• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.3-12
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• 2020

Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) has a significant negative impact on the patients' quality of life. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the safety and efficacy of pregabalin (PGB) and gabapentin (GBP) in the treatment of neuropathic pain due to SCI. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and the Web of Science were searched up to December 2018. The reference lists of key and review studies were reviewed for additional citations. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tools for assessing the risk of bias. A meta-analysis was performed for primary and secondary outcomes. Eight studies were eligible for inclusion. Meta-analysis of PGB vs. placebo showed that PGB was effective for neuropathic pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.78, -0.01), anxiety (MD = -0.68; 95% CI: -0.77, -0.59), depression (mean difference [MD] = -0.99; 95% CI: -1.08, -0.89), and sleep interference (MD = -1.08; 95% CI: -1.13, -1.02). Also, GBP was more effective than a placebo for reducing pain. No significant difference was observed between the efficacy of the two drugs (MD = -0.37; 95% CI: -1.67, 0.93). There was no significant difference between the two drugs for discontinuation due to adverse events (risk ratio = 3.00; 95% CI: 0.81, 11.15). PGB and GBP were effective vs. placebos in decreasing neuropathic pain after SCI. Also, there was no significant difference between the two drugs for decreasing pain and adverse events.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.25-37
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• 2019

Objectives : This review determines the evidence of effectiveness and safety of Chuna manual therapy (CMT) for pediatric allergic rhinitis. Methods : We searched 12 electronic databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CAJ, J-STAGE, RISS, DBpia, NDSL, KISTI, KISS, and KMBASE) and two related journals up to the end of April, 2019. We only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating CMT for the treatment of pediatric allergic rhinitis. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 1.0. Results : Twelve RCTs were eligible in our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of five studies demonstrated positive results for the using CMT for the treatment of pediatric allergic rhinitis. When used in conjunction with traditional Chinese medicine, CMT treatment significantly improved total efficacy rate compared with traditional Chinese medicine alone (P<0.02, n=5). Conclusions : Based on a published meta-analysis, there is reliable evidence for the use of CMT in treating pediatric allergic rhinitis. However, it should be noted that the studies included in this systematic review were heterogeneous and were of low quality, warranting further investigation using well-designed RCTs.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.385-402
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• 2021

Objective: This study confirms the safety and efficacy of Banhasasim-tang (BST) against cough through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Wiley online library, OASIS, KISS, NDSL, RISS, Science and Technology Society Village, DBpia, CNKI, J-STAGE, and CiNii were used as search engines. The search period was from the start of search engine support to June 30. 2020. And search language was not limited. Cochrane's risk of bias (RoB) tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. A meta-analysis of the total effective rate (TER), cough symptom score, and spirometry results was performed using the Review Manager program. Results: 6 studies were finally selected. The group using BST showed significant symptom relief, as the odds ratio (OR) value of TER was 5.56 times higher (95% CI: 3.50, 8.82, P<0.0001) compared to the control groups. The reported adverse effects did not occur in the intervention group. In addition, the cough symptom score and spirometry results showed that BST was more effective than Western medicine alone. Conclusion: BST can be expected to relieve cough, and it can be applied to chronic cough that is not treated with existing treatments. However, due to the low quality of the selected articles, additional high-quality RCTs will be required in the future.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 2021

Objectives This review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and clinical significance of Chuna manual therapy (CMT) in the treatment of pediatric cough. Methods Ten electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, CNKI [CAJ], KMBASE, KISS, KISTI, NDSL, RISS, and Oasis) were searched. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using CMT for pediatric cough treatment were included. The methodological quality of each RCT was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (v1.0). Results Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed positive effects of CMT in the treatment of pediatric cough. Both CMT alone and CMT combined with Chinese medication or Chinese medicine acupoint application (CMAA) were effective in treating pediatric cough. Conclusions This systematic review shows the reliability, effectiveness, and clinical significance of CMT in the treatment of pediatric cough. However, the evidence is limited due to the defective design of the included RCTs. More well-designed RCTs are required to provide clearer evidence for this claim.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.285-293
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• 2023

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain accompanied by a change in stool condition. Owing to its complicated mechanisms, a standard treatment for IBS has not yet been established. Yukgunja-tang (YGT) is a Korean herbal medicine known in Asia to be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms. In this study, we will conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and safety of YGT in IBS treatment. Methods and analysis: English databases, such as Embase, Medline (via PubMed), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, will be searched for articles published up to April 2023. Additional databases, such as five Korean, one Chinese, and one Japanese database, will be included. RCTs and quasi-RCTs will also be included in the assessment of the efficacy of YGT. The overall efficacy rate will be the primary outcome, and data such as IBS quality-of-life measurements, global symptom scores, and adverse events will be the secondary outcomes. Review Manager Version 5.3 will be used for evaluation, and the risk of bias (RoB) will be evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration's RoB tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach will be used to score the quality of evidence. Conclusion: This study will demonstrate the efficacy and safety of YGT for treating patients with IBS.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.31-54
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• 2024

Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of Hwanggigyejiomul-tang for postoperative breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A search was conducted using keywords such as "breast cancer", "lymphedema", "edema", "Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction", "Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu tang", and "Hwanggigyejiomul tang" in 10 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, CNKI, CiNii, RISS, KISS, ScienceON, OASIS, DBpia) on February 11, 2024. There were no limits on the publication period and language, and the quality of the studies was evaluated using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed based on the outcome measurements, such as total effective rate (TER), increase in shoulder joint mobility (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), and visual analog scale (VAS) using Review Manager Web. Results: Eleven RCTs were selected. The treatment group (Hwanggigyejiomul-tang-gagambang or hapbang with control group intervention) showed a more statistically significant effect compared with the control group (physical therapy or western medicine) in TER (upper limb circumference change), TER (upper limb edema grade change), increase in flexion angle, increase in extension angle, increase in adduction angle, FMA, and VAS. Conclusions: Hwanggigyejiomul-tang is effective in treating postoperative BCRL. However, because of the low quality of the included studies, more clinical studies are required to increase the possibility of clinical use.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2021

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chuna manual therapy(CMT) in the treatment of rotator cuff disorder. Methods We searched th following nine online databases without language restriction (MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane library, Ebscohost, CNKI, RISS, NDSL, KMBASE, and KISS) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used CMT in the treatment of rotator cuff disorder. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Results Four RCTs were included. in the meta-analysis. CMT resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms in these trials. However, there was a high risk of bias in the RCTs. Conclusions We reviewed RCTs that studied the effects of CMT for rotator cuff disorder. While the studies indicate that CMT has favorable effects on rotator cuff disorder. But the risk of bias for most of the studies was high. Therefore, high-quality studies are required to make further conclusions.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.63-69
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• 2024

This current systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the effect of topical capsaicin application to alleviate symptoms related to burning mouth syndrome (BMS). PubMed, Ovid SP, and Cochrane were searched from 1980 to 2022 to identify relevant literature. A total of 942 titles (PubMed, 84; Ovid SP, 839; Cochrane, 19) was retrieved, of which 936 were excluded based on the title and abstract. A total of 11 studies were further evaluated for full text analysis, of which 7 were excluded. As a result, 4 articles were included for qualitative synthesis of data. Capsaicin as a mouthwash can have potential application in the treatment of symptoms related to burning mouth. The quality of available studies is moderate to low, and a well-designed randomized multicentric study comparing capsaicin with other active agents is planned to obtain more definitive conclusions.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.145-159
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• 2024

Dental injections are routinely performed and can result in pain and anxiety in patients. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in dental injections for pain management in patients undergoing dental treatment. Indexed databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Library, were electronically searched without a time limit up to February 2024. A risk of bias evaluation was performed using the Cochrane tool. A preliminary investigation using electronic and manual methods yielded 4,920,881 manuscripts. Based on the eligibility requirements, 13 randomized control trials (RCTs) were included. Self-assessed pain was determined using the visual analog scale, Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Controllability scale, or Wong-Baker face pain scale. Eight RCTs demonstrated a notable decrease in needle pain in patients undergoing dental needle injections using PBMT. Based on current evidence, PBMT may help reduce needle pain related to dental anesthesia. Further standardized studies are needed to assess the significance of PBMT for postoperative pain in patients undergoing dental injections.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.187-194
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• 2020

Background: The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of warmed and unwarmed local anesthesia solutions in reduction of pain during intraoral injection administration. Methods: PubMed, Ovid SP, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from publication years 1990 to 2020 with relevant MeSH terms. Studies were screened by titles and abstracts, followed by full-texts evaluation of the included studies. Results: A total of four studies were included in the systematic review. Outcomes evaluated were subjective and objective pain during administration of the warmed local anesthesia solution in comparison with the unwarmed local anesthesia solution. Among the four studies that evaluated the self-reported pain score, three studies showed significantly lower pain scores associated with warmed local anesthesia. Only two studies evaluated the observed pain score, and both of them reported a significantly lower pain reaction with the warmed local anesthesia solution. Conclusion: Within the limits of this systematic review, warming the local anesthesia solution to body temperature (37℃) before administration seemed to reduce the discomfort during intraoral local anaesthesia administration, and more high-quality studies should be carried out to validate the same.