Current medical research and opinion
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Meta Analysis
Restrictive versus liberal blood transfusion in patients with coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis.
To compare clinical outcomes between restrictive versus liberal blood transfusion strategies in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). ⋯ The findings suggest that restrictive blood transfusion was associated with higher in-hospital and 30 day mortality than liberal blood transfusion in CAD patients. The conclusions are mainly based on retrospective studies and should not be considered as recommendation before they are supported by randomized controlled trials.
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Meta Analysis
Impact of intraoperative MRI-guided resection on resection and survival in patient with gliomas: a meta-analysis.
This study addressed the benefit of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) compared with conventional neuronavigation-guided resection in patients with gliomas. ⋯ Our findings indicate that iMRI more frequently resulted in more complete resections leading to improved PFS in patients with malignant gliomas.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Comparative effectiveness of interferons in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis of real-world studies.
Differences between interferons have been evaluated for over 20 years. While randomized controlled trial (RCT) data is mainly used for assessments and strong data for causal inferences, it does not necessarily reflect everyday practice. Real-world data may provide additional information. ⋯ In this comprehensive meta-analysis of real-world studies in RRMS, IFN-beta-1a IM, IFN-beta-1a SC and IFN-beta-1b SC had similar clinical profiles. When selecting an IFN, practitioners should consider observational data in their decision making process.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Comparative effectiveness using a matching-adjusted indirect comparison between delayed-release dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF; also known as gastro-resistant DMF) and fingolimod are approved oral disease-modifying treatments for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In phase 3 trials, DMF (DEFINE/CONFIRM) and fingolimod (FREEDOMS/FREEDOMS II) resulted in significant reductions in clinical and magnetic resonance imaging activity, with acceptable safety profiles. Direct comparisons of these treatments are not possible due to a lack of head-to-head trials. We compared 2 year efficacy of DMF versus fingolimod at the approved dosage using a matching-adjusted indirect approach. ⋯ NCT00420212 (DEFINE); NCT00451451 (CONFIRM); NCT00289978 (FREEDOMS); NCT00355134 (FREEDOMS II).
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To compare the effects of an erlotinib-based targeted dual agent with erlotinib alone in previously treated patients with advanced non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). ⋯ Compared with erlotinib alone, the erlotinib-based targeted dual agent showed a minimal magnitude of improvement in PFS but did not improve OS. The role of erlotinib-based combinations in previously treated patients with NSCLC seemed insignificant.