anurajms/meta_analysis huggingface dataset:
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Short‐acting inhaled bronchodilators for cystic fibrosis
We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs that looked at the effect of any short‐acting inhaled bronchodilator delivered by any device, at any dose, at any frequency and for any duration compared to either placebo or another short‐acting inhaled bronchodilator in people with CF. We screened references as per standard Cochrane methodology.
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Exercise versus airway clearance techniques for people with cystic fibrosis
We selected randomised controlled studies (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs comparing exercise to another ACT in people with CF for at least two treatment sessions.
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Interventions to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene for preventing soil‐transmitted helminth infection
We included interventions to improve WASH access or practices in communities where STHs are endemic. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), as well as trials with an external control group where participants (or clusters) were allocated to different interventions using a non‐random method (non‐RCTs). We did not include observational study designs. Our primary outcome was prevalence of any STH infection. Prevalence of individual worms was a secondary outcome, including for Ascaris lumbricoides , Trichuris trichiura , hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus ), or Strongyloides stercoralis. Intensity of infection, measured as a count of eggs per gram of faeces for each species, was another secondary outcome.
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Non‐pharmacological interventions for sleep promotion in hospitalized children
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs, including cross‐over trials, investigating the effects of any non‐pharmacological sleep promotion intervention on the sleep quality or sleep duration (or both) of children aged 1 month to 18 years in the pediatric inpatient setting (intensive care unit [ICU] or general ward setting).
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Digital interventions to improve adherence to maintenance medication in asthma
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including cluster‐ and quasi‐randomised trials of any duration in any setting, comparing a digital adherence intervention with a non‐digital adherence intervention or usual care. We included adults and children with a clinical diagnosis of asthma, receiving maintenance treatment.
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Antibiotics for the induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis
We considered people with UC of all ages, treated with antibiotics of any type, dose, and route of administration for inclusion. Induction studies required a minimum duration of two weeks for inclusion. Maintenance studies required a minimum duration of three months to be considered for inclusion.
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Community‐based interventions for improving mental health in refugee children and adolescents in high‐income countries
Studies of any design were eligible as long as they included child or adolescent refugees and evaluated a community‐based mental health intervention in a high‐income country. At a second stage, we selected randomised controlled trials.
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Music therapy for autistic people
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐randomised trials and controlled clinical trials comparing music therapy (or music therapy alongside standard care) to 'placebo' therapy, no treatment, or standard care for people with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were considered for inclusion.
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Care delivery and self‐management strategies for children with epilepsy
We included randomised controlled trials recruiting children and adolescents with epilepsy.
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Probiotics for the prevention of Hirschsprung‐associated enterocolitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing probiotics and placebo, or any other non‐probiotic intervention, for the prevention of HAEC were eligible for inclusion.
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Negative pressure wound therapy for surgical wounds healing by primary closure
We included trials if they allocated participants to treatment randomly and compared NPWT with any other type of wound dressing, or compared one type of NPWT with another.
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Fortification of salt with iron and iodine versus fortification of salt with iodine alone for improving iron and iodine status
All prospective randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster‐randomised controlled trials (cRCTs), and controlled before‐after (CBA) studies, comparing DFS with IS on measures of iron and iodine status were eligible, irrespective of language or publication status. Study reports published as abstracts were also eligible.
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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for acute bronchiolitis in children
We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs, cross‐over RCTs, and cluster‐RCTs evaluating the effect of CPAP in children with acute bronchiolitis.
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Prophylactic cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor drugs for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants: a network meta‐analysis
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled preterm or low birth weight infants within the first 72 hours of birth without a prior clinical or echocardiographic diagnosis of PDA and compared prophylactic administration of indomethacin or ibuprofen or acetaminophen versus each other, placebo or no treatment.
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Probiotics for treatment of chronic constipation in children
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed probiotic preparations (including synbiotics) compared to placebo, no treatment or any other interventional preparation in people aged between 0 and 18 years old with a diagnosis of functional constipation according to consensus criteria (such as Rome IV).
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Unconditional cash transfers for reducing poverty and vulnerabilities: effect on use of health services and health outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income countries
We included both parallel‐group and cluster‐randomised controlled trials (C‐RCTs), quasi‐RCTs, cohort studies, controlled before‐and‐after studies (CBAs), and interrupted time series studies of UCT interventions in children (0 to 17 years) and adults (≥ 18 years) in LMICs. Comparison groups received either no UCT, a smaller UCT or a CCT. Our primary outcomes were any health services use or health outcome.
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Oral dextrose gel for the treatment of hypoglycaemia in newborn infants
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs comparing oral dextrose gel versus placebo, no treatment, or other therapies for the treatment of neonatal hypoglycaemia in newborn infants from birth to discharge home.
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Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster‐RCTs evaluating the effect of synthetic VAS in children aged six months to five years living in the community. We excluded studies involving children in hospital and children with disease or infection. We also excluded studies evaluating the effects of food fortification, consumption of vitamin A rich foods, or beta‐carotene supplementation.
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Systemic interventions for treatment of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome
We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational comparative studies of participants of any age with a clinical diagnosis of SJS, TEN, or SJS/TEN overlap syndrome. We included all systemic therapies studied to date and permitted comparisons between each therapy, as well as between therapy and placebo.
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Synbiotics to prevent necrotising enterocolitis in very preterm or very low birth weight infants
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs comparing prophylactic synbiotics supplementation with placebo or no synbiotics in very preterm (< 32 weeks' gestation) or very low birth weight (< 1500 g) infants.
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Extended‐release methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults
Randomised, double‐blind, parallel‐group trials comparing extended‐release methylphenidate formulations at any dose versus placebo and other ADHD medications in adults diagnosed with ADHD.
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Clonazepam monotherapy for treating people with newly diagnosed epilepsy
We included RCTs or quasi‐RCTs comparing oral clonazepam used as monotherapy treatment versus placebo or a different anti‐seizure medication (active comparator) in people of any age with newly diagnosed epilepsy, defined according to the clinical practical definition proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).
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Sealants for preventing dental caries in primary teeth
We included parallel‐group and split‐mouth randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared a sealant with no sealant, or different types of sealants, for the prevention of caries in primary molars, with no restriction on follow‐up duration. We included studies in which co‐interventions such as oral health preventive measures, oral health education or tooth brushing demonstrations were used, provided that the same adjunct was used with the intervention and comparator. We excluded studies with complex interventions for the prevention of dental caries in primary teeth such as preventive resin restorations, or studies that used sealants in cavitated carious lesions.
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Binocular versus standard occlusion or blurring treatment for unilateral amblyopia in children aged three to eight years
Two review authors independently screened the results of the search for relevant studies. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled children between the ages of three and eight years old with unilateral amblyopia. Amblyopia was classed as present when the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was worse than 0.200 logMAR in the amblyopic eye, with BCVA 0.200 logMAR or better in the fellow eye, in the presence of an amblyogenic risk factor, such as anisometropia, strabismus, or both. To be eligible, children needed to have undergone cycloplegic refraction and ophthalmic examination, including fundal examination and optical treatment, if indicated, with stable BCVA in the amblyopic eye despite good adherence with wearing glasses. We included any type of binocular viewing intervention, on any device (e.g. computer monitors viewed with liquid‐crystal display shutter glasses; hand‐held screens, including mobile phones with lenticular prism overlay; or virtual reality displays). Control groups received standard amblyopia treatment, which could include patching or pharmacological blurring of the better‐seeing eye. We included full‐time (all waking hours) and part‐time (between 1 and 12 hours a day) patching regimens.We excluded children who had received any treatment other than optical treatment; and studies with less than 8‐week follow‐up.
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Antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after stroke
We selected randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled studies that recruited participants with a clinical diagnosis of stroke, either ischaemic or haemorrhagic. We excluded studies that only recruited participants with subarachnoid haemorrhage, subdural haemorrhage, extradural haemorrhage, or other non‐stroke diagnoses such as tumour‐ or infection‐related infarction or haemorrhage. We also excluded studies that recruited only participants who had undergone neurosurgery. We included participants of all ages suffering any seizure type who were assigned to AEDs or placebo groups.
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Low‐carbohydrate versus balanced‐carbohydrate diets for reducing weight and cardiovascular risk
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults (18 years+) who were overweight or living with obesity, without or with T2DM, and without or with cardiovascular conditions or risk factors. Trials had to compare low‐carbohydrate weight‐reducing diets to balanced‐carbohydrate (45% to 65% of total energy (TE)) weight‐reducing diets, have a weight‐reducing phase of 2 weeks or longer and be explicitly implemented for the primary purpose of reducing weight, with or without advice to restrict energy intake.
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Cuffed versus uncuffed endotracheal tubes for neonates
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs, and cluster‐randomized trials comparing cuffed (inflated and non‐inflated) versus uncuffed ETTs in newborns. We sought to compare 1. inflated, cuffed versus uncuffed ETT; 2. non‐inflated, cuffed versus uncuffed ETT; and 3. inflated, cuffed versus non‐inflated, cuffed ETT.
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Oral antihistamine‐decongestant‐analgesic combinations for the common cold
Randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of antihistamine‐decongestant‐analgesic combinations compared with placebo, other active treatment (excluding antibiotics), or no treatment in children and adults with the common cold.
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Delayed introduction of progressive enteral feeds to prevent necrotising enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants
Randomised controlled trials that assessed the effects of delayed (four or more days after birth) versus earlier introduction of progressive enteral feeds on necrotising enterocolitis, mortality and other morbidities in very preterm or VLBW infants.
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Rapid versus slow withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs
Randomized controlled trials that evaluated withdrawal of AEDs in a rapid or slow tapering after varying periods of seizure control in people with epilepsy.
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Intermittent prophylactic antibiotics for bronchiectasis
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of at least three months' duration comparing an intermittent regime of prophylactic antibiotics with placebo, usual care or an alternate intermittent regimen. Intermittent prophylactic administration was defined as repeated courses of antibiotics with on‐treatment and off‐treatment intervals of at least 14 days' duration. We included adults and children with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiectasis confirmed by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), plain film chest radiograph, or bronchography and a documented history of recurrent chest infections. We excluded studies where participants received high dose antibiotics immediately prior to enrolment or those with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), primary ciliary dyskinesia, hypogammaglobulinaemia, sarcoidosis, or a primary diagnosis of COPD. Our primary outcomes were exacerbation frequency and serious adverse events. We did not exclude studies on the basis of review outcomes.
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Orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth in children
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated any active interventions to prevent or correct dental crowding in children and adolescents, such as orthodontic braces or extractions, compared to no or delayed treatment, placebo treatment or another active intervention. The studies had to include at least 80% of participants aged 16 years and under.
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Orthodontic treatment for posterior crossbites
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of orthodontic treatment for posterior crossbites in children and adults.
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Interventions for treating distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) in cystic fibrosis
Randomised controlled trials, quasi‐randomised controlled trials (including cross‐over trials (to be judged on an individual basis)) comparing the use of laxative agents or surgery for treating DIOS in children, young people and adults with cystic fibrosis to each other, placebo or no intervention.
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Interventions for preventing distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) in cystic fibrosis
Randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled parallel trials comparing laxative therapy for preventing DIOS (including osmotic agents, stimulants, mucolytics and substances with more than one action) at any dose to placebo, no treatment or an alternative laxative therapy, in people of any age with pancreatic sufficient or insufficient CF and any stage of lung disease. Randomised cross‐over trials were judged on an individual basis.
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Transfusion thresholds for guiding red blood cell transfusion
We included randomised trials of surgical or medical participants that recruited adults or children, or both. We excluded studies that focused on neonates.Eligible trials assigned intervention groups on the basis of different transfusion schedules or thresholds or 'triggers'. These thresholds would be defined by a haemoglobin (Hb) or haematocrit (Hct) concentration below which an RBC transfusion would be administered; the haemoglobin concentration remains the most commonly applied marker of the need for RBC transfusion in clinical practice. We included trials in which investigators had allocated participants to higher thresholds or more liberal transfusion strategies compared to more restrictive ones, which might include no transfusion. As in previous versions of this review, we did not exclude unregistered trials published after 2010 (as per the policy of the Cochrane Injuries Group, 2015), however, we did conduct analyses to consider the differential impact of results of trials for which prospective registration could not be confirmed.
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Continuous glucose monitoring for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants
We included RCTs and quasi‐RCTs comparing the use of CGM versus intermittent modalities to measure glycaemia in preterm infants at risk of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia; with proven hypoglycaemia; or with proven hyperglycaemia.
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Peer support interventions for parents and carers of children with complex needs
Randomised and cluster randomised controlled trials (RCTs and cluster RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs were eligible for inclusion. Controlled before‐and‐after and interrupted time series studies were eligible for inclusion if they met criteria set by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Review Group. The comparator could be usual care or an alternative intervention. The population eligible for inclusion consisted of parents and other family carers of children with any complex needs. We applied no restriction on setting.
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Nifedipine for primary dysmenorrhoea
We included RCTs comparing nifedipine with placebo for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea.
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Autogenic drainage for airway clearance in cystic fibrosis
We identified randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled studies comparing autogenic drainage to another airway clearance technique or no therapy in people with cystic fibrosis for at least two treatment sessions.
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Antibiotic therapy for chronic infection with Burkholderia cepacia complex in people with cystic fibrosis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of long‐term antibiotic therapy in people with CF and chronic BCC infection.
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Chemotherapy for second‐stage human African trypanosomiasis: drugs in use
Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that included adults and children with second‐stage g‐HAT, treated with anti‐trypanosomal drugs currently in use.
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Antibiotics for treatment of sore throat in children and adults
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs of antibiotics versus control assessing typical sore throat symptoms or complications amongst children and adults seeking medical care for sore throat symptoms.
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Pharmacological treatment for psychotic depression
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that included participants with acute major depression with psychotic features, as well as RCTs consisting of participants with acute major depression with or without psychotic features, that reported separately on the subgroup of participants with psychotic features.
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Carisbamate add‐on therapy for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Double‐blind randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing carisbamate versus placebo or another antiepileptic drug, as add‐on therapy for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy. Trials could have a parallel‐group or cross‐over design.
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Parenteral versus enteral fluid therapy for children hospitalised with bronchiolitis
We included RCTs and quasi‐RCTs of children aged up to two years admitted to hospital with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis who required fluid therapy. The trials compared enteral tube fluid therapy with parenteral fluid therapy. The primary outcome was difference in length of hospital stay in hours after each non‐oral fluid therapy modality. As actual time of discharge can be impacted by various factors, we also assessed theoretical length of stay (i.e. time when a patient is safe for discharge). We assessed several secondary outcomes.
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Antioxidants to prevent respiratory decline in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and progressive respiratory decline
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We included male patients with a diagnosis of DMD who had respiratory decline evidenced by a forced vital capacity (FVC%) less than 80% but greater than 30% of predicted values, receiving any antioxidant agent compared with other therapies for the management of DMD or placebo.
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Nasal continuous positive airway pressure levels for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants
We included RCTs, quasi‐RCTs, cluster‐RCTs and cross‐over RCTs randomizing preterm infants of gestational age < 37 weeks or birth weight < 2500 grams within the first 28 days of life to different nasal CPAP levels.
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Topiramate for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating topiramate versus placebo or other AED treatment for people with JME, with the outcomes of proportion of responders and proportion of participants experiencing adverse events (AEs).
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Non‐corticosteroid adjuvant therapies for acute bacterial meningitis
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any pharmacological adjuvant therapy for acute bacterial meningitis.
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Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in children
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies (PCS/RCS), case‐control studies (CCS), interrupted time‐series (ITS) studies, case cross‐over (CCO) studies, case‐only ecological method (COEM) studies, self‐controlled case series (SCCS) studies, person‐time cohort (PTC) studies, and case‐coverage design/screening methods (CCD/SM) studies, assessing any combined MMR or MMRV / MMR+V vaccine given in any dose, preparation or time schedule compared with no intervention or placebo, on healthy children up to 15 years of age.
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Macrolides versus placebo for chronic asthma
We included randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) involving both children and adults with asthma treated with macrolides versus placebo for four or more weeks. Primary outcomes were exacerbation requiring hospitalisation, severe exacerbations (exacerbations requiring emergency department (ED) visits or systemic steroids, or both), symptom scales, asthma control questionnaire (ACQ, score from 0 totally controlled, to 6 severely uncontrolled), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ, with score from 1 to 7 with higher scores indicating better QoL), rescue medication puffs per day, morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF; litres per minutes), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; litres), bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and oral corticosteroid dose. Secondary outcomes were adverse events (including mortality), withdrawal, blood eosinophils, sputum eosinophils, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in serum, and ECP in sputum.
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Vitamin C supplementation for prevention and treatment of pneumonia
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs (studies using allocation methods that are not random, e.g. date of birth, medical record number) assessing the role of vitamin C supplementation in the prevention and treatment of pneumonia in children and adults compared to control or placebo.
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Vaccines for preventing rotavirus diarrhoea: vaccines in use
We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in children that compared rotavirus vaccines prequalified for use by the WHO with either placebo or no intervention.
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Palivizumab for preventing severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster‐RCTs, comparing palivizumab given at a dose of 15 mg/kg once a month (maximum five doses) with placebo, no intervention or standard care in children 0 to 24 months of age from both genders, regardless of RSV infection history.
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Late (≥ 7 days) systemic postnatal corticosteroids for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants
We selected for inclusion in this review RCTs comparing systemic (intravenous or oral) postnatal corticosteroid treatment versus placebo or no treatment started at seven or more days after birth for preterm infants with evolving or established BPD. We did not include trials of inhaled corticosteroids.
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Decision coaching for people making healthcare decisions
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) where the intervention was provided to adults or children preparing to make a treatment or screening healthcare decision for themselves or a family member. Decision coaching was defined as: a) delivered individually by a healthcare provider who is trained or using a protocol; and b) providing non‐directive support and preparing an adult or child to participate in a healthcare decision. Comparisons included usual care or an alternate intervention. There were no language restrictions.
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Antiepileptic drugs for seizure control in people with neurocysticercosis
Randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials.Single‐blind, double‐blind, or unblinded studies were eligible for inclusion.
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Phototherapy for atopic eczema
We included randomised controlled trials in adults or children with any subtype or severity of clinically diagnosed AE. Eligible comparisons were any type of phototherapy versus other forms of phototherapy or any other treatment, including placebo or no treatment.
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Intermittent catheter techniques, strategies and designs for managing long‐term bladder conditions
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or randomised cross‐over trials comparing at least two different catheterisation techniques, strategies or catheter designs.
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Avoidance of bottles during the establishment of breastfeeds in preterm infants
We included RCTs and quasi‐RCTs comparing avoidance of bottles with use of bottles for preterm infants where their mothers planned to breastfeed.
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Early (< 7 days) systemic postnatal corticosteroids for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants
For this review, we selected RCTs examining systemic (intravenous or oral) postnatal corticosteroid treatment started within the first six days after birth (early) in high‐risk preterm infants. We included studies that evaluated the use of dexamethasone, as well as studies that assessed hydrocortisone, even when the latter was used primarily for management of hypotension, rather than for treatment of lung problems. We did not include trials of inhaled corticosteroids.
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Anti‐interleukin‐13 and anti‐interleukin‐4 agents versus placebo, anti‐interleukin‐5 or anti‐immunoglobulin‐E agents, for people with asthma
We included parallel‐group randomised controlled trials that compared anti‐interleukin‐13 or ‐4 agents (or agents that target both interleukin‐13 and interleukin‐4) with placebo in adolescents and adults (aged 16 years or older) or children (younger than 16 years), with a diagnosis of asthma; participants could receive their usual short‐ or long‐acting medications (e.g. inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), long‐acting beta adrenoceptor agonists (LABA), long‐acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), and/or leukotriene receptor antagonists) provided that they were not part of the randomised treatment.
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Prophylactic or very early initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for preterm infants
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs in preterm infants (under 37 weeks of gestation). We included trials if they compared prophylactic nasal CPAP (started within the first 15 minutes) or very early nasal CPAP (started within the first hour of life) in infants with minimal signs of respiratory distress with 'supportive care', such as supplemental oxygen therapy, standard nasal cannula, or mechanical ventilation. We excluded studies where prophylactic CPAP was compared with CPAP along with co‐interventions.
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Provision of folic acid for reducing arsenic toxicity in arsenic‐exposed children and adults
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs comparing the provision of folic acid (at any dose or duration), alone or in combination with other nutrients or nutrient supplements, with no intervention, placebo, unfortified food, or the same nutrient or supplements without folic acid, in arsenic‐exposed populations of all ages and genders.
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Materials for retrograde filling in root canal therapy
We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared different retrograde filling materials, with the reported success rate that was assessed by clinical or radiological methods for which the follow‐up period was at least 12 months.
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Pharmacotherapy for trichotillomania
We selected randomised controlled trials of medication versus placebo or other medication for TTM in adults, children and adolescents.
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Sulthiame monotherapy for epilepsy
Randomised controlled monotherapy trials of STM in people of any age with epilepsy of any aetiology.
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Treatments for seizures in catamenial (menstrual‐related) epilepsy
We included RCTs and quasi‐RCTs of blinded or open‐label design that randomised participants individually (i.e. cluster‐randomised trials were excluded). We included cross‐over trials if each treatment period was at least 12 weeks in length and the trial had a suitable wash‐out period. We included the following types of interventions: women with any pattern of catamenial epilepsy who received a hormonal or non‐hormonal drug intervention in addition to an existing antiepileptic drug regimen for a minimum treatment duration of 12 weeks.
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Non‐pharmacological interventions for stuttering in children six years and younger
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs that assessed non‐pharmacological interventions for stuttering in young children aged six years and younger. Eligible comparators were no intervention, wait list or management as usual.
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Behavioural and cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cross‐over, cluster‐ and quasi‐randomised controlled trials involving both adults and children with diagnoses of OCD and ASD. We included studies of participants with co‐occurring conditions (i.e. those experiencing other mental illnesses or neurodevelopmental conditions at the same time), but we did not include individuals who had a co‐occurring global learning difficulty. Treatment could be in any setting or format and include behavioural therapy (BT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which may have been adapted for those with ASD. Comparator interventions included no treatment, waiting list, attention placebo (where the control group receives non‐specific aspects of therapy, but not the active ingredient) and treatment as usual (TAU, where the control group receives the usual treatment, according to accepted standards).
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Vitamin D supplementation for chronic liver diseases in adults
Randomised clinical trials that compared vitamin D at any dose, duration, and route of administration versus placebo or no intervention in adults with chronic liver diseases. Vitamin D could have been administered as supplemental vitamin D (vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)), or an active form of vitamin D (1α‐hydroxyvitamin D (alfacalcidol), 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol), or 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol)).
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Recombinant growth hormone therapy for cystic fibrosis in children and young adults
Randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials of all preparations of rhGH compared to either no treatment, or placebo, or each other at any dose (high‐dose and low‐dose) or route and for any duration, in children or young adults (aged up to 25 years) diagnosed with CF (by sweat test or genetic testing).
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Heliox for croup in children
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs comparing the effect of heliox in comparison with placebo, no treatment, or any active intervention(s) in children with croup.
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Chloral hydrate as a sedating agent for neurodiagnostic procedures in children
Randomised controlled trials that assessed chloral hydrate agent against other sedative agent(s), non‐drug agent(s), or placebo.
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Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent posterior teeth
To assess efficacy, we included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing dental composite resin with amalgam restorations in permanent posterior teeth that assessed restoration failure or survival at follow‐up of at least three years.To assess safety, we sought non‐randomised studies in addition to RCTs that directly compared composite resin and amalgam restorative materials and measured toxicity, sensitivity, allergy, or injury.
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Continuous versus bolus intermittent intragastric tube feeding for preterm and low birth weight infants with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Published and unpublished RCTs and quasi‐RCTs were eligible for inclusion in this review, as were cluster‐randomised and cross‐over randomised trials that compared the effects of continuous versus intermittent bolus intragastric tube feeding on gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in preterm and low birth weight infants.
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Push versus gravity for intermittent bolus gavage tube feeding of preterm and low birth weight infants
We included RCTs and quasi‐RCTs comparing push versus gravity intermittent gavage tube feeding in preterm (less than 37 weeks' gestation) or low birth weight (less than 2500 grams) infants, or both.
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Timing of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in cystic fibrosis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cross‐over RCTs with a minimum washout period of two weeks, and quasi‐RCTs of PERT dosing regimens in people (of any age) with CF.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Schedules for home visits in the early postpartum period
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (including cluster‐, quasi‐RCTs and studies available only as abstracts) comparing different home‐visiting interventions that enrolled participants in the early postpartum period (up to 42 days after birth) were eligible for inclusion. We excluded studies in which women were enrolled and received an intervention during the antenatal period (even if the intervention continued into the postnatal period), and studies recruiting only women from specific high‐risk groups (e.g. women with alcohol or drug problems).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Opioid treatment for opioid withdrawal in newborn infants
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐ and cluster‐RCTs which enrolled infants born to mothers with opioid dependence and who were experiencing NAS requiring treatment with an opioid.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Sunlight for the prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in term and late preterm neonates
We included RCTs, quasi‐RCTs, and cluster RCTs. We excluded crossover RCTs. Included studies must have evaluated sunlight (with or without filters or amplification) for the prevention and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice in term or late preterm neonates. Neonates must have been enrolled in the study by one‐week postnatal age.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Bisphosphonate use in children with cerebral palsy
All relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and quasi‐RCTs, comparing at least one bisphosphonate (given at any dose, orally or intravenously) with placebo or no drug, for the treatment of low BMD or osteoporosis in children up to 18 years old, with cerebral palsy (GMFCS Levels III to V).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Ivermectin treatment in humans for reducing malaria transmission
We included cluster‐randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) that compared ivermectin, as single or multiple doses, with a control treatment or placebo given to populations living in malaria‐endemic areas, in the context of mass drug administration. Primary outcomes were prevalence of malaria parasite infection and incidence of clinical malaria in the community.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Altered dietary salt intake for people with chronic kidney disease
Randomised controlled trials comparing two or more levels of salt intake in adults with any stage of CKD.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Continuous nasogastric milk feeding versus intermittent bolus milk feeding for preterm infants less than 1500 grams
We included RCTs and quasi‐RCTs comparing continuous versus intermittent bolus nasogastric milk feeding in preterm infants less than 1500 grams.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Eslicarbazepine acetate add‐on therapy for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Randomized placebo‐controlled double‐blind add‐on trials of ESL in people with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Prophylactic drug management for febrile seizures in children
Trials using randomised or quasi‐randomised participant allocation that compared the use of antiepileptics, antipyretics or recognised Central Nervous System active agents with each other, placebo, or no treatment.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Oral antibiotics for chronic blepharitis
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing oral antibiotics with placebo in adult participants with chronic blepharitis (including staphylococcal, seborrhoeic, or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Topical azole treatments for otomycosis
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults and children with otomycosis comparing any topical azole antifungal with: placebo, no treatment, another type of topical azole or the same type of azole but applied in different forms. A minimum follow‐up of two weeks was required.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
New generation antidepressants for depression in children and adolescents: a network meta‐analysis
Randomised trials of six to 18 year olds of either sex and any ethnicity with clinically diagnosed major depressive disorder were included. Trials that compared the effectiveness of newer generation antidepressants with each other or with a placebo were included. Newer generation antidepressants included: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs); norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors; norepinephrine dopamine disinhibitors (NDDIs); and tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) combined with pyrethroids in insecticide‐treated nets to prevent malaria in Africa
We included experimental hut trials, village trials, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with mosquitoes from the Anopheles gambiae complex or the Anopheles funestus group.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Internet‐based cognitive and behavioural therapies for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults
We searched for RCTs of I‐C/BT compared to face‐to‐face or Internet‐based psychological treatment, psychoeducation, wait list, or care as usual. We included studies of adults (aged over 16 years), in which at least 70% of the participants met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Sedatives for opioid withdrawal in newborn infants
We included trials enrolling infants with NAS born to mothers with an opioid dependence with more than 80% follow‐up and using randomised, quasi‐randomised and cluster‐randomised allocation to sedative or control.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Antibiotic regimens for early‐onset neonatal sepsis
We included RCTs comparing different antibiotic regimens for early‐onset neonatal sepsis. We included participants from birth to 72 hours of life at randomisation.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Pharmacological and surgical interventions for the treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux in adults and children with asthma
We included randomised controlled trials comparing treatment of GORD in adults and children with a diagnosis of both asthma and GORD versus no treatment or placebo.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Rubber dam isolation for restorative treatment in dental patients
We included randomised controlled trials (including split‐mouth trials) over one month in length assessing the effects of rubber dam compared with alternative isolation methods for dental restorative treatments.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Surfactant therapy via thin catheter in preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome
We included randomised trials comparing surfactant administration via thin catheter (S‐TC) with (1) surfactant administration through an ETT (S‐ETT), or (2) continuation of non‐invasive respiratory support without surfactant administration or intubation. We also included trials comparing different methods/strategies of surfactant administration via thin catheter. We included preterm infants (at < 37 weeks' gestation) with or at risk of RDS.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Topical emollient for preventing infection in preterm infants
Randomised or quasi‐randomised controlled trials that assessed the effect of prophylactic application of topical emollient on the risk of invasive infection, mortality, other morbidity, and growth and development in preterm infants.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Paying for performance to improve the delivery of health interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries
We included randomized or non‐randomized trials, controlled before‐after studies, or interrupted time series studies conducted in LMICs (as defined by the World Bank in 2018). P4P refers to the transfer of money or material goods conditional on taking a measurable action or achieving a predetermined performance target. To be included, a study had to report at least one of the following outcomes: patient health outcomes, changes in targeted measures of provider performance (such as the delivery of healthcare services), unintended effects, or changes in resource use.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Immediate antiepileptic drug treatment, versus placebo, deferred, or no treatment for first unprovoked seizure
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs that could be blinded or unblinded. People of any age with a first unprovoked seizure of any type. Included studies compared participants receiving immediate antiepileptic treatment versus those receiving deferred treatment, those assigned to placebo, and those untreated.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Rapid versus standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing to guide treatment of bloodstream infection
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (with a time‐to‐result of ≤ 8 hours) versus conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing in people with a BSI caused by any bacteria, as identified by a positive blood culture.