Journal of general internal medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine for the Treatment of COVID-19: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
There is no effective therapy for COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) have been used for its treatment but their safety and efficacy remain uncertain. ⋯ The available evidence suggests that CQ or HCQ does not improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19. Well-designed randomized trials are required for assessing the efficacy and safety of HCQ and CQ for COVID-19.
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Review Meta Analysis
The Association Between Prescribed Opioid Receipt and Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
In the current opioid epidemic, opioid addiction and overdose deaths are a public health crisis. Researchers have uncovered other concerning findings related to opioid use, such as the association between prescribed opioids and respiratory infection, including pneumonias. Potential mechanisms include the immunosuppressive effects of certain opioids, respiratory depression, and cough suppression. We conducted a systematic review assessing whether prescribed opioid receipt is a risk factor for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ⋯ The findings suggest prescribed opioid receipt is a risk factor for CAP. The included studies examined post-operative patients and patients with chronic medical conditions. Further research is needed to examine the impact of opioids on the incidence of CAP in an otherwise healthy population.
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Review Meta Analysis
Lung Cancer Screening with Low-Dose CT: a Meta-Analysis.
Randomized controlled trials have evaluated the efficacy of low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening on lung cancer (LC) outcomes. ⋯ LDCT screening significantly reduced LC mortality, though not overall mortality, with women appearing to benefit more than men. The estimated risks for false positive results, screening complications, overdiagnosis, and incidental findings were low. Long-term survival data were available only for North American and European studies limiting generalizability.
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Review Meta Analysis
Effectiveness of Patient Navigation to Increase Cancer Screening in Populations Adversely Affected by Health Disparities: a Meta-analysis.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of patient navigation to increase screening for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer in populations adversely affected by health care disparities. ⋯ In populations adversely affected by disparities, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screening rates were higher in patients provided navigation services. Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42018109263.
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Review Meta Analysis
Rate of Preventable Mortality in Hospitalized Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
The number of preventable inpatient deaths in the USA is commonly estimated as between 44,000 and 98,000 deaths annually. Because many inpatient deaths are believed to be preventable, mortality rates are used for quality measures and reimbursement. We aimed to estimate the proportion of inpatient deaths that are preventable. ⋯ PROSPERO registration number CRD42018095140.