BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: COVID-19-related inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy may increase the bleeding risk and lower the efficacy of revascularization treatments in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to evaluate the safety and outcomes of revascularization treatments in patients with AIS and COVID-19. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients with AIS receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular treatment (EVT) between March 2020 and June 2021 tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. With a doubly robust model combining propensity score weighting and multivariate regression, we studied the association of COVID-19 with intracranial bleeding complications and clinical outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed according to treatment groups (IVT-only and EVT). RESULTS: Of a total of 15,128 included patients from 105 centers, 853 (5.6%) were diagnosed with COVID-19; of those, 5,848 (38.7%) patients received IVT-only and 9,280 (61.3%) EVT (with or without IVT). Patients with COVID-19 had a higher rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) (adjusted OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.16-2.01), symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SSAH) (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.20-2.69), SICH and/or SSAH combined (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.23-1.99), 24-hour mortality (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.58-3.86), and 3-month mortality (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.52-2.33). Patients with COVID-19 also had an unfavorable shift in the distribution of the modified Rankin score at 3 months (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.26-1.60). DISCUSSION: Patients with AIS and COVID-19 showed higher rates of intracranial bleeding complications and worse clinical outcomes after revascularization treatments than contemporaneous non-COVID-19 patients receiving treatment. Current available data do not allow direct conclusions to be drawn on the effectiveness of revascularization treatments in patients with COVID-19 or to establish different treatment recommendations in this subgroup of patients with ischemic stroke. Our findings can be taken into consideration for treatment decisions, patient monitoring, and establishing prognosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: The study was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04895462.
- MeSH
- cerebrální krvácení komplikace MeSH
- cévní mozková příhoda * epidemiologie terapie diagnóza MeSH
- COVID-19 * komplikace MeSH
- endovaskulární výkony * škodlivé účinky MeSH
- fibrinolytika terapeutické užití MeSH
- intrakraniální krvácení etiologie MeSH
- ischemická cévní mozková příhoda * epidemiologie chirurgie MeSH
- ischemie mozku * komplikace epidemiologie chirurgie MeSH
- kohortové studie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- registrace MeSH
- trombolytická terapie škodlivé účinky MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests a beneficial effect of endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke with large infarct; however, previous trials have relied on multimodal brain imaging, whereas non-contrast CT is mostly used in clinical practice. METHODS: In a prospective multicentre, open-label, randomised trial, patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation and a large established infarct indicated by an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Score (ASPECTS) of 3-5 were randomly assigned using a central, web-based system (using a 1:1 ratio) to receive either endovascular thrombectomy with medical treatment or medical treatment (ie, standard of care) alone up to 12 h from stroke onset. The study was conducted in 40 hospitals in Europe and one site in Canada. The primary outcome was functional outcome across the entire range of the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days, assessed by investigators masked to treatment assignment. The primary analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population. Safety endpoints included mortality and rates of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and were analysed in the safety population, which included all patients based on the treatment they received. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03094715. FINDINGS: From July 17, 2018, to Feb 21, 2023, 253 patients were randomly assigned, with 125 patients assigned to endovascular thrombectomy and 128 to medical treatment alone. The trial was stopped early for efficacy after the first pre-planned interim analysis. At 90 days, endovascular thrombectomy was associated with a shift in the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin Scale towards better outcome (adjusted common OR 2·58 [95% CI 1·60-4·15]; p=0·0001) and with lower mortality (hazard ratio 0·67 [95% CI 0·46-0·98]; p=0·038). Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage occurred in seven (6%) patients with thrombectomy and in six (5%) with medical treatment alone. INTERPRETATION: Endovascular thrombectomy was associated with improved functional outcome and lower mortality in patients with acute ischaemic stroke from large vessel occlusion with established large infarct in a setting using non-contrast CT as the predominant imaging modality for patient selection. FUNDING: EU Horizon 2020.
- MeSH
- cévní mozková příhoda * diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- endovaskulární výkony * metody MeSH
- infarkt komplikace MeSH
- intrakraniální krvácení etiologie MeSH
- ischemická cévní mozková příhoda * diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- ischemie mozku * diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- trombektomie metody MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Alberta MeSH
BACKGROUND: Despite all the gains that have been achieved with endovascular mechanical thrombectomy revascularization and intravenous thrombolysis logistics since 2015, there is still a subgroup of patients with salvageable brain tissue for whom persistent emergent large vessel occlusion portends a catastrophic outcome. OBJECTIVE: To test the safety and efficacy of emergent microsurgical intervention in patients with acute ischemic stroke and symptomatic middle cerebral artery occlusion after failure of mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: A prospective two-center cohort study was conducted. Patients with acute ischemic stroke and middle cerebral artery occlusion for whom recanalization failed at center 1 were randomly allocated to the microsurgical intervention group (MSIG) or control group 1 (CG1). All similar patients at center 2 were included in the control group 2 (CG2) with no surgical intervention. Microsurgical embolectomy and/or extracranial-intracranial bypass was performed in all MSIG patients at center 1. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were enrolled in the study: 22 at center 1 (12 allocated to the MSIG and 10 to the CG1) and 25 patients at center 2 (CG2). MSIG group patients showed a better clinical outcome on day 90 after the stroke, where a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 was reached in 7 (58.3%) of 12 patients compared with 1/10 (10.0%) patients in the CG1 and 3/12 (12.0%) in the CG2. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the potential for existing microsurgical techniques to provide good outcomes in 58% of microsurgically treated patients as a third-tier option.
- MeSH
- arteria carotis interna chirurgie MeSH
- cévní mozková příhoda * diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- endovaskulární výkony * metody MeSH
- infarkt arteria cerebri media MeSH
- ischemická cévní mozková příhoda * MeSH
- ischemie mozku * diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- kohortové studie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- retrospektivní studie MeSH
- trombektomie škodlivé účinky metody MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
BACKGROUND: The proper imaging modality for use in the selection of patients for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) presenting in the late window remains controversial, despite current guidelines advocating the use of advanced imaging in this population. We sought to understand if clinicians with different specialty training differ in their approach to patient selection for EVT in the late time window. METHODS: We conducted an international survey of stroke and neurointerventional clinicians between January and May 2022 with questions focusing on imaging and treatment decisions of large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients presenting in the late window. Interventional neurologists, interventional neuroradiologists, and endovascular neurosurgeons were defined as interventionists whereas all other specialties were defined as non-interventionists. The non-interventionist group was defined by all other specialties of the respondents: stroke neurologist, neuroradiologist, emergency medicine physician, trainee (fellows and residents) and others. RESULTS: Of 3000 invited to participate, 1506 (1027 non-interventionists, 478 interventionists, 1 declined to specify) physicians completed the study. Interventionist respondents were more likely to proceed directly to EVT (39.5% vs. 19.5%; p < 0.0001) compared to non-interventionist respondents in patients with favorable ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score). Despite no difference in access to advanced imaging, interventionists were more likely to prefer CT/CTA alone (34.8% vs. 21.0%) and less likely to prefer CT/CTA/CTP (39.1% vs. 52.4%) for patient selection (p < 0.0001). When faced with uncertainty, non-interventionists were more likely to follow clinical guidelines (45.1% vs. 30.2%) while interventionists were more likely to follow their assessment of evidence (38.7% vs. 27.0%) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Interventionists were less likely to use advanced imaging techniques in selecting LVO patients presenting in the late window and more likely to base their decisions on their assessment of evidence rather than published guidelines. These results reflect gaps between interventionists and non-interventionists reliance on clinical guidelines, the limits of available evidence, and clinician belief in the utility of advanced imaging.
- MeSH
- cévní mozková příhoda * diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- CT angiografie metody MeSH
- endovaskulární výkony * metody MeSH
- ischemie mozku * chirurgie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- počítačová rentgenová tomografie metody MeSH
- trombektomie metody MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is a paucity of evidence regarding the safety of endovascular treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to primary medium-vessel occlusion. The aim of this study was to examine the willingness among stroke physicians to perform endovascular treatment in patients with mild-yet-disabling deficits due to medium-vessel occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an international cross-sectional survey consisting of 7 primary medium-vessel occlusion case scenarios, participants were asked whether the presence of personally disabling deficits would influence their decision-making for endovascular treatment despite the patients having low NIHSS scores (<6). Decision rates were calculated on the basis of physician characteristics. Univariable logistic regression clustered by respondent and scenario identity was performed. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-six participants from 44 countries provided 2562 answers to the 7 medium-vessel occlusion scenarios included in this study. In scenarios in which the deficit was relevant to the patient's profession, 56.9% of respondents opted to perform immediate endovascular treatment compared with 41.0% when no information regarding the patient's profession was provided (risk ratio = 1.39, P < .001). The largest effect sizes were seen for female participants (risk ratio = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.35-2.09), participants older than 60 years of age (risk ratio = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.23-2.10), those with more experience in neurointervention (risk ratio = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.24-2.06), and those who personally performed >100 endovascular treatments per year (risk ratio = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.22-2.17). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a patient-relevant deficit in low-NIHSS acute ischemic stroke due to medium-vessel occlusion is an important factor for endovascular treatment decision-making. This may have relevance for the conduct and interpretation of low-NIHSS endovascular treatment in randomized trials.
BACKGROUND: Thrombectomy is an effective treatment for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes with intracranial artery occlusion site among AIS patients treated in the setting of a cardiology cath lab. METHODS: This was a single-centre, prospective registry of 214 consecutive patients with AIS enrolled between 2012 and 2018. All thrombectomy procedures were performed in a cardiology cath lab with stent retrievers or aspiration systems. The functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after three months. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients (44%) had middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, 28 patients (13%) had proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, 27 patients (13%) had tandem (ICA+MCA) occlusion, 39 patients (18%) had terminal ICA (T-type) occlusion, and 26 patients (12%) had vertebrobasilar (VB) stroke. Favourable clinical outcome (mRS ≤2) was reached in 58% of MCA occlusions and in 56% of isolated ICA occlusions, but in only 31% of T-type occlusions and in 27% of VB stroke. Poor clinical outcome in T-type occlusions and VB strokes was influenced by the lower recanalisation success (mTICI 2b-3 flow) rates: 56% (T-type) and 50% (VB) compared to 82% in MCA occlusions, 89% in isolated ICA occlusions and 96% in tandem occlusions. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-based thrombectomy achieved significantly better clinical results in patients with isolated MCA occlusion, isolated ICA occlusions or tight stenosis and tandem occlusions compared to patients with T-type occlusion and posterior strokes. Visual summary. Endovascular intervention of isolated MCA or ICA occlusions provides greatest clinical benefit, while interventions in posterior circulation have lower chance for clinical success.
- MeSH
- arteria carotis interna diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- arterie MeSH
- cévní mozková příhoda * etiologie chirurgie MeSH
- endovaskulární výkony * MeSH
- ischemická cévní mozková příhoda * MeSH
- ischemie mozku * chirurgie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- retrospektivní studie MeSH
- stenty MeSH
- trombektomie MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the safety and outcomes of thrombectomy in anterior circulation acute ischaemic stroke recorded in the SITS-International Stroke Thrombectomy Register (SITS-ISTR) and compare them with pooled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two national registry studies. METHODS: We identified centres recording ≥10 consecutive patients in the SITS-ISTR with at least 70% of available modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months during 2014-2019. We defined large artery occlusion as intracranial internal carotid artery, first and second segment of middle cerebral artery and first segment of anterior cerebral artery. Outcome measures were functional independence (mRS score 0-2) and death at 3 months and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) per modified SITS-MOST. RESULTS: Results are presented in the following order: SITS-ISTR, RCTs, MR CLEAN Registry and German Stroke Registry (GSR). Median age was 73, 68, 71 and 75 years; baseline NIHSS score was 16, 17, 16 and 15; prior intravenous thrombolysis was 62%, 83%, 78% and 56%; onset to reperfusion time was 289, 285, 267 and 249 min; successful recanalization (mTICI score 2b or 3) was 86%, 71%, 59% and 83%; functional independence at 3 months was 45.5% (95% CI: 44-47), 46.0% (42-50), 38% (35-41) and 37% (35-41), respectively; death was 19.2% (19-21), 15.3% (12.7-18.4), 29.2% (27-32) and 28.6% (27-31); and SICH was 3.6% (3-4), 4.4% (3.0-6.4), 5.8% (4.7-7.1) and not available. CONCLUSION: Thrombectomy in routine clinical use registered in the SITS-ISTR showed safety and outcomes comparable to RCTs, and better functional outcomes and lower mortality than previous national registry studies.
- MeSH
- arterie MeSH
- cévní mozková příhoda * MeSH
- endovaskulární výkony MeSH
- intrakraniální krvácení MeSH
- ischemie mozku * chirurgie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- randomizované kontrolované studie jako téma MeSH
- retrospektivní studie MeSH
- trombektomie * MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- pozorovací studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
BACKGROUND: First pass effect (FPE), defined as near-total/total reperfusion of the territory (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2c/3) of the occluded artery after a single thrombectomy attempt (single pass), has been associated with superior safety and efficacy outcomes than in patients not experiencing FPE. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical features, incidence, and predictors of FPE in the anterior and posterior circulation among patients enrolled in the Trevo Registry. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the Trevo Retriever Registry. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to assess the relationship of patient (demographics, clinical, occlusion location, collateral grade, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS)) and device/technique characteristics with FPE (mTICI 2c/3 after single pass). RESULTS: FPE was achieved in 27.8% (378/1358) of patients undergoing anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO) thrombectomy. Multivariable regression analysis identified American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN) levels 2-4, higher ASPECTS, and presence of atrial fibrillation as independent predictors of FPE in anterior LVO thrombectomy. Rates of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2 at 90 days were higher (63.9% vs 53.5%, p<0.0006), and 90-day mortality (11.4% vs 12.8%, p=0.49) was comparable in the FPE group and non-FPE group. Rate of FPE was 23.8% (19/80) among basilar artery occlusion strokes, and outcomes were similar between FPE and non-FPE groups (mRS score 0-2, 47.4% vs 52.5%, p=0.70; mortality 26.3% vs 18.0%, p=0.43). Notably, there were no difference in outcomes in FPE versus non-FPE mTICI 2c/3 patients. CONCLUSION: Twenty-eight percent of patients undergoing anterior LVO thrombectomy and 24% of patients undergoing basilar artery occlusion thrombectomy experience FPE. Independent predictors of FPE in anterior circulation LVO thrombectomy include higher ASITN levels, higher ASPECTS, and the presence of atrial fibrillation.
- MeSH
- cerebrovaskulární poruchy diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- ischemická cévní mozková příhoda diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- ischemie mozku diagnostické zobrazování chirurgie MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- registrace * MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- trombektomie metody MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
Background and Purpose- A large infarct and expanding cerebral edema (CED) due to a middle cerebral artery occlusion confers a 70% mortality unless treated surgically. Reperfusion may cause blood-brain barrier disruption and a risk for cerebral edema and secondary parenchymal hemorrhage (PH). We aimed to investigate the effect of recanalization on development of early CED and PH after recanalization therapy. Methods- From the SITS-International Stroke Treatment Registry, we selected patients with signs of artery occlusion at baseline (either Hyperdense Artery Sign or computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging angiographic occlusion). We defined recanalization as the disappearance of radiological signs of occlusion at 22 to 36 hours. Primary outcome was moderate to severe CED and secondary outcome was PH on 22- to 36-hour imaging scans. We used logistic regression with adjustment for baseline variables and PH. Results- Twenty two thousand one hundred eighty-four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (n=18 318 received intravenous thrombolysis, n=3071 received intravenous thrombolysis+thrombectomy, n=795 received thrombectomy). Recanalization occurred in 64.1%. Median age was 71 versus 71 years and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 15 versus 16 in the recanalized versus nonrecanalized patients respectively. Recanalized patients had a lower risk for CED (13.0% versus 23.6%), adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.52 (95% CI, 0.46-0.59), and a higher risk for PH (8.9% versus 6.5%), adjusted odds ratio, 1.37 (95% CI, 1.22-1.55), than nonrecanalized patients. Conclusions- In patients with acute ischemic stroke, recanalization was associated with a lower risk for early CED even after adjustment for higher rate for PH in recanalized patients.
- MeSH
- cévní mozková příhoda * epidemiologie chirurgie MeSH
- edém mozku * epidemiologie etiologie MeSH
- endovaskulární výkony škodlivé účinky MeSH
- ischemie mozku * epidemiologie chirurgie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mechanická trombolýza škodlivé účinky MeSH
- pooperační komplikace epidemiologie MeSH
- registrace * MeSH
- rizikové faktory MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- klinické zkoušky MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Úvod: Intravenózní trombolýza (IVT) podaná v okně 4,5 h od počátku příznaků je léčbou první volby akutní ischemické CMP (iCMP). V případě akutního uzávěru velké mozkové cévy vede IVT k časné kanalizaci střední mozkové tepny (a. cerebri media; ACM) pouze ve 13-33 % případů. Endovaskulární mechanická trombektomie (MT) během 6 h od počátku symptomů signifikantně zvyšuje úspěšnost rekanalizace a zlepšuje výsledný klinický stav pacientů. V indikovaných případech a pokud nejsou kontraindikace, MT následuje IVT. Tato kombinovaná terapie jako léčba druhé volby je nejlepší dostupná léčba akutní iCMP s uzávěrem ACM. Mikrochirurgická embolektomie (ME) je diskutovanou léčbou třetí volby u pacientů s akutní iCMP a okluzí ACM po selhání MT. Cílem tohoto review je zhodnocení účinnosti a bezpečnosti ME u pacientů s akutní iCMP při okluzi ACM a selhání IVT a MT v časovém okně 8, 16 a 24 h od začátku symptomů. Metodika: Iniciální vyhledávání bude provedeno v databázích MEDLINE a EMBASE. Komprehenzivní systematické vyhledávání bude zahrnovat relevantní databáze jak pro publikované zdroje (MEDLINE, EMBASE, BMC, Cinahl, Scopus, a WoS), tak nepublikované zdroje literatury (Open Grey, MedNar, Cos Conference Papers Index a ProQuest). Na základě metodologie Joanna Briggs Institute, dva autoři systematického review nezávisle na sobě nejprve zanalyzují názvy, souhrny a texty identifikovaných literárních zdrojů a posléze kriticky zhodnotí metodologickou kvalitu relevantních studií a provedou extrakci dat pomocí standardizovaných nástrojů. Extrahovaná data budou syntetizována narativně, vč. specifikace typu intervence, charakteristiky cílové skupiny a typu výstupů. K detekci publikačního zkreslení bude použito funnel plot (trychtýřového grafu).
Introduction: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 h since onset of symptoms is the first line treatment in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). In case of emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO), IVT is insufficient with 13-33% of early recanalization of middle cerebral artery (MCA) only. Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) within 6 h since the onset of symptoms has increased the rate of recanalization and improved clinical outcomes significantly. If appropriate and if there are no contraindications, IVT is followed by MT. This combination therapy is the second line therapy and the best currently available treatment for patients with AIS and MCA occlusion. Successful recanalization is one of the predictors of favourable outcomes as well as negative predictive marker of mortality. The third line option, microsurgical embolectomy, has been discussed for the treatment of patients with AIS and MCA occlusion after failed MT. The objective of this review will be to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ME in patients with AIS and MCA occlusion, after the failure of IVT and MT on revascularization within 8, 16 and 24 h. Methods: The initial search will be conducted using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. The extensive search will involve the listed databases for published literature (MEDLINE, EMBASE, BMC, Cinahl, Scopus, and WoS) and unpublished literature (Open Grey, MedNar, Cos Conference Papers Index, and ProQuest). Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, two independent reviewers will analyse the titles, abstracts and full texts, and then perform critical appraisal of methodological quality and data extraction from selected studies using the standardized tools. Narrative synthesis of the findings from the included studies, structured around the type of intervention, target population characteristics, and type of outcome will be performed. Funnel plots will be used to detect and/or correct publication bias.
