Evaluation of convalescent plasma versus standard of care for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: study protocol for a phase 2 randomized, open-label, controlled, multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and causes substantial morbidity and mortality. At the time this clinical trial was planned, there were no available vaccine or therapeutic agents with proven efficacy, but the severity of the condition prompted the use of several pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. It has long been hypothesized that the use of convalescent plasma (CP) from infected patients who have developed an effective immune response is likely to be an option for the treatment of patients with a variety of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) of viral etiology. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma in adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

METHODS/DESIGN

The ConPlas-19 study is a multicenter, randomized, open-label controlled trial. The study has been planned to include 278 adult patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 infection not requiring mechanical ventilation (invasive or non-invasive). Subjects are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio (139 per treatment arm), stratified by center, to receive intravenously administered CP (single infusion) plus SOC or SOC alone, and are to be followed for 30 days. The primary endpoint of the study is the proportion of patients that progress to category 5, 6, or 7 (on the 7-point ordinal scale proposed by the WHO) at day 15. Interim analyses for efficacy and/or futility will be conducted once 20%, 40%, and 60% of the planned sample size are enrolled and complete D15 assessment.

DISCUSSION

This clinical trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of passive immunotherapy with convalescent plasma for the treatment of adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The results of this study are expected to contribute to establishing the potential place of CP in the therapeutics for a new viral disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04345523 . Registered on 30 March, 2020. First posted date: April 14, 2020.

[Effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy in upper extremity rehabilitation in patients with cerebral palsy: A systematic review]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In hemiplegic cerebral palsy, learned non-use may appear. This phenomenon can be reversed by constraint-induced movement therapy in the healthy side. The aim of this article was to review the evidence of the effectiveness of this therapy on upper extremity functioning, the performance of activities of daily living and quality of life.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a systematic review between January and April 2019 in the PubMed, COCHRANE, PEDro and TRIPDATABASE databases. We included 14 clinical studies describing their characteristics.

RESULTS

Most of the studies found significant improvements compared with control groups. Only one article investigated quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Constraint-induced movement therapy seems to have positive effects in the motor rehabilitation of the upper extremity in patients with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Further studies are needed to assess the individual factors of greatest influence in rehabilitation.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Sham-Controlled Trials of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Bipolar Disorder

BACKGROUND

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in treating unipolar depression. However, the efficacy of rTMS in bipolar disorder (BD) is unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the efficacy and tolerability of rTMS for both depressive and manic phases in BD.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL databases were searched for controlled trials on treatment of BD with rTMS. Primary outcomes included changes in depression or mania scores, response and remission rates. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and functioning assessment. We used random-effects model, Hedge's g, risk differences (RDs) and the number needed to treat (NNT).

RESULTS

Eleven randomized sham-controlled studies were included, with a total of 345 patients with BD (bipolar depression = 257, mania = 86, mixed affective = 2). Trials of rTMS in bipolar depression (N = 8) demonstrated small but significant improvement in depression scores [standardized mean difference = 0.302, p < 0.05], compared to control group. Furthermore, rTMS brought a higher remission rate than sham-controls [RD = 0.104 ± 0.044, p < 0.05, NNT = 10; and a trend of greater response rate [RD = 0.074 ± 0.039, p = 0.06]. Results were inconclusive for effect of rTMS in mania. In both depressive and manic groups, no serious adverse events were reported. Risk of treatment-emergent mania appeared low.

LIMITATIONS

There was limited number of eligible primary studies, with variable randomization procedures.

CONCLUSION

rTMS appears safe and effective in treating bipolar depression. More stringent RCTs are necessary for concrete conclusion about efficacy in mania.

A cluster randomized controlled trial for the Evaluation of routinely Measured PATient reported outcomes in HemodialYsis care (EMPATHY): a study protocol

Background

Kidney failure requiring dialysis is associated with poor health outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) capture symptom burden, level of functioning and other outcomes from a patient perspective, and can support clinicians to monitor disease progression, address symptoms, and facilitate patient-centered care. While evidence suggests the use of PROMs in clinical practice can lead to improved patient experience in some settings, the impact on patients’ health outcomes and experiences is not fully understood, and their cost-effectiveness in clinical settings is unknown. This study aims to fill these gaps by evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of routinely measuring PROMs on patient-reported experience, clinical outcomes, HRQL, and healthcare utilization.

Methods

The EMPATHY trial is a pragmatic multi-centre cluster randomized controlled trial that will implement and evaluate the use of disease-specific and generic PROMs in three kidney care programs in Canada. In-centre hemodialysis units will be randomized into four groups, whereby patients: 1) complete a disease-specific PROM; 2) complete a generic PROM; 3) complete both types of PROMs; 4) receive usual care and do not complete any PROMs. While clinical care pathways are available to all hemodialysis units in the study, for the three active intervention groups, the results of the PROMs will be linked to treatment aids for clinicians and patients. The primary outcome of this study is patient-provider communication, assessed by the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT). Secondary outcomes include patient management and symptoms, use of healthcare services, and the costs of implementing this intervention will also be estimated. The present protocol fulfilled the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Intervention Trials (SPIRIT) checklist.

Discussion

While using PROMs in clinical practice is supported by theory and rationale, and may engage patients and enhance their role in decisions regarding their care and outcomes, the best approach of their use is still uncertain. It is important to rigorously evaluate such interventions and investments to ensure they provide value for patients and health systems.

Trial registration

Protocol version (1.0) and trial registration data are available on www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT03535922, registered May 24, 2018.

Resilience-oriented cognitive behavioral interventions for depressive symptoms in children and adolescents: A meta-analytic review

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate whether resilience-oriented cognitive behavioral interventions (CBIs) which teach cognitive, problem-solving, and social skills are effective for addressing depressive symptoms in the school setting and to investigate factors that could moderate the intervention effects.

METHOD

Electronic databases Medline, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central were searched to identify potentially relevant trials. The difference of change from baseline in depressive symptoms between intervention and control condition was assessed. Mean effect sizes (Hedges'g) were calculated using random-effects models. Study-specific characteristics relevant to participant demographics (age, gender, and risk status), intervention conditions (program type, intervention duration, group leader type, and use of homework), and study features (sample size, and methodological quality) were evaluated as potential moderators of the effect size.

RESULTS

38 controlled studies were identified, including 24,135 individuals. At post-intervention, the mean effect size was considered significantly small (Hedges'g = 0.13) and subgroup analyses revealed significant effect sizes for programs administered to both universal and targeted samples, programs both with and without homework, and programs led by school personnel. The mean effect size was largely maintained at 6 months follow-up and subgroup analyses indicated significant effect sizes for programs administered to targeted samples, programs based on Penn Resiliency Program, programs with homework, and programs led by professional interventionists.

CONCLUSION

This study reinforces the efficacy of resilience-oriented CBIs for addressing depressive symptoms in the school setting. Although more research is needed to confirm and extend the findings of this study, our findings suggest a range of directions in particular for further investigation.

Re-inhabiting one's body: A pilot study on the effects of dance movement therapy on body image and alexithymia in eating disorders

BACKGROUND

Body image disturbance and alexithymia are two core aspects of Eating Disorders (EDs). However, standard treatments for EDs do not include specific techniques to approach these issues on a bodily level. This pilot study evaluated the effects of a Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) intervention on body image and alexithymia in patients with EDs, and also explored their experience of the therapeutic process.

METHOD

14 patients with EDs were recruited from a private clinic. Seven were assigned via quasi-randomization to the DMT group and the others (n = 5) continued their treatment as usual. The length of the intervention was 14 weeks. All participants completed the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Additionally, the DMT group wrote reflective diaries about their experience at the end of each session, which were analyzed using qualitative methods.

RESULTS

Between the pre- and post-intervention, the participants of the DMT group significantly improved in Body Areas Satisfaction (effect size: 0.95) and Appearance Evaluation (effect size: 1.10), and they decreased significantly in Appearance Orientation (effect size: 1.30). A decrease in Overweight Preoccupation was observed (effect size: 0.75), however this was not statistically significant. The control group did not show significant changes in any of the MBSRQ subscales. Neither the DMT group nor the control group improved significantly in the alexithymia scores. The qualitative analysis revealed valuable insights into the participants' processes throughout the sessions. In general, participants received the DMT intervention positively. They reported improvements in their mood states and an increase in their self-awareness. They also appreciated the relationship with the group and the therapist.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that DMT might be a complementary treatment option for EDs, as it may be able to address body image issues more effectively than verbal therapies. More studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these promising preliminary results.

Group problem management plus (gPM+) in the treatment of common mental disorders in Syrian refugees in a Jordanian camp: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Accessing quality mental health care poses significant challenges for persons affected by adversity, especially in low- and middle-income countries where resources are scarce. To mitigate this, the World Health Organization has developed group problem management plus (gPM+), a low-intensity psychological intervention for adults experiencing psychological distress. gPM+ is a group-based intervention consisting of five-sessions, and can be delivered by non-specialist providers. This paper outlines the study protocol for a trial of gPM+ in Jordan.

Methods

We will conduct a single-blind, two-arm, randomized controlled trial in a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. We aim to enrol 480 adults into the trial. Participants will be eligible for the trial if they screen positive for levels of psychological distress. Following screening, those eligible will be randomly assigned to receive the gPM+ intervention or enhanced treatment as usual. The primary outcome is reduction in levels of psychological distress at 3-months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes include anxiety, depression, prodromal psychotic symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder, prolonged grief, daily functioning, economic effectiveness, and change in parenting behaviour. Secondary outcomes also include the reduction in psychological distress of the participant’s child.

Discussion

The trial aims to deliver a template for affordable and scalable psychosocial interventions that can readily be implemented in refugee settings, and that can benefit both the participant and their child.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619001386123. Registered prospectively on 10/10/2019.

The reduction in anemia through normative innovations (RANI) project: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial in Odisha, India

BACKGROUND

More than half of women in India are anemic. Anemia can result in fatigue, poor work productivity, higher risk of pre-term delivery, and maternal mortality. The Indian government has promoted the use of iron-folic acid supplements (IFA) for the prevention and treatment of anemia for the past five decades, but uptake remains low and anemia prevalence high. Current programs target individual-level barriers among pregnant women and adolescents, but a more comprehensive approach that targets multiple levels among all women of reproductive age is needed to increase uptake of IFA and iron-rich foods.

METHODS

The Reduction in Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) project is a norms-based intervention to reduce anemia among women of reproductive age. We will evaluate the intervention through a clustered randomized controlled trial in Odisha, India. We will collect data at three time points (baseline, midline, and end line). For the study, we selected 89 clusters of villages, which we randomized into treatment and control on a 1:1 basis. The treatment arm will receive the RANI project components while the control arm will receive usual care. Fifteen clusters (40-41 villages) were selected and 4000 women (2000 in each arm) living in the selected clusters will be randomly selected to take part in data collection. Women in both study arms will have their hemoglobin concentrations measured. They will also complete in-person surveys about their knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of iron folic acid supplements, and nutritional intake. We will also select a smaller cohort of 300 non-pregnant women (150 in each arm) from this cohort for additional physical activity and cognitive testing. We will conduct both within- and between-group comparisons (treatment and control) at baseline, midline and end line using t-tests. We will also conduct structural equation modeling to examine how much each factor accounts for IFA use and hemoglobin levels.

DISCUSSION

This RCT will enable us to examine whether a social norms-based intervention can increase uptake of iron folic acid supplements and iron rich foods to reduce anemia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered with Clinical Trial Registry- India (CTRI) (CTRI/2018/10/016186) on 29 October 2018.

Improving treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: a controlled trial of a multifaceted intervention in two German cities

PURPOSE

Many recommendations from clinical practice guidelines are not implemented. We aimed to develop and evaluate a multifaceted strategy for the implementation of guidelines for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

In the intervention region (Berlin, Germany), a continuing medical education course was held, brief guidelines for practice were distributed to all family physicians and gastroenterologists, and patient guidelines were distributed to all surveyed patients. Educational outreach visits with local opinion leaders were also conducted. No specific interventions were performed in the control region (Hamburg, Germany). Prior to the intervention and 1 year later, 1900 members of three statutory sickness funds were asked about their treatment according to guidelines with (1) long-term aminosalicylates and (2) immunosuppressants, (3) whether they took long-term glucocorticoids for maintenance of remission, (4) if they smoked, in CD patients, and (5) about the surveillance colonoscopies, in UC patients.

RESULTS

Response rate after implementation was 20.1%. Responders differed between intervention and control region by age and by distribution between patients with UC or CD. After 1 year, more patients were treated according to clinical practice guidelines in the control region than in the intervention region. More patients in the intervention region took immunosuppressants after 1 year, and fewer had a surveillance colonoscopy. However, no before-after comparison was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

This implementation strategy of UC and CD guidelines did not result in a statistically significant effect. Future implementation of guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease might need thorough evaluation of barriers and the support of theory-based concepts.

A feasibility randomized trial of an identity-based physical activity intervention among university students

INTRODUCTION

 Exercise identity has considerable evidence as a correlate of physical activity (PA), but almost no research has focused on intervention. Theory suggests identity may be formed through indirect means of motivated behaviour change over time or through direct targeting of identity related antecedents. Using a parallel, single blind design, the purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility (recruitment, retention, and satisfaction) of these two types of interventions (indirect, direct) to increase exercise identity and subsequent PA.

METHODS

 Participants between the ages of 18-25 who were not meeting PA guidelines were recruited from the University of Victoria, and randomized at a 1:1 ratio to an indirect or direct intervention group. The indirect intervention group received information on the benefits of PA and behaviour change techniques such as planning. The direct intervention group received the same information, with the addition of identity-specific information. Intervention materials were delivered bi-weekly for 6 weeks. Feasibility and participant satisfaction at the study end-point were assessed using mixed methods, and both PA change and exercise identity change were assessed via self-report.

RESULTS

 Twenty participants were randomized to the direct or indirect intervention group (10 each), with 18 participants completing full study protocol. The recruitment rate was 26% and retention was 90%. Mean scores from the satisfaction survey (five-point scale) were high for both groups (indirect M = 2.69, SD = 0.62; direct M = 2.83, SD = 0.40). Both intervention groups increased their PA (η2  = 0.25), and exercise identity levels (η2  = 0.43) across six weeks.

DISCUSSION

 High feasibility ratings, both through retention, and survey and interview data show that the study could be extended to a full-scale RCT. Modifications to recruitment including oversampling to account for low recruitment rates may be useful. No adverse events were reported.

Design and implementation of RESCUR in Sweden for promoting resilience in children: a study protocol

Background

This research program aims to investigate the implementation and effects of a theoretically promising prevention method. It is being developed in a European research collaboration within a Comenius project (2012–2015) between 6 European universities (in Malta, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Portugal and Sweden) with the purpose of enhancing European children’s resilience.

Methods/design

RESCUR in Sweden consists in a RCT study of the Resilience Curriculum (RESCUR) that is taking place in Sweden 2017–2019. The study is being performed by Junis, IOGT-NTO’s Junior Association, part of IOGT International, in conjunction with researchers at Göteborg, Umeå and Stockholm universities, and is being funded by the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

Around 1000 children of the ages 7–12 will, through their schools and associations, or via groups in social services, be acquainted with the material. Children will learn and practice mindfulness, storytelling, group discussions and much more, all designed to strengthen protective factors and increase their resilience. The program also involves parents, who are taking part in the work to reinforce children’s protective factors.

Based on the work with groups of children, an effectiveness study including children aged 7–12 in school classes, with randomized and controlled pre- and post-measurements, self-rating questionnaires and group observations is being performed. The program will also be implemented in a non-governmental organization and in groups in social services. The study also investigates forms of implementation.

Discussion

The design of the study will enable the researchers to answer five research questions by using a mixed-methods approach. Implementation will be studied, which is a necessary prerequisite for an effect study. Moreover, the research procedure has been tailored to the target group, with age-appropriate measures as well as multiple informants, which will produce high-quality data for analysis. A special ethical challenge is the study of young children, and efforts to give children a voice have been included in the program. This project is regarded as having good potential to benefit children in general, and particularly children in vulnerable positions.

Trial registration

National Institute of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03655418. Registered August 31, 2018.

Vedolizumab for inflammatory bowel disease: From randomized controlled trials to real-life evidence

The biologic antitumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) agents have revolutionised the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, some patients experience primary nonresponse, loss of response, or intolerance. Therefore, introducing a newer class of therapy with a mechanism of action that acts on different inflammatory pathways involved in IBD pathogenesis is appealing. Vedolizumab is a fully humanised monoclonal antibody that selectively targets α4β7 integrin. Based on the results of the pivotal clinical GEMINI trials, vedolizumab was approved for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) refractory or intolerant to either conventional therapy or TNFα inhibitors. This review describes the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vedolizumab reported in both randomized, controlled, clinical trials and from real-world experience in patients with UC and CD in order to identify its place in treatment algorithms for IBD.

Improving Maternal Representations in High-Risk Mothers: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of the Mom Power Parenting Intervention

A key mechanism of risk transmission between maternal risk and child outcomes are the mother's representations. The current study examined the effects of an attachment-based, trauma-informed parenting intervention, the Mom Power (MP) program, in optimizing maternal representations of high-risk mothers utilizing a randomized, controlled trial design (NCT01554215). High-risk mothers were recruited from low-income community locations and randomized to either the MP Intervention (n = 42) or a control condition (n = 33) in a parallel design. Maternal representations were assessed before and after the intervention using the Working Model of the Child Interview. The proportion of women with balanced (secure) representations increased in the MP group but not in the control group. Parenting Reflectivity for mothers in the treatment group significantly increased, with no change in the control condition. Participation in the MP program was associated with improvements in a key indicator of the security of the parent-child relationship: mothers' representations of their children.

Efficacy and safety of novel collagen conduits filled with collagen filaments to treat patients with peripheral nerve injury: A multicenter, controlled, open-label clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

The safety and efficacy of using artificial collagen nerve conduits filled with collagen filaments to treat nerve defects has not been fully studied in humans. We conducted a multicenter, controlled, open-label study to compare the safety and efficacy of artificial nerve conduit grafts with those of autologous nerve grafts.

METHODS

We included patients with a sensory nerve defect of ≤30 mm, at the level of the wrist or a more distal location, with the first-line surgical methods selected according to a patient's preference. We compared sensory recovery using static two-point discrimination and adverse events between the artificial collagen nerve conduit and autologous nerve grafting.

RESULTS

The artificial nerve conduit group included 49 patients, with a mean age of 42 years and nerve defect of 12.6 mm. The autologous nerve graft group included 7 patients, with historical data of an additional 31 patients, with a mean age of 36 years and nerve defect of 18.7 mm. The rate of recovery of sensory function at 12 months was 75% (36/49) for the artificial nerve conduit group and 73.7% (28/38) in the autologous nerve group. No serious adverse events directly associated with use of the artificial nerve conduit were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of nerve defects ≤30 mm using artificial collagen nerve conduits was not inferior to treatment using autologous nerve grafts. Based on our data, the new artificial collagen nerve conduit can provide an alternative to autologous nerve for the treatment of peripheral nerve defects.

Efficacy of the unified protocol for the treatment of emotional disorders in the Spanish public mental health system using a group format: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority controlled trial

Background

Emotional disorders, which include both anxiety and depressive disorders, are the most prevalent psychological disorders according to recent epidemiological studies. Consequently, public costs associated with their treatment have become a matter of concern for public health systems, which face long waiting lists. Because of their high prevalence in the population, finding an effective treatment for emotional disorders has become a key goal of today’s clinical psychology. The Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders might serve the aforementioned purpose, as it can be applied to a variety of disorders simultaneously and it can be easily performed in a group format.

Methods

The study is a multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority controlled clinical trial. Participants will be 220 individuals with emotional disorders, who are randomized to either a treatment as usual (individual cognitive behavioral therapy) or to a Unified Protocol condition in group format. Depression, anxiety, and diagnostic criteria are the primary outcome measures. Secondary measures include the assessment of positive and negative affect, anxiety control, personality traits, overall adjustment, and quality of life. An analysis of treatment satisfaction is also conducted. Assessment points include baseline, post-treatment, and three follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months. To control for missing data and possible biases, intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed.

Discussion

This is the first randomized, controlled clinical trial to test the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic intervention in a group format for the treatment of emotional disorders in public settings in Spain. Results obtained from this study may have important clinical, social, and economic implications for public mental health settings in Spain.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/. Trial NCT03064477 (March 10, 2017). The trial is active and recruitment is ongoing. Recruitment is expected to finish by January 2020.

Intranasal oxytocin in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: Randomized controlled trial during re-feeding

BACKGROUND

Nutritional rehabilitation in anorexia nervosa (AN) is impeded by fear of food, eating and change leading to treatment resistance. Oxytocin (OT) exerts prosocial effects and modulates trust, fear, anxiety and neuroplasticity. The current placebo-controlled RCT examined the effects of intranasal oxytocin (IN-OT) in AN. The aim was to ascertain whether repeated doses of IN-OT enhance treatment outcomes in AN.

METHODS

AN patients self-administered 36 IU IN-OT or placebo daily for 4-6 weeks during hospital treatment. The outcome measures were change in the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE) scale, weight gain, cognitive rigidity, social anxiety, obsessive and autistic symptoms. The effects of the first and last doses of IN-OT were assessed relative to placebo before and after a high-energy afternoon snack, to determine potential dampening of cortisol and anxiety levels by OT.

RESULTS

Weight gain was similar in both groups. The EDE eating concern subscale score was significantly lower after IN-OT treatment as was cognitive rigidity. There were no significant differences in social anxiety or any of the other outcomes at follow-up. After four weeks IN-OT, salivary cortisol levels were significantly lowered in anticipation of an afternoon snack compared to placebo. Morning plasma OT levels did not change after chronic IN-OT or with weight restoration.

CONCLUSION

IN-OT might enhance nutritional rehabilitation in AN by reducing eating concern and cognitive rigidity. Lower salivary cortisol levels in response to IN-OT suggest diminished neuroendocrine stress responsiveness to food and eating. Such effects require replication with inclusion of more sensitive subjective measures.

The reporting characteristics of bovine respiratory disease clinical intervention trials published prior to and following publication of the REFLECT statement

The goal of the REFLECT Statement (Reporting guidElines For randomized controLled trials in livEstoCk and food safeTy) (published in 2010) was to provide the veterinary research community with reporting guidelines tailored for randomized controlled trials for livestock and food safety. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of REFLECT Statement reporting of items 1-19 in controlled trials published in journals between 1970 and 2017 examining the comparative efficacy of FDA-registered antimicrobials against naturally acquired BRD (bovine respiratory disease) in weaned beef calves in Canada or the USA, and to compare the prevalence of reporting before and after 2010, when REFLECT was published. We divided REFLECT Statement, items 3, 5, 10, and 11 into subitems, because each dealt with multiple elements requiring separate assessment. As a result, 28 different items or subitems were evaluated independently. We searched MEDLINE^® and CABI (CAB Abstracts^® and Global Health^®) (Web of Science™) in April 2017 and screened 2327 references. Two reviewers independently assessed the reporting of each item and subitem. Ninety-five references were eligible for the study. The reporting of the REFLECT items showed a point estimate for the prevalence ratio >1 (i.e. a higher proportion of studies published post-2010 reported this item compared to studies published pre-2010), apart from items 10.3, i.e., item 10, subitem 3 (who assigned study units to the interventions), 13 (the flow of study units through the study), 16 (number of study units in analysis), 18 (multiplicity), and 19 (adverse effects). Fifty-three (79%) of 67 studies published before 2010 and all 28 (100%) papers published after 2010 reported using a random allocation method in either the title, abstract, or methods (Prevalence ratio = 1.25; 95% CI (1.09,1.43)). However, 8 studies published prior to 2010 and 7 studies published post-2010 reported the term "systematic randomization" or variations of this term (which is not true randomization) to describe the allocation procedure. Fifty-five percent (37/67) of studies published pre-2010 reported blinding status (blinded/not blinded) of outcome assessors, compared to 24/28 (86%) of studies published post-2010 (Prevalence ratio = 1.5, 95% CI (1.19, 2.02)). The reporting of recommended items in journal articles in this body of work is generally improving; however, there is also evidence of confusion about what constitutes a random allocation procedure, and this suggests an educational need. As this study is observational, this precludes concluding that the publication of the REFLECT Statement was the cause of this trend.

A cluster randomized controlled trial of lay health worker support for prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in South Africa

BACKGROUND

We evaluate the impact of clinic-based PMTCT community support by trained lay health workers in addition to standard clinical care on PMTCT infant outcomes.

METHODS

In a cluster randomized controlled trial, twelve community health centers (CHCs) in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, were randomized to have pregnant women living with HIV receive either: a standard care (SC) condition plus time-equivalent attention-control on disease prevention (SC; 6 CHCs; n  = 357), or an enhanced intervention (EI) condition of SC PMTCT plus the "Protect Your Family" intervention (EI; 6 CHCs; n  = 342). HIV-infected pregnant women in the SC attended four antenatal and two postnatal video sessions and those in the EI, four antenatal and two postnatal PMTCT plus "Protect Your Family" sessions led by trained lay health workers. Maternal PMTCT and HIV knowledge were assessed. Infant HIV status at 6 weeks postnatal was drawn from clinic PCR records; at 12 months, HIV status was assessed by study administered DNA PCR. Maternal adherence was assessed by dried blood spot at 32 weeks, and infant adherence was assessed by maternal report at 6 weeks. The impact of the EI was ascertained on primary outcomes (infant HIV status at 6 weeks and 12 months and ART adherence for mothers and infants), and secondary outcomes (HIV and PMTCT knowledge and HIV transmission related behaviours). A series of logistic regression and latent growth curve models were developed to test the impact of the intervention on study outcomes.

RESULTS

In all, 699 women living with HIV were recruited during pregnancy (8-24 weeks), and assessments were completed at baseline, at 32 weeks pregnant (61.7%), and at 6 weeks (47.6%), 6 months (50.6%) and 12 months (59.5%) postnatally. Infants were tested for HIV at 6 weeks and 12 months, 73.5% living infants were tested at 6 weeks and 56.7% at 12 months. There were no significant differences between SC and EI on infant HIV status at 6 weeks and at 12 months, and no differences in maternal adherence at 32 weeks, reported infant adherence at 6 weeks, or PMTCT and HIV knowledge by study condition over time.

CONCLUSION

The enhanced intervention administered by trained lay health workers did not have any salutary impact on HIV infant status, ART adherence, HIV and PMTCT knowledge. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov: number NCT02085356.

Impact of Laboratory Charge Display Within the Electronic Health Record Across an Entire Academic Medical Center: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of systemwide charge display on laboratory utilization.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial with a baseline period and an intervention period. Tests were randomized to a control arm or an active arm. The maximum allowable Medicare reimbursement rate was displayed for tests in the active arm during the intervention period. Total volume of tests in the active arm was compared with those in the control arm. Residents were surveyed before and after the intervention to assess charge awareness.

RESULTS

Charge display had no effect on order behavior. This result held for patient type (inpatient vs outpatient) and for insurance category (commercial, government, self-pay). Residents overestimated the charges of tests both before and after the intervention. Many residents failed to notice the charge display in the computerized order entry system.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of charge display depends on context. Charge display is not always effective.

Beyond face-to-face individual counseling: A systematic review on alternative modes of motivational interviewing in substance abuse treatment and prevention

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI), delivered in modes other than face-to-face individual counseling, in preventing and treating substance abuse related behaviors.

METHODS

Four databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane Library) were searched for randomised clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of alternative modes of MI (other than face-to-face individual counseling) in preventing and treating substance abuse. Eligible studies were rated on methodological quality and their findings were qualitatively synthesized.

RESULTS

A total of 25 articles (on 22 RCTs) were eligible for this review. Beyond face-to-face counseling, telephone was the most frequently used medium for delivering MI (11 studies), followed by Internet communication (4 studies) and short message service (SMS) (2 studies). Mail was incorporated as a supplement in one of the studies for telephone MI. In contrast to one-to-one individual counseling, group MI was adopted in 5 studies. The effectiveness of telephone MI in treating substance abuse was supported by all of the published RCTs we located. Internet-based MI was effective in preventing and treating alcoholism, but its outcome appeared to be inconsistent for smoking cessation and poor for abstinence from illicit drugs. SMS-based MI appeared to be useful for controlling tobacco and drinking. Group MI was attempted for quitting alcohol and drugs, with mixed findings on its outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the studies reviewed indicate that telephone MI is a promising mode of intervention in treating and preventing substance abuse. The effectiveness of other alternative modes (SMS-based MI, Internet-based MI and group MI) remains inconclusive given the controversial findings and a limited number of studies. By synthesizing the currently available evidence, this systematic review suggested that telephone MI might be considered as an alternative to face-to-face MI for treating and preventing substance abuse. Further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of SMS-based MI, Internet MI, group MI and other alternative modes. Studies with methodological rigor and incorporating MI fidelity measures have great potential to advance the understanding in this field.

Prospective cluster controlled crossover trial to compare the impact of an improved hydrogen peroxide disinfectant and a quaternary ammonium-based disinfectant on surface contamination and health care outcomes

BACKGROUND

Quaternary ammonium-based (Quat) disinfectants are widely used, but they have disadvantages.

METHODS

This was a 12-month prospective cluster controlled crossover trial. On 4 wards, housekeepers performed daily cleaning using a disinfectant containing either 0.5% improved hydrogen peroxide (IHP) or Quat. Each month, 5-8 high-touch surfaces in several patient rooms on each ward were tagged with a fluorescent marker and cultured before and after cleaning. Hand hygiene compliance rates and antimicrobial usage on study wards were obtained from hospital records. Outcomes included aerobic colony counts (ACCs), percent of wiped surfaces yielding no growth after cleaning, and a composite outcome of incidence densities of nosocomial acquisition and infection caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile infection. Statistical analysis was performed using χ² test, Fisher exact test, Welch test, and logistic regression methods.

RESULTS

Mean ACCs per surface after cleaning were significantly lower with IHP (14.0) than with Quat (22.2) (P = .003). The proportion of surfaces yielding no growth after cleaning was significantly greater with IHP (240/500; 48%) than with Quat (182/517; 35.2%) (P < .0001). Composite incidence density of nosocomial colonization or infection with IHP (8.0) was lower than with Quat (10.3) (incidence rate ratio, 0.77; P = .068; 95% confidence interval, 0.579-1.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with a Quat disinfectant, the IHP disinfectant significantly reduced surface contamination and reduced a composite colonization or infection outcome.

Effectiveness of a standardized back school program for patients with chronic low back pain after implementation in routine rehabilitation care

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized, patient-oriented, biopsychosocial back school after implementation in inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation.

METHODS

A multi-center, quasi-experimental controlled study of patients with low back pain (n=535) was conducted. Patients in the control group received the traditional back school before implementation of the new program (usual care); patients in the intervention group received the new standardized back school after implementation into routine care. Patients' illness knowledge and conduct of back exercises (primary outcomes) and secondary self-management outcomes and treatment satisfaction were obtained at admission, discharge, and 6 and 12 months after rehabilitation.

RESULTS

We found a significant small between-group intervention effect on patients' illness knowledge in medium- to long term (6 months: η²=0.015; 12 months: η²=0.013). There were trends for effects on conduct of back exercises among men (6 and 12 months: η²=0.008 both). Furthermore, significant small effects were observed for treatment satisfaction at discharge and physical activity after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The standardized back school seems to be more effective in certain outcomes than a usual care program despite heterogeneous program implementation.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Further dissemination within orthopedic rehabilitation may be encouraged to foster self-management outcomes.

Weight loss interventions for overweight and obese adolescents: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To determine what factors contribute to the efficacy of non-drug treatments designed to promote weight loss in overweight and obese adolescents.

METHODS

Data sources Medline/PubMed; Psychinfo; EMBASE; Web of Science (ISI); and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Study selection Randomized clinical trials of treatments for obesity and overweight in adolescents aged 10-19 years with a minimum duration of 2 months. Data extraction 115 of the 12,948 publications retrieved met eligibility criteria and 26 were included in the final sample. Period of extraction January 2004 to November 2014.

RESULTS

The Delphi list was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies (M = 5.58, SD = 1.027). There was considerable variability between the interventions, but they were all multifactorial, with components such as nutritional education, physical activity, family support and psychological therapy. The number of contacts with subjects during the course of the intervention was a predictor of treatment efficacy when the groups were compared. Limitations This systematic review was limited to trials reported in English and by the lack of methodological rigor and shortcomings in reporting in the studies reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary interventions including family support and guided behavior modification appear to be effective methods of reducing BMI in overweight and obese adolescents.

Evaluation of a standardized patient education program for inpatient asthma rehabilitation: Impact on patient-reported health outcomes up to one year

OBJECTIVES

To modify and evaluate a patient education program for adult asthma patients in consideration of quality criteria for teaching.

METHODS

This was a prospective single-center controlled trial in an inpatient rehabilitation center. The control group (n=215) received the usual lecture-based education program, and the intervention group (n=209) the modified patient education program. Data were assessed at admission, discharge, 6 and 12 months post discharge. The primary outcome was asthma control, the secondary outcomes were asthma knowledge, quality of life, and program acceptance. Analysis of change was performed by ANCOVA for each follow-up, adjusting for baseline values.

RESULTS

Statistically significant increases in all health outcomes and in asthma control were maintained in both groups at 12 months: CG: +1.9 (95%-CI 1.3-2.6) IG: +1.6 (95%-CI 0.8-2.3). We observed no significant differences between the programs for asthma control and quality of life. Regarding practical asthma knowledge, after 12 months, a group*time interaction emerged with a small effect size (P=0.06, η2=0.01).

CONCLUSION

The modified program was not superior to traditional patient education concerning asthma control. It permanently increased self-management knowledge.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Structured and behavioral patient education fosters patient's disease management ability. Possible ways of improving asthma control need to be explored.

Effects of mindfulness on maternal stress, depressive symptoms and awareness of present moment experience: A pilot randomised trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and acceptability and measure the effects of a mindfulness intervention compared to a pregnancy support program on stress, depressive symptoms and awareness of present moment experience.

DESIGN

A pilot randomised trial using mixed methods.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Forty-eight women attending a maternity service were randomly allocated to a mindfulness-based or pregnancy support program.

MEASURES

Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, and Birth Outcomes. Women's perceptions of the impact of the programs were examined via summative evaluation, interviews, diaries and facilitator field notes.

FINDINGS

Nine women in the mindfulness program and 11 in the pregnancy support program completed post-program measures. There were no statistically significant differences between groups. Of practical significance, was an improvement in measures for both groups with a greater improvement in awareness of present moment experience for the intervention group. The intervention group reported learning how to manage stressors, fear, anxiety, and to regulate their attention to be more present. The control group reported learning how to calm down when stressed which increased their confidence. Intervention group themes were: releasing stress, becoming aware, accepting, having options and choices, connecting and being compassionate. Control group themes were:managing stress, increasing confidence, connecting, focussing, being accepted, preparing.

KEY CONCLUSION

The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was confirmed. Programs decreased women's self-reported stress in different ways. Women in the mindfulness program accepted themselves and their experiences as they arose and passed in the present moment, while those in the control group gained acceptance primarily from external sources such as peers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Mindfulness programs can foster an internalised locus of self-acceptance which may result in woman becoming less dependent on others for their wellbeing. Adequately powered RCTs, with an active control, long-term follow up and economic evaluation are recommended.