Abstract
Aim The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of
continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems on short- and long-term glycemic
control in children and adolescents diagnosed with diabetes type 1.
Methods The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019135152). We partly
updated a formerly published systematic review and searched several databases
(Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrials.gov) in May 2019. Summary
measures were estimated as relative risks (RR) and standardized mean differences
(SMD). The primary endpoint of our analysis was frequency of hypoglycemic
events. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.
Results Eleven studies with a total number of 818 patients were included
in our review. Meta-analyses indicated a potential benefit of CGM systems
regarding the relative risk of a severe hypoglycemic event (RR 0.78; 95%
CI 0.29 to 2.04) and mean level of HbA1c at end of study (SMD -0.23; 95%
CI -0.46 to 0.00). Certainty of evidence for effect estimates of these
meta-analyses was low due to risk of selection bias and imprecision of the
included studies. Qualitative analyses of the secondary outcomes of user
satisfaction and long-term development of blood glucose supported these
findings.
Conclusion CGM systems may improve glycemic control in children and
adolescents diagnosed with diabetes type 1, but the imprecision of effects is
still a problem. Only a few studies examined and reported data for pediatric
populations in sufficient detail. Further research is needed to clarify
advantages and disadvantages of CGM systems in children and adolescents.
Key words
CGM - hypoglycemic event - pediatrics