A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Virtual Reality Application in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Virtual reality is a novel approach for distracting and alleviating anxiety, pain, and other complications during medical procedures, and it can be more effective than conventional methods. In virtual reality, the patient is completely immersed in the virtual environment, which is used to make patients feel more comfortable and can provide a positive prognosis. The data were searched by using the Boolean operator “AND” between the search phrases “Virtual reality,” and “Pediatrics” and the relevant literature was extracted. The inclusion criteria were the free full text, randomized controlled trials, studies between 2016 and 2022 and pediatric patients. This systematic review was conducted to compare randomized controlled trials of virtual reality applications in pediatric patients in different clinical settings. Of the included 15 randomized controlled trials, 12 studies were on pain and anxiety, two on brain injury and cerebral palsy, and one on awareness among asthmatic patients. This review concluded that virtual reality exposure has a beneficial effect on pediatric patients in reducing pain and anxiety, improving muscle strength and dexterity, and awareness among asthmatic patients.

A Preparatory Virtual Reality Experience Reduces Anxiety before Surgery in Gynecologic Oncology Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Our results are consistent with previous research highlighting the potential benefits of VR in medical settings, particularly in relation to reducing anxiety in patients undergoing various surgical procedures [12,18,19]. The immersive nature of the VR experience allows patients to familiarize themselves with the surgical environment and process, which may contribute to the observed reduction in anxiety [20,21]. One possible explanation for the effectiveness of VR in reducing anxiety is the ability to provide patients with a sense of control and predictability, which can alleviate the uncertainty associated with surgery [22], lessen anticipatory anxiety, preventing rumination and negative thought patterns, and promote a more positive mindset going into surgery [23].…”

New Insights Into the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: Pharmacological Updates and Emerging Treatments

“…Gemcabene is an experimental orally administered lipid-lowering drug with potential use as an adjunct to statins in patients with FH, monotherapy or in combination with other lipid-lowering agents in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, and in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease due to its lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects [ 98 ]. Gemcaebene is small molecule that has a symmetrical molecular structure consisting of dicarboxylic acid and two terminal gem dimethyl carboxylate moieties.…”

“…It also activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), leading to increased fatty acid oxidation and reduced triglyceride levels and liver. It has also been shown to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to its potential benefits in inflammatory conditions like NAFLD [ 78 , 98 , 99 ]. The daily doses of 300 and 900 mg have shown a reduction in LDL-C levels by 23% and 28% respectively, when used in conjunction with statin therapy.…”

“…It has also been shown to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to its potential benefits in inflammatory conditions like NAFLD [78,98,99]. The daily doses of 300 and 900 mg have shown a reduction in LDL-C levels by 23% and 28% respectively, when used in conjunction with statin therapy.…”

Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Literature Review of the Pathophysiology and Current and Novel Treatments

“…This drug reduces hepatic apolipoprotein C-III (Apo C-III) and it lowers LDL. Gemcabene enhances HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and reduces LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in the blood [ 33 ].…”