Journal of comparative effectiveness research
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Dexamethasone was shown to decrease the mortality in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) recently. Use of corticosteroids was harmful in other coronavirus infections previously. WHO recommended against routine use of corticosteroids in COVID-19. ⋯ Low-dose therapies appear to be effective. Evidence from a randomized control study found dexamethasone is effective in decreasing mortality in severe COVID-19 cases. More studies are needed to validate the benefit of corticosteroids in COVID-19.
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The race to find an effective treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still on, with only two treatment options currently authorized for emergency use and/or recommended for patients hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms: low-dose dexamethasone and remdesivir. The USA decision to stockpile the latter has resulted in widespread condemnation and in similar action being taken by some other countries. In this commentary we discuss whether stockpiling remdesivir is justified in light of the currently available evidence.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Comparative efficacy and safety of dabrafenib in combination with trametinib versus competing adjuvant therapies for high-risk melanoma.
Aim To conduct a systematic literature review of high-risk resectable cutaneous melanoma adjuvant therapeutics and compare safety and efficacy. Methods: The systematic literature review included randomized controlled trials investigating: dabrafenib plus trametinib (DAB + TRAM), nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab, vemurafenib, chemotherapy and interferons. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival and safety. ⋯ Results: Across relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival and OS, DAB + TRAM had the lowest estimated hazards of respective events relative to all other treatments (exception relative to nivolumab in OS). Differences were significant relative to placebo, chemotherapy, interferons and ipilimumab. Conclusion: DAB + TRAM has improved efficacy over historical treatment options (ipilimumab, interferons and chemotherapy) and comparable efficacy with other targeted and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
An indirect comparison of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in the therapy of TNF-failure Crohn's disease patients.
An indirect comparison of ustekinumab versus vedolizumab in patients with active moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease who were nonresponsive or intolerant to previous TNF-antagonist therapy. ⋯ No significant differences between vedolizumab and ustekinumab in clinical response and clinical remission for induction and remission in maintenance phase of TNF refractory patients therapy were revealed. In addition, no significant disparities in the risk of adverse events suggest a similar safety profile.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in the induction therapy of TNF-α-refractory Crohn's disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in the induction therapy of anti-TNF-α failure patients with Crohn's disease. ⋯ The clinical response was significantly higher for TNF-α antagonist failure patients who received ustekinumab as well as in subgroups of secondary nonresponders or intolerant patients but not in case of primary nonresponders. Ustekinumab occurred as safe as placebo in the induction as well as in a maintenance phase of therapy.