A Risk-Difference Meta-Analysis for the Prophylactic Treatments of Chronic Migraine.

Chronic migraine (CM) imposes significant personal, societal, and financial burdens, historically lacking specific prophylactic treatments. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) represent a novel, mechanism-based, and migraine-specific prophylactic approach. Four mAbs, namely, erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, and eptinezumab, have been marketed, although head-to-head trials with standard anti-migraine treatments are absent.

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) serum levels and insulin resistance in men on chronic hemodialysis.

Background: In males with end stage renal disease biochemical hypogonadism is a frequent finding. Testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) have been associated with insulin resistance, a well-known condition in uremia. The aim of the present study was to investigate in males on chronic hemodialysis the relationship of testosterone and SHBG serum levels with insulin resistance.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the short-term efficacy of a single-administration intramuscular injection with the fixed combination of thiocolchicoside-diclofenac versus diclofenac monotherapy in patients with acute moderate-to-severe low back pain.

Background: Non-specific acute low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem that may be accompanied by muscle spasm and decreased mobility. The combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants represents an advantageous therapeutic option, however, available data on their combined use are conflicting. This prospective, randomized, single-blind, two-parallel-group trial assessed the efficacy of a single intramuscular (IM) injection of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) diclofenac (75 mg)-thiocolchicoside (4 mg/4 ml) product (test treatment) compared to diclofenac (75 mg/3 ml) alone (reference treatment) for the symptomatic relief of acute LBP.

Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of 10-Year Follow-Up after Endovascular and Open Repair for Ruptured Abdominal AorticAneurysms.

Background: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has conferred an early survival advantage compared to an open surgical repair (OSR) in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA). However, the long-term survival benefit after EVAR was not displayed among randomized controlled trials (RCTs), whereas many non-RCTs have provided conflicting results. We conducted a time-to-event individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis on long-term rAAA data.

Assessment of the reporting quality of randomised controlled trials for vitamin D supplementation in autoimmune thyroid disorders based on the CONSORT statement.

Background-purpose: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the cornerstone of evidence-based medicine, yet their quality is often suboptimal. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement is a list of advice to upgrade the quality of RCTs. The aim of this study was the assessment of the quality of RCTs for vitamin D supplements in thyroid autoimmunity according to the revised CONSORT 2010 checklist.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies of bisphosphonates and denosumab in multiple myeloma and future perspectives.

Bisphosphonates (BPs) and denosumab (DENOS), due to their ability to inhibit osteoclast activity, are used to prevent skeletal complications in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The NCBI PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, were systematically searched for interventional studies, assessing the use of BP and DENOS in MM patients.

Fresh frozen plasma transfusion in the neonatal population: A systematic review.

Although fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions are common practice in neonatology, robust evidence on their use is lacking. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature for data on the practice of FFP transfusions in neonates and their association with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The authors identified 40 studies, which met the inclusion criteria for this review.

Evaluation of Corvis ST tonometer with the updated software in glaucoma practice.

Aim: To evaluate the agreement of biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (b-IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements obtained with the updated Corvis ST tonometer versus Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and optical-based corneal pachymetry (OB-CCT) in controls, patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Additionally, we examined the differences in corneal deformation parameters provided by the updated Corvis ST among the three groups.

Methods: For each participant, GAT IOP, OB-CCT and measurements with a Corvis ST with updated software were obtained.

Comparative safety and efficacy of paracetamol versus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in neonates with patent ductus arteriosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Aim: Ibuprofen and indomethacin are the preferred drug treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm neonates. The comparative safety and efficacy of paracetamol as an alternative has not yet been well established. The aim of our study was to define the comparative efficacy and safety of paracetamol versus ibuprofen and indomethacin for PDA.

Accuracy of the sleep clinical record for the diagnosis of pediatric moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Purpose: The sleep clinical record (SCR) has been used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children when access to polysomnography (PSG) is limited. Our aim was to determine the best SCR score that could facilitate diagnosis of moderate-to-severe OSAS in children with snoring.

Methods: Healthy children with history of snoring, who were referred for PSG, were prospectively recruited.

Association of assisted reproductive technology with autism spectrum disorder in the offspring: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aims to provide an up-to-date meta-analysis of data from studies investigating the risk of bearing a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) after being conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). The study was conducted according to the PRISMA Statement. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched up to August 2, 2020.

Nationwide Study on Practices Related to Screening Among Greek Paediatricians.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate pediatricians' practices toward screening in Greece.

Materials And Methods: The survey was conducted within a six month period in a stratified random sample of 371 pediatricians. A questionnaire with three sections was created and pilot tested.

Analysis of the quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials in anticoagulant versus antiplatelet medication for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis as governed by the CONSORT statement.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard research in evaluating healthcare interventions. The CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement improves the quality of RCTs in an evidence-based approach. To evaluate the reporting quality of published RCTs concerning the use of anticoagulants versus antiplatelet agents for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis according to the CONSORT statement.

Concurrent cardiac sarcoidosis and obstructive sleep apnea presenting as arrhythmias.

Background: Cardiac involvement is a rare and potentially fatal presentation of sarcoidosis. Obstructive sleep apnea may complicate sarcoidosis.

Case Presentation: We report a case of a sarcoidosis patient with cardiac involvement presenting with ventricular arrhythmias.

Assessment of reporting quality of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials in neovascular age-related macular degeneration published from April 2014 to May 2018 using prisma statement.

Purpose: To evaluate the reporting quality of meta-analysis on neovascular age-related macular degeneration treatment and safety profile based on PRISMA statement.

Methods: Electronic search performed in August 2018 to retrieve meta-analyses published from April 2014 to May 2018. PRISMA evaluation was determined by total scores of individual meta-analyses and items scores.

Proportion of published primary health care protocols with published results in subsequent papers was decreasing.

Objectives: We assessed the proportion of primary health care (PHC) randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocols published in peer-reviewed journals that published results in subsequent papers in peer-reviewed journals; and whether this proportion changed over time.

Study Design And Setting: We searched (last update June 2019) for RCTs published in peer-reviewed journals reporting primary outcome results for 620 protocols that were published up to 2014 and were retrieved in PubMed. We recorded the absolute number and the proportion of protocols with published results per year; and estimated whether the proportion changed over time.

Reporting Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials in Restless Legs Syndrome Based on the CONSORT Statement.

Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the cornerstone of modern medical research, and their reporting may not always be optimal. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement is an evidence-based means to improve the quality of RCTs' reporting by providing a checklist of recommended items.The aim of this study was to assess the reporting quality of published RCTs on the restless legs syndrome (RLS), based on a checklist arising from the CONSORT statement.

Very preterm neonates receiving "aggressive" nutrition and early nCPAP had similar long-term respiratory outcomes as term neonates.

Backround: The impact of the consistent implementation of "aggressive" nutrition by means of intensive early neonatal nutritional support up to 40-44 weeks postmenstrual age and the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) within the first hour of life on the respiratory function of very premature neonates (VPN) at school age is unclear.

Method: Respiratory function was evaluated in 108 VPN and 70 term controls. Growth, frequency of lower respiratory tract infections, re-hospitalization, and spirometry were recorded up to 8-10 years of age.

Palliative surgical bypass is superior to palliative endoscopic stenting in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Gastrojejunostomy (GJ) and self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are the two most common palliative treatment options for patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Randomised trials and retrospective studies have shown discrepant results, so that there is still a controversy regarding the optimal treatment of GOO.

Methods: Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies comparing GJ to SEMS in patients with malignant GOO.