J Postgrad Med
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Meta Analysis
The development of QERM scoring system for comprehensive assessment of the Quality of Empirical Research in Medicine - Part 1.
Whereas a large number of features are mentioned to connote the quality of medical research, no tool is available to comprehensively measure it objectively across different types of studies. Also, all the available tools are for reporting, and none includes quality of the inputs and the process of research. The present paper is aimed to initiate a discussion on the need to develop such a comprehensive scoring system (in the first place), to show that it is feasible, and to describe the process of developing a credible system. ⋯ It is feasible to devise a comprehensive scoring system comprising domains and items for assessing the quality of medical research end-to-end from choosing a problem to publication. The proposed scoring system needs to be reviewed by the researchers and needs to be validated.
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Meta Analysis
Efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine for managing glycemia in type-2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
No Cochrane meta-analysis with grading of evidence is available on use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in type-2 diabetes (T2DM). This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of HCQ in T2DM. ⋯ The routine use of HCQ in T2DM cannot be recommended based on the current evidence.
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Previous studies on the association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have yielded inconsistent results. ⋯ A significant association between AD and increased odds of SLE was observed by this systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Recent epidemiologic studies have suggested that use of statins may lower the risk of GERD although the results from different studies were inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted with the aim to summarize all available data. ⋯ The current meta-analysis found that the risk of GERD was numerically lower among statin users although the pooled result did not reach statistical significance. Therefore, more studies are still needed to further clarify this potential benefit of statins.
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Meta Analysis
Patients with psoriasis have a higher risk of schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Patients with psoriasis are known to be at a higher risk of several comorbidities, but little is known about their risk of developing schizophrenia. ⋯ This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly increased risk of schizophrenia among patients with psoriasis.