Quality assessment and relevant clinical impact of randomized controlled trials on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for RCTs (original articles) on CP/CPPS published from database establishment to 2021. The RCT quality assessment was performed using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) statement and the improved Jadad scale. Results In total, 77 RCTs were included. According to the evaluation, 26 (33.77%) papers presented the description of the specific random methods, only 6 (7.79%) papers described the allocation concealment methods, and 26 (33.77%) articles referred to the “blind method”. Of the RCTs, 34 (44.16%) papers recorded the number of patients who withdrew from the study, and 67 (87.01%) papers reported adverse reactions. However, few reports mentioned the sample size calculation, clinical trial registration, or information about the relevant research programs and funding. In addition, 19 (24.68%) reports had Jadad scale scores of ≥ 4 points, and 58 (75.32%) reports had Jadad scale scores of ≤ 3 points. Conclusion To date, the quality of RCT reports on CP/CPPS needs to be further improved, and the results of the RCTs should be accepted and utilized cautiously. It is suggested that researchers should follow the CONSORT statement and the improved Jadad scale to standardize the design and implementation of RCTs to improve the quality of RCTs and provide reliable evidence for the treatment of CP/CPPS.

Comparing the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and myofascial release therapy in chronic pelvic pain syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…It is now recommended by the British Urology Association that the main aim of CP/CPPS treatment is to mitigate functional damage to patients [ 42 ], usually with single internal and external fascia manipulation. However, most of the studies on myofascial release therapy are pre-and post-controlled trials while lacking high-quality randomized controlled trials [ 43 ].…”

Ursolic acid alleviates chronic prostatitis via regulating NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated Caspase‐1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway

“…However, a therapeutic regimen for CP is lacking, and there are currently no effective drugs for CP (Franco et al, 2019; S. J. Liu, Gao, et al, 2022; Magistro et al, 2016). Therefore, the discovery of novel, safe, and effective drugs is a top priority for the prevention and treatment of CP (Franco et al, 2018; Pena et al, 2021; Zhao et al, 2022).…”

The methodological quality assessment of systematic reviews/meta-analyses of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome using AMSTAR2

“…Primary studies, especially randomized controlled trials (RCT), often provide the most direct and powerful evidence in medical practice, making them the "gold standard" for assessing the effectiveness and safety of medical interventions [11]. A recent study suggested that the quality of RCT reports of CP/CPPS needs to be further improved and that the results of RCT of CP/CPPS should be treated with caution [12]. Additionally, the SRs/MAs are considered vital evidence for the development of clinical practice guidelines and can inform healthcare policy as well as clinical decision-making [13,14].…”