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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Changes in kelp abundances on regional scales have been highly variable over the past half-century owing to strong effects of local and regional drivers. Here, we assess patterns and dominant environmental variables causing spatial and interspecific variability in kelp persistence and resilience to change in Nova Scotia over the past 40 years. METHODS: We conducted a survey of macrophyte abundance at 251 sites spanning the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia from 2019 to 2022. We use this dataset to describe spatial variability in kelp species abundances, compare species occurrences to surveys conducted in 1982 and assess changes in kelp abundance over the past 22 years. We then relate spatial and temporal patterns in abundance and resilience to environmental metrics. KEY RESULTS: Our results show losses of sea urchins and the cold-tolerant kelp species Alaria esculenta, Saccorhiza dermatodea and Agarum clathratum in Nova Scotia since 1982 in favour of the more warm-tolerant kelps Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata. Kelp abundances have increased slightly since 2000, and Saccharina latissima and L. digitata are widely abundant in the region today. The highest kelp cover occurs on wave-exposed shores and at sites where temperatures have remained below thresholds for growth (21 °C) and mortality (23 °C). Moreover, kelp has recovered from turf dominance following losses at some sites during a warm period from 2010 to 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that dramatic changes in kelp community composition and a loss of sea urchin herbivory as a dominant driver of change in the system have occurred in Nova Scotia over the past 40 years. However, a broad-scale shift to turf-dominance has not occurred, as predicted, and our results suggest that resilience and persistence are still a feature of kelp forests in the region despite rapid warming over the past several decades.
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Algas Comestibles , Kelp , Laminaria , Resiliencia Psicológica , Animales , Bosques , Erizos de Mar , Océanos y Mares , EcosistemaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Surgery is required in cases of severe acute colitis, massive hemorrhage, toxic megacolon, and perforation; in such cases colectomy and JpouchIleoanal anastomosis (IPAA) are performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcome, and patient satisfaction and Quality of Life (QoL) after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to 24 patients with UC undergoing surgery from 2011 to 2022. RESULTS: Mean age at IPAA was 10.8 years. Twenty patients underwent IPAA in 3 operations, 4 patients in 2. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. 6 months after surgery mean level of satisfaction was 8.7/10, perception of health status was 7.4. Twenty-three patients (95.8%) recommended IPAA. For 20 patients (83.3%) surgery did not cause delay in education, while 14 patients (58.3%) played sport. The lowest number of evacuations was 9.2 per day, the highest 13.3. Seventeen patients (70.8%) had no incontinence and 15 patients (62.5%) were not affected by pouchitis. After 12 months mean satisfaction level raised up to 9.2/10, perception of health status to 8.5. School absences decreased and no other patients showed any delay in education. Seventeen (70.8%) patients played sports. The number of evacuations decreased: the lowest number was 5.1 per day, the highest 7.5. Twenty patients (83.3%) were continent and 12 (50%) did not use antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Most patients show a good functional outcome in defecation frequency and continence, which has improved through time, number of pouchitis episodes has increased. Patients appear satisfied after surgery.
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Colectomía , Colitis Ulcerosa , Satisfacción del Paciente , Calidad de Vida , Humanos , Colitis Ulcerosa/cirugía , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Satisfacción del Paciente/estadística & datos numéricos , Adolescente , Colectomía/métodos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Anastomosis Quirúrgica/métodos , Proctocolectomía Restauradora/métodos , Resultado del Tratamiento , PreescolarRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created many challenges for Hong Kong residents attempting to maintain healthy lifestyle habits. This study aimed to measure the prevalences of unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity levels in Hong Kong Chinese, identify associated factors, and conduct a time trend analysis during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted in Hong Kong by simple random sampling. The survey comprised socio-demographic characteristics, clinical information, the Hong Kong Diet Score (HKDS), smoking and alcohol consumption, and a Chinese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. The composite outcome was low HKDS, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. We used 14 Health Behaviour Survey reports from 2003 to 2019 to establish a trend analysis regarding fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity level, smoking, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS: We performed 1500 complete telephone surveys with a response rate of 58.8%. Most participants were older adults (≥65 years, 66.7%), women (65.6%), and married (77.9%). The HKDS was significantly lower in men, single individuals, low-income participants, alcohol drinkers, and patients with diabetes mellitus or renal disease. Participants who were single, undergoing long-term management of medical diseases, or had diabetes or renal diseases exhibited greater likelihood of physical inactivity. CONCLUSION: Prevalences of unhealthy lifestyle habits were high among men, single individuals, and chronic disease patients during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. The adoption of physical activity habits tended to decrease in the past two decades.
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COVID-19 , Pandemias , Masculino , Humanos , Femenino , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/prevención & control , Ejercicio Físico , Hong Kong/epidemiología , Conducta AlimentariaRESUMEN
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide, and diabetes is a major risk factor for CKD. There is currently no consensus in Hong Kong regarding the prioritisation of early identification and intervention for CKD. A comprehensive and Hong Kong-specific diabetes and CKD treatment guideline is also lacking. A multidisciplinary group of experts discussed issues surrounding the current management of CKD and reviewed evidence in the context of local experience to support recommendations. The experts used a modified Delphi approach to finalise recommendations. Consensus was regarded as ≥75% acceptability among all expert panel members. The panel members finalised 14 CKD-focused consensus statements addressing disease definition, screening, disease monitoring, lifestyle management, and treatment strategies. The recommendations provided are relevant to the Hong Kong healthcare setting and can be used as a guide by physicians across various specialties to facilitate the appropriate management of CKD.
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INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an increase in global awareness of relevant public health preventive measures. This awareness can be explored using online search trends from major search engines, such as Google Trends. We investigated the relationship between public awareness of preventative measures and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Search data for five queries ('mask', 'hand washing', 'social distancing', 'hand sanitizer', and 'disinfectant') were extracted from Google Trends in the form of relative search volume (RSV). Global incidence data for COVID-19 were obtained from 1 January to 30 June 2020. These data were analysed and illustrated using a global temporal RSV trend diagram, a geographical RSV distribution chart, scatter plots comparing geographical RSV with average number of daily cases, and heat maps comparing temporal trends of RSV with average number of daily cases. RESULTS: Global temporal trends revealed multiple increases in RSV, associated with specific COVID-19-related news events. The geographical distribution showed top regions of interest for various preventive measures. For the queries 'mask', 'hand washing', 'hand sanitizer', and 'disinfectant', heat maps demonstrated patterns of early RSV peaks in regions with lower average number of daily cases, when the temporal element was incorporated into the analysis. CONCLUSION: Early public awareness of multiple preventive measures was observed in regions with lower average number of daily cases. Our findings indicate optimal public health communication regarding masks, hand washing, hand sanitiser, and disinfectant in the general population during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Early public awareness may facilitate future disease control efforts by public health authorities.
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COVID-19 , Desinfectantes , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/prevención & control , Pandemias/prevención & control , Infodemiología , Salud Pública , ComunicaciónRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: We aimed to identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards viral hepatitis among the Hong Kong public and provide insights to optimise local efforts towards achieving the World Health Organization's viral hepatitis elimination target. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, self-reported web-based questionnaire was administered to 500 individuals (aged ≥18 years) in Hong Kong. Questionnaire items explored the awareness and perceptions of viral hepatitis-related liver disease(s) and associated risk factors in English or traditional Chinese. RESULTS: The majority (>80%) were aware that chronic hepatitis B and/or C could increase the risks of developing liver cirrhosis, cancer, and/or failure. Only 55.8% had attended health screenings in the past 2 years, and 67.6% were unaware of their family's history of liver diseases. Misperceptions surrounding the knowledge and transmission risks of viral hepatitis strongly hint at the presence of social stigmatisation within the community. Many misperceived viral hepatitis as airborne or hereditary, and social behaviours (casual contact or dining with an infected person) as a transmission route. Furthermore, 62.4% were aware of hepatitis B vaccination, whereas 19.0% knew that hepatitis C cannot be prevented by vaccination. About 70% of respondents who were aware of mother-to-child transmission were willing to seek medical consultation in the event of pregnancy. Gaps in knowledge as well as the likelihood of seeking screening were observed across all age-groups and education levels. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive hepatitis education strategies should be developed to address gaps in knowledge among the Hong Kong public towards viral hepatitis, especially misperceptions relevant to social stigmatisation and the importance of preventive measures, including vaccination and screening, when exposed to risk factors.
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Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Hepatitis Viral Humana , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Hepatitis Viral Humana/epidemiología , Hepatitis Viral Humana/prevención & control , Hong Kong/epidemiología , Humanos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Embarazo , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the literature regarding ketamine-associated uropathy to summarise its clinical manifestations, the results of urological assessments, and current management. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using keywords and MeSH terms related to ketamine abuse, urinary tracts, and urological examinations. Databases including Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to 26 June 2020. RESULTS: In total, 1365 articles were retrieved; 45 articles (4921 patients) were included in the analysis of patient demographics, clinical manifestations, examination results, and treatments. Frequency was the most common manifestation (pooled prevalence 77.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]=56.9%-92.2%), followed by urgency (69.9%, 95% CI=48.8%-87.3%) and suprapubic pain (60.4%, 95% CI=35.3%-82.9%). Upper urinary tract involvement was less common; the pooled prevalence of hydronephrosis was 30.2% (95% CI=22.0%-39.2%). Further workup revealed a pooled functional bladder capacity of 95.23 mL (95% CI=63.57-126.88 mL), pooled voided volume of 113.31 mL (95% CI=59.44- 167.19 mL), and pooled maximum urine flow rate of 8.69 mL/s (95% CI=5.54-11.83 mL/s). Cystoscopic examinations and bladder biopsy revealed frequent urothelial denudation, inflammatory changes, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Treatments included oral medications for symptomatic relief, intravesical therapy, and surgery (eg, hydrodistension and bladder reconstruction), but ketamine abstinence was necessary for improvement. CONCLUSION: Ketamine-associated uropathy frequently involves frequency, urgency, and suprapubic pain; upper urinary tract involvement is less common. Affected patients showed reductions in bladder capacity and urine flow rate. Endoscopic and histological analyses often revealed cystitis. Despite variations in treatment, ketamine abstinence is important for all patients with ketamine-associated uropathy.
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Cistitis , Ketamina , Enfermedades Urológicas , Humanos , Ketamina/efectos adversos , Cistitis/diagnóstico , Cistitis/cirugía , Enfermedades Urológicas/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades Urológicas/epidemiología , Vejiga Urinaria/cirugía , DolorRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: This study was performed to examine the effects of primary granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis on neutropenic toxicity, chemotherapy delivery, and hospitalisation among Chinese patients with breast cancer in Hong Kong. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with breast cancer who received adjuvant docetaxel plus cyclophosphamide chemotherapy from November 2007 to October 2013 at Princess Margaret Hospital. Data were collected regarding the usage of G-CSF prophylaxis; incidences of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, non-neutropenic fever, and infection; hospital admissions, and chemotherapy dose delivery. Patients who began to receive G-CSF prophylaxis during the first cycle of chemotherapy and continued such prophylaxis in subsequent cycles were regarded as the primary G-CSF prophylaxis group. RESULTS: In total, 231 female Chinese patients with breast cancer were included in the analysis. Overall, 193 (83.5%) patients received primary G-CSF prophylaxis. The demographics and tumour characteristics were comparable between patients with and without primary G-CSF prophylaxis. Primary G-CSF prophylaxis significantly reduced febrile neutropenia incidence from 31.6% to 14.5% (relative risk=0.45, 95% confidence interval=0.25-0.81). Primary G-CSF prophylaxis also significantly reduced the incidence of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia from 57.9% to 24.7% (relative risk=0.43, 95% confidence interval=0.30-0.62) and the incidence of febrile neutropenia-related hospital admission from 31.6% to 12.4% (P=0.025). Finally, it enabled more patients to receive adequate chemotherapy dose delivery. CONCLUSION: Primary G-CSF prophylaxis effectively reduced the incidences of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia, while enabling adequate chemotherapy dose delivery and reducing hospital admissions among Chinese patients with breast cancer who received adjuvant docetaxel plus cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.
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Neoplasias de la Mama , Neutropenia Febril , Factor Estimulante de Colonias de Granulocitos , Femenino , Humanos , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/efectos adversos , Neoplasias de la Mama/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Quimioterapia Adyuvante/efectos adversos , Ciclofosfamida/efectos adversos , Docetaxel/efectos adversos , Pueblos del Este de Asia , Neutropenia Febril/inducido químicamente , Neutropenia Febril/tratamiento farmacológico , Factor Estimulante de Colonias de Granulocitos/uso terapéutico , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women in Hong Kong. The Food and Health Bureau commissioned The University of Hong Kong (HKU) to conduct the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Study (HKBCS) with the aim of identifying relevant risk factors for BC in Hong Kong and developing a locally validated BC risk assessment tool for Hong Kong Chinese women. After consideration of the most recent international and local scientific evidence including findings of the HKBCS, the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG) has reviewed and updated its BC screening recommendations. Existing recommendations were preserved for women at high risk and slightly changed for women at moderate risk. The following major updates have been made concerning recommendations for other women in the general population: Women aged 44 to 69 with certain combinations of personalised risk factors (including presence of history of BC among first-degree relative, a prior diagnosis of benign breast disease, nulliparity and late age of first live birth, early age of menarche, high body mass index and physical inactivity) putting them at increased risk of BC are recommended to consider mammography screening every 2 years. They should discuss with their doctors on the potential benefits and harms before undergoing mammography screening. A risk assessment tool for local women (eg, one developed by HKU) is recommended to be used for estimating the risk of developing BC with regard to the personalised risk factors described above.
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Neoplasias de la Mama , Detección Precoz del Cáncer , Neoplasias de la Mama/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de la Mama/prevención & control , Femenino , Hong Kong/epidemiología , Humanos , Masculino , Mamografía , Tamizaje Masivo , Medición de RiesgoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: This community-based study investigated the functional, physical and psychosocial impact of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) in adolescents and young adults. It also determined the discriminative capacity of a TMDs-specific oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) instrument and compared three formats of appraising OHRQoL data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects were recruited from a local Polytechnic. The presence of TMDs was established with the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), whilst TMDs-specific OHRQoL was evaluated with the Oral Health Impact Profile-TMDs (OHIP-TMDs). Demographic information, FAI and OHIP-TMDs responses were gathered with an on-line questionnaire. Data was analysed using Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-square test and Spearman's rho correlation with significance level set at 0.05. RESULTS: Data from a total of 244 participants were compiled and examined. The "no TMDs" (NT) group consisted of 140 subjects (119 females; 21 males) with a mean age of 20.41±3.29 years, while the "with TMDs" (WT) group composed of 104 subjects (88 females; 16 males) aged 19.82±3.04 years. Significant differences in median severity scores were observed between subjects with and without TMDs for all OHIP-TMDs domains and total OHIP (p values < 0.001). For appraisal of extent and prevalence, significant differences were again observed (p values < 0.05) with the exception of the functional limitation and handicap domains. CONCLUSIONS: TMDs impacted physical and psychosocial well-being of adolescents and young adults. OHIP-TMDs, preferably appraised by severity, extent and prevalence, was able to discriminate between subjects with and without TMDs. It holds promise as a TMDs-specific OHRQoL instrument for epidemiological studies.
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Calidad de Vida , Trastornos de la Articulación Temporomandibular , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Salud Bucal , Prevalencia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Postgraduate vocational training in family medicine (FM) is essential for physicians to build capacity and develop quality primary care. Inadequate standards in training and curriculum development can contribute to poor recruitment and retention of doctors in primary care. This study aimed to investigate: 1) the satisfaction level of doctors regarding vocational training in family medicine and associated demographics; and 2) the satisfaction level of doctors regarding their family medicine career and associated factors. METHOD: This is a cross sectional study of all family medicine physicians across all government-funded primary care clinics (GOPCs). The study questionnaire consisted of items from a standardized and validated physician survey named the Physician Worklife Survey (PWS) (Konrad et al., Med Care, 1999). We selected three scales (7 items) relating to global job satisfaction, global career satisfaction and global specialty (family medicine) satisfaction with additional items on training and demographics. All significant variables in bivariate analyses were further examined using stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS: Out of 424 eligible family medicine physicians, 368 physicians successfully completed the questionnaire. The response rate was 86.8%. Most participants were male (52.6%), were aged between 35 and 44 years (55.5%), were FM specialists (42.4%), graduated locally (86.2%), and had postgraduate qualifications. Eighty-two percent (82%) of participants were satisfied with their training. Having autonomy and protected time for training were associated with satisfaction with FM training. Satisfaction with family medicine as a career was correlated with physicians' satisfaction with their current job. Doctors who did not enroll in training (p < 0.001) and physicians who were older (p = 0.023) were significantly less satisfied. Stepwise multivariate regression showed that doctors who subjectively believed their training as "broad and in depth' had higher career satisfaction (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, the satisfaction level of physicians on current family medicine training in Hong Kong was high. Having autonomy and protected time for training is associated with higher training satisfaction levels. Perceiving FM training as "broad and in-depth" is associated with higher family medicine career satisfaction.
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Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria/educación , Satisfacción en el Trabajo , Educación Vocacional , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Médicos Generales/educación , Médicos Generales/psicología , Médicos Generales/estadística & datos numéricos , Hong Kong , Humanos , Masculino , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
The Hong Kong Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings is updated regularly to ensure it reflects the latest medical development and best practice. In 2017, guidelines from the United States included a major change, adopting the lower blood pressure values of 130/80 mm Hg in defining hypertension, in contrast to the prevailing international consensus of 140/90 mm Hg. After thorough review of the literature and international guidelines, the Advisory Group on Hong Kong Reference Framework for Care of Diabetes and Hypertension in Primary Care Settings (Advisory Group) recommends that the definition of hypertension adopted in the Reference Framework should remain unchanged as a blood pressure of ≥140/90 mm Hg, as there is currently inadequate evidence and lack of general consensus to support such change in Hong Kong. The Advisory Group agrees on individualised treatment goals, and recommends that the initial blood pressure goal for individuals with uncomplicated hypertension should be <140/90 mm Hg; for those who can tolerate it, the goal should be ≤130/80 mm Hg. A lower blood pressure is advisable for young or overweight/obese patients, smokers, and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors.
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Adhesión a Directriz , Hipertensión/terapia , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto , Atención Primaria de Salud/métodos , Presión Sanguínea , Objetivos , Hong Kong , Humanos , Hipertensión/diagnósticoAsunto(s)
Inteligencia Artificial , COVID-19 , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiología , Atención a la SaludRESUMEN
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has convened the Advisory Group on Antibiotic Stewardship Programme in Primary Care (the Advisory Group) to formulate guidance notes and strategies for optimising judicious use of antibiotics and enhancing the Antibiotic Stewardship Programme in Primary Care. Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common conditions among out-patients in primary care in Hong Kong. Practical recommendations on the diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of acute streptococcal pharyngitis are made by the Advisory Group based on the best available clinical evidence, local prevalence of pathogens and associated antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and common local practice.
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Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Faringitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/diagnóstico , Streptococcus/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedad Aguda , Programas de Optimización del Uso de los Antimicrobianos/organización & administración , Hong Kong , Humanos , Faringitis/microbiología , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto , Atención Primaria de Salud/normas , Índice de Severidad de la EnfermedadRESUMEN
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, typically occurs after disruption of the normal gut microbiome by broad-spectrum antibiotics. Fidaxomicin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic that demonstrates a reduced impact on the normal gut microbiota and is approved for the treatment of CDI. To further explore the benefits of this property, we used a murine model to examine the effects of fidaxomicin versus vancomycin on gut microbiota and susceptibility to C. difficile colonization while tracking microbiota recovery over time. Mice were exposed to fidaxomicin or vancomycin by oral gavage for 3 days and subsequently challenged with C. difficile spores at predetermined time points up to 21 days postexposure to antibiotics. Fecal samples were subsequently collected for analysis. Twenty-four hours postchallenge, mice were euthanized and the colon contents harvested. The microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All fidaxomicin-exposed mice (except for one at day 8) were resistant to C. difficile colonization. However, 9 of 15 vancomycin-exposed mice were susceptible to C. difficile colonization until day 12. All vancomycin-exposed mice recovered colonization resistance by day 16. Bacterial diversity was similar prior to antibiotic exposure in both arms and decreased substantially after exposure. A shift in taxonomic structure and composition occurred after both exposures; however, the shift was greater in vancomycin-exposed than in fidaxomicin-exposed mice. In summary, compared with vancomycin, fidaxomicin exposure had less impact on microbiota composition, promoted faster microbial recovery, and had less impact on the loss of C. difficile colonization resistance.
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Antibacterianos/farmacología , Clostridioides difficile/efectos de los fármacos , Infecciones por Clostridium/tratamiento farmacológico , Fidaxomicina/farmacología , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Vancomicina/farmacología , Animales , Infecciones por Clostridium/prevención & control , Infección Hospitalaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Infección Hospitalaria/microbiología , Infección Hospitalaria/prevención & control , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Heces/microbiología , Femenino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genéticaRESUMEN
The aim of this systematic review was to address the question: Do different irrigating protocols have an impact on the dislocation resistance of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based materials? The review was performed using a well-defined search strategy in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) to include laboratory studies performed between January 1995 and May 2017, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers analysed the papers, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data on teeth used, sample size, size of root canal preparation, type of MTA-based material, irrigants, canal filling method, storage method and duration, region of roots and the parameters of push-out testing (slice thickness, plunger dimensions and plunger loading direction), the main results and dislocation resistance values (in MPa). From 255 studies, 27 were included for full-text analysis. Eight papers that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. There was a wide variation in dislocation resistance due to differences in irrigation sequence, time and concentration of irrigants, storage method and duration, and the parameters of push-out bond strength testing. A meta-analysis was not done but qualitative synthesis of the included studies was performed. No definitive conclusion could be drawn to evaluate the effect of irrigation protocols on dislocation resistance of MTA-based materials. Recommendations have been provided for standardized testing methods and reporting of future studies, so as to obtain clinically relevant information and to understand the effects of irrigating protocols on root canal sealers and their interactions with the dentine walls of root canals.