Cetirizine for the treatment of allergic diseases in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Objective The global prevalence of allergic diseases has led to a negative and extensive impact on the health and lives of a large population of children. This study investigates the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of cetirizine (CTZ) for treating allergic diseases in children and provides evidence-based assertions for decision-making. Methods PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov , and the European Union Clinical Trials Register were systematically searched from inception to April 21, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of children with allergic diseases receiving CTZ compared with those receiving placebo or other drugs were included without language limitations. Two investigators independently identified articles, extracted data, conducted meta-analyses, assessed the Cochrane risk of bias of individual studies, and evaluated the evidence certainty using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach; any discrepancies were resolved by consulting with a third investigator. Primary outcomes included scales that evaluated the recovery of allergic conditions in AR, such as the total symptom score (TSS). Secondary outcomes included laboratory test changes, safety (adverse events, AEs), and quality of life (QOL). Data were pooled using the Cochrane Review Manager 5.4, and a fixed-effects model was used if heterogeneity was…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 5,867 participants or records.
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