Questioning the Role of Carotid Artery Ultrasound in Assessing Fluid Responsiveness in Critical Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: A noninvasive and accurate method of identifying fluid responsiveness in hemodynamically unstable patients has long been sought by physicians. Carotid ultrasound (US) is one such modality previously canvassed for this purpose. The aim of this novel systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate whether critically unwell patients who are requiring intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation (fluid responders) can be identified accurately with carotid US. Methods: The protocol was registered with PROSPERO on the 30/11/2022 (ID number: CRD42022380284). Studies investigating carotid ultrasound accuracy in assessing fluid responsiveness in hemodynamically unstable patients were included. Studies were identified through searches of six databases, all run on 4 November 2022, Medline, Embase, Emcare, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines. Results were pooled, meta-analysis was conducted where amenable, and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic models were established to compare carotid ultrasound measures. Results: Seventeen studies were included (n = 842), with 1048 fluid challenges. 441 (42.1%) were fluid responsive. Four different carotid US measures were investigated, including change in carotid doppler peak velocity (∆CDPV), carotid blood flow (CBF), change in carotid artery velocity time integral (∆CAVTI), and carotid flow time (CFT). Pooled carotid US had a pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 0.73 (0.66-0.78), 0.82 (0.72-0.90), and 0.81 (0.78-0.85), respectively. ∆CDPV had sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC with 95% CI of 0.72 (0.64-0.80), 0.87 (0.73-0.94), and 0.82 (0.78-0.85), respectively. CBF had sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC with 95% CI of 0.70 (0.56-0.80), 0.80 (0.50-0.94), and 0.77 (0.78-0.85), respectively. Risk of bias and assessment was undertaken using the QUADAS-2 and GRADE tools. The QUADAS-2 found that studies generally had an unclear or high risk of bias but with low applicability concerns. The GRADE assessment showed that ∆CDPV and CBF had low accuracy for sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: It appears that carotid US has a limited ability to predict fluid responsiveness in critically unwell patients. ∆CDPV demonstrates the greatest accuracy of all measures analyzed. Further high-quality studies using consistent study design would help confirm this.

Predicting Fluid Responsiveness Using Carotid Ultrasound in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies.

BACKGROUND: A noninvasive and accurate method of determining fluid responsiveness in ventilated patients would help to mitigate unnecessary fluid administration. Although carotid ultrasound has been previously studied for this purpose, several studies have recently been published. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of carotid ultrasound as a tool to predict fluid responsiveness in ventilated patients. METHODS: Studies eligible for review investigated the accuracy of carotid ultrasound parameters in predicting fluid responsiveness in ventilated patients, using sensitivity and specificity as markers of diagnostic accuracy (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews [PROSPERO] CRD42022380284). All included studies had to use an independent method of determining cardiac output and exclude spontaneously ventilated patients. Six bibliographic databases and 2 trial registries were searched. Medline, Embase, Emcare, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched on November 4, 2022. Clinicaltrials.gov and Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry were searched on February 24, 2023. Results were pooled, meta-analysis was conducted where possible, and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic models were used to compare carotid ultrasound parameters. Bias and evidence quality were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines. RESULTS: Thirteen prospective clinical studies were included (n = 648 patients), representing 677 deliveries of volume expansion, with 378 episodes of fluid responsiveness (58.3%). A meta-analysis of change in carotid Doppler peak velocity (∆CDPV) yielded a sensitivity of 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.84) and a specificity of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76-0.90). Risk of bias relating to recruitment methodology, the independence of index testing to reference standards and exclusionary clinical criteria were evaluated. Overall quality of evidence was low. Study design heterogeneity, including a lack of clear parameter cutoffs, limited the generalizability of our results. CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis, we found that existing literature supports the ability of carotid ultrasound to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated adults. ∆CDPV may be an accurate carotid parameter in certain contexts. Further high-quality studies with more homogenous designs are needed to further validate this technology.

Disordered gambling among people with psychotic disorders: a systematic review.

Disorders of gambling are more common among the mentally ill, including in people with psychotic disorders. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding the prevalence and correlates of gambling disorders in people with psychotic disorders. We systematically reviewed English-language literature through searches of six bibliographic databases, all run on 11 November 2022: Medline ALL, Embase, Emcare, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library. Observational studies that reported the prevalence of gambling in psychotic disorders or psychosis among gamblers were included. Studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Sixteen studies, including 1,116,103 participants, from across a range of settings, were included. Most studies were done on males and recruited participants with a mean age of 40 years. Most of the studies (n = 12) were cross-sectional, and the remaining were case control in design. Most of the studies rated fair in quality. The prevalence of gambling among psychotic population ranged from 0.32 to 19.3%, with the majority of the studies reporting rates between 6.4 and 17%. The rates were 5-25 times higher than in the general population. While there were no consistent associations found with socio-demographic indices, several studies reported an association between gambling behaviours and substance use disorder among those with psychotic illnesses. Our research suggests that clinicians should assess for comorbid gambling among those with psychotic illness, particularly in those with mood symptoms, impulsivity, and substance use disorders. Gambling can negatively impact on their financial and social situations. Future research should study specific strategies or therapies among those with comorbid gambling and psychotic disorders.

Intestinal Ultrasound and MRI for Monitoring Therapeutic Response in Luminal Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Cross-sectional imaging facilitates the assessment of transmural healing in patients with Crohn's disease. This systematic review addresses the utility of MRI and intestinal ultrasound (IUS) in the assessment of disease activity in response to drug therapy compared with endoscopy in patients with luminal Crohn's disease. METHODS: Database searches were undertaken using predefined terms. Studies with ≥10 patients with luminal Crohn's disease with paired endoscopy and imaging (MRI or IUS) after treatment initiation were included. Publications were identified through searches of six bibliographic databases, all run on June 24, 2022. Records were screened on title and abstract, then full text, by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: In total, 5,760 records were identified, with 24 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Ten studies examined IUS and found good correlation between IUS and endoscopic remission (κ = 0.63-0.73). Early reduction in bowel wall thickness at 4 to 8 weeks predicted endoscopic response at 12 to 38 weeks (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.77; odds ratio, 10.8; P = .01). Twelve studies examined MRI, with the Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity score having high accuracy for predicting endoscopic remission (AUROC, 0.97; sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 77%). A Simplified Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity score cutoff of ≥1 identifies active endoscopic disease (AUROC, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.95; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: IUS and MRI are both reliable, noninvasive modalities for assessing transmural healing in patients with Crohn's disease and are accurate in monitoring the response to drug therapy. These modalities can be used to monitor response to biologic induction therapy, with early changes predictive of response to treatment.

An evidence-base for the implementation of hospital-based palliative care programs in routine cancer practice: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Despite global support, there remain gaps in the integration of early palliative care into cancer care. The methods of implementation whereby evidence of benefits of palliative care is translated into practice deserve attention. AIM: To identify implementation frameworks utilised in integrated palliative care in hospital-based oncology services and to describe the associated enablers and barriers to service integration. DESIGN: Systematic review with a narrative synthesis including qualitative, mixed methods, pre-post and quasi experimental designs following the guidance by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (PROSPERO registration CRD42021252092). DATA SOURCES: Six databases searched in 2021: EMBASE, EMCARE, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Ovid MEDLINE searched in 2023. Included were qualitative or quantitative studies, in English language, involving adults >18 years, and implementing hospital-based palliative care into cancer care. Critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality and rigour. RESULTS: Seven of the 16 studies explicitly cited the use of frameworks including those based on RE-AIM, Medical Research Council evaluation of complex interventions and WHO constructs of health service evaluation. Enablers included an existing supportive culture, clear introduction to the programme across services, adequate funding, human resources and identification of advocates. Barriers included a lack of communication with the patients, caregivers, physicians and palliative care team about programme goals, stigma around the term 'palliative', a lack of robust training, or awareness of guidelines and undefined staff roles. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation science frameworks provide a method to underpin programme development and evaluation as palliative care is integrated within the oncology setting.

Prevalence of NUDT15 Genetic Variants and Incidence of Thiopurine-induced Leukopenia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nudix hydrolase 15 [NUDT15] genetic variants confer an increased risk of thiopurine-induced leukopenia [TIL]; however, their global prevalence in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of NUDT15 variants in IBD patients and incidence of TIL in these patients. METHODS: Six databases were searched from inception until July 2022. Studies reporting the frequency of any NUDT15 variant and/or frequency of leukopenia in adult IBD patients with these variants were included. A random effects model was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of variants, incidence of early [≤8 weeks] and late [>8 weeks] leukopenia, and relative risk of developing leukopenia. RESULTS: Twenty studies comprising 5232 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of the *1/*3 c.415C > T C/T diplotype was 13% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10-18%), *3/*3 c.415C > T T/T diplotype was 2% [95% CI: 1-2%], *1/*5 c.52G > A G/A diplotype was 2% [95% CI: 1-3%], and *1/*6 c.36_37insGGAGTC ins/- diplotype was 7% [95% CI: 4-12%]. The pooled prevalence of *1/*3 was high in Japanese [20%, 95% CI: 16-24%] and Chinese patients [18%, 95% CI: 12-27%]. The incidence of early leukopenia was 20% [95% CI: 16-26%] in *1/*3 patients, 99% [95% CI: 7-100%] in *3/*3 patients, and 49% [95% CI: 29-69%] in *1/*6 patients. The incidence of late leukopenia was 36% [95% CI: 26-49%] in *1/*3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: NUDT15 variants are common and strongly predict TIL in IBD patients. Pre-treatment NUDT15 genotyping should be considered particularly in Asian populations, to guide thiopurine dosing and prevent myelotoxicity.

Psychotherapy appears to improve symptoms of functional dyspepsia and anxiety: systematic review with meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of psychotherapy on symptoms of functional dyspepsia, anxiety, depression and quality of life. We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Emcare, Ovid Nursing, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Informit Health Collection and ClinicalTrials.gov on 2 July 2021. Randomised controlled trials that compared psychotherapy to non-psychotherapy interventions in adults with functional dyspepsia were included. Meta-analyses were conducted (using Hedges's g) under random effects models. Overall, 1,575 records were identified after duplicates were removed, with nine randomised controlled trials (n = 786) included. Preliminary meta-analyses showed that psychotherapy outperformed control conditions at post-test and follow-up on functional dyspepsia symptom severity and anxiety symptoms, but no differences emerged for depressive symptoms. The qualitative synthesis showed psychotherapy's promise in improving quality of life in functional dyspepsia. Psychotherapy might have a small to moderate effect on functional dyspepsia symptoms and anxiety at short- and long-term. However, conclusions are limited by the small number of trials with a high risk of bias.

Clinical application and diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence in colonoscopy for inflammatory bowel disease: systematic review.

Background and aims Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is being evaluated for its potential to improve colonoscopic assessment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly with computer-aided image classifiers. This review evaluates the clinical application and diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of AI algorithms in colonoscopy for IBD. Methods A systematic review was performed on studies evaluating AI in colonoscopy of adult patients with IBD. MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched on 28 th April 2021 for English language articles published between January 1, 2000 and April 28, 2021. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Diagnostic accuracy was presented as median (interquartile range). Results Of 1029 records screened, nine studies with 7813 patients were included for review. AI was used to predict endoscopic and histologic disease activity in ulcerative colitis, and differentiation of Crohn's disease from Behcet's disease and intestinal tuberculosis. DTA of AI algorithms ranged between 52-91 %. The sensitivity and specificity for AI algorithms predicting endoscopic severity of disease were 78 % (range 72-83, interquartile range 5.5) and 91 % (range 86-96, interquartile range 5), respectively. Conclusions AI has been primarily used to assess disease activity in ulcerative colitis. The diagnostic performance is promising and suggests potential for other clinical application of AI in IBD colonoscopy such as dysplasia detection. However, current evidence is limited by retrospective data and models trained on still images only. Future prospective multicenter studies with full-motion videos are needed to replicate the real-world clinical setting.

Exercise interventions to reduce anxiety in mid-life and late-life anxiety disorders and subthreshold anxiety disorder: a systematic review.

Background: Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and cause significant distress, disability, and cost. Medication adverse effects and interactions increase in mid-life and late-life, highlighting the need for effective non-pharmacological interventions. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the extent of evidence supporting exercise interventions for anxiety and subthreshold anxiety disorders in mid-life and late-life. Design: Systematic review. Data Sources and Methods: We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Emcare, Ovid Nursing, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Health Collection, Humanities & Social Sciences Collection, and https://clinicaltrials.gov databases for trials published January 1994-May 2019. Randomised controlled trials of exercise interventions involving aerobic exercise or resistance training for adults aged 40 years and above with anxiety or subthreshold anxiety disorders in residential or health settings were identified. The primary outcome was change in anxiety. We excluded trials including participants aged below 40 years, participants with diagnosis of separation anxiety, selective mutism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and head-to-head comparisons of interventions. Trial quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and evidence synthesised in narrative form. Results: Four trials totalling 132 participants met inclusion criteria, although some had methodological limitations. Interventions included a home-based resistance training intervention, supervised group-based aerobic intervention, Tai Chi intervention, and supervised group-based aerobic and strength intervention. Three trials included late-life participants and the fourth mid-life. Three trials demonstrated greater reductions in anxiety in the intervention group compared with control. The fourth trial showed pre-post reductions in anxiety in both groups, with between-group difference not reaching statistical significance. Conclusion: There is limited supportive evidence suggesting that exercise interventions have potential to be effective, feasible and safe non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety and subthreshold anxiety disorders in mid-life and late-life. The heterogeneity, limited number and high risk of bias of some trials meant that we were not able to conduct a meta-analysis. Tailoring of interventions may improve uptake and reduce dropout. The paucity of research in this area with only four included trials demonstrates the urgent need for future and larger trials to provide proof of concept, data about effective types and doses of exercise interventions, and guidance to community, clinical, and public health services.

Family carer needs in advanced disease: systematic review of reviews.

BACKGROUND: Family carers are vital in the management and delivery of home-based palliative care. Decision-makers need to know what the most commonly expressed unmet needs of family carers are to target available support services. AIM: To identify the most commonly expressed needs of family carers of people with an advanced disease, assess the quality of current evidence, and set an agenda for future research and clinical practice. DESIGN: A systematic review of reviews, prospectively registered on PROSPERO. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews and research syntheses. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Informit and Cochrane Library were searched for reviews about the needs of carers looking after patients with advanced disease from 2010 to 2020. RESULTS: Findings from 21 reviews identified emotional support, disease-specific knowledge, carer role responsibilities, self-care and general practical support as the most commonly expressed needs expressed by family carers. Additionally, access to professional services, formal education opportunities and communication with health professionals were identified as caregivers' preferred ways of having these needs met. Extraction of carer-specific needs was challenging at times as results were often combined with patient results in reviews. CONCLUSION: Practical difficulties exist in effectively resourcing services to meet the needs of family carers. Information regarding the most commonly expressed needs shared by caregivers and their preferred delivery source can provide an opportunity to focus available support services to achieve the highest possible impact for carers of patients with advanced disease. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018088678.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of opioid use at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively by opioid naïve orthopaedic surgery patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is evidence that opioid initiation post-surgery is contributing to the problem of chronic misuse and/or abuse of over the counter medications in the community, and that orthopedic patients may be particularly at risk. The aim of the systematic review with meta-analysis was to identify research that examined opioid use at 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively by previously opioid naïve orthopedic surgery patients. Design, databases, and data treatment: A searched review with meta-analysis was undertaken. Eight databases were search. Meta-analyses conducted at all three time points (3 months, 6 months, and 12 months). RESULTS: The search yielded 779 records, and after screening, 13 papers were included in meta-analysis. Results provide strong evidence that post-operative opioid use amongst the opioid naïve is a real effect (7 percent at 3 months, 4 percent at 6 months, and 2 percent at 12 months). A Z-test for overall effect revealed strong evidence that this proportion was nonzero for opioid use at 3, 6, and 12 months (p < 0.001 for all time points). A small but significant proportion of opioid naïve patients who are prescribed opioids remain on these medications up to 12 months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: The nature of the studies included in the meta-analysis were varied, hence subanalyses regarding surgery type, characteristics of the patient group or other potential factors that might influence the progression to longer term opioid use after these surgeries could not be explored. Given this, further research in this area should explore such specific orthopedic subgroups.

Disordered Eating among People with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Disordered eating, or abnormal eating behaviours that do not meet the criteria for an independent eating disorder, have been reported among people with schizophrenia. We aimed to systemati-cally review literature on disordered eating among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). Seven databases were systematically searched for studies that described the prevalence and correlates of disordered eating among patients with SSD from January 1984 to 15 February 2021. Qualitative analysis was performed using the National Institutes of Health scales. Of 5504 records identified, 31 studies involving 471,159 subjects were included in the systematic review. The ma-jority of studies (17) rated fair on qualitative analysis and included more men, and participants in their 30s and 40s, on antipsychotics. The commonest limitations include lack of sample size or power calculations, poor sample description, not using valid tools, or not adjusting for con-founders. The reported rates were 4.4% to 45% for binge eating, 16.1% to 64%, for food craving, 27% to 60.6% for food addiction, and 4% to 30% for night eating. Positive associations were re-ported for binge eating with antipsychotic use and female gender, between food craving and weight gain, between food addiction and increased dietary intake, and between disordered eating and female gender, mood and psychotic symptoms. Reported rates for disordered eating among people with SSD are higher than those in the general population. We will discuss the clinical, treatment and research implications of our findings.

Autonomic Nervous System Function in Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Review.

Background: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction has been suggested to contribute to the high prevalence of cardiovascular complications in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), yet has not been thoroughly investigated. The current review aimed to synthesize the evidence of basal ANS function in individuals with a current diagnosis of AN and those with a previous diagnosis who had achieved weight restoration, as compared to controls. Methods: A systematic review of nine databases was conducted and studies that were published in a peer-review journal, in English, that included at least one assessment of ANS function in individuals with a current or previous diagnosis of AN were selected. Forty-six studies were included with a total of 811 participants with a current diagnosis of AN and 123 participants with a previous diagnosis of AN. Results: ANS function was assessed through heart rate variability (n = 27), orthostatic challenge, blood pressure variability or baroreflex sensitivity (n = 11), adrenergic activity (n = 14), skin conductance level (n = 4), and pupillometry (n = 1). Individuals with AN demonstrated increased parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity, suggestive of autonomic dysregulation. Following weight restoration, autonomic function trended toward, or was equivalent to, control levels. Discussion: Autonomic dysregulation is indicated through a range of assessments in individuals with AN. Future investigations should utilize a variety of assessments together in order to conclusively establish the nature of autonomic dysfunction in AN, and following extended weight restoration. Moreover, investigation into the co-occurrence of ANS function and cardiovascular risk is required.

Systematic review: Exploration of the impact of psychosocial factors on quality of life in adults living with coeliac disease.

BACKGROUND: Individuals living with coeliac disease generally experience a remission of symptoms after adopting the gluten-free diet but often report substantial treatment burden and ongoing quality of life issues. Psychosocial factors have been suggested to play a significant role in post-diagnosis quality of life but have yet to be systematically reviewed. AIM: To review the evidence for psychosocial factors associated with quality of life in adult coeliac disease cohorts. METHODS: Studies were identified via systematic searches of eight databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, Ovid Nursing, CINAHL, Informit Health Collection, Cochrane Library) in May 2019. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included involving 3372 participants (80.2% female, mean age = 46.4 years). Symptoms of depression and anxiety were the most examined psychosocial factors across all studies. Quality of life was differentially associated with psychological distress, illness perceptions, coping, and attitudes/behaviours regarding food and the gluten-free diet. CONCLUSION: Several psychosocial factors are associated with quality of life in adults living with coeliac disease. Current evidence suggests these factors are interrelated and may influence quality of life directly, via reduced psychological well-being, and indirectly, via reduced adherence to the gluten-free diet. Future research is needed to examine these processes concurrently, with the aim of elucidating the psychosocial mechanisms underlying post-diagnosis well-being and identifying potential targets for psychosocial intervention.

Prevalence and Impact of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Systematic Review.

Psychological distress is often observed in patients with gastrointestinal illness. To date, there has been limited research conducted to assess the prevalence and impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in gastrointestinal cohorts. The aim of this systematic review is to review the evidence for the prevalence of PTSD in gastrointestinal cohorts versus comparator groups (healthy controls and chronic illness groups), predictive factors associated with the development and management of PTSD and the impact on patient outcomes. Adult studies were identified through systematic searches of eight databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, Ovid Nursing, CINAHL, Informit Health Collection, and Cochrane Library) in February 2020. The overall pooled prevalence rate of PTSD in GI cohorts was 36%; however, the prevalence rate in non-veteran-specific gastrointestinal cohorts of 18% across all GI classification groups is likely to be the more representative rate. The non-gastrointestinal chronic illness cohort PTSD prevalence rate was 11%. Predictors identified in the development of post-traumatic stress in gastrointestinal cohorts include: female gender, poor social support, life adversity, subjective pain, and dietary choices. Post-traumatic stress was found to exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms in a Crohn's Disease sample, whereby disease exacerbation was four times in those who met the criteria for probable PTSD. Post-traumatic stress symptoms affect around one in five individuals (non-veteran status) with a gastrointestinal condition. Further research is needed to understand the psychological and biological mechanisms by which PTSD increases the risk of developing and exacerbating gastrointestinal symptoms.

Placebo Surgery Controlled Trials: Do They Achieve What They Set Out To Do? A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether placebo surgery controlled trials achieve what they set out to do by investigating discrepancy between projected and actual design aspects of trials identified through systematic review methods. SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Interest in placebo surgery controlled trials is growing in response to concerns regarding unnecessary surgery and the societal cost of low-value healthcare. As questions about the justifiability of using placebo controls in surgery have been addressed, attention is now being paid to more practical concerns. METHODS: Six databases were searched from inception - May 2020 (MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane Library). Placebo surgery controlled trials with a published protocol were included. Three authors extracted "projected" design aspects from protocols and "actual" design aspects from main findings papers. Absolute and relative difference between projected and actual design aspects were presented for each trial. Trials were grouped according to whether they met their target sample size ("completed") and were concluded in a timely fashion. Pairs of authors assessed risk of bias. RESULTS: Of 24 trials with data available to analyse; 3 were completed and concluded within target timeframe; 10 were completed and concluded outside the target timeline; 4 were completed without clear target timeframes; 2 were incomplete and concluded within the target framework; 5 were incomplete and concluded outside the target timeline. Trials which reached the recruitment target underestimated trial duration by 88% and number of recruitment sites by 87%. CONCLUSIONS: Trialists need to factor additional time and sites into future placebo surgery controlled trials. A robust reporting framework of projected and actual trial design is imperative for trialists to learn from their predecessors. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42019133296).

Efficacy of drug and endoscopic treatment of Crohn's disease strictures: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Strictures are the commonest complication in Crohn's disease. Surgery and endoscopic dilation are the mainstays of treatment, while drug therapy has often been considered contraindicated. The benefit of nonsurgical treatments, particularly drug and endoscopic therapy, need to be defined. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library (inception until August 30, 2019) were searched. Studies with ≥ 10 patients with Crohn's disease strictures, reporting on outcomes following medication or endoscopic treatment, were included. RESULTS: Of 3480 records, 85 studies met inclusion criteria and formed the basis of this analysis. Twenty-five studies assessed drug therapy; none were randomized trials. Despite study heterogeneity anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy appeared effective, with 50% of patients avoiding surgery after 4 years of follow up. No other drug therapy was of demonstrable benefit. Sixty studies assessed endoscopic therapy including 56 on endoscopic balloon dilation, two assessed needle knife stricturotomy, and two stent insertion. Dilation was equally effective for de novo and anastomotic strictures ≤ 5 cm in length, with most studies reporting a subsequent surgical rate of 30% to 50%. Repeat dilation was required in approximately half of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-TNF drug therapy and endoscopic balloon dilation are effective strategies for avoiding surgery in patients with stricturing Crohn's disease. Additional endoscopic therapies require further evaluation. Early data suggest that combining these therapies may provide greater benefit than individual therapies. Optimization of current drug and endoscopic therapy, and the incorporation of newer therapies, are needed for stricturing Crohn's disease.

Application of the common sense model in inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this paper was to undertake a systematic review of the research utilizing the Common Sense Model (CSM) involving IBD cohorts to explain the psychosocial processes, including illness perceptions and coping styles, that underpin patient reported outcomes (PROs) - psychological distress (PD) and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: Adult studies were identified through systematic searches of 8 bibliographic databases run in August 2020 including Medline, Embase, and PsychINFO. No language or year limits were applied. RESULTS: Of 848 records identified, 516 were selected with seven studies evaluating the CSM mediating pathways for final review (n = 918 adult participants). Consistent with the CSM, illness perceptions were associated with PD and QoL in six and five studies respectively. Illness perceptions acted as mediators, at least partially, on the relationship between IBD disease activity and PD and/or QoL in all seven studies. Coping styles, predominantly maladaptive-based coping styles, were found to act as mediators between illness perceptions and PD and/or QoL in five studies. Perceived stress was identified in one study as an additional psychosocial process that partially explained the positive influence of illness perceptions on PD, and a negative impact on QoL. Five studies were classified as high quality and two as moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The CSM can be utilised in IBD cohorts to evaluate key psychosocial processes that influence PROs. Future research should explore additional psychosocial processes within the CSM and evaluate the efficacy of targeting CSM processes to promote psychological well-being and QoL in IBD cohorts.

A systematic review of efficacy of Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) in managing suicide risk and deliberate self-harm in adult populations.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy of Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) in managing suicide risk and deliberate self-harm in adults. METHODS: Ten databases were searched for publications referring to CAMS or the Suicide Status Form. Results were evaluated by two reviewers. RESULTS: Limited evidence that CAMS is effective in reducing suicide risk and deliberate self-harm in adult populations. CONCLUSIONS: Although CAMS appears to show promise in managing suicidal patients across a range of measures, further evidence is needed to clarify its efficacy in managing suicide risk and deliberate self-harm.

Participatory Methods to Engage Health Service Users in the Development of Electronic Health Resources: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: When health service providers (HSP) plan to develop electronic health (eHealth) resources for health service users (HSU), the latter's involvement is essential. Typically, however, HSP, HSU, and technology developers engaged to produce the resources lack expertise in participatory design methodologies suited to the eHealth context. Furthermore, it can be difficult to identify an established method to use, or determine how to work stepwise through any particular process. OBJECTIVE: We sought to summarize the evidence about participatory methods and frameworks used to engage HSU in the development of eHealth resources from the beginning of the design process. METHODS: We searched for studies reporting participatory processes in initial development of eHealth resources from 2006 to 2016 in 9 bibliographic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Emcare, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ACM Guide to Computing Literature, and IEEE Xplore. From 15,117 records initially screened on title and abstract for relevance to eHealth and early participatory design, 603 studies were assessed for eligibility on full text. The remaining 90 studies were rated by 2 reviewers using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2011 (Pluye et al; MMAT) and analyzed with respect to health area, purpose, technology type, and country of study. The 30 studies scoring 90% or higher on MMAT were included in a detailed qualitative synthesis. RESULTS: Of the 90 MMAT-rated studies, the highest reported (1) health areas were cancer and mental disorders, (2) eHealth technologies were websites and mobile apps, (3) targeted populations were youth and women, and (4) countries of study were the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Of the top 30 studies the highest reported participatory frameworks were User-Centered Design, Participatory Action Research Framework, and the Center for eHealth Research and Disease Management (CeHRes) Roadmap, and the highest reported model underpinning development and engagement was Social Cognitive Theory. Of the 30 studies, 4 reported on all the 5 stages of the CeHRes Roadmap. CONCLUSIONS: The top 30 studies yielded 24 participatory frameworks. Many studies referred to using participatory design methods without reference to a framework. The application of a structured framework such as the CeHRes Roadmap and a model such as Social Cognitive Theory creates a foundation for a well-designed eHealth initiative that ensures clarity and enables replication across participatory design projects. The framework and model need to be clearly articulated and address issues that include resource availability, responsiveness to change, and the criteria for good practice. This review creates an information resource for future eHealth developers, to guide the design of their eHealth resource with a framework that can support further evaluation and development. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42017053838; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=53838.