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BMC Medical Imaging Jul 2015Patients evaluated for acute and chronic chest pain comprise a large, heterogeneous group that often provides diagnostic challenges. Although speckle tracking... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Patients evaluated for acute and chronic chest pain comprise a large, heterogeneous group that often provides diagnostic challenges. Although speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has proved to have diagnostic value in acute coronary syndrome it is not commonly incorporated in everyday practice. The purpose of the present systematic review was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal function by STE to predict significant coronary artery stenosis (CAD+) or not (CAD-) verified by coronary angiography in patients with chest pain suspected to be of cardiac ischemic origin.
METHODS
4 electronic databases; Embase, Medline, Cochrane and PubMed ahead-of print were searched for per 19.05.14. Only full-sized articles including >40 patients were selected.
RESULTS
A total of 166 citations were identified, 16 full-size articles were assessed of which 6 were found eligible for this review. Of 781 patients included 397 (60%) had CAD+. The overall weighted mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) was -17.2% (SD=2.6) among CAD+ vs. -19.2% (SD=2.8) in CAD- patients. Mean area under curve in 4 studies for predicting CAD+ ranged from 0.68 to 0.80. The study cut-off levels for prediction of CAD+ in the ROC analysis varied between -17.4% and -19.7% with sensitivity from 51% to 81% and specificity between 58% and 81%. In 1 study GLS obtained during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) had the best accuracy. Regional strain measurements were not uniform, but may have potential in detecting CAD.
CONCLUSIONS
GLS measurements at rest only have modest diagnostic accuracy in predicting CAD+ among patients presenting with acute or chronic chest pain. The results from regional strain, layer specific strain and DSE need to be verified in larger studies.
Topics: Coronary Stenosis; Echocardiography; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Female; Humans; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left
PubMed: 26204938
DOI: 10.1186/s12880-015-0067-y -
The International Journal of... Mar 2023Some studies have indicated that the use of 2D-Speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) aids in predicting recovery of myocardial contractile function after... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Some studies have indicated that the use of 2D-Speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) aids in predicting recovery of myocardial contractile function after revascularization in patients with chronic ischemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction or acute myocardial infarction (MI). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 2DSTE strain in the detection of myocardial viability at rest and during low-dose dobutamine (LDD) stress. A systematic review for all prospective trials using 2DSTE to assess myocardial viability until January 2019 was done. Using a standard approach of meta-analysis for diagnostic tests. Overall, nine studies including 525 patients with either chronic ischemic heart disease or acute MI fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven studies used longitudinal strain (LS) at rest, nine studies used circumferential strain (CS) at rest, four studies used LS during LDD stress, and four studies used CS during LDD stress. LS and CS during LDD stress showed equally high sensitivity (81.5% and 81.5% respectively) and specificity (81.3% and 81.4% respectively) for detecting reversible dysfunction. At rest, LS and CS showed equally lower sensitivity (67.1%, p < 0.0001 vs. LDD stress and 68.7%, p < 0.0001, vs. LDD stress, respectively) and specificity (64%, p < 0.0001 vs. LDD stress and 65.7%, p = 0.0008 vs. LDD stress, respectively) as compared with LDD stress. LS and CS by 2DSTE during LDD stress accurately identify reversible ischemic myocardial dysfunction in patients with chronic ischemic LV dysfunction or after MI. The use of LDD stress can be recommended over resting strain measures in this setting.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Predictive Value of Tests; Echocardiography; Myocardium; Myocardial Ischemia; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Myocardial Infarction
PubMed: 36369588
DOI: 10.1007/s10554-022-02753-2 -
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) Mar 2019Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a well-established imaging modality used to screen patients with mild-to-moderate risk for coronary artery disease. In heart... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Diagnostic accuracy of dobutamine stress echocardiography in the detection of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis study.
BACKGROUND
Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a well-established imaging modality used to screen patients with mild-to-moderate risk for coronary artery disease. In heart transplantation recipients, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a common and lethal complication. The use of DSE to detect CAV showed promising results initially, but later studies showed limitation in its use to detect CAV. It is unclear if this cohort of patients derives benefit from DSE.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and Scopus from inception through March 2018 for studies examining the accuracy of DSE in correlation to coronary angiography (CA) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to detect CAV. Original studies comparing the ability of DSE to detect CAV in comparison with CA or IVUS were included. Relevant data were extracted and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to test the overall diagnostic accuracy of DSE for patients with CAV.
RESULTS
Eleven studies (749 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The sensitivity of DSE varied from 1.7% to 93.8%, and specificity, from 54.8% to 98.8%. Pooled sensitivity was 60.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 33.0%-82.3%) and specificity 85.7% (95% CI, 73.8%-92.7%). DSE had an overall diagnostic odds ratio (OR) of 9.1 (95% CI, 4.6-17.8), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 4.1 (95% CI, 2.8-6.1), negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.23-0.73), and area under curve (AUC) of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.72-0.75). Heterogeneity among studies was not statistically significant (τ = 0.32, Cochran's Q = 9.5, P = 0.483).
CONCLUSION
Dobutamine stress echocardiography has a limited sensitivity to detect early CAV but its specificity is much higher. There remains a need for an alternative noninvasive modality which will have both high sensitivity and high specificity for detecting CAV.
Topics: Allografts; Coronary Artery Disease; Dobutamine; Echocardiography, Stress; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 30726558
DOI: 10.1111/echo.14268 -
Critical Care Medicine Mar 2020Epinephrine is frequently used as an inotropic and vasopressor agent in critically ill patients requiring hemodynamic support. Data from observational trials suggested... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Epinephrine is frequently used as an inotropic and vasopressor agent in critically ill patients requiring hemodynamic support. Data from observational trials suggested that epinephrine use is associated with a worse outcome as compared with other adrenergic and nonadrenergic vasoactive drugs. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate the effect of epinephrine administration on outcome of critically ill patients.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane central register were searched by two independent investigators up to March 2019.
STUDY SELECTION
Inclusion criteria were: administration of epinephrine as IV continuous infusion, patients admitted to an ICU or undergoing major surgery, and randomized controlled trials. Studies on epinephrine administration as bolus (e.g., during cardiopulmonary resuscitation), were excluded. The primary outcome was mortality at the longest follow-up available.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent investigators examined and extracted data from eligible trials.
DATA SYNTHESIS
A total of 5,249 studies were assessed, with a total of 12 studies (1,227 patients) finally included in the meta-analysis. The majority of the trials were performed in the setting of septic shock, and the most frequent comparator was a combination of norepinephrine plus dobutamine. We found no difference in all-cause mortality at the longest follow-up available (197/579 [34.0%] in the epinephrine group vs 219/648 [33.8%] in the control group; risk ratio = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.82-1.10; p = 0.49; I = 0%). No differences in the need for renal replacement therapy, occurrence rate of myocardial ischemia, occurrence rate of arrhythmias, and length of ICU stay were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Current randomized evidence showed that continuous IV administration of epinephrine as inotropic/vasopressor agent is not associated with a worse outcome in critically ill patients.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Critical Illness; Dobutamine; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epinephrine; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Intensive Care Units; Length of Stay; Norepinephrine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Replacement Therapy; Shock, Septic; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 31789701
DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000004127 -
BMC Neurology Nov 2019Myasthenia gravis associated takotsubo syndrome is a rare condition. This study aimed to explore its typical presentation, investigations and treatment through a...
BACKGROUND
Myasthenia gravis associated takotsubo syndrome is a rare condition. This study aimed to explore its typical presentation, investigations and treatment through a systematic review of previously reported cases.
METHODS
Databases and reference lists of the selected articles were searched for case reports on Myasthenia gravis associated takotsubo syndrome. CARE guidelines were used for the quality assessment of the selected articles.
RESULTS
Sixteen cases were selected out of 580 search results. Western Pacific, American and European regions contributed to 88% of the cases. Females were most affected (81%). Features of both myasthenia gravis and takotsubo syndrome were the common clinical presentations. All cases had a myasthenic crisis. Half of the cases had no prior diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. Pyridostigmine and prednisolone were useful for myasthenia gravis while dobutamine was most commonly used for takotsubo syndrome. All cases survived except four (25%).
CONCLUSIONS
Myasthenia gravis associated takotsubo syndrome via a myasthenic crisis is rare but life-threatening. Therefore, predisposition due to emotional and physical triggers needs to be avoided for its prevention. The rare entity should be suspected even in patients without a prior diagnosis of Myasthenia gravis.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myasthenia Gravis; Precipitating Factors; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
PubMed: 31718587
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1523-z -
Clinical Cardiology Jul 2024We aim to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge of myocardial viability assessment in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
We aim to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge of myocardial viability assessment in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with a focus on the clinical markers of viability for each imaging modality. We also compare mortality between patients with viable myocardium and those without viability who undergo CABG.
METHODS
A systematic database search with meta-analysis was conducted of comparative original articles (both observations and randomized controlled studies) of patients undergoing CABG with either viable or nonviable myocardium, in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar, from inception to 2022. Imaging modalities included were dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET).
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies incorporating a total of 2317 patients were included. Across all imaging modalities, the relative risk of death post-CABG was reduced in patients with versus without viability (random-effects model: odds ratio: 0.42; 95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.61; p < 0.001). Imaging for myocardial viability has significant clinical implications as it can affect the accuracy of the diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and predict patient outcomes. Generally, based on local availability and expertise, either SPECT or DSE should be considered as the first step in evaluating viability, while PET or CMR would provide further evaluation of transmurality, perfusion metabolism, and extent of scar tissue.
CONCLUSION
The assessment of myocardial viability is an essential component of preoperative evaluation in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing surgical revascularization. Careful patient selection and individualized assessment of viability remain paramount.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Bypass; Myocardial Ischemia; Ventricular Function, Left; Tissue Survival; Myocardium; Cardiomyopathies; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Coronary Artery Disease; Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine; Echocardiography, Stress; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
PubMed: 38953367
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24307 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... Jan 2021Levosimendan, a calcium (Ca)-sensitizing cardiotonic agent, is mainly used in patients with advanced heart failure. However, no research could explain how levosimendan... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Levosimendan Can Improve the Level of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction of Patients with Advanced Heart Failure: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Levosimendan, a calcium (Ca)-sensitizing cardiotonic agent, is mainly used in patients with advanced heart failure. However, no research could explain how levosimendan reduces the mortality in advanced heart failure patients. We aim to illustrate the efficacy of levosimendan through clinical indexes.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL from 1994 to August 2019 to compare the efficacy of levosimendan infusion for the treatment of advanced heart failure with that of other agents (placebo, dobutamine, furosemide, and prostaglandin E1). Levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro BNP (NT-proBNP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart rate (HR) were analyzed. The count data were analyzed by the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) to determine the effect size. We chose the random effect model or the fixed effect model according to the heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Nine randomized controlled trials with 413 patients were ultimately enrolled. Compared with other agents (placebo, dobutamine, furosemide, and prostaglandin E1), levosimendan significantly reduced the BNP level (SMD - 0.91; 95% CI - 1.44 to - 0.39; p = 0.001; I = 74.3%) and improved the LVEF (SMD 0.74; 95% CI 0.22-1.25; p = 0.005; I = 79.7%). However, levosimendan did not significantly change the HR (SMD 0.09; 95% CI - 0.24 to 0.42; p = 0.592; I = 51.5%). Meanwhile, we found that the main source of heterogeneity was the use of loaded or unloaded levosimendan.
CONCLUSION
Our meta-analysis suggests that intravenous levosimendan can reduce BNP level and increase LVEF in patients with advanced heart failure to reduce the mortality at the shortest follow-up available.
Topics: Cardiotonic Agents; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Simendan; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 32462455
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-020-00416-y -
Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi... Dec 2014To systematically review the safety and efficacy of routine Western medicine (WM) plus Chinese drugs for no-flow or slow flow after coronary revascularization. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the safety and efficacy of routine Western medicine (WM) plus Chinese drugs for no-flow or slow flow after coronary revascularization.
METHODS
CNKI, VIP, CBM, Wanfang Data, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBase, and other relevant databases were electronically searched. Literatures were also manually retrieved from related journals. Randomized control trials of treating no-flow or slow flow patients after coronary revascularization by routine WM treatment plus Chinese drugs were retrieved. The quality of retrieved literature was assessed by methods from Cochrane Handbook. Valid data were extracted and analyzed by meta-analysis using RevMan5. 1.0 Software. Results Totally 5 trials including 526 patients with poor general quality were included.
RESULTS
of meta-analyses showed that compared with the routine WM treatment group, additional use of Chinese drugs could improve thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) [RR =0. 16, 95% Cl (0.07, 0.34), P < 0.01]; reduce elevated ST segment significantly [RR = 0.59, 95% CI (0.44, 0.79), P = 0. 00031]; in- crease regional myocardial blood flow (P < 0.01) and myocardial perfusion scores (P = 0.0109, P = 0.0115); and improve left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) under dobutamine stress state (P = 0.041). Only one trial covered a 6-month follow-up study. There was no statistical difference in the mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, or revascularization between the two groups. There was no statistical difference in adverse event or safety indicators between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared with the WM treatment, complementary Chinese drugs could reduce occurrence of no-flow or slow flow after coronary revascularization, and further improve clinical efficacy. But larger and higher quality clinical trials are necessary for further evidence.
Topics: Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 25632739
DOI: No ID Found -
Critical Care (London, England) May 2019Catecholamines, especially norepinephrine, are the most frequently used vasopressors for treating patients with septic shock. During the recent decades, terlipressin,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Catecholamines, especially norepinephrine, are the most frequently used vasopressors for treating patients with septic shock. During the recent decades, terlipressin, vasopressin V1A agonist, and even Ca sensitizer were increasingly used by physicians. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of such different kinds of vasoactive medications on mortality among patients with septic shock.
METHODS
Relevant randomized controlled trials were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials updated to February 22, 2018. A network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of different types of vasoactive medications. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS), and adverse events were also assessed.
RESULTS
A total of 43 trials with 5767 patients assessing 17 treatment modalities were included. Treatments ranking based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve values from largest to smallest were NE/DB 85.9%, TP 75.1%, NE/EP 74.6%, PI 74.1%, EP 72.5%, VP 66.1%, NE 59.8%, PE 53.0%, DA 42.1%, DX 38.2%, SP 27.0%, PA 24.3%, EX 22.8%, LE 21.5%, and DB 13.3% for 28-day mortality. Treatments ranking for ICU mortality were TP/NE 86.4%, TP 80.3%, TP/DB/NE 65.7%, VP/NE 62.8%, NE 57.4%, VP 56.5%, PE 48.4%, DA 33.0%, PA 27.5%, LE 22.1%, and DB 9.9%. The incidence of myocardial infarction was reported with NE/EP 3.33% (n = 1 of 30), followed by EP 3.11% (n = 5 of 161), and then VP 3.10% (n = 19 of 613), NE 3.03% (n = 43 of 1417), DA 2.21% (n = 19 of 858), NE/DB 2.01% (n = 4 of 199), LE 1.16% (n = 3 of 258), and PA 0.39% (n = 1 of 257). The incidence of arrhythmia was reported with DA 26.01% (n = 258 of 992), followed by EP 22.98% (n = 37 of 161), and then NE/DB 20.60% (n = 41 of 199), NE/EP 20.0% (n = 6 of 30), NE 8.33% (n = 127 of 1525), LE 5.81% (n = 15 of 258), PA 2.33% (n = 6 of 257), and VP 1.67% (n = 10 of 600).
CONCLUSIONS
The use of norepinephrine plus dobutamine was associated with lower 28-day mortality for septic shock, especially among patients with lower cardiac output.
Topics: Catecholamines; Dopamine; Humans; Mortality; Norepinephrine; Odds Ratio; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Shock, Septic; Terlipressin; Vasopressins
PubMed: 31088524
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-019-2427-4 -
Critical Care Medicine Apr 2016To evaluate the effects of goal-directed therapy on outcomes in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of goal-directed therapy on outcomes in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
DESIGN
A prospective randomized controlled trial and an updated metaanalysis of randomized trials published from inception up to May 1, 2015.
SETTING
Surgical ICU within a tertiary referral university-affiliated teaching hospital.
PATIENTS
One hundred twenty-six high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery or valve repair.
INTERVENTIONS
Patients were randomized to a cardiac output-guided hemodynamic therapy algorithm (goal-directed therapy group, n = 62) or to usual care (n = 64). In the goal-directed therapy arm, a cardiac index of greater than 3 L/min/m was targeted with IV fluids, inotropes, and RBC transfusion starting from cardiopulmonary bypass and ending 8 hours after arrival to the ICU.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of 30-day mortality and major postoperative complications. Patients from the goal-directed therapy group received a greater median (interquartile range) volume of IV fluids than the usual care group (1,000 [625-1,500] vs 500 [500-1,000] mL; p < 0.001], with no differences in the administration of either inotropes or RBC transfusions. The primary outcome was reduced in the goal-directed therapy group (27.4% vs 45.3%; p = 0.037). The goal-directed therapy group had a lower occurrence rate of infection (12.9% vs 29.7%; p = 0.002) and low cardiac output syndrome (6.5% vs 26.6%; p = 0.002). We also observed lower ICU cumulative dosage of dobutamine (12 vs 19 mg/kg; p = 0.003) and a shorter ICU (3 [3-4] vs 5 [4-7] d; p < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (9 [8-16] vs 12 [9-22] d; p = 0.049) in the goal-directed therapy compared with the usual care group. There were no differences in 30-day mortality rates (4.8% vs 9.4%, respectively; p = 0.492). The metaanalysis identified six trials and showed that, when compared with standard treatment, goal-directed therapy reduced the overall rate of complications (goal-directed therapy, 47/410 [11%] vs usual care, 92/415 [22%]; odds ratio, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.26-0.63]; p < 0.0001) and decreased the hospital length of stay (mean difference, -5.44 d; 95% CI, -9.28 to -1.60; p = 0.006) with no difference in postoperative mortality: 9 of 410 (2.2%) versus 15 of 415 (3.6%), odds ratio, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.26-1.47), and p = 0.27.
CONCLUSIONS
Goal-directed therapy using fluids, inotropes, and blood transfusion reduced 30-day major complications in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Agonists; Cardiac Output; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Dobutamine; Fluid Therapy; Hemodynamics; Intensive Care Units; Length of Stay; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26646462
DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000001479