anurajms/meta_analysis huggingface dataset:
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Drug therapies for reducing gastric acidity in people with cystic fibrosis
All randomised and quasi‐randomised trials involving agents that reduce gastric acidity compared to placebo or a comparator treatment.
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Cough augmentation techniques for people with chronic neuromuscular disorders
We included trials of cough augmentation techniques compared to no treatment, alternative techniques, or combinations thereof, in adults and children with chronic neuromuscular disorders.
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Antidepressants for people with epilepsy and depression
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective non‐randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs), investigating children or adults with epilepsy, who were treated with an antidepressant and compared to placebo, comparative antidepressant, psychotherapy, or no treatment for depressive symptoms.
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Regular treatment with formoterol and an inhaled corticosteroid versus regular treatment with salmeterol and an inhaled corticosteroid for chronic asthma: serious adverse events
We included controlled clinical trials with a parallel design, recruiting patients of any age and severity of asthma, if they randomised patients to treatment with regular formoterol versus regular salmeterol (each with a randomised inhaled corticosteroid) and were of at least 12 weeks' duration.
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Anti‐seizure medications for Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome
We considered RCTs, including cross‐over trials, of ASMs for LGS in children and adults. We included studies of ASMs used as either monotherapy or as add‐on (adjunctive) therapy. We excluded studies comparing different doses of the same ASM.
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Circumcision devices versus standard surgical techniques in adolescent and adult male circumcisions
We included randomized controlled trials of device‐based circumcisions (crush or ligature circumcision devices) compared to standard surgical dissection‐based circumcision conducted by health professionals in a medical setting.
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Lung recruitment manoeuvres for reducing mortality and respiratory morbidity in mechanically ventilated neonates
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs and randomised cross‐over studies that compared the effect of LRMs to no recruitment (routine care) in mechanically ventilated neonates.
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Dornase alfa for cystic fibrosis
All randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials comparing dornase alfa to placebo, standard therapy or other medications that improve airway clearance.
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Opioids for newborn infants receiving mechanical ventilation
We included randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials comparing opioids to placebo or no drug, to other opioids, or to other analgesics or sedatives in newborn infants on mechanical ventilation. We excluded cross‐over trials. We included term (≥ 37 weeks' gestational age) and preterm (< 37 weeks' gestational age) newborn infants on mechanical ventilation. We included any duration of drug treatment and any dosage given continuously or as bolus; we excluded studies that gave opioids to ventilated infants for procedures.
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Zinc supplementation for improving pregnancy and infant outcome
Randomised trials of zinc supplementation versus no zinc supplementation or placebo administration during pregnancy, earlier than 27 weeks' gestation. We excluded quasi‐randomised controlled trials. We intended to include studies presented only as abstracts, if they provided enough information or, if necessary, by contacting authors to analyse them against our criteria; we did not find any such studies.
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Enteral zinc supplementation for prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates
We included RCTs and quasi‐RCTs that compared enteral zinc supplementation versus placebo or no supplementation in preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks), and low birth weight babies (birth weight < 2500 grams), at any time during their hospital admission after birth. We included zinc supplementation in any formulation, regimen, or dose administered via the enteral route. We excluded infants who underwent gastrointestinal (GI) surgery during their initial hospital stay, or had a GI malformation or another condition accompanied by abnormal losses of GI juices, which contain high levels of zinc (including, but not limited to, stomas, fistulas, and malabsorptive diarrhoea).
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High versus standard volume enteral feeds to promote growth in preterm or low birth weight infants
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared high versus standard volume enteral feeds for preterm or low birth weight infants.
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Timing of dornase alfa inhalation for cystic fibrosis
Any trial of dornase alfa in people with cystic fibrosis where timing of inhalation was the randomised element in the trial with either: inhalation before compared to after airway clearance techniques; or morning compared to evening inhalation.
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Interventions for self‐harm in children and adolescents
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing specific psychosocial interventions or pharmacological agents or natural products with treatment‐as‐usual (TAU), routine psychiatric care, enhanced usual care (EUC), active comparator, placebo, alternative pharmacological treatment, or a combination of these, in children and adolescents with a recent (within six months of trial entry) episode of SH resulting in presentation to hospital or clinical services. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a repeated episode of SH over a maximum follow‐up period of two years. Secondary outcomes included treatment adherence, depression, hopelessness, general functioning, social functioning, suicidal ideation, and suicide.
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High‐flow nasal cannulae for respiratory support in adult intensive care patients
We included randomized controlled studies (RCTs) with a parallel‐group or cross‐over design comparing HFNC use versus other types of non‐invasive respiratory support (standard oxygen therapy via nasal cannulae or mask; or NIV or NIPPV which included continuous positive airway pressure and bilevel positive airway pressure) in adults admitted to the ICU.
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(Ultra‐)long‐acting insulin analogues for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a duration of 24 weeks or more comparing one (ultra‐)long‐acting insulin to NPH insulin or another (ultra‐)long‐acting insulin in people with T1DM.
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Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles)
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed systemic antibiotics; topical antibiotics; topical antiseptics, such as topical benzoyl peroxide; phototherapy; and surgical interventions in participants with bacterial folliculitis or boils. Eligible comparators were active intervention, placebo, or no treatment.
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Antibiotics to prevent complications following tooth extractions
We included randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing tooth extraction(s) for any indication.
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Patient and lay carer education for preventing pressure ulceration in at‐risk populations
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that recruited people of any age at risk of pressure ulceration, and RCTs that recruited people who informally care for someone at risk of pressure ulceration.
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Fluid restriction in the management of transient tachypnea of the newborn
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs, and cluster trials on fluid restriction in term and preterm neonates with the diagnosis of TTN or delayed adaptation during the first week after birth.
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The effectiveness and adverse effects of D‐cycloserine compared with placebo on social and communication skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any duration and dose of D‐cycloserine, with or without adjunct treatment, compared to placebo in individuals with ASD.
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Topical versus systemic antibiotics for chronic suppurative otitis media
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with at least a one‐week follow‐up involving patients (adults and children) who had chronic ear discharge of unknown cause or CSOM, where the ear discharge had continued for more than two weeks.The studies compared topical antibiotics against systemic (oral, injection) antibiotics. We separated studies according to whether they compared the same type of antibiotic in both treatment groups, or different types of antibiotics. For each comparison we considered whether there was background treatment for both treatment groups, for example aural toileting (ear cleaning).
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Salbutamol for transient tachypnea of the newborn
Randomized controlled trials, quasi‐randomized controlled trials and cluster trials comparing salbutamol versus placebo or no treatment or any other drugs administered to infants born at 34 weeks' gestational age or more and less than three days of age with transient tachypnea of the newborn.
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Systemic antibiotics for chronic suppurative otitis media
We included randomised controlled trials comparing systemic antibiotics (oral, injection) against placebo/no treatment or other systemic antibiotics with at least a one‐week follow‐up period, involving patients with chronic (at least two weeks) ear discharge of unknown cause or due to CSOM. Other treatments were allowed if both treatment and control arms also received it.
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Urgent‐start peritoneal dialysis versus haemodialysis for people with chronic kidney disease
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs and non‐RCTs comparing urgent‐start PD to HD initiated using a CVC.
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Beta‐blockers versus placebo or no intervention for primary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding in children with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis
We planned to include randomised clinical trials, irrespective of blinding, language, or publication status to assess benefits and harms. We included observational studies, retrieved with the searches for randomised clinical trials, for a narrative report of harm.
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Surgical interventions for the early management of Bell's palsy
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs involving any surgical intervention for Bell's palsy. Trials compared surgical interventions to no treatment, later treatment (beyond three months), sham treatment, other surgical treatments or medical treatment.
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Band ligation versus sham or no intervention for primary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding in children and adolescents with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis
We aimed to include randomised clinical trials irrespective of blinding, language, or publication status, to assess the benefits and harms of band ligation versus sham or no intervention for primary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding in children with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis. If the search for randomised clinical trials retrieved quasi‐randomised and other observational studies, then we read them through to extract information on harm.
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Effect of atorvastatin on testosterone levels
RCTs of daily atorvastatin for at least three weeks, compared with placebo or no treatment, and assessing change in testosterone levels in males or females.
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Ethosuximide, sodium valproate or lamotrigine for absence seizures in children and adolescents
Randomised parallel group monotherapy or add‐on trials which include a comparison of any of the following in children or adolescents with AS: ethosuximide, sodium valproate, lamotrigine, or placebo.
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Antibiotic therapy versus no antibiotic therapy for children aged 2 to 59 months with WHO‐defined non‐severe pneumonia and wheeze
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of antibiotic therapy versus no antibiotic therapy for children, aged 2 to 59 months, with non‐severe pneumonia and wheeze. We defined non‐severe pneumonia as 'a cough or difficulty in breathing, with rapid breathing (a respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute or more for children aged 2 to 12 months, or a respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute or more for children aged 12 to 59 months), chest indrawing and wheeze'. We excluded trials involving children with severe or very severe pneumonia, and non‐RCTs.
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Interventions for treating iron deficiency anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease
Randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness and safety of iron administration interventions compared to other iron administration interventions or placebo in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease. We considered both adults and children, with studies reporting outcomes of clinical, endoscopic, histologic or surgical remission as defined by study authors.
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Indomethacin for symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants
We included RCTs and quasi‐RCTs that compared indomethacin (any dose, any route) versus placebo or no treatment in preterm infants.
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Early full enteral feeding for preterm or low birth weight infants
Randomised controlled trials that compared early full enteral feeding with delayed or progressive introduction of enteral feeds in preterm or low birth weight infants.
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Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of OHC (mouthrinse, gel, swab, toothbrush or combination) in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours.
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Primary prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in ambulatory cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Randomised controlled trials comparing any oral or parenteral anticoagulant or mechanical intervention to no thromboprophylaxis or placebo, or comparing two different anticoagulants.
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Respiratory muscle training for cystic fibrosis
Randomised controlled studies comparing respiratory muscle training with a control group in people with cystic fibrosis.
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Magnesium sulphate for treating acute bronchiolitis in children up to two years of age
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs, comparing magnesium sulphate, alone or with another treatment, with placebo or another treatment, in children up to two years old with acute bronchiolitis. Primary outcomes were time to recovery, mortality, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were duration of hospital stay, clinical severity score at 0 to 24 hours and 25 to 48 hours after treatment, pulmonary function test, hospital readmission within 30 days, duration of mechanical ventilation, and duration of intensive care unit stay.
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Effects of oral vitamin D supplementation on linear growth and other health outcomes among children under five years of age
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs assessing the effects of oral vitamin D supplementation, with or without other micronutrients, compared to no intervention, placebo, a lower dose of vitamin D, or the same micronutrients alone (and not vitamin D) in infants and children under five years of age who lived in any country.
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Vitamin D supplementation for term breastfed infants to prevent vitamin D deficiency and improve bone health
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs in breastfeeding mother‐infant pairs comparing vitamin D supplementation given to infants or lactating mothers compared to placebo or no intervention, or sunlight, or that compare vitamin D supplementation of infants to supplementation of mothers.
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Early treatment versus expectant management of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus for preterm infants
We included RCTs in which early pharmacological treatment, defined as treatment initiated within the first seven days after birth, was compared to no intervention, placebo or other non‐pharmacological expectant management strategies for treatment of an hs‐PDA in preterm (< 37 weeks’ postmenstrual age) or low birth weight (< 2500 grams) infants.
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N‐acetylcysteine for non‐paracetamol (acetaminophen)‐related acute liver failure
We included randomised clinical trials that compared N‐acetylcysteine at any dose or route with placebo or no intervention in participants with non‐paracetamol‐induced acute liver failure.
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Interventions to increase patient and family involvement in escalation of care for acute life‐threatening illness in community health and hospital settings
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster‐randomised controlled trials where the intervention focused on patients and families working with healthcare professionals to ensure care received for acute deterioration was timely and appropriate. A key criterion was to include an interactive element of rehearsal, role play, modelling, shared language, group work etc. to the intervention to help patients and families have agency in the process of escalation of care. The interventions included components such as enabling patients and families to detect changes in patients' conditions and to speak up about these changes to staff. We also included studies where the intervention included a component targeted at enabling staff response.
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Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea
Randomized controlled trials comparing a specified probiotic agent with a placebo or no probiotic in people with acute diarrhoea that is proven or presumed to be caused by an infectious agent.
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Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for preventing acute otitis media in children
Randomised controlled trials of PCV versus placebo or control vaccine.
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Individualized versus standard diet fortification for growth and development in preterm infants receiving human milk
We considered randomized, quasi‐randomized, and cluster‐randomized controlled trials of preterm infants fed exclusively breast milk that compared a standard non‐individualized fortification strategy to individualized fortification using a targeted or adjustable strategy. We considered studies that examined any use of fortification in eligible infants for a minimum duration of two weeks, initiated at any time during enteral feeding, and providing any regimen of human milk feeding.
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Comparison of different protein concentrations of human milk fortifier for promoting growth and neurological development in preterm infants
We included all published and unpublished randomised, quasi‐randomised and cluster‐randomised trials comparing two different concentrations of protein in human milk fortifier.We included preterm infants (less than 37 weeks' gestational age). Participants may have been exclusively fed human milk or have been supplemented with formula.The concentration of protein was classified as low (< 1g protein/100 mL expressed breast milk (EBM)), moderate (≥ 1g to < 1.4g protein/100 mL EBM) or high (≥ 1.4g protein/100 mL EBM). We excluded trials that compared two protein concentrations that fell within the same category.
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Mechanically assisted walking training for walking, participation, and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs, including cross‐over trials, comparing any type of mechanically assisted walking training (with or without body weight support) with no walking training or the same dose of overground walking training in children with cerebral palsy (classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] Levels I to IV) 3 to 18 years of age.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
We included randomised controlled trials of CBT that involved direct contact with the child, parent, or both, and included non‐CBT comparators (waitlist/no treatment, treatment as usual, attention control, alternative treatment, medication). Participants were younger than age 19, and met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder diagnosis. Primary outcomes were remission of primary anxiety diagnosis post‐treatment, and acceptability (number of participants lost to post‐treatment assessment), and secondary outcomes included remission of all anxiety diagnoses, reduction in anxiety symptoms, reduction in depressive symptoms, improvement in global functioning, adverse effects, and longer‐term effects.
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Band ligation versus sclerotherapy for primary prophylaxis of oesophageal variceal bleeding in children with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis
We planned to include randomised clinical trials irrespective of blinding, language, or publication status for assessment of benefits and harms. If the search for randomised clinical trials retrieved quasi‐randomised and observational studies, then we read them through to extract information on harms.
Provide selection criteria that should be included in the study
Rufinamide add‐on therapy for drug‐resistant epilepsy
Randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, add‐on trials of rufinamide, recruiting people (of any age or gender) with drug‐resistant epilepsy.
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Pharmacological treatment for continuous spike‐wave during slow wave sleep syndrome and Landau‐Kleffner Syndrome
Randomised controlled trials, quasi‐randomised controlled trials, and cluster‐randomised trials comparing antiepileptic drugs alone, or with steroids or intravenous immunoglobulins, or both versus other antiepileptic drugs, or placebo, or no treatment, administered to children with CSWS and LKS. We planned to compare treatments for the two conditions separately.
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Pit and fissure sealants versus fluoride varnishes for preventing dental decay in the permanent teeth of children and adolescents
We included randomised controlled trials with at least 12 months of follow‐up comparing fissure sealants, or fissure sealants plus fluoride varnishes, versus fluoride varnishes, for preventing caries in the occlusal surfaces of permanent posterior teeth (i.e. premolar or molar teeth), in participants younger than 20 years of age at the start of the study.
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Myofunctional therapy (oropharyngeal exercises) for obstructive sleep apnoea
We included RCTs that recruited adults and children with a diagnosis of OSA.
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Specialised early intervention teams for recent‐onset psychosis
We selected all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SEI with TAU for people with recent‐onset psychosis. We entered trials meeting these criteria and reporting useable data as included studies.
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Specialised early intervention teams (extended time) for recent‐onset psychosis
We selected all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing extended SEI with TAU for people with recent‐onset psychosis and all RCTs comparing extended SEI with standard SEI + TAU for people with recent‐onset psychosis. We entered trials meeting these criteria and reporting usable data as included studies.
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Physical activity interventions for people with congenital heart disease
We included randomised controlled trials (RCT) that compared any type of physical activity intervention against a 'no physical activity' (usual care) control. We included all individuals with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease, regardless of age or previous medical interventions.
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Strategies for improving adherence to antiepileptic drug treatment in people with epilepsy
RCTs and quasi‐RCTs of adherence‐enhancing interventions aimed at people with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy (as defined in individual studies), of any age and treated with antiepileptic drugs in a primary care, outpatient or other community setting.
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Virtual reality distraction for acute pain in children
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cross‐over and cluster‐RCTs, comparing VR distraction to no distraction, non‐VR distraction or other VR distraction.
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Drug treatments for managing cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes
Randomized controlled trials comparing all methods of pharmacological diabetes therapy in people with diagnosed CFRD.
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Early versus delayed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for respiratory distress in preterm infants
We included trials that used random or quasi‐random allocation to either early or delayed CPAP for spontaneously breathing preterm infants in respiratory distress.
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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for respiratory distress in preterm infants
All randomised or quasi‐randomised trials of preterm infants with respiratory distress were eligible. Interventions were CPAP by mask, nasal prong, nasopharyngeal tube or endotracheal tube, compared with spontaneous breathing with supplemental oxygen as necessary.
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Interventions to reduce contaminated aerosols produced during dental procedures for preventing infectious diseases
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) on aerosol‐generating procedures (AGPs) performed by dental healthcare providers that evaluated methods to reduce contaminated aerosols in dental clinics (excluding preprocedural mouthrinses). The primary outcomes were incidence of infection in dental staff or patients, and reduction in volume and level of contaminated aerosols in the operative environment. The secondary outcomes were cost, accessibility and feasibility.
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Prophylactic corticosteroids for paediatric heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
We included studies of prophylactic administration of corticosteroids, including single and multiple doses, and all types of corticosteroids administered via any route and at any time‐point in the perioperative period. We excluded studies if steroids were administered therapeutically. We included individually randomised controlled trials (RCTs), with two or more groups (e.g. multi‐drug or dose comparisons with a control group) but not ‘head‐to‐head' trials without a placebo or a group that did not receive corticosteroids. We included studies in children, from birth up to 18 years of age, including preterm infants, undergoing cardiac surgery with the use of CPB. We also excluded studies in patients undergoing heart or lung transplantation, or both; studies in patients already receiving corticosteroids; in patients with abnormalities of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis; and in patients given steroids at the time of cardiac surgery for indications other than cardiac surgery.
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Household interventions for secondary prevention of domestic lead exposure in children
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs of household educational or environmental interventions, or combinations of interventions to prevent lead exposure in children (from birth to 18 years of age), where investigators reported at least one standardised outcome measure.
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Branched‐chain amino acid supplementation for improving growth and development in term and preterm neonates
We planned to include individual and cluster‐randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials comparing BCAA supplementation versus placebo or no supplementation in term and preterm neonates. We excluded trials presented only as abstracts and cross‐over trials.
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Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating pine bark extract supplements in adults or children with any chronic disorder.
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Protein supplementation of human milk for promoting growth in preterm infants
Published and unpublished RCTs were eligible if they used random or quasi‐random methods to allocate hospitalised preterm infants who were being fed human milk, to additional protein supplementation or no supplementation.
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Interventions for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum
We included randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials of any topical, systemic, or combination medical interventions used to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns compared with placebo, no prophylaxis, or with each other.
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Aural toilet (ear cleaning) for chronic suppurative otitis media
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with at least a one‐week follow‐up involving people (adults and children) who had chronic ear discharge of unknown cause or CSOM, where the ear discharge had continued for more than two weeks.We included any aural toileting method as the intervention, at any frequency and for any duration. The comparisons were aural toileting compared with a) placebo or no intervention, and b) any other aural toileting method. We analysed trials in which background treatments were used in both arms (e.g. topical antiseptics or topical antibiotics) separately.
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Quarantine alone or in combination with other public health measures to control COVID‐19: a rapid review
Cohort studies, case‐control studies, time series, interrupted time series, case series, and mathematical modelling studies that assessed the effect of any type of quarantine to control COVID‐19. We also included studies on SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) as indirect evidence for the current coronavirus outbreak.
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Systemic treatments for eczema: a network meta‐analysis
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of systemic immunosuppressive agents for moderate to severe atopic eczema when compared against placebo or any other eligible eczema treatment.
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Carbohydrate supplementation of human milk to promote growth in preterm infants
Published and unpublished controlled trials were eligible if they used random or quasi‐random methods to allocate preterm infants in hospital fed human milk to supplementation or no supplementation with additional carbohydrate.
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Psychological and social interventions for the prevention of mental disorders in people living in low‐ and middle‐income countries affected by humanitarian crises
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing psychological and social interventions versus control conditions to prevent the onset of mental disorders in adults and children living in LMICs affected by humanitarian crises. We excluded studies that enrolled participants based on a positive diagnosis of mental disorder (or based on a proxy of scoring above a cut‐off score on a screening measure).
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Psychological treatments for people with epilepsy
We considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs for this review. HRQOL was the main outcome. For the operational definition of 'psychological treatments', we included a broad range of skills‐based psychological treatments and education‐only interventions designed to improve HRQOL, seizure frequency and severity, as well as psychiatric and behavioral health comorbidities for adults and children with epilepsy. These psychological treatments were compared to treatment as usual (TAU), an active control group (such as social support group), or antidepressant pharmacotherapy.
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Vitamin E supplementation in people with cystic fibrosis
Randomised controlled trials and quasi‐randomised controlled trials comparing any preparation of vitamin E supplementation to placebo or no supplement, regardless of dosage or duration.
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Hydrosurgical debridement versus conventional surgical debridement for acute partial‐thickness burns
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled people of any age with acute partial‐thickness burn injury and assessed the use of hydrosurgery.
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Pharmacotherapy for hyperuricaemia in hypertensive patients
To be included in this updated review, the studies had to meet the following criteria: 1) randomised or quasi‐randomised, with a group assigned to receive a UA‐lowering agent and another group assigned to receive placebo; 2) double‐blind, single‐blind, or open‐label; 3) parallel or cross‐over trial design; 4) cross‐over trials had to have a washout period of at least two weeks; 5) minimum treatment duration of four weeks; 6) participants had to have a diagnosis of essential hypertension or prehypertension plus hyperuricaemia (serum UA greater than 6 mg/dL in women, 7 mg/dL in men, and 5.5 mg/dL in children or adolescents); 7) outcome measures included change in 24‐hour ambulatory systolic or diastolic BP, or both; or clinic‐measured systolic or diastolic BP, or both.
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Oral 5‐aminosalicylic acid for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis
We included randomized controlled trials with a minimum treatment duration of six months. We considered studies of oral 5‐ASA therapy for treatment of participants with quiescent UC compared with placebo, SASP, or other 5‐ASA formulations. We also included studies that compared once‐daily 5‐ASA treatment with conventional dosing of 5‐ASA and 5‐ASA dose‐ranging studies.
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Surgical interventions for primary congenital glaucoma
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs comparing different surgical interventions in children under five years of age with PCG.
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Interventions for American cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing either single or combination treatments for ACML in immuno‐competent people, diagnosed by clinical presentation and Leishmania infection confirmed by smear, culture, histology, or polymerase chain reaction on a biopsy specimen. The comparators were either no treatment, placebo only, or another active compound.
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Fat supplementation of human milk for promoting growth in preterm infants
Published and unpublished randomised controlled trials were eligible if they used random or quasi‐random methods to allocate preterm infants fed human milk in hospital to supplementation or no supplementation with additional fat.
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Antibiotic therapy for pelvic inflammatory disease
We included RCTs comparing antibiotics with placebo or other antibiotics for the treatment of PID in women of reproductive age, either as inpatient or outpatient treatment. We limited our review to a comparison of drugs in current use that are recommended by the 2015 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for treatment of PID.
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Stem cell‐based interventions for the prevention of morbidity and mortality following hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy in newborn infants
Randomised controlled trials, quasi‐randomised controlled trials and cluster trials comparing 1) stem cell‐based interventions (any type) compared to control (placebo or no treatment); 2) use of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) of type (e.g. number of doses or passages) or source (e.g. autologous versus allogeneic, or bone marrow versus cord) versus MSCs of other type or source; 3) use of stem cell‐based interventions other than MSCs of type (e.g. mononuclear cells, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, neural stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and inducible pluripotent stem cells) or source (e.g. autologous versus allogeneic, or bone marrow versus cord) versus stem cell‐based interventions other than MSCs of other type or source; or 4) MSCs versus stem cell‐based interventions other than MSCs.
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Intravenous immunoglobulin for presumed viral myocarditis in children and adults
We included studies if (1) participants had a clinical diagnosis of acute myocarditis with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 0.45, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) > 2 standard deviations (SDs) above the norm, or a left ventricular shortening fraction (LVSF) > 2 SDs below the mean, with duration of cardiac symptoms < 6 months; (2) participants had no evidence of non‐infectious or bacterial cardiac disease; and (3) participants were randomly assigned to receive at least 1 g/kg of IVIG versus no IVIG or placebo.We excluded studies if (1) participants had received immunosuppression before outcome assessment; or (2) onset of myocarditis was reported to have occurred < 6 months postpartum.
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Primaquine alternative dosing schedules for preventing malaria relapse in people with Plasmodium vivax
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adults and children with P vivax malaria using either chloroquine or artemisinin‐based combination therapy plus primaquine at a total adult dose of at least 210 mg, compared with the WHO‐recommended regimens of 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg/day for 14 days.
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Digital contact tracing technologies in epidemics: a rapid review
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster‐RCTs, quasi‐RCTs, cohort studies, cross‐sectional studies and modelling studies, in general populations. We preferentially included studies of contact tracing during infectious disease outbreaks (including COVID‐19, Ebola, tuberculosis, severe acute respiratory syndrome virus, and Middle East respiratory syndrome) as direct evidence, but considered comparative studies of contact tracing outside an outbreak as indirect evidence.The digital solutions varied but typically included software (or firmware) for users to install on their devices or to be uploaded to devices provided by governments or third parties. Control measures included traditional or manual contact tracing, self‐reported diaries and surveys, interviews, other standard methods for determining close contacts, and other technologies compared to digital solutions (e.g. electronic medical records).
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Mobility management to prevent, reduce, or delay driving a car in teenagers
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled before‐after studies (CBAs) evaluating mobility management interventions in teenagers aged 15 to 19 years. We included informational, educational, or behavioural interventions that aimed to prevent, reduce, or delay car driving in this age group, and we compared these interventions with no intervention or with standard practice. We excluded studies that evaluated graduated drivers licensing (GDL) programmes, separate components of GDL, or interventions that act in conjunction with, or as an extension of, GDL. Such programmes aim to increase driving experience and skills through stages of supervised and unsupervised exposure, but assume that all participants will drive; they do not attempt to encourage people to drive less in the long term or promote alternatives to driving. We also excluded studies which evaluated school‐based safe‐driving initiatives.
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Metformin versus the combined oral contraceptive pill for hirsutism, acne, and menstrual pattern in polycystic ovary syndrome
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the use of metformin versus the OCP (alone or in combination) for women with PCOS.
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Oral non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs versus other oral analgesic agents for acute soft tissue injury
We included randomised or quasi‐randomised controlled trials involving people with acute soft tissue injury (sprain, strain, or contusion of a joint, ligament, tendon, or muscle occurring within 48 hours of inclusion in the study), and comparing oral NSAIDs versus paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioid, paracetamol plus opioid, or complementary and alternative medicine. The outcomes were pain, swelling, function, adverse effects, and early re‐injury.
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Oral 5‐aminosalicylic acid for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis
We considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including adults (aged 18 years or more) with active UC for inclusion. We included studies that compared oral 5‐ASA therapy with placebo, SASP, or other 5‐ASA formulations. We also included studies that compared once‐daily to conventional dosing as well as dose‐ranging studies.
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Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for people with cystic fibrosis
Randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials in people of any age, with CF and receiving PERT, at any dosage and in any formulation, for a period of not less than four weeks, compared to placebo or other PERT preparations.
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Perioperative antibiotics for preventing post‐surgical site infections in solid organ transplant recipients
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs in any language assessing prophylactic antibiotics in preventing surgical site infections in solid organ transplant recipients at any time point after transplantation.
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Glucose‐lowering agents for treating pre‐existing and new‐onset diabetes in kidney transplant recipients
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐RCTs and cross‐over studies examining head‐to‐head comparisons of active regimens of glucose‐lowering therapy or active regimen compared with placebo/standard care in patients who have received a kidney transplant and have diabetes were eligible for inclusion.
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Early fortification of human milk versus late fortification to promote growth in preterm infants
We included randomised controlled trials that compared early versus late fortification of human milk in preterm infants. We defined early fortification as fortification started at < 100 mL/kg/d enteral feed volume or < 7 days postnatal age, and late fortification as fortification started at ≥ 100 mL/kg/d feeds or ≥ 7 days postnatal age.
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Topical treatment for facial burns
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of topical treatment for facial burns were eligible for inclusion in this review.
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Education of family members to support weaning to solids and nutrition in later infancy in term‐born infants
We included randomised controlled trials that examined effects of nutrition education for weaning practices delivered to families of infants born at term compared to conventional management (standard care in the population) up to one year of age.
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Beta‐blockers for congestive heart failure in children
Randomised, controlled, clinical trials investigating the effect of beta‐blocker therapy on paediatric congestive heart failure.
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Workplace pedometer interventions for increasing physical activity
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of workplace interventions with a pedometer component for employed adults, compared to no or minimal interventions, or to alternative physical activity interventions. We excluded athletes and interventions using accelerometers. The primary outcome was physical activity. Studies were excluded if physical activity was not measured.