Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation on glucose metabolism in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome: An umbrella review and updated meta-analysis.

AIMS: This study aims to comprehensively review the existing evidence and conduct analysis of updated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of turmeric (Curcuma longa, CL) and its related bioactive compounds on glycemic and metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) together with a sub-group analysis of different CL preparation forms. METHODS: An umbrella review (UR) and updated systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) were conducted to evaluate the effects of CL compared with a placebo/standard treatment in adult T2DM, prediabetes, and MetS. The MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to September 2022. The primary efficacy outcomes were hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The corrected covered area (CCA) was used to assess overlap. Mean differences were pooled across individual RCTs using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed for various CL preparation forms. RESULTS: Fourteen SRMAs of 61 individual RCTs were included in the UR. The updated SRMA included 28 studies. The CCA was 11.54%, indicating high overlap across SRMAs. The updated SRMA revealed significant reduction in FBG and HbA1C with CL supplementation, obtaining a mean difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) of -8.129 (-12.175, -4.084) mg/dL and -0.134 (-0.304, -0.037) %, respectively. FBG and HbA1C levels decreased with all CL preparation forms as did other metabolic parameters levels. The results of the sensitivity and subgroup analyses were consistent with those of the main analysis. CONCLUSION: CL supplementation can significantly reduce FBG and HbA1C levels and other metabolic parameters in T2DM and mitigate related conditions, including prediabetes and MetS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42016042131).

Efficacy and safety of herbal medicine on dementia and cognitive function: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

This study aims to summarize the effects of herbs on dementia and assess the strength of evidence. Six international and local databases were searched from inception to October 2021 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials investigated the effects of herbal medicine on dementia or cognitive function. Two researchers independently extracted data, assessed the methodological quality, and rated the credibility of evidence according to established criteria. Thirty-seven articles evaluating 13 herbal medicines were included. Of these, 65% were rated critically low using AMSTAR2. Of 90 unique outcomes, 41 (45.6%) were statistically significant based on random effects model (p ≤ .05). Only 3 herbs were supported by suggestive evidence whereas the others were supported by weak evidence. The suggestive evidence supported benefits of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) plus pharmacotherapy (WMD:1.84; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.35) and Vinpocetine (WMD: -0.94; 95%CI: -1.50, -0.38) on improving cognitive function assessing by Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Syndrom-Kurz-Test, respectively. Moreover, suggestive evidence supported benefit of Huperzia serrata on improving Activities of Daily Living (WMD:-7.18; 95%CI: -9.12, -5.23). No SAE was reported. In conclusion, several herbs were used for improving dementia and cognitive function but recent evidence were limited by the small sample size and poor methodological quality. Therefore, further large and well-designed studies are needed to support the evidence.

Analogous comparison of registered brand name drugs of tablets and capsules commercially available in Thailand: A retrospective study.

Drug name confusion or similar product packaging and labeling, also known as "look-alike, sound-alike" (LASA) medication error, is one of the most problematic causes of prescribing and dispensing errors. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the similarity of registered brand name drugs of tablets and capsules that are commercially available in Thailand to estimate the magnitude of LASA medication errors. Analogous comparisons of brand names using similarity in orthography (written forms with identical letters) were analyzed retrospectively. Tablets and capsules commercially available in Thailand and registered with the Bureau of Drug Administration, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 as "dangerous drugs" and "specially controlled drugs" for humans and animals were included in this study. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used in this study. The analogous comparison of brand name orthography was scrutinized, and the results revealed 1,668 brand names, which were categorized into three genres as follows: 1) Single brand names from a single manufacturer having the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with numerous registration numbers (1,049 names, 62.89% of the total similarity results) 2) Single brand names from different manufacturers having the same API and possessing several registration numbers (615 names, 36.87% of the total similarity results) 3) Single brand names from different manufacturers with diverse APIs (four brand names, 0.24% of the total similarity results). Analogous results revealed that numerous identical brand names could be derived from the same manufacturers, APIs, dosage strengths, or otherwise. The results of this study recommend improvement on product registration to better ensure patient safety in the future.

Using real world evidence to generate cost-effectiveness analysis of fibrinolytic therapy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in Thailand.

Background: Due to limited access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention for the management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs), fibrinolysis serves as a vital alternative reperfusion therapy. Among fibrinolytic agents, the cost-effectiveness of tenecteplase (TNK) in LMICs as compared to streptokinase (SK) for STEMI management remains unknown. Methods: Cost-effectiveness was analyzed using a hybrid model consisting of short-term analysis (30-days decision tree model) and long-term analysis (Markov model). Both health care provider and societal perspectives over a lifetime horizon with 3% discount rate were considered. Input parameters were obtained from Thailand's national health database, a network meta-analysis and literature review. Outcome measure was an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) determined by an incremental cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gain. An ICER of less than $5,590 per QALY gain is considered cost-effective. Series of sensitivity analyses were also performed. Findings: From the societal perspective, TNK increases cost by $827 and increases QALY by 0·173. Thus, the ICER is $4,777 per QALY gained. Similarly, the ICER from health care provider perspective is $4,664 per QALY gained. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, using 5,590 USD per QALY as threshold, the probability of TNK being cost-effective was 83% from both perspectives. The most influential parameters were risk ratio of death for treatment with TNK compared to SK and drug cost of TNK. Interpretation: In a resource-limited country like Thailand, tenecteplase is a cost-effective fibrinolytic drug for treatment of STEMI compared to streptokinase. Funding: None.

Self-health care behaviors and knowledge of youth living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Thailand is facing problems with the increasing number of youths living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to study the self-health care behaviors and knowledge of youths living with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: This mixed-methods study consisted of quantitative self-administered online questionnaires and qualitative telephone interviews using a topic guide. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 22 youths aged between 15 and 24 years living with HIV who were receiving ART were recruited. Overall self-health care behavior mean scores (out of 4) among the participants were good (3.17 ± 0.41). The mean scores of the 6 self-health care behavior domains in descending order were as follows: spiritual growth (3.35 ± 0.21), health responsibilities (3.26 ± 0.43), stress management (3.10 ± 0.31), nutrition (3.08 ± 0.33), interpersonal relations (3.05 ± 0.36), and physical activity (2.87 ± 0.72). Most of the participants (63.64%) had a good level of knowledge about HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) with a mean score of 16.68 ± 2.21. CONCLUSION: The majority of individuals maintained healthy habits. However, some domains, such as physical exercise, food, and interpersonal interactions require support. The majority of respondents had a good level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. In addition, the participants expressed a desire for a system that would support their future career opportunities.

Efficacy of Biodentine and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in Primary Molar Pulpotomies-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

OBJECTIVES: Pulpotomy is the favored treatment for pulp exposure in carious primary teeth. This review aimed to compare the success rates of biodentine (BD) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomies in primary molars using meta-analysis (MA) and trial sequential analysis (TSA) and also to assess the quality of the results by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). METHODS: PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Scopus databases were searched. Additional searching was performed in clinical trial registry, reference lists of systematic reviews, and textbooks. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in the English language through October 2017 comparing the success of pulpotomies in vital primary molars with a follow-up of at least 6 months were selected. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed. MA by random effects model, TSA, and GRADE were performed. RESULTS: Eight RCTs (n = 474) were included. Two RCTs had low risk of bias. No significant difference was observed between MTA and BD in clinical success at 6 months (risk ratio [RR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.97-1.02; I2 = 0%), 12 months (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96-1.05; I2 = 0%), and 18 months (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.93-1.08; I2 = 0%). No difference was observed in radiographic success at follow-up of 6 months (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.96-1.02; I2 = 0%), 12 months (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.47-2.21; I2 = 0%), and 18 months (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91-1.15; I2 = 0%). TSA indicated lack of firm evidence for the results of the meta-analytic outcomes on clinical and radiographic success. GRADE assessed the evidence from the MA comparing the effect of MTA and BD in pulpotomy to be of low quality. CONCLUSION: BD and MTA have similar clinical and radiographic success rates based on limited and low-quality evidence. Future high-quality RCTs between MTA and BD is required to confirm the evidence.

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Premedication on Pain after Nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: This review aimed to find the most effective oral premedication in reducing pain in adults after nonsurgical root canal therapy (NSRCT) using network meta-analysis. METHODS: The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42017071899). A literature search was performed in the MEDLINE and EBSCOhost databases until June 2017 with no language restriction. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of oral premedications, whether given alone or in combination, compared with other agents, placebo, or no treatment in adult patients before NSRCT for postoperative pain were included. Nonintervention studies, nonendodontic studies, animal studies, and reviews were excluded. The quality of the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. Pair-wise meta-analysis, network meta-analysis, and quality of evidence assessment using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria was performed. RESULTS: Eleven studies comparing pharmacologic groups of medications were included in the primary analysis. Compared with placebo, corticosteroids (prednisolone 30-40 mg) was ranked best for reducing postoperative pain (median difference [MD] = -18.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), -32.90 to -3.37] for the pain score at 6 hours; MD = -22.17 [95% CI, -36.03 to -8.32] for the pain score at 12 hours; and MD = -21.50 [95% CI, -37.95 to -5.06] for the pain score at 24 hours). However, the evidence was very low (6 and 24 hours) to moderate quality (12 hours). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were ranked least among the medications, and the quality of this evidence was very low. Additional analysis based on the chemical name showed that sulindac, ketorolac, and ibuprofen significantly reduced pain at 6 hours, whereas piroxicam and prednisolone significantly reduced the pain at 12 and 24 hours. Etodolac was found to be least effective in reducing pain. Overall, the evidence was of moderate to very low quality. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the limited and low-quality evidence, oral premedication with piroxicam or prednisolone could be recommended for controlling postoperative pain after NSRCT. However, more trials are warranted to confirm the results with a higher quality of evidence.

Efficacy and safety of celecoxib on the incidence of recurrent colorectal adenomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Celecoxib has previously been shown to be effective in reducing recurrent colorectal adenomas, but its long-term effects are unknown. In addition, safety issues are of major concern. Therefore, we examined the efficacy and safety of celecoxib as a chemopreventive agent along with its posttreatment effect. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing celecoxib at various doses (400 mg once daily, 200 mg twice daily, and 400 mg twice daily) vs placebo in persons with history of colorectal adenomas. Several databases were searched from inception up to April 2018. Long-term follow-ups of RCTs were also included to evaluate posttreatment effect. Primary outcome was the incidence of recurrent colorectal adenomas. Various safety outcomes were evaluated, especially cardiovascular (CV) events. Risk-benefit integrated analyses were also performed. RESULTS: A total of three RCTs (4,420 patients) and three post-trial studies (2,159 patients) were included in the analysis. Use of celecoxib at any dose for 1-3 years significantly reduced the incidence of recurrent advanced adenomas (risk ratio, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.34-0.53]) and any adenomas (0.67 [95% CI, 0.62-0.72]) compared with placebo. Subgroup analysis on different dosing suggested a greater effect with 400 mg twice daily. However, celecoxib 400 mg twice daily significantly increased the risk of serious adverse (1.2 [95% CI, 1.0-1.5]) and CV events (3.42 [95% CI, 1.56-7.46]), while celecoxib at 400 mg/day, especially with once daily dosing, did not increase CV risk (1.01 [95% CI, 0.70-1.46]). Analysis of post-trial studies indicated that the treatment effect disappeared (1.15 [95% CI, 0.88-1.49]) after discontinuing celecoxib for >2 years. CONCLUSION: Celecoxib 400 mg once daily dosing could potentially be considered as a viable chemopreventive option in patients with high risk of adenomas but with low CV risk. Long-term trials on celecoxib at a dose of ≤400 mg either once or twice daily are warranted.

Antithrombotic Regimens in Patients With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Whom an Anticoagulant Is Indicated: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who require anticoagulant therapy are at increased risk of bleeding. The optimal regimen for these patients is uncertain. This study aimed to compare safety and efficacy of antithrombotic regimens used in patients undergoing PCI with concomitant anticoagulant therapy. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis was performed among studies comparing antithrombotic regimens for anticoagulated patients undergoing PCI. The primary outcome of interest was major bleeding. The secondary outcomes were coronary events. The reference intervention was classic triple therapy (aspirin plus clopidogrel plus VKA). Cluster rank incorporating risk (major bleeding) and benefit (all-cause death) was performed to identify the most appropriate regimen(s). Results: There were 3 RCTs (6 interventions) and 29 non-RCTs (8 interventions) that met the inclusion criteria with 22,179 patients. Network meta-analysis of RCTs indicated that dual therapy (DT), either with vitamin K antagonist (VKA) or direct anticoagulant (DOAC) plus an antiplatelet, significantly reduced the risk of major bleeding compared to triple therapy (TT) [pooled RR of 0.51 (0.30-0.87) and 0.68 (0.49-0.94), respectively]. In addition, VKA-DT significantly reduced the risk of all-cause death compared to TT [pooled RR of 0.40 (0.17-0.93)]. Results from network meta-analysis of non-RCT paralleled that of RCTs. No significant differences of coronary events were found. Conclusions: In conclusion, for anticoagulated patients undergoing PCI, dual therapy, either with warfarin or DOAC plus an antiplatelet, should be considered due to its optimal balance on efficacy and safety.

Efficacy and safety of chemopreventive agents on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Various interventions have been tested as primary prevention of colorectal cancers (CRC), but comprehensive evidence comparing them is absent. We examined the effects of various chemopreventive agents (CPAs) on CRC incidence and mortality. METHODS: We did a network meta-analysis based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared at least one CPA (aspirin, antioxidants, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, alone or in combination) to placebo or other CPA in persons without history of CRC. Several databases were searched from inception up to March 2017. Primary outcomes were early and long-term CRC incidence and mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-one RCTs comprising 281,063 participants, 9 RCTS comprising 160,101 participants, and 7 RCTs comprising 24,001 participants were included in the network meta-analysis for early risk of CRC incidence, long-term risk of CRC incidence and mortality, respectively. For early CRC incidence, no CPAs were found to be effective. For long-term CRC incidence and mortality, aspirin was the only intervention that showed protective effects with potential dose-dependent effects (risk ratio [RR], 0.74 [95% CI, 0.57-0.97] for high-dose [≥325 mg/day] and RR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67-0.98] for very-low-dose [≤100 mg/day]). Similar trend was found for mortality (RR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.23-0.81] for low-dose [>100-325 mg/day] and RR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.45-0.94] for very-low-dose). However, in net clinical benefit analysis, when combining risk estimates on mortality from CRC, cardiovascular disease, and pooled risk estimates of major gastrointestinal bleeding, low-dose aspirin provided the highest net survival gain (%) of 1.736 [95% CI, 1.010-2.434]. CONCLUSION: Aspirin at the dose range of 75-325 mg/day is a safe and effective primary prevention for long-term CRC among people at average risk. None of the other CPAs were found to be effective. There may potentially be differential effects among various doses of aspirin that needs further investigation.

Comparative efficacy and safety of reperfusion therapy with fibrinolytic agents in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinolytic therapy offers an alternative to mechanical reperfusion for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in settings where health-care resources are scarce. Comprehensive evidence comparing different agents is still unavailable. In this study, we examined the effects of various fibrinolytic drugs on clinical outcomes. METHODS: We did a network meta-analysis based on a systematic review of randomised controlled trials comparing fibrinolytic drugs in patients with STEMI. Several databases were searched from inception up to Feb 28, 2017. We included only randomised controlled trials that compared fibrinolytic agents as a reperfusion therapy in adult patients with STEMI, whether given alone or in combination with adjunctive antithrombotic therapy, against other fibrinolytic agents, a placebo, or no treatment. Only trials investigating agents with an approved indication of reperfusion therapy in STEMI (streptokinase, tenecteplase, alteplase, and reteplase) were included. The primary efficacy outcome was all-cause mortality within 30-35 days and the primary safety outcome was major bleeding. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016042131). FINDINGS: A total of 40 eligible studies involving 128 071 patients treated with 12 different fibrinolytic regimens were assessed. Compared with accelerated infusion of alteplase with parenteral anticoagulants as background therapy, streptokinase and non-accelerated infusion of alteplase were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR] 1·14 [95% CI 1·05-1·24] for streptokinase plus parenteral anticoagulants; RR 1·26 [1·10-1·45] for non-accelerated alteplase plus parenteral anticoagulants). No significant difference in mortality risk was recorded between accelerated infusion of alteplase, tenecteplase, and reteplase with parenteral anticoagulants as background therapy. For major bleeding, a tenecteplase-based regimen tended to be associated with lower risk of bleeding compared with other regimens (RR 0·79 [95% CI 0·63-1·00]). The addition of glycoprotein IIb or IIIa inhibitors to fibrinolytic therapy increased the risk of major bleeding by 1·27-8·82-times compared with accelerated infusion alteplase plus parenteral anticoagulants (RR 1·47 [95% CI 1·10-1·98] for tenecteplase plus parenteral anticoagulants plus glycoprotein inhibitors; RR 1·88 [1·24-2·86] for reteplase plus parenteral anticoagulants plus glycoprotein inhibitors). INTERPRETATION: Significant differences exist among various fibrinolytic regimens as reperfusion therapy in STEMI and alteplase (accelerated infusion), tenecteplase, and reteplase should be considered over streptokinase and non-accelerated infusion of alteplase. The addition of glycoprotein IIb or IIIa inhibitors to fibrinolytic therapy should be discouraged. FUNDING: None.

Use of the CRUSADE bleeding risk score in the prediction of major bleeding for patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving enoxaparin in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: CRUSADE risk score stands out as a simple-to-use bleeding risk model. However, its use is still doubtful for Thai population. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of CRUSADE in predicting risk of major bleeding among Thai patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) receiving enoxaparin. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using patients with ACS who were hospitalised at a university hospital in Bangkok between 2006 and 2009 and had received enoxaparin. The CRUSADE risk score was calculated. The model validation was tested by using C statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit. RESULTS: The overall incidence of major bleeding was 18.3%. Median CRUSADE score for entire study population, unstable angina (UA), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were 49, 47, 53, and 39, respectively. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit revealed no statistical significance in all groups. The CRUSADE model demonstrated a satisfactory discriminatory capacity for the entire study population (C = 0.688), UA (C = 0.591), NSTEMI (C = 0.693), and STEMI groups (C = 0.736). CONCLUSIONS: Across the ACS spectrum, CRUSADE risk score was able to estimate in-hospital major bleeding of Thai patients with ACS who received treatment with enoxaparin. The application of these results in Thailand may be helpful in the identification of patients at high bleeding risk and also may lead to implementation of appropriate prevention.