Aim: To systematically summarise the current evidence of employing clinical decision support algorithms (CDSAs) using non‐invasive parameters for sepsis prediction in neonates.Methods: A comprehensive search in PubMed, CENTRAL and EMBASE was conducted. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias were performed by two authors. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. PROSPERO ID: CRD42020205143.Results: After abstract and full‐text screening, 36 studies comprising 18,096 infants were included. Most CDSAs evaluated heart rate (HR)‐based parameters. Two publications derived from one randomised‐controlled trial assessing HR characteristics reported significant reduction in 30‐day septicaemia‐related mortality. Thirty‐four non‐randomised studies found promising yet inconclusive results.Conclusion: Heart rate‐based parameters are reliable components of CDSAs for sepsis prediction, particularly in combination with additional vital signs and demographics. However, inconclusive evidence and limited standardisation restricts clinical implementation of CDSAs outside of a controlled research environment. Further experimentation and comparison of parameter combinations and testing of new CDSAs are warranted.
This systematic review and network meta-analysis summarizes studies on the effectiveness of different pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and alternative interventions for initial and second-line trea... Background: Primary care patients and clinicians may prefer alternative options to second-generation antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD). Purpose: To compare the benefits and harms ...
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a glycoprotein produced in the placenta, is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. We investigated the relationship between hCG levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a systematic review including studies measuring hCG blood levels in the first or second trimester, reporting on any of the 12 predefined adverse pregnancy outcomes with logistic regression-adjusted association estimates. The primary outcomes were placenta-associated complications, such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm delivery. We searched PubMed, Embase and CINAHL Complete. The hCG levels were analysed as multiple of the median (MoM). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used. Risk of bias and the certainty of evidence were assessed using ROBINS-I and GRADE, respectively. Meta-analysis also showed that hCG levels, reported as MoM ≥2/2.31/2.5, might be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.44) and preterm delivery (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.47), but the evidence is very uncertain. High second trimester hCG levels may be associated with preeclampsia and preterm delivery but confidence in evidence is low.
Blood loss in the first days of life has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in very preterm infants. In this systematic review we included randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of interventions to preserve blood volume in the infant from birth, reduce the need for sampling, or limit the blood sampled. Mortality and major neurodevelopmental disabilities were the primary outcomes. Included studies underwent risk of bias-assessment and data extraction by two review authors independently. We used risk ratio or mean difference to evaluate the treatment effect and meta-analysis for pooled results. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. We included 31 trials enrolling 3,759 infants. Twenty-five trials were pooled in the comparison delayed cord clamping or cord milking vs. immediate cord clamping or no milking. Increasing placental transfusion resulted in lower mortality during the neonatal period (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.00; participants = 595; trials = 5; I2 = 0%, moderate certainty of evidence) and during first hospitalization (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51, 0.96; 10 RCTs, participants = 2,476, low certainty of evidence). The certainty of evidence was very low for the other primary outcomes of this review. The six remaining trials compared devices to monitor glucose levels (three trials), blood sampling from the umbilical cord or from the placenta vs. blood sampling from the infant (2 trials), and devices to reintroduce the blood after analysis vs. conventional blood sampling (1 trial); the certainty of evidence was rated as very low for all outcomes in these comparisons. Increasing placental transfusion at birth may reduce mortality in very preterm infants; However, extremely limited evidence is available to assess the effects of other interventions to reduce blood loss after birth. In future trials, infants could be randomized following placental transfusion to different blood saving approaches. Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42020159882.
Clinicians and patients want to know the benefits and harms of outpatient treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This living, rapid review assesses the benefits and harms of different COVID-19... Background: Clinicians and patients want to know the benefits and harms of outpatient treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Purpose: To assess the benefits and harms of 12 different COVID-19 ...