PUBLICATIONS: META-ANALYSES (PEER-REVIEWED)

1. Falagas ME, Karageorgopoulos DE, Tansarli GS.continuous versus conventional infusion of amphotericin B deoxycholate: a meta-analysis.PLoS ONE. 2013;8:e77075.
2. Summah H, Zhu YG, Falagas ME, Vouloumanou EK, Qu JM.Use of real-time polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in immunocompromised patients: a meta-analysis.Chin Med J (Engl). 2013;126:1965-73
3. Korbila IP, Tansarli GS, Karageorgopoulos DE, Vardakas KZ, Falagas ME.Extended or continuous versus short-term intravenous infusion of cephalosporins: a meta-analysis.Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2013;11:585-95.
4. Falagas ME, Tansarli GS, Kapaskelis A, Vardakas KZ.Impact of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy on clinical outcomes of patients with sternal wound infections: a meta-analysis of non-randomized studies.PLoS ONE. 2013;8:e64741.
5. Tansarli GS, Vardakas KZ, Stratoulias C, Peppas G, Kapaskelis A, Falagas ME.Vacuum-Assisted Closure versus Closure without Vacuum Assistance for Preventing Surgical Site Infections and Infections of Chronic Wounds: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Surg Infect
6. Vardakas KZ, Tansarli GS, Bliziotis IA, Falagas ME. β-Lactam plus aminoglycoside or fluoroquinolone combination versus β-lactam monotherapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections: a meta-analysis. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2013;41:301-10.
7. Vardakas KZ, Rafailidis PI, Konstantelias AA, Falagas ME. Predictors of mortality in patients with infections due to multi-drug resistant Gram negative bacteria: the study, the patient, the bug or the drug? J Infect 2013;66:401-14.
8. Mavros MN, Tansarli GS, Vardakas KZ, Rafailidis PI, Karageorgopoulos DE, Falagas ME. Impact of vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration on clinical outcomes of patients with vancomycin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infections: a meta-analysis and meta-regression. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2012 Dec;40:496-509.
9. Falagas ME, Tansarli GS, Rafailidis PI, Kapaskelis A, Vardakas KZ. Impact of antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration on infection outcome in patients with susceptible Gram negative bacteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012;56:4214-22.
10. Falagas ME, Tansarli GS, Ikawa K, Vardakas KZ. Clinical outcomes with extended or continuous versus short-term intravenous infusion of carbapenems and piperacillin/tazobactam: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2013;56:272-82.
11. Vardakas KZ, Tansarli GS, Rafailidis PI, Falagas ME. Carbapenems versus alternative antibiotics for the treatment of bacteremia due to Enterobacteriaceae producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs): a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2012;67:2793-803.
12. Polyzos KA, Mavros MN, Vardakas KZ, Makris MC, Rafailidis PI, Falagas ME. Efficacy and safety of telavancin in clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 2012;7:e41870.
13. Mavros MN, Mitsikostas PK, Alexiou VG, Peppas G, Falagas ME. Gentamicin collagen sponges for the prevention of sternal wound infection: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Thor Cardiovasc Surg 2012 Nov;144:1235-40.
14. Summah H, Falagas ME, Zhu YG, Vouloumanou EK, QU J. Use of real-time PCR for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in immunocompromised patients: a meta-analysis. BMC Pulm Med 2013;126:1965-73.
15. Zhang L, Wang R, Chen L, Falagas ME, Bai N, Liu Y. Gemifloxacin for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Chin Med J 2012 Feb;125:687-95.
16. Vardakas KZ, Mavros MN, Roussos N, Falagas ME. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of vancomycin for the treatment of patients with Gram positive infections: focus on the study design.  Mayo Clinic Proc 2012;87:349-63.
17. Karageorgopoulos DE, Qu JM, Korbila IP, Zhu YG, Vasileiou VA, Falagas ME. Accuracy of β-d-glucan for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: a meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Infec. 2011 Dec 29 [Epub ahead of print].
18. Mavros MN, Athanasiou A, Alexiou VG, Mitsikostas PK, Peppas G, Falagas ME. Risk factors for mesh-related infections after hernia repair surgery: a meta-analysis of cohort studies. World J Surg 2011;35:2389-98.
19. Gkegkes ID, Mavros MN, Alexiou VG, Peppas G, Athanasiou A, Falagas ME. Adhesive strips for the closure of surgical incisional sites: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Innov 2012 Jan 5. [Epub ahead of print].
20. Alexiou VG, Salasar-Salvia M, Jervis P, Falagas ME. Modern technology-assisted versus conventional tonsillectomy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011;137:558-70.
21. Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Vouloumanou EK, Mamais I, Peppas P, Falagas ME. Sutures versus staples for the management of surgical wounds: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am Surg 2011;77:1206-21.
22. Karageorgopoulos DE, Vouloumanou EK, Ntziora F, Michalopoulos A, Rafailidis PI, Falagas ME. β-D-Glucan assay for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections: a meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2011;52:750-70.
23. Mantadakis E, Vouloumanou EK, Georgantzi GG, Tsalkidis A, Chatzimichael A, Falagas ME. Acute DMSA for identifying dilating VUR in children with a first UTI: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2011;128:e169-79.
24. Vouloumanou EK, Plessa E, Karageorgopoulos DE, Mantadakis E, Falagas ME. Serum procalcitonin as a diagnostic marker for neonatal sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Intens Care Med 2011;37:747-62.
25. Mavros MN, Polyzos KA, Rafailidis PI, Falagas ME. Once versus multiple daily dosing of aminoglycosides for patients with febrile neutropenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2011;66:251-9.
26. Agrafiotis M, Siempos II, Ntaidou TK, Falagas ME. Attributable mortality of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a meta-analysis. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2011 Jun 8. [Epub ahead of print].
27. Falagas ME, Koletsi PK, Vouloumanou EK, Rafailidis PI, Kapaskelis AM, Rello J. Effectiveness and safety of neuraminidase inhibitors in reducing influenza complications: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Antimicrob Chemother 2010;65:1330-46.
28. Falagas ME, Vouloumanou EK, Togias AG, Karadima M, Kapaskelis AM, Rafailidis PI, Athanasiou S. Fosfomycin versus other antibiotics for the treatment of cystitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Antimicrob Chemother 2010;65:1862-77.
29. Siempos II, Vardakas KZ, Kyriakopoulos CE, Ntaidou TK, Falagas ME. Predictors of mortality in adult patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia: a meta-analysis. Shock 2010;33:590-601.
30. Bliziotis IA, Plessa E, Peppas G, Falagas ME. Daptomycin versus other antimicrobial agents for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections: a meta-analysis. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:97-106.
31. Falagas ME, Karageorgopoulos DK, Grammatikos AP, Matthaiou DK. Effectiveness and safety of short versus long duration of antibiotic therapy for acute bacterial sinusitis: A meta-analysis of randomised trials. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2009;67:161-71.
32. Siempos II, Ntaidou TK, Falagas ME. Impact of the administration of probiotics on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Care Med 2010;38:954-62.
33. Alexiou CG, Ierodiakonou V, Dimopoulos G, Falagas ME. Impact of patient position on the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Crit Care 2009;24:515-22.
34. Korbila IP, Manta KG, Siempos II, Dimopoulos G, Falagas ME. Penicillins vs trimethoprim based regimens for acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Can Fam Physician 2009;55:60-7.
35. Vardakas KZ , Siempos II, Grammatikos A, Athanassa Z, Korbila IP, Falagas ME. Respiratory fluoroquinolones for the treatment of patients with community acquired pneumonia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. CMAJ 2008;179:1269-1277.
36. Athanassa Z, Makris G, Dimopoulos G, Falagas ME. Early switch to oral treatment in patients with moderate to severe community acquired pneumonia: a meta-analysis. Drugs 2008;68:2469-81.
37. Kyriakidou KG, Rafailidis P, Matthaiou DK, Athanasiou S, Falagas ME. Short versus long course antibiotic therapy for acute pyelonephritis in adolescents and adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Therapeutics 2008;30:1859-68.
38. Dimopoulos G, Matthaiou DK, Karageorgopoulos DE, Grammatikos AP, Athanassa Z, Falagas ME. Short vs. long course antibiotic therapy for community-acquired pneumonia: a meta-analysis. Drugs 2008;68:1841-54.
39. Falagas ME, Giannopoulou KP, Vardakas KZ, Dimopoulos G, Karageorgopoulos DE. Comparison of antibiotics with placebo for the treatment of acute sinusitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lancet Infect Dis 2008;8:543-52.
40. Falagas ME, Avgeri SG, Matthaiou DK, Dimopoulos G, Siempos II. Short versus long-duration antimicrobial treatment for exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: a meta-analysis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2008;62:442-50.
41. Karamanis EM, Matthaiou DK, Moraitis LI, Falagas ME. Fluoroquinolones versus β-lactam based regimens for the treatment of osteomyelitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Spine 2008;33:E297-304.
42. Falagas ME, Vouloumanou EK, Matthaiou DK, Kapaskelis AM, Karageorgopoulos DE. Effectiveness and safety of short versus long duration of antibiotic therapy for group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis: A meta-analysis of randomized trials. Mayo Clin Proc 2008;83:880-9.
43. Karageorgopoulos DE, Giannopoulou KP, Grammatikos AP, Dimopoulos D, Falagas ME. Fluoroquinolones versus β-lactam antibiotics for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. CMAJ 2008;178:845-54.
44. Falagas ME, Peppas G, Makris GC, Karageorgopoulos DE, Matthaiou DK. Ertapenem for complicated intra-abdominal infections: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2008;27:919-31.
45. Matthaiou DK, Panos G, Adamidi ES, Falagas ME. Albendazole versus praziquantel in the treatment of neurocysticercosis: a meta-analysis of comparative trials. PLoS Negl  Trop Dis 2008;2:e194.
46. Siempos II, Athanassa Z, Falagas ME. Frequency and predictors of ventilator-associated pneumonia recurrence: a meta-analysis. Shock 2008 [Epub ahead of print].
47. Karamanis EM, Matthaiou DK, Moraitis LI, Falagas ME. Fluoroquinolones versus β-lactam based regimens for the treatment of osteomyelitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Spine 2008;33:E297-304.
48. Athanassa Z, Siempos II, Falagas ME. Impact of methicillin-resistance on the mortality in S. aureus ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). Eur Resp J 2008;31:625-32.
49. Siempos II, Vardakas KZ, Falagas ME. Closed tracheal suction systems for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Br J Anaesth 2008;100:299-306.
50. Falagas ME, Siempos II, Vardakas KZ. Linezolid versus a glycopeptide or β-lactam for treatment of Gram-positive bacterial infections: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lancet Infect Dis 2008;8:53-66.
51. Pitsouni E, Iavazzo C, Falagas ME. Itraconazole versus fluconazole for the treatment of uncomplicated acute vaginal and vulvovaginal candidiasis in non-pregnant women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Obstet Gyn 2008;198:153-60.
52. Siempos II, Vardakas KZ, Kopterides P, Falagas ME. Impact of passive humidification on clinical outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Care Med 2007;35:2843-51.
53. Ioannidou E, Siempos II, Falagas ME. Administration of antimicrobials via the respiratory tract for the treatment of patients with nosocomial pneumonia: a meta-analysis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2007;60:1216-26.
54. Rosmarakis ER, Falagas ME. Effect of thiazolidinedione therapy on restenosis after coronary stent implantation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am Heart J 2007;154:144-50.
55. Pitsouni E, Iavazzo C, Athanasiou S, Falagas ME. Single dose azithromycin versus erythromycin or amoxicillin for Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2007;30:213-21.
56. Dimopoulos G, Siempos II, Korbila IP, Manta KG, Falagas ME. Comparison of first with second-line antibiotics for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Chest 2007;132:447-55.
57. Falagas ME, Alexiou VG, Giannopoulou KP, MD, Siempos II. Risk factors for mortality in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis: a meta-analysis. J Urology 2007;178:880-5.
58. Siempos II,DimopoulosG, KorbilaIP, MantaK, Falagas ME. Macrolides, quinolones, and amoxicillin/clavulanate for chronic bronchitis: a meta-analysis. Eur Resp J 2007;29:1127-37.
59. Falagas ME, Matthaiou DK, Karveli EA, Peppas G. Clindamycin/aminoglycoside versus β-lactam monotherapy for the treatment of intra-abdominal infections: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Alim Pharmacol Ther 2007;25:537-56.
60. Siempos II, Vardakas KZ, Manta KG, Falagas ME. Carbapenems for the treatment of immunocompetent adult patients with nosocomial pneumonia. EurResp J 2007;29:548-60.
61. Falagas ME, Fragoulis K, Bliziotis IA, Chatzinikolaou I. Rifampin-impregnated central venous catheters: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Antimicrob Chemother 2007;59:359-69.
62. Falagas ME, Matthaiou DK, Vardakas KZ. Fluoroquinolones versus β-lactams for the empirical treatment of immunocompetent patients with skin and soft tissue infections: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Mayo Clin Proc 2006;81:1553-66.
63. Matthaiou DK, PeppasG, Bliziotis IA, Falagas ME. Ciprofloxacin/metronidazole versus beta-lactam based treatment of intra-abdominal infections: a meta-analysis of comparative trials. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2006;28:159-65.
64. Falagas ME,Siempos II BliziotisIA, Michalopoulos A. Administration of antibiotics via the respiratory tract for the prevention of ICU-acquired pneumonia: a meta-analysis of comparative trials. Crit Care 2006;10:R123.
65. Falagas ME, Fragoulis KN, Bliziotis IA. Oral rifampin for prevention of S. aureus carriage-related infections in patients with renal failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2006;21:2536-42.
66. Vardakas KZ, Samonis G, Michalopoulos A, Soteriades ES, Falagas ME. Antifungal prophylaxis with azoles in high-risk, surgical intensive care unit patients: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Crit Care Med 2006;34:1216-24.
67. Falagas ME, Matthaiou DK, Bliziotis IA. The role of aminoglycosides in combination with a β-lactam for the treatment of bacterial endocarditis: a meta-analysis of comparative trials. J Antimicrob Chemother 2006;57:639-47.
68. Vardakas KZ, Michalopoulos A, Falagas ME. Fluconazole versus itraconazole for antifungal prophylaxis in neutropenic patients with haematologic malignancies: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Brit J Hematol 2005;131:22-8.
69. Vardakas KZ, SoteriadesES, Chrysanthopoulou SA. Papagelopoulos PJ, Falagas ME. Perioperative anti-infective prophylaxis with teicoplanin compared to cephalosporins in orthopedic and vascular surgery involving prosthetic material. Clin Microbiol Infect 2005;11:775-7.
70. Bliziotis IA, Michalopoulos A, Kasiakou SK, Samonis G, Christodoulou C, Chrysanthopoulou S, Falagas ME. Ciprofloxacin versus an aminoglycoside as combination therapy to a beta lactam for the treatment of febrile neutropenia: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Mayo Clin Proc 2005;80:1146-56.
71. Kasiakou SK, SermaidesGJ, Michalopoulos A, Soteriades ES, Falagas ME. Continuous versus intermittent intravenous administration of antibiotics: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lancet Infect Dis 2005;5:581-9.
72. Vardakas KZ, Samonis G, Chrysanthopoulou SA, Bliziotis IA, Falagas ME. The role of glycopeptides as part of empirical treatment of febrile neutropenic patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lancet Infect Dis 2005;5:431-9.
73. Bliziotis IA, Samonis G, Vardakas KZ, Chrysanthopoulou S, Falagas ME. Effect of aminoglycoside/beta-lactam combination therapy versus beta lactam monotherapy on the emergence of antimicrobial resistance: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clin Infect Dis 2005;41:149-58.
74. Engels EA, Falagas ME, Lau J, Bennish ML. Typhoid fever vaccines: A meta-analysis of studies on efficacy and toxicity. BMJ (British Medical Journal) 1998;316:110-6.