Meta-analysis and systematic review of electronic bronchoscopy in refractory pneumonia

Background: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to explore the adoption value of electronic bronchoscopy (EBS) in the diagnosis and treatment of refractory pneumonia and to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical bronchoscopy treatment of patients. Methods: Randomized controlled trials of treatment-resistant pneumonia searched on PubMed, Embase, and other websites before December 31, 2020 were collected. Literature was selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bias risk was assessed using Cochrane intervention system Review manual 5.0.2 and Review Manager 5.3. Results: A total of 6 articles meeting the requirements were included, comprising 796 participants. The results of meta-analysis showed that the clinical efficacy [odds ratio (OR) =3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-12.99; Z=2.13; P =0.03] and white blood cell counts [mean difference (MD) =0.55; 95% CI: -0.57 to 1.67; Z=0.96; P=0.34] of patients both increased. The mortality rate (OR =0.7; 95% CI: 0.3-1.63; Z=0.82; P=0.41), the incidence of infection (OR =0.84; 95% CI: 0.5-1.39; Z=0.69; P=0.49), ICU hospitalization days (OR =0.59; 95% CI: 0.36-0.98; Z=2.04; P=0.04), days of antibiotic use (OR =0.39; 95% CI: 0.18- 0.84; Z=2.41; P=0.02 ), body temperature (MD =-0.2; 95% CI: -0.24 to 0.16; Z=9.5; P<0.0001), and the PaO2:FIO2 ratio (MD =-9.96; 95% CI: -13.31 to -6.61; Z=5.83; P<0.0001) of patients in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group. Differences in white blood cell count, mortality rate, and incidence of infection of patients in the experimental group were not statistically significant compared with those in the control group. Discussion: EBS adopted in the diagnosis and treatment of refractory pneumonia can reduce the occurrence of postoperative adverse reactions, reduce the infection rate, and effectively improve the clinical symptoms. It is therefore suitable for the treatment of this disease.