anurajms/meta_analysis huggingface dataset:
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Semi‐recumbent position versus supine position for the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in adults requiring mechanical ventilation
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing semi‐recumbent versus supine positioning (0º to 10º), or RCTs comparing alternative degrees of positioning in mechanically ventilated patients. Our outcomes included clinically suspected VAP, microbiologically confirmed VAP, intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, hospital mortality, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, duration of ventilation, antibiotic use and any adverse events.
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Linezolid versus vancomycin for skin and soft tissue infections
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing linezolid with vancomycin in the treatment of SSTIs.
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Adjuvant corticosteroids for reducing death in neonatal bacterial meningitis
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs of adjunctive corticosteroids for treatment of neonates with bacterial meningitis.
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Duration of treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy
Randomized and quasi‐randomized trials comparing antimicrobial therapeutic regimens that differed in duration (particularly comparing single dose with longer duration regimens) in pregnant women diagnosed with asymptomatic bacteriuria.
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Steroids for symptom control in infectious mononucleosis
RCTs comparing the effectiveness of steroids with placebo, usual care, or other interventions for symptom control for people with documented infectious mononucleosis.
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Prophylactic oral/topical non‐absorbed antifungal agents to prevent invasive fungal infection in very low birth weight infants
Randomised controlled trials or quasi‐randomised controlled trials that compared the effect of prophylactic oral/topical non‐absorbed antifungal therapy versus placebo or no drug or another antifungal agent or dose regimen in very preterm or very low birth weight infants.
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Prophylactic systemic antifungal agents to prevent mortality and morbidity in very low birth weight infants
Randomised controlled trials or quasi‐randomised controlled trials that compared the effect of prophylactic systemic antifungal therapy versus placebo or no drug or another antifungal agent or dose regimen in very low birth weight infants.
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Prenatal education for congenital toxoplasmosis
Randomized and quasi‐randomized controlled trials of all types of prenatal education on toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy. Cluster‐randomized trials were eligible for inclusion.
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Antibiotics for preventing lower respiratory tract infections in high‐risk children aged 12 years and under
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing oral or intravenous antibiotics versus placebo or no treatment to prevent infections in high‐risk children aged 12 years and under. We used a combination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Health Service (NHS), American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines to define conditions at higher risk of complications. Our primary outcome was the incidence of bacterial lower respiratory infections. Secondary outcomes included clinical function, hospital admission, mortality, growth, use of secondary antibiotics, time off school or parental work, quality of life and adverse events.
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Heliox inhalation therapy for bronchiolitis in infants
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs of heliox in infants with acute bronchiolitis.
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Corticosteroids for acute bacterial meningitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of corticosteroids for acute bacterial meningitis.
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Post‐exposure passive immunisation for preventing rubella and congenital rubella syndrome
For the outcome 'preventing cases of rubella', we included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs. We found several studies addressing this outcome where the design was a controlled clinical trial (CCT) (with exposure to rubella virus controlled by the investigators) but the method of allocation of participants to groups was not reported. We found an alternative report of one of these studies that indicated participants were assigned to groups randomly. We therefore included such studies as meeting criteria for RCTs or quasi‐RCTs and undertook sensitivity analyses. For the outcomes, 'congenital rubella infection' and 'congenital rubella syndrome', we included RCTs, quasi‐RCTs and prospective controlled (cohort) studies. Participants were necessarily susceptible and exposed to rubella. Polyclonal immunoglobulins derived from human sera or plasma must have been administered intramuscularly or intravenously as the only intervention in at least one group.
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Beta2‐agonists for acute cough or a clinical diagnosis of acute bronchitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which allocated people (adults, or children over two years of age) with acute bronchitis or acute cough and without known pulmonary disease to beta2‐agonist versus placebo, no treatment or alternative treatment.
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Incentives and enablers to improve adherence in tuberculosis
Randomized controlled trials of material incentives in patients being investigated for TB, or on treatment for latent or active TB.
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Short‐course versus prolonged‐course antibiotic therapy for hospital‐acquired pneumonia in critically ill adults
We considered all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a fixed 'short' duration of antibiotic therapy with a 'prolonged' course for HAP (including patients with VAP) in critically ill adults.
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Surfactant therapy for bronchiolitis in critically ill infants
We considered prospective, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs evaluating the effect of exogenous surfactant in infants and children with bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation.
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Silver‐coated endotracheal tubes for prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in critically ill patients
We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐randomized trials that evaluated the effects of silver‐coated ETTs or a combination of silver with any antimicrobial‐coated ETTs with standard non‐coated ETTs or with other antimicrobial‐coated ETTs in critically ill people who required mechanical ventilation for 24 hours or longer. We also included studies that evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of silver‐coated ETTs or a combination of silver with any antimicrobial‐coated ETTs.
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Interventions for prevention of herpes simplex labialis (cold sores on the lips)
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for preventing HSL in immunocompetent people.
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Interventions for preventing recurrent urinary tract infection during pregnancy
Published, unpublished and ongoing randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs, clustered‐randomised trials and abstracts of any intervention (pharmacological and non‐pharmacological) for preventing RUTI during pregnancy (compared with another intervention, placebo or with usual care).
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Vaccines for women for preventing neonatal tetanus
Randomised or quasi‐randomised trials evaluating the effects of tetanus toxoid in pregnant women or women of reproductive age on numbers of neonatal tetanus cases and deaths.
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Antibiotic prophylaxis during the second and third trimester to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes and morbidity
Randomised controlled trials comparing prophylactic antibiotic treatment with placebo or no treatment for women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy before labour.
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Impact of Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) and viral influenza vaccinations in pregnancy for improving maternal, neonatal and infant health outcomes
All randomised controlled clinical trials (including cluster‐randomised trials) and quasi‐randomised trials evaluating Hib or viral influenza vaccination during pregnancy compared with no vaccination or placebo.
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Antibiotic lock for the prevention of catheter‐related infection in neonates
We considered all trials utilising random or quasi‐random participant allocation. Participants included all newborn infants of any postmenstrual age who required any type of CVC. We compared an antibiotic lock technique with no antibiotic lock or placebo, such as heparinised saline, for any duration of time.
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Antibiotic prophylaxis for preventing meningitis in patients with basilar skull fractures
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any antibiotic versus placebo or no intervention. We also identified non‐RCTs to perform a separate meta‐analysis in order to compare results.
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Adjunctive corticosteroids for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients with HIV infection
Randomised controlled trials that compared corticosteroids to placebo or usual care in HIV‐infected patients with PCP in addition to baseline treatment with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, pentamidine or dapsone‐trimethoprim, and reported mortality data. We excluded trials in patients with no or mild hypoxaemia (arterial oxygen partial pressure > 70 mmHg or an alveolar‐arterial gradient < 35 mmHg on room air) and trials with a follow‐up of less than 30 days.
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Leukotriene inhibitors for bronchiolitis in infants and young children
RCTs comparing leukotriene inhibitors versus placebo or another intervention in infants and young children under two years of age diagnosed with bronchiolitis. Our primary outcomes were length of hospital stay and all‐cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included clinical severity score, percentage of symptom‐free days, percentage of children requiring ventilation, oxygen saturation, recurrent wheezing, respiratory rate and clinical adverse effects.
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Azithromycin for acute lower respiratory tract infections
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs, comparing azithromycin to amoxycillin or amoxycillin/clavulanic acid in participants with clinical evidence of an acute LRTI, such as acute bronchitis, pneumonia and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.
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Chlorhexidine skin or cord care for prevention of mortality and infections in neonates
Cluster and individual patient randomised controlled trials of chlorhexidine use (for skin care, or cord care, or both) in term or late preterm neonates in hospital and community settings were eligible for inclusion. Three authors independently screened and selected studies for inclusion.
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Comparison of routes for achieving parenteral access with a focus on the management of patients with Ebola virus disease
Randomised controlled trials comparing different parenteral routes for the infusion of fluids or medication.
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Corticosteroids for parasitic eosinophilic meningitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of corticosteroids versus placebo for eosinophilic meningitis.
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Routine blood cultures in the management of pyelonephritis in pregnancy for improving outcomes
Randomised controlled trials and quasi‐randomised trials comparing outcomes among pregnant women with pyelonephritis who received initial management with or without blood cultures. Cluster‐randomised trials were eligible for inclusion in this review but none were identified. Clinical trials using a cross‐over design were not eligible for inclusion.
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Skin preparation with alcohol versus alcohol followed by any antiseptic for preventing bacteraemia or contamination of blood for transfusion
All randomised trials (RCTs) comparing alcohol based donor skin cleansing in a one‐step versus a two‐step process that includes alcohol and any other antiseptic for pre‐venepuncture skin cleansing were considered. Quasi randomised trials were to have been considered in the absence of RCTs.
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Low dose versus high dose stavudine for treating people with HIV infection
Randomised controlled trials comparing the use of low dose and high dose stavudine as part of ART combination therapy for treating adults.
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Macrolides for diffuse panbronchiolitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs assessing the effect of macrolides for DPB.
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Pneumococcal vaccination during pregnancy for preventing infant infection
Randomized controlled trials in pregnant women comparing pneumococcal vaccine with placebo or doing nothing, or with another vaccine to prevent infant infections.
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Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen for necrotizing fasciitis
We included all randomized and pseudo‐randomized trials (trials in which an attempt at randomization has been made but the method was inappropriate, for example, alternate allocation) that compared the effects of HBOT with the effects of no HBOT (no treatment or sham) in the treatment of children and adults with necrotizing fasciitis.
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Antibiotics for community‐acquired lower respiratory tract infections secondary to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antibiotics commonly used for treating M. pneumoniae (i.e. macrolide, tetracycline or quinolone classes) versus placebo, or antibiotics from any other class in the treatment of children under 18 years of age with community‐acquired LRTI secondary to M. pneumoniae.
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Antibiotic regimens for management of intra‐amniotic infection
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included women who experienced intra‐amniotic infection. Trials were included if they compared antibiotic treatment with placebo or no treatment (if applicable), treatment with different antibiotic regimens, or timing of antibiotic therapy (intrapartum and/or postpartum). Therefore, this review assesses trials evaluating intrapartum antibiotics, intrapartum and postpartum antibiotic regimens, and postpartum antibiotics. Diagnosis of intra‐amniotic infection was based on standard criteria (clinical/test), and no limit was placed on gestational age.
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Surfactant for meconium aspiration syndrome in term and late preterm infants
Randomised controlled trials which evaluated the effect of surfactant administration in late preterm and term infants with meconium aspiration syndrome are included in the analyses.
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Vaginal chlorhexidine during labour to prevent early‐onset neonatal group B streptococcal infection
Randomized and quasi‐randomized trials comparing vaginal disinfection with chlorhexidine (vaginal wash or gel/cream) versus placebo, or no treatment.
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Timing of intravenous prophylactic antibiotics for preventing postpartum infectious morbidity in women undergoing cesarean delivery
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes following prophylactic antibiotics administered prior to skin incision versus after neonatal cord clamping during cesarean delivery. Cluster‐RCTs were eligible for inclusion but none were identified. Quasi‐RCT and trials using a cross‐over design were not eligible for inclusion in this review. Studies published in abstract form only were eligible for inclusion if sufficient information was available in the report.
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Amantadine and rimantadine for influenza A in children and the elderly
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs comparing amantadine and/or rimantadine with no intervention, placebo, other antivirals or different doses or schedules of amantadine or rimantadine in children and the elderly with influenza A.
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Antibiotics for meconium‐stained amniotic fluid in labour for preventing maternal and neonatal infections
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing prophylactic antibiotics with placebo or no treatment during labour for women with MSAF.
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Quantitative versus qualitative cultures of respiratory secretions for clinical outcomes in patients with ventilator‐associated pneumonia
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing respiratory samples processed quantitatively or qualitatively, obtained by invasive or non‐invasive methods from immunocompetent patients with VAP and which analysed the impact of these methods on antibiotic use and mortality rates.
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Strategies of testing for syphilis during pregnancy
Randomised (individual and cluster) controlled trials comparing different screening tests conducted during routine antenatal check‐ups versus no screening test. Cross‐over trials and quasi‐randomised experimental study designs were not eligible for inclusion.
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Antibiotics for community‐acquired pneumonia in adult outpatients
We looked for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), fully published in peer‐reviewed journals, of antibiotics versus placebo as well as antibiotics versus another antibiotic for the treatment of CAP in outpatient settings in participants older than 12 years of age. However, we did not find any studies of antibiotics versus placebo. Therefore, this review includes RCTs of one or more antibiotics, which report the diagnostic criteria and describe the clinical outcomes considered for inclusion in this review.
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Antibiotics for bronchiolitis in children under two years of age
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antibiotics to placebo in children under two years diagnosed with bronchiolitis, using clinical criteria (including respiratory distress preceded by coryzal symptoms with or without fever). Primary clinical outcomes included time to resolution of signs or symptoms (pulmonary markers included respiratory distress, wheeze, crepitations, oxygen saturation and fever). Secondary outcomes included hospital admissions, length of hospital stay, readmissions, complications or adverse events and radiological findings.
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Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in non‐HIV immunocompromised patients
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs comparing prophylaxis with an antibiotic effective against PCP versus placebo, no intervention, or antibiotic(s) with no activity against PCP; and trials comparing different antibiotics effective against PCP among immunocompromised non‐HIV patients. We only included trials in which Pneumocystis infections were available as an outcome.
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Acellular vaccines for preventing whooping cough in children
We selected double‐blind randomised efficacy and safety trials of aP vaccines in children up to six years old, with active follow‐up of participants and laboratory verification of pertussis cases.
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Topical antifungal treatments for tinea cruris and tinea corporis
Randomised controlled trials in people with proven dermatophyte infection of the body (tinea corporis) or groin (tinea cruris).
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Structural and community‐level interventions for increasing condom use to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
Randomized control trials (RCTs) featuring all of the following.1. Community interventions ('community' defined as a geographical entity, such as cities, counties, villages).2. One or more structural interventions whose objective was to promote condom use. These type of interventions can be defined as those actions improving accessibility, availability and acceptability of any given health program/technology.3. Trials that confirmed biological outcomes using laboratory testing.
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Antibiotics for acute pyelonephritis in children
Randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials comparing different antibiotic agents, routes, frequencies or durations of therapy in children aged 0 to 18 years with proven UTI and acute pyelonephritis were selected.
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Humanized PA14 (a monoclonal CCR5 antibody) for treatment of people with HIV infection
We included RCTs and quasi‐RCTs comparing PRO 140 with placebo or other antiretroviral drugs, or different doses of PRO 140 for individuals infected with HIV.
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Corticosteroids for dengue infection
Randomized controlled trials or quasi‐randomized controlled trials comparing corticosteroids with placebo or no corticosteroids in patients diagnosed with dengue‐related shock, or patients in an early symptomatic state of dengue with positive serology.
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Vaccines for post‐exposure prophylaxis against varicella (chickenpox) in children and adults
RCTs and quasi‐RCTs of varicella vaccine for PEP compared with placebo or no intervention. The outcome measures were efficacy in prevention of clinical cases and/or laboratory‐confirmed clinical cases and adverse events following vaccination.
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Bronchodilators for bronchiolitis
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing bronchodilators (other than epinephrine) with placebo for bronchiolitis.
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Intrapartum antibiotics for known maternal Group B streptococcal colonization
Randomized trials assessing the impact of maternal IAP on neonatal GBS infections were included.
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Hormonal contraception for women exposed to HIV infection
Published, unpublished and ongoing trials with random allocation, comparing hormonal with non‐hormonal methods, other hormonal methods or no contraception in women at risk of HIV acquisition.
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Post‐exposure passive immunisation for preventing measles
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs and prospective, controlled (cohort) studies if: participants were susceptible and exposed to measles, polyclonal immunoglobulins derived from human sera or plasma were administered intramuscularly or intravenously as the only intervention in at least one group and the number of subsequent measles cases was measured. We excluded studies of other sources of immunoglobulins.
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Systemic corticosteroids for acute sinusitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing systemic corticosteroids to placebo or standard clinical care for patients with acute sinusitis.
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Over‐the‐counter (OTC) medications to reduce cough as an adjunct to antibiotics for acute pneumonia in children and adults
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in children and adults comparing any type of OTC cough medication with placebo, or control medication, with cough as an outcome and where the cough is secondary to acute pneumonia.
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Intermittent versus daily therapy for treating tuberculosis in children
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs of children aged 15 years or younger, diagnosed with TB (according to the World Health Organization diagnostic categories 1, 2, or 3), who were treated with intermittent twice‐weekly or thrice‐weekly, short‐course anti‐TB regimens compared to daily short‐course anti‐TB treatment regimens. All regimens had to contain rifampicin for at least the first two months.
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Beta lactam antibiotic monotherapy versus beta lactam‐aminoglycoside antibiotic combination therapy for sepsis
We included randomized and quasi‐randomized trials comparing any beta lactam monotherapy versus any combination of a beta lactam with an aminoglycoside for sepsis.
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Intranasal steroids for acute sinusitis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing INCS treatment to placebo or no intervention in adults and children with acute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis was defined by clinical diagnosis and confirmed by radiological evidence or by nasal endoscopy. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with either resolution or improvement of symptoms. Secondary outcomes were any adverse events that required discontinuation of treatment, drop‐outs before the end of the study, rates of relapse, complications and return to school or work.
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Infection control strategies for preventing the transmission of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in nursing homes for older people
All randomised and controlled clinical trials, controlled before and after studies and interrupted time series studies of infection prevention and control interventions in nursing homes for older people were eligible for inclusion.
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Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in non surgical wounds
We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antibiotic treatment with no antibiotic treatment or with another antibiotic regimen for the treatment of MRSA‐infected non surgical wounds. We included all relevant RCTs in the analysis, irrespective of language, publication status, publication year, or sample size.
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Continuous negative extrathoracic pressure or continuous positive airway pressure compared to conventional ventilation for acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure in children
Randomised or quasi‐randomised clinical trials of CNEP or Ni‐CPAP versus standard therapy (including positive pressure ventilation) involving children (from one month old to less than 18 years at time of randomisation) who met the criteria for diagnosis of AHRF with at least one of the outcomes reported.
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Combined and alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen therapy for febrile children
We included randomized controlled trials comparing alternating or combined paracetamol and ibuprofen regimens with monotherapy in children with fever.
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Antibiotics for preventing meningococcal infections
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs addressing the effectiveness of different antibiotics for: (a) prophylaxis against meningococcal disease; (b) eradication of N meningitidis.
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Intravenous immunoglobulin for treating sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock
We included randomized controlled trials comparing IVIG (monoclonal or polyclonal) with placebo or no intervention in patients of any age with bacterial sepsis or septic shock.
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Optimal timing for intravascular administration set replacement
We included all randomized or controlled clinical trials on the frequency of venous or arterial catheter administration set replacement in hospitalized participants.
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Antibiotics for preventing complications in children with measles
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs comparing antibiotics with placebo or no treatment, to prevent complications in children with measles.
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Glucocorticoids for acute viral bronchiolitis in infants and young children
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing short‐term systemic or inhaled glucocorticoids versus placebo or another intervention in children under 24 months with acute bronchiolitis (first episode with wheezing). Our primary outcomes were: admissions by days 1 and 7 for outpatient studies; and length of stay (LOS) for inpatient studies. Secondary outcomes included clinical severity parameters, healthcare use, pulmonary function, symptoms, quality of life and harms.
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Antibiotics for community‐acquired pneumonia in children
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in children of either sex, comparing at least two antibiotics for CAP within hospital or ambulatory (outpatient) settings.
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Monoclonal antibody for reducing the risk of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children
We included RCTs comparing palivizumab prophylaxis with a placebo or another type of prophylaxis in preventing serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in paediatric patients at high risk. We included cost‐effectiveness analyses and cost‐utility analyses comparing palivizumab prophylaxis with no prophylaxis.
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De‐escalation of antimicrobial treatment for adults with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock
We planned to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing de‐escalation (based on culture results) versus standard therapy for adults with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock. The primary outcome was mortality (at 28 days, hospital discharge or at the end of the follow‐up period). Studies including patients initially treated with an empirical but not adequate antimicrobial therapy were not considered for inclusion.
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Co‐formulated abacavir‐lamivudine‐zidovudine for initial treatment of HIV infection and AIDS
We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a minimum follow‐up time of six months which compared co‐formulated abacavir‐lamivudine‐zidovudine with either PI‐based or NNRTI‐based therapy among antiretroviral‐naive HIV‐infected patients aged at least 13 years.
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Vaccines for preventing influenza in people with asthma
We included randomised trials of influenza vaccination in children (over two years of age) and adults with asthma. We excluded studies involving people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for critically ill adults
We included RCTs, quasi‐RCTs, and cluster‐RCTs that compared VV ECMO, VA ECMO or ECPR to conventional support in critically ill adults.
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Mental Health First Aid as a tool for improving mental health and well‐being
We included RCTs and cluster‐RCTs comparing any type of MHFA‐trademarked course to no intervention, active or attention control (such as first aid courses), waiting list control, or alternative mental health literacy interventions. Participants were individuals in the communities in which MHFA training is delivered and MHFA trainees. Primary outcomes included mental health and well‐being of individuals, mental health service usage and adverse effects of MHFA training. Secondary outcomes related to individuals, MHFA trainees, and communities or organisations in which MHFA training has been delivered
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Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs that compared ESWL with PCNL or RIRS for kidney stone treatment.
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Magnetic seizure therapy for people with schizophrenia
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MST alone or plus standard care with ECT or any other interventions for people with schizophrenia.
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Digital technology for monitoring adherence to inhaled therapies in people with cystic fibrosis
We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) looking at the effects of a digital technology for monitoring adherence of children and adults with CF to inhaled therapies.
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Carnitine supplements for people with chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs (RCTs in which allocation to treatment was obtained by alternation, use of alternate medical records, date of birth, or other predictable methods) that compared carnitine supplements with placebo or standard care in people with CKD requiring dialysis.
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Antipsychotic dose reduction compared to dose continuation for people with schizophrenia
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any dose reduction against continuation in people with schizophrenia or related disorders who were stabilised on their current antipsychotic treatment.
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Hypoxia‐inducible factor stabilisers for the anaemia of chronic kidney disease
Randomised and quasi‐randomised studies evaluating hypoxia‐inducible factors stabilisers compared to placebo, standard care, ESAs or iron supplementation in people with CKD were included.
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Antipsychotics for schizophrenia spectrum disorders with catatonic symptoms
All RCTs comparing any single antipsychotic medication with another antipsychotic or with other pharmacological agents, ECT, other non‐pharmacological neuromodulation therapies, or placebo for people who have schizophrenia spectrum disorders with catatonic symptoms.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy (group) for schizophrenia
We selected randomised controlled trials allocating adults with schizophrenia to receive either group CBT for schizophrenia, compared with standard care, or any other psychosocial intervention (group or individual).
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Negative pressure wound therapy for managing the open abdomen in non‐trauma patients
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared NPWT with any other type of temporary abdominal closure (e.g. Bogota bag, Wittmann patch) in non‐trauma patients with open abdomen in any care setting. We also included RCTs that compared different types of NPWT systems for managing the open abdomen in non‐trauma patients.
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Prostatic arterial embolization for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia
We included parallel‐group randomized controlled trials (RCTs), as well as non‐randomized studies (NRS, limited to prospective cohort studies with concurrent comparison groups) enrolling men over the age of 40 years with LUTS attributed to BPH undergoing PAE versus TURP or other surgical interventions.
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Self‐management interventions for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster‐randomised trials (CRTs) published since 1995. To be eligible for inclusion, self‐management interventions had to include at least two intervention components and include an iterative process between participant and healthcare provider(s) in which goals were formulated and feedback was given on self‐management actions by the participant.
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Integrated disease management interventions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared IDM programmes for COPD versus usual care were included. Interventions consisted of multi‐disciplinary (two or more healthcare providers) and multi‐treatment (two or more components) IDM programmes of at least three months' duration.
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Preoperative hair removal to reduce surgical site infection
We included randomised controlled trials or quasi‐randomised trials that compared:· hair removal with no hair removal;
· different methods of hair removal; and
· hair removal at different times before surgery.
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Exercise training for adult lung transplant recipients
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included comparing exercise training with usual care or no exercise training, or with another exercise training program in terms of dosage, modality, program length, or use of supporting exercise devices. The study population comprised of participants older than 18 years who underwent lung transplantation independent of their underlying respiratory pathology.
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Telehealth interventions: remote monitoring and consultations for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) included adults with diagnosed COPD. Asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and other respiratory conditions were excluded. Interventions included remote monitoring or consultation plus usual care, remote monitoring or consultation alone, and mult‐component interventions from all care settings. Quality of life scales included St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The dyspnoea symptom scale used was the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire Self‐Administered Standardized Scale (CRQ‐SAS).
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Pharmacological interventions versus placebo, no treatment or usual care for osteoporosis in people with chronic kidney disease stages 3‐5D
Randomised controlled trials comparing any anti‐osteoporotic drugs with a placebo, no treatment or usual care in patients with osteoporosis and CKD stages 3 to 5D were included.
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Vitamin D supplementation for the treatment of COVID‐19: a living systematic review
We followed standard Cochrane methodology. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating vitamin D supplementation for people with COVID‐19, irrespective of disease severity, age, gender or ethnicity.We excluded studies investigating preventive effects, or studies including populations with other coronavirus diseases (severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)).
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Digital interventions for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
We included RCTs comparing digital technology interventions with or without routine supported self‐management to usual care, or control treatment for self‐management. Multi‐component interventions (of which one component was digital self‐management) compared with usual care, standard care or control treatment were included.
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Exercise training for bronchiectasis
We included randomised controlled trials in which exercise training of at least four weeks' duration (or eight sessions) was compared to usual care for people with stable bronchiectasis or experiencing an acute exacerbation. Co‐interventions with exercise training including education, respiratory muscle training, and airway clearance therapy were permitted if also applied as part of usual care.
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High versus low positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels for mechanically ventilated adult patients with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome
We included randomised controlled trials that compared high versus low levels of PEEP in ALI and ARDS participants who were intubated and mechanically ventilated in intensive care for at least 24 hours.
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Prevention of depression in adults with long‐term physical conditions
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of preventive psychological or pharmacological interventions, specifically targeting incidence of depression in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU), waiting list, attention/psychological placebo, or placebo. Participants had to be age 18 years or older, with at least one long‐term physical condition, and no diagnosis of major depression at baseline (primary prevention). In addition, we included studies comprising mixed samples of patients with and without a history of depression, which explored tertiary prevention of recurrent depression. We excluded other tertiary prevention studies. We also excluded secondary preventive interventions. Primary outcomes included incidence of depression, tolerability, and acceptability. Secondary outcomes included severity of depression, cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility.
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Video games for people with schizophrenia
Randomised controlled trials focusing on video games for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia‐like illnesses.
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Rehabilitation following surgery for flexor tendon injuries of the hand
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs that compared any postoperative rehabilitation intervention with no intervention, control, placebo, or another postoperative rehabilitation intervention in individuals who have had surgery for flexor tendon injuries of the hand. Trials comparing different mobilisation regimens either with another mobilisation regimen or with a control were the main comparisons of interest. Our main outcomes of interest were patient‐reported function, active range of motion of the fingers, and number of participants experiencing an adverse event.
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Urgent‐start peritoneal dialysis versus conventional‐start peritoneal dialysis for people with chronic kidney disease
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐RCTs comparing the outcomes of urgent‐start PD (within 2 weeks of catheter insertion) and conventional‐start PD ( ≥ 2 weeks of catheter insertion) treatment in children and adults CKD patients requiring long‐term dialysis were included. Studies without a control group were excluded.
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Maintenance treatment with antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia
We included all randomised trials comparing maintenance treatment with antipsychotic drugs and placebo for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia‐like psychoses.
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Psychosocial interventions for conversion and dissociative disorders in adults
We included all randomised controlled trials that compared psychosocial interventions for conversion and dissociative disorders with standard care, wait list or other interventions (pharmaceutical, somatic or psychosocial).
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Repositioning for pressure injury prevention in adults
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster‐randomised trials (c‐RCTs), published or unpublished, that assessed the effects of any repositioning schedule or different patient positions and measured PI incidence in adults in any setting.
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Pelvic floor muscle training for preventing and treating urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women
We included randomised or quasi‐randomised trials in which one arm included PFMT. Another arm was no PFMT, usual antenatal or postnatal care, another control condition, or an alternative PFMT intervention.Populations included women who, at randomisation, were continent (PFMT for prevention) or incontinent (PFMT for treatment), and a mixed population of women who were one or the other (PFMT for prevention or treatment).
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Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for acute low back pain
We included RCTs that assessed the use of one or more types of NSAIDs compared to placebo (the main comparison) or alternative treatments for acute LBP in adults (≥ 18 years); conducted in both primary and secondary care settings. We assessed the effects of treatment on pain reduction, disability, global improvement, adverse events, and return to work.
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Subcuticular sutures for skin closure in non‐obstetric surgery
All randomised controlled trials which compared subcuticular sutures with any other methods for skin closure in non‐obstetric surgery were included in the review.
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Epidural corticosteroid injections for lumbosacral radicular pain
We included studies that compared epidural corticosteroid injections of any corticosteroid drug to placebo injections in patients with lumbosacral radicular pain. We accepted all three anatomical approaches (caudal, interlaminar, and transforaminal) to delivering corticosteroids into the epidural space. We considered trials that included a placebo treatment as delivery of an inert substance (i.e. one with no pharmacologic activity), an innocuous substance (e.g. normal saline solution), or a pharmacologically active substance but not one considered to provide sustained benefit (e.g. local anaesthetic), either into the epidural space (i.e. to mimic epidural corticosteroid injection) or adjacent spinal tissue (i.e. subcutaneous, intramuscular, or interspinous tissue). We also included trials in which a local anaesthetic with a short duration of action was used as a placebo and injected together with corticosteroid in the intervention group.
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Benzodiazepines for treatment of patients with delirium excluding those who are cared for in an intensive care unit
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in healthcare settings that ranged from nursing homes and long‐term care facilities to any hospital setting except for ICUs, involving adult patients with delirium excluding those with delirium related to alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal. Included RCTs had to assess the effect of benzodiazepines, at any dose and given by any route, compared with placebo or another drug intended to treat delirium.