Systematic reviews
-
Caring for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) presents unique challenges, due in part to the severity of the underlying insult, competing systemic injuries, and unpredictable clinical course. Even when management occurs in dedicated critical care settings, treatment uncertainty often persists, and morbidity and mortality from the condition remain high. Complex decisions in SAH care may be simplified with the use of standardized management protocols (SMPs). SMPs incorporate evidence-based guidelines into a practical framework for decision-making, thereby providing clinicians with an algorithm for organizing treatments. But despite these potential advantages, it is currently unknown whether SMPs may improve outcomes in the critical care of patients with SAH. ⋯ CRD42017069173.
-
Heart failure (HF) in pediatric populations is a major public health concern. It is associated with high rates of hospital admissions, disability, and mortality in high-income countries (HIC), but its burden is poorly documented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We present a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize available data on the prevalence, incidence, etiologies, treatment, and outcomes including hospital admission and mortality and economic burden of HF in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents in LMICs. ⋯ PROSPERO CRD42017070189.
-
DNA methylation (global and gene-specific) has been reported as an epigenetic mechanism that could be involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, epigenetic therapy has been suggested as a future possibility for T2DM treatment. Epigenetic changes illustrate the environmental link of the disease. Since some of the epigenetic modifications can be reversed, they could be used as potential therapeutic targets. The aim of the systematic review will be to synthesise the available evidence pertaining to the link between DNA methylation and T2DM. The systematic review will evaluate characteristics of reported studies such as the source of DNA used, methods of quantifying DNA methylation and the participants' demographics (age, gender, race and adiposity). We will conduct a narrative synthesis of data, and if there are an adequate number of sufficiently homogenous studies, we will consider performing a meta-analysis. The review will evaluate if the levels of DNA methylation are a possible risk factor for T2DM. Furthermore, we will assess whether DNA methylation is a plausible biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment and management of T2DM. ⋯ This systematic review will evaluate published literature, assessing the link between DNA methylation and T2DM. Our findings could help guide future research evaluating epigenetic changes in T2DM and direct future therapeutic interventions.
-
Technology has been implemented since the 1970s with the hope of improving glycaemic control and reducing the burden of complications for those living with type 1 diabetes. A clinical and cost-effectiveness comparison of all available technologies including continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), sensor-augmented pump therapy (including either low-glucose suspend or predictive low-glucose suspend), hybrid closed-loop systems, closed-loop (single-hormone or dual-hormone) systems, flash glucose monitoring (FGM), insulin bolus calculators, and 'smart-device' applications is currently lacking. This systematic review, network meta-analysis, and narrative synthesis aims to summarise available evidence regarding the clinical and cost-effectiveness of available technologies in the management of patients with type 1 diabetes. ⋯ PROSPERO ( CRD42017077221 ).
-
Rapid response teams have been widely adopted across the world. Although evidence for their efficacy is not clear, they remain a popular means to detect and react to patient deterioration. This may in part be due to there being no standardized approach to their usage or implementation. A key component of their ability to be effective is the speed of response. ⋯ PROSPERO Registration: CRD42017071842 .