This study aims to assess the role of vitamin D on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and its effects on systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI), anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), C3, C4, and fatigue in patients with SLE. A systemic search was conducted using three electronic databases, i.e., PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Review Manager 5.4.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark) was employed for statistical analysis. All studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. A random-effect model was used to pool the studies, and the result was reported in the standard mean difference (SMD) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval. Six randomized controlled trials were selected. Five outcomes were assessed (SLEDAI, anti-dsDNA, C3, C4, and fatigue) to evaluate the role of vitamin D in SLE patients. A significant decrease in SLEDAI (SMD = -0.85 (-1.12, -0.58); p < 0.00001; I
2
= 42%) and a non-significant decrease in anti-dsDNA (SMD = -0.09 (-0.03, 0.12); p = 0.42; I
2
= 0%) was noted. A significant increase in levels of C3 (SMD = 0.30 (0.09, 0.51); p = 0.006; I
2
= 0%) and fatigue (SMD = -1.27 (-2.38, -0.16); p = 0.02; I
2
= 56%) was noted when vitamin D was used. Insignificant difference was observed in C4 (SMD = 0.20 (-0.02, 0.41); p = 0.07; I
2
= 0%). Vitamin D in SLE patients showed a significant decrease in SLEDAI scores and a significant increase in C3 levels. The effect of vitamin D on fatigue was inconclusive. No significant difference in anti-dsDNA and C4 levels was noted.
The meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of gallstones (GS) in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially ulcerative colitis (UC). A systematic and thorough search was conducted on online electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) from the databases' inception to April 30th, 2022. Review Manager 5.4.1 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen) was used for all statistical analyses and forest plots. Only studies that met inclusion criteria were selected. The selected studies were pooled using a random-effect model and the results were reported in the odds ratio (OR) with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Ten studies met the final inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Patients with UC had significantly higher prevalence of GS than those in the control group (OR=1. 67 [1.32-2.11]; p < 0.0001; I 2 =58%). There was also significant prevalence of GS in Crohn's disease (CD) than those in control group (OR=2.22 [1.82, 2.69]; p < 0.00001; I 2 =31%). Analysis also showed the prevalence of GS in studies conducted in Asia (OR=2. 00 [1.48, 2.70]; p < 0.00001; I 2 =80%) and Europe (OR= 1.84 [1.32, 2.55]; p = 0.0003; I 2 =45%) compared to the control group. This study provided a conclusive answer to whether GS is significant in UC or not. Our meta-analysis provides a well-powered estimate that there is a prevalence of GS in UC. CD is also significantly associated with GS.
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