in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Article quality was evaluated by Jadad score. RevMan 5.0 and Stata 12.0 were used for the meta-analysis.

Results

Twelve randomized controlled trials were included in this study and most of these trials were of high quality (Jadad score ≥4). Five articles focused on tricyclic antidepressants, six articles involved selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and one article investigated both types of treatment. The pooled risk ratio showed antidepressant treatment can improve global symptoms (RR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.08, 1.77). In the subgroup analysis, treatment with tricyclic antidepressants showed an improvement in global symptoms (RR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.07, 1.71), while treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors showed no statistically significant difference in global symptoms compared with the control groups (RR = 1.38, 95% CI 0.83, 2.28). The pooled risk ratio of dropout due to side effects following antidepressant treatment was 1.71 with 95% CI (0.98, 2.99). The subgroup analysis showed the pooled risk ratio of dropout in the tricyclic antidepressants group was 1.92 with 95% CI (0.89, 4.17). In the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors group, the pooled risk ratio of dropout was 1.5 with 95% CI (0.67, 3.37). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors showed no benefit in alleviating abdominal pain and improving quality of life. There was no difference in the incidence of common adverse events between treatment and control groups.

Conclusions

TCAs can improve global symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, while there was no strong evidence to confirm the effectiveness of SSRIs for the treatment of IBS.     

Safety and Efficacy of Methotrexate in Psoriasis: A Meta-Analysis of Published Trials

BackgroundMethotrexate (MTX) has been used to treat psoriasis for over half a century. Even so, clinical data characterising its efficacy and safety are sparse.ObjectiveIn order to enhance the available evidence, we conducted two meta-analyses, one for efficacy and one for safety outcomes, respectively, according to PRISMA checklist. (Data sources, study criteria, and study synthesis methods are detailed in Methods).ResultsIn terms of efficacy, only eleven studies met criteria for study design and passed a Cochrane risk of bias analysis. Based on this limited dataset, 45.2% [95% confidence interval 34.1–60.0] of patients achieve PASI75 at primary endpoint (12 or 16 weeks, respectively, n = 705 patients across all studies), compared to a calculated PASI75 of 4.4 [3.5–5.6] for placebo, yielding a relative risk of 10.2 [95% C.I. 7.1–14.7]. For safety outcomes, we extended the meta-analysis to include studies employing the same dose range of MTX for other chronic inflammatory conditions, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, in order not to maximise capture of relevant safety data. Based on 2763 patient safety years, adverse events (AEs) were found treatment limiting in 6.9 ± 1.4% (mean ± s.e.) of patients treated for six months, with an adverse effect profile largely in line with that encountered in clinical practice. Finally, in order to facilitate prospective clinical audit and to help generate long-term treatment outcomes under real world conditions, we also developed an easy to use documentation form to be completed by patients without requirement for additional staff time.LimitationsMeta-analyses for efficacy and safety, respectively, employed non-identical selection criteria.ConclusionsThese meta-analyses summarise currently available evidence on MTX in psoriasis and should be of use to gauge whether local results broadly fall within outcomes.     

Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Propranolol versus Other Treatments for Infantile Hemangiomas: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Epidemiological studies evaluating treatments for infantile hemangiomas have produced inconsistent results. A meta-analysis of published data was conducted to investigate the effectiveness and safety of oral propranolol versus other treatments for infantile hemangiomas.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted based on literature (published from 1960 to December 1, 2014) found on the PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID search engines. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the outcome measures. Heterogeneity, publication bias and subgroup analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 61 studies involving 5,130 participants met the inclusion criteria. Propranolol was found to be a more effective modality in treating IHs (ORs = 0.92; 95%CI, 0.89–0.95) and had fewer complications compared to the other treatments including systemic steroids (ORs = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.59–0.76); laser ablation (ORs = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.43–0.67); other beta-adrenergic blockers (ORs = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.50–0.61) and surgery (ORs = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.28–0.81). A subgroup analysis of propranolol showed that a dose of 2 mg/kg/day or more yielded better outcomes (ORs = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88–0.95; ORs = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.89–1.00), and IHs that had not been previously treated had better responses to propranolol treatment (ORs = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–0.98).

Conclusions

The meta-analysis demonstrated that propranolol was more effective and safer than other therapies in treating IHs. It provides strong evidence for supporting the use of propranolol as a first-line therapy for IHs.     

Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants and the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients: A Semi Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Safety and Efficacy Outcomes

Background

This study sought to investigate the relative efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients.

Methods

A systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases identified all multicentre, randomised phase III trials investigating the initial use of NOAC against a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) together with subcutaneous heparin or low molecular weight heparin (upstart) for treatment of VTE. Outcomes of interest were recurrent VTE (deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), and clinically relevant bleeding.

Results

Four randomised controlled phase III trials were included, comprising a total of 19,060 patients randomised to either NOAC or VKA. For patients with active cancer (N = 759), the analysis on the efficacy outcomes demonstrated a trend in favour of NOAC (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.28–1.13). Similar, analyses on the safety outcomes comparing NOAC to VKA and enoxaparin demonstrated a trend in favour of NOAC (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.57–1.35).

Conclusion

Point estimates of the effect size suggest an important estimated beneficial effect of NOAC in the treatment of VTE in cancer, in terms of efficacy and safety, but given the small numbers of patients with cancer in the randomised trials, statistical significance was not achieved.     

舌下特异性免疫治疗变应性鼻炎的临床疗效评价

目的：评价舌下特异性免疫治疗变应性鼻炎（allergicrhinitis,AR）的临床疗效,探讨提高AR疗效的治疗措施。方法：选择同期门诊及住院治疗的AR患者76例,在患者自愿的前提下,将患者分为对照组（n=40例）和观察组（n=36例）,对照组患者给予常规药物治疗措施,观察组患者在上述治疗措施的基础上加行舌下特异性免疫治疗,治疗12个月后比较两组患者变异性鼻炎症状评分、变异性鼻炎体征评分、临床疗效及不良反应的发生情况。结果：治疗前,两组患者变异性鼻炎症状评分与体征评分比较。差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;治疗12个月后,两组患者变异性鼻炎症状评分与体征评分均较治疗前显著降低,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,且观察组患者变异性鼻炎症状评分与体征评分显著低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。对照组和观察组的治疗总有效率分别为为87．5％和100．0％,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。此外,两组治疗期间不良反应的发生率比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：舌下特异性免疫治疗治疗AR,其临床疗效确切且安全可靠,值得推广和深入研究。     

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of S-1-Based and Capecitabine-Based Regimens in Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose

Oral fluoropyrimidine (S-1, capecitabine) has been considered as an important part of various regimens. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1-based therapy versus capecitabine -based therapy in gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified from Pubmed, EMBASE. Additionally, abstracts presented at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conferences held between 2000 and 2013 were searched to identify relevant clinical trials. The outcome included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and advent events.

Results

A total of 6 studies (4 RCTs and 2 retrospective analysis studies) containing 790 participants were included in this meta-analysis, including 401 patients in the S-1-based group and 389 patients in the capecitabine-based group. Results of our meta-analysis indicated that S-1-based and capecitabine-based regimens showed very similar efficacy in terms of PFS (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.78–1.09, P = 0.360), OS (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.84–1.21, P = 0.949), ORR (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.87–1.25, P = 0.683) and DCR (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94–1.10, P = 0.639). There was also no significant difference in toxicity between regimens other than mild more hand–foot syndrome in capecitabine-based regimens.

Conclusion

Both the S-1-based and capecitabine-based regimens are equally active and well tolerated, and have the potential of backbone chemotherapy regimen in further studies of gastrointestinal cancers.     

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Nerve-Sparing Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Backgroud and Objective

Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) may be associated with lower postoperative morbidity than radical hysterectomy (RH). We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of abdominal or laparoscopic NSRH and RH for treating cervical cancer through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were systematically searched for all relevant studies. Data were abstracted independently by two reviewers. A meta-analysis was performed to compare intra- and postoperative outcomes for the two techniques.

Results

A total of 17 clinical trials were identified. Meta-analysis showed that although operating time was significantly longer for abdominal or laparoscopic NSRH than for RH, NSRH based on laparotomy or laparoscopy proved more effective for postoperative recovery of bladder function. NSRH was also associated with lower bladder dysfunction morbidity and fewer postoperative complications. Two abdominal trials and one laparoscopic study further suggested that NSRH was associated with shorter time to recovery of anal/rectal function. In contrast, RH and NSRH based on laparotomy or laparoscopy were similar in terms of extent of resection, recurrence rate, survival rate, blood loss and frequency of intraoperative complications. The meta-analysis showed that abdominal NSRH was not significantly different from RH in length of hospital stay, while one trial suggested that length of hospital stay was shorter after laparoscopic NSRH than after the corresponding RH.

Conclusion

NSRH may be a reliable technique for treating early cervical cancer. Available evidence suggests that it is better than RH for postoperative recovery of pelvic organ function and postoperative morbidity, while the two techniques involve similar clinical safety and extent of resection. These results should be considered preliminary since they are based on a relatively small number of controlled trials, most of which were non-randomized. The findings should be verified in larger, well-designed studies.     

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis Is Associated with Improved Attention Performance in Children: The Allergic Rhinitis Cohort Study for Kids (ARCO-Kids)

Background

It has been well known that pediatric allergic rhinitis was associated with poor performance at school due to attention deficit. However, there were no cohort studies for the effect of treatment of allergic rhinitis on attention performance in pediatric population. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether attention performance was improved after treatment in children with allergic rhinitis.

Methods

In this ARCO-Kids (Allergic Rhinitis Cohort Study for Kids), consecutive pediatric patients with rhinitis symptoms underwent a skin prick test and computerized comprehensive attention test. According to the skin prick test results, the children were diagnosed as allergic rhinitis or non- allergic rhinitis. All of the patients were regularly followed up and treated with oral medication or intranasal corticosteroid sprays. The comprehensive attention tests consisted of sustained and divided attention tasks. Each of the tasks was assessed by the attention score which was calculated by the number of omission and commission errors. The comprehension attention test was repeated after 1 year.

Results

A total of 797 children with allergic rhinitis and 239 children with non-allergic rhinitis were included. Initially, the attention scores of omission and commission errors on divided attention task were significantly lower in children with allergic rhinitis than in children with non-allergic rhinitis. After 1 year of treatment, children with allergic rhinitis showed improvement in attention: commission error of sustained (95.6±17.0 vs 97.0±16.6) and divided attention task (99.1±15.8 vs 91.8±23.5). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference of attention scores in children with non-allergic rhinitis.

Conclusions

Our study showed that management of allergic rhinitis might be associated with improvement of attention.     

Efficacy and Safety of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty vs. Penetrating Keratoplasty for Keratoconus: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose

To evaluate difference in therapeutic outcomes between deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for the clinical treatment of keratoconus.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of science. Eligible studies should include at least one of the following factors: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), postoperative spherical equivalent (SE), postoperative astigmatism and endothelial cell count (ECC), central corneal thickness (CCT), graft rejection and graft failure, of which BCVA, graft rejection and graft failure were used as the primary outcome measures, and postoperative SE, astigmatism, CCT and ECC as the secondary outcome measures. Given the lack of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), cohort studies and prospective studies were considered eligible.

Results

Sixteen clinical trials involving 6625 eyes were included in this review, including 1185 eyes in DALK group, and 5440 eyes in PKP group. The outcomes were analyzed using Cochrane Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.0 software. The postoperative BCVA in DALK group was significantly better than that in PKP group (OR = 0.48; 95%CI 0.39 to 0.60; p<0.001). There were fewer cases of graft rejection in DALK group than those in PKP group (OR = 0.28; 95%CI 0.15 to 0.50; p<0.001). Nevertheless the rate of graft failure was similar between DALK and PKP groups (OR = 1.05; 95%CI 0.81 to 1.36; p = 0.73). There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes of SE (p = 0.70), astigmatism (p = 0.14) and CCT (p = 0.58) between DALK and PKP groups. And ECC in DALK group was significantly higher than PKP group (p<0.001). The postoperative complications, high intraocular pressure (high-IOP) and cataract were analyzed, fewer cases of complications occurred in DALK group than those in PKP group (high-IOP, OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.11–0.44, P<0.001) (cataract, OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.08–0.61, P = 0.004). And no cases of expulsive hemorrhage and endophthalmitis were reported.

Conclusion

The visual outcomes for DALK were not equivalent to PKP. The rate of graft failure was similar between DALK and PKP. Fewer postoperative complications occurred in DALK group, indicating that compared with PKP, DALK has lower efficacy but higher safety.