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Risk factors for COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.The Lancet. Respiratory Medicine Mar 2024COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported to be an emerging and potentially fatal complication of severe COVID-19. However, risk factors for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported to be an emerging and potentially fatal complication of severe COVID-19. However, risk factors for CAPA have not been systematically addressed to date.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis to identify factors associated with CAPA, we comprehensively searched five medical databases: Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; and the WHO COVID-19 Database. All case-control and cohort studies in adults (aged >18 years) that described at least six cases of CAPA and evaluated any risk factors for CAPA, published from Dec 1, 2019, to July 27, 2023, were screened and assessed for inclusion. Only studies with a control population of COVID-19-positive individuals without aspergillosis were included. Two reviewers independently screened search results and extracted outcome data as summary estimates from eligible studies. The primary outcome was to identify the factors associated with CAPA. Meta-analysis was done with random-effects models, with use of the Mantel-Haenszel method to assess dichotomous outcomes as potential risk factors, or the inverse variance method to assess continuous variables for potential association with CAPA. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots for factors associated with CAPA. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022334405.
FINDINGS
Of 3561 records identified, 27 articles were included in the meta-analysis. 6848 patients with COVID-19 were included, of whom 1324 (19·3%) were diagnosed with CAPA. Diagnosis rates of CAPA ranged from 2·5% (14 of 566 patients) to 47·2% (58 of 123). We identified eight risk factors for CAPA. These factors included pre-existing comorbidities of chronic liver disease (odds ratio [OR] 2·70 [95% CI 1·21-6·04], p=0·02; I=53%), haematological malignancies (OR 2·47 [1·27-4·83], p=0·008; I=50%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2·00 [1·42-2·83], p<0·0001; I=26%), and cerebrovascular disease (OR 1·31 [1·01-1·71], p=0·05; I=46%). Use of invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 2·83; 95% CI 1·88-4·24; p<0·0001; I=69%), use of renal replacement therapy (OR 2·26 [1·76-2·90], p<0·0001; I=14%), treatment of COVID-19 with interleukin-6 inhibitors (OR 2·88 [1·52-5·43], p=0·001; I=89%), and treatment of COVID-19 with corticosteroids (OR 1·88 [1·28-2·77], p=0·001; I=66%) were also associated with CAPA. Patients with CAPA were typically older than those without CAPA (mean age 66·6 years [SD 3·6] vs 63·5 years [5·3]; mean difference 2·90 [1·48-4·33], p<0·0001; I=86%). The duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with CAPA was longer than in those without CAPA (n=7 studies; mean duration 19·3 days [8·9] vs 13·5 days [6·8]; mean difference 5·53 days [1·30-9·77], p=0·01; I=88%). In post-hoc analysis, patients with CAPA had higher all-cause mortality than those without CAPA (n=20 studies; OR 2·65 [2·04-3·45], p<0·0001; I=51%).
INTERPRETATION
The identified risk factors for CAPA could eventually be addressed with targeted antifungal prophylaxis in patients with severe COVID-19.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Aged; COVID-19; Pulmonary Aspergillosis; Aspergillosis; Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38185135
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(23)00408-3 -
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry Dec 2023Photodynamic therapy is widely used in dentistry, but limited evidence exists regarding its effectiveness in treating denture stomatitis. High resistance to antifungals... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Photodynamic therapy is widely used in dentistry, but limited evidence exists regarding its effectiveness in treating denture stomatitis. High resistance to antifungals has been reported, and photodynamic therapy could be an alternative treatment.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether photodynamic therapy is effective in reducing denture stomatitis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and recorded in the prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42020205589) to answer the population, intervention, control, outcome (PICO) question: "Is photodynamic therapy effective in the treatment of denture stomatitis when compared with the use of antifungal agents?" Electronic searches were performed in databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science for articles published until February 2021 by using the following terms: (denture stomatitis OR oral candidiasis) AND (low-level light therapy OR laser therapy OR lasers OR photodynamic therapies OR photochemotherapy) AND (antifungal drugs OR antifungal agents OR antimicrobial OR treatment). Clinical trials and randomized clinical trials, studies in the English language, and studies comparing antifungal agents with photodynamic therapy were included.
RESULTS
In total, 5 articles were selected for the qualitative analysis and 3 for the meta-analysis. No significant difference was detected between antifungal therapy and photodynamic therapy in the reduction of colony-forming units on the palate. In a subgroup analysis, a significant difference was found in the reduction of colony-forming units on the palate at 15 days and at the denture surface at 30 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy is effective in the treatment of denture stomatitis, but after 30 days and 15 days, the antifungals demonstrated better performance.
Topics: Humans; Antifungal Agents; Stomatitis, Denture; Candidiasis, Oral; Photochemotherapy; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 35125209
DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2021.11.028 -
International Orthopaedics Jan 2024Knowledge of Candida spondylodiscitis is limited to case reports and smaller case series. Controversy remains on the most effective diagnostical and therapeutical steps... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Knowledge of Candida spondylodiscitis is limited to case reports and smaller case series. Controversy remains on the most effective diagnostical and therapeutical steps once Candida is suspected. This systematic review summarized all cases of Candida spondylodiscitis reported to date concerning baseline demographics, symptoms, treatment, and prognostic factors.
METHODS
A PRISMA-based search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and OVID Medline was performed from database inception to November 30, 2022. Reported cases of Candida spondylodiscitis were included regardless of Candida strain or spinal levels involved. Based on these criteria, 656 studies were analyzed and 72 included for analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves, Fisher's exact, and Wilcoxon's rank sum tests were performed.
RESULTS
In total, 89 patients (67% males) treated for Candida spondylodiscitis were included. Median age was 61 years, 23% were immunocompromised, and 15% IV drug users. Median length of antifungal treatment was six months, and fluconazole (68%) most commonly used. Thirteen percent underwent debridement, 34% discectomy with and 21% without additional instrumentation. Median follow-up was 12 months. The two year survivorship free of death was 80%. The two year survivorship free of revision was 94%. Younger age (p = 0.042) and longer length of antifungal treatment (p = 0.061) were predictive of survival.
CONCLUSION
Most patients affected by Candida spondylodiscitis were males in their sixties, with one in four being immunocompromised. While one in five patients died within two years of diagnosis, younger age and prolonged antifungal treatment might play a protective role.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Female; Candida; Antifungal Agents; Discitis; Candidiasis; Immunocompromised Host
PubMed: 37792014
DOI: 10.1007/s00264-023-05989-2 -
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral... Mar 2022To compare the efficacy and safety of topical antifungal drugs for oral candidiasis in adults and children. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of topical antifungal drugs for oral candidiasis in adults and children.
STUDY DESIGN
Databases were searched from their inception to December 2020. The inclusion criterion was randomized controlled trials comparing topical antifungal agents. The primary outcomes were clinical response and mycological cure rates. The secondary outcomes were adverse reaction incidence and relapse rate.
RESULTS
In adults with oral candidiasis, fluconazole showed a better clinical response rate than clotrimazole (P = 0.001; risk ratio [RR], 1.14), but a similar mycological cure rate (P = 0.57; RR, 1.03). There was no significant difference in clinical response and mycological cure rates with either fluconazole and amphotericin B (clinical: P = 0.47, RR, 0.96; mycological: P = 0.99, RR, 1.00) or with either itraconazole and clotrimazole (clinical: P = 0.51, RR, 1.06; mycological: P = 0.45, RR, 1.32). For immunocompetent patients, fluconazole was superior to clotrimazole in terms of clinical response rate. For immunosuppressed patients, clotrimazole and itraconazole presented similar clinical response and mycological cure rates, but the relapse rate with itraconazole was lower than that with clotrimazole. In infants, miconazole and nystatin showed similar clinical response rates (P = 0.36; RR, 1.23), whereas miconazole presented a superior mycological cure rate (P = 0.03; RR, 4.03).
CONCLUSIONS
Fluconazole and amphotericin B are recommended as topical antifungal agents for adults with oral candidiasis. Existing studies tend to recommend fluconazole for immunocompetent patients and itraconazole for immunosuppressed patients, whereas miconazole is recommended for infants.
Topics: Adult; Antifungal Agents; Candidiasis, Oral; Child; Fluconazole; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 34924340
DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.10.023 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Mar 2022In allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) recipients, the inter-relationship between post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) and subsequent invasive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The association of cytomegalovirus infection and cytomegalovirus serostatus with invasive fungal infections in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
In allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) recipients, the inter-relationship between post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) and subsequent invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is conflicting and the association of CMV serostatus with IFIs has not been evaluated.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the relationship between CMV infection/serostatus and IFIs in allo-HSCT populations.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic literature search was conducted from existence until 11 July 2021 using Medline, Embase and ISI Web of Science databases.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Cross-sectional, prospective cohort, retrospective cohort and case-control studies that reported allo-HSCT recipients with CMV and without CMV who developed or did not develop IFIs after CMV infection.
PARTICIPANTS
Allo-HSCT recipients.
INTERVENTIONS
Not applicable.
METHODS
A systematic search, screening, data extracting and assessing study quality were independently conducted by two reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess risk of bias. data were analysed using the pooled effect estimates of a random-effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 18 and 12 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. Post-transplant CMV infection significantly increased the risk of IFIs with a pooled hazard ratio (pHR) of 2.58 (1.78, 3.74), I = 75%. Further subgroup analyses by timing of IFIs, CMV definitions, study continents, study design and adjustment of effect estimates showed that post-transplant CMV infection consistently increased the risk of subsequent IFIs. High-risk CMV serostatus (D-/R+) increased the risk of IFIs with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.33 (1.04, 1.71), I = 0%, but low-risk CMV serostatus (D-/R-) decreased the risk of IFIs with a pOR of 0.69 (0.55, 0.87), I = 0%.
CONCLUSIONS
Post-transplant CMV infection and high-risk CMV serostatus increased the risk of IFIs, but low-risk CMV serostatus decreased risk of IFIs among allo-HSCT recipients. Further studies are needed to identify at-risk allo-HSCT recipients as well as to focus on fungal diagnostics and prophylaxis to prevent this fungal-after-viral phenomenon.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Invasive Fungal Infections; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Transplant Recipients
PubMed: 34752926
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.10.008 -
Journal of Medical Virology Jan 2022A severe pandemic of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has been sweeping the globe since 2019, and this time, it did not stop, with frequent mutations transforming into...
A severe pandemic of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has been sweeping the globe since 2019, and this time, it did not stop, with frequent mutations transforming into virulent strains, for instance, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.427. In recent months, a fungal infection, mucormycosis has emerged with more fatal responses and significantly increased mortality rate. To measure the severity and potential alternative approaches against black fungus coinfection in COVID-19 patients, PubMed, Google Scholar, World Health Organization (WHO) newsletters, and other online resources, based on the cases reported and retrospective observational analysis were searched from the years 2015-2021. The studies reporting mucormycosis with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) coinfection and/or demonstrating potential risk factors, such as a history of diabetes mellitus or suppressed immune system were included, and reports published in non-English language were excluded. More than 20 case reports and observational studies on black fungus coinfection in COVID-19 patients were eligible for inclusion. The results indicated that diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemic, and immunocompromised COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis were at a higher risk. We found that it was prudent to assess the potential risk factors and severity of invasive mycosis via standardized diagnostic and clinical settings. Large-scale studies need to be conducted to identify early biomarkers and optimization of diagnostic methods has to be established per population and geographical variation. This will not only help clinicians around the world to detect the coinfection in time but also will prepare them for future outbreaks of other potential pandemics.
Topics: COVID-19; Coinfection; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Immunocompromised Host; Mucorales; Mucormycosis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34570905
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27358 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Sep 2016Other than a cosmetic concern, Onychomycosis is also a prevalent nail disease, which is extremely difficult to treat, and sometimes is refractory to conventional... (Review)
Review
Other than a cosmetic concern, Onychomycosis is also a prevalent nail disease, which is extremely difficult to treat, and sometimes is refractory to conventional therapy. Moreover, many patients are not eligible to take oral antifungals owing to polypharmacy and comorbidities. Systemic side effects seen with oral antifungals have lead to patient nonadherence and adverse events. Therefore, newer therapies are being investigated for onychomycosis that would be free of systemic complications posed by oral therapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of those being currently studied, which involves the use of photosensitizer and a light source to excite the photosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species. The present review will put some light on PDT as an upcoming treatment modality for onychomycosis. We performed a systematic review of the literature to find the articles relevant to the use of PDT for onychomycosis. From the primary search of 43 articles, 17 papers are included in this review.
Topics: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Onychomycosis; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27477248
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2016.07.010 -
Microbial Pathogenesis May 2018The serum galactomannan (GM) assay is used to diagnose invasive aspergillosis (IA). We conducted a systematic review and analysis to estimate the overall accuracy of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The serum galactomannan (GM) assay is used to diagnose invasive aspergillosis (IA). We conducted a systematic review and analysis to estimate the overall accuracy of the serum GM test for diagnosing pediatric IA.
METHOD
A systematic literature review was conducted of all relevant studies published in PubMed and EMbase databases up to March 10, 2017. We selected and assessed articles that reported diagnostic data related to serum GM for diagnosis of pediatric IA. Pooled diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) and summary receiver operating characteristics (SROCs) were constructed with a cutoff value of 0.5. Additionally, pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR, respectively) were estimated for summarizing overall test performance.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies were included in this systematic review. The total number of patients (age range 0-21 years old) was 1768, with 178 that had proven or probable IA. The pooled serum GM assay results, with a cutoff value of 0.5 for proven or probable IA, were DOR: 41.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.48-78.86), SEN: 0.85 (95% CI 0.72-0.93), SPE: 0.88 (95% CI 0.80-0.93), PLR: 6.92 (95% CI 4.40-10.88), and NLR: 0.17 (95% CI 0.09-0.32). The SROC was 0.93.
CONCLUSION
Serum GM can be used to assist in diagnosis of proven or probable pediatric IA. However, serum GM test results should be interpreted in combination with clinical findings in pediatric IA cases, as the test results are not always sensitive or specific enough for pediatric IA.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aspergillosis; Biomarkers; Child; Child, Preschool; Databases, Factual; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Galactose; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis; Mannans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Probability; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Young Adult
PubMed: 29614368
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.03.059 -
Acta Parasitologica Mar 2022Microsporidiosis as a zoonotic disease has caused serious health problems in high-risk groups, including immunosuppressed individuals. Among the potential animal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Microsporidiosis as a zoonotic disease has caused serious health problems in high-risk groups, including immunosuppressed individuals. Among the potential animal reservoirs of microsporidia, rodents play a key role due to close-contact with humans and their dispersion in different environments. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the global status and genetic diversity of microsporidia infection in different rodents.
METHODS
The standard protocol of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from 1 January 2000 to 15 April 2021. All peer-reviewed original research articles describing the molecular prevalence of microsporidia infection in rodents were included. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random-effects model. The variance between studies (heterogeneity) were quantified by I index.
RESULTS
Of 1695 retrieved studies, 22 articles (including 34 datasets) were included for final meta-analysis. The pooled global molecular prevalence (95% CI) of microsporidia infection in rodents was 14.2% (95% CI 10.9-18.3%). The highest prevalence of microsporidia was found in Apodemus spp. 27.3% (95% CI 15-44.5%). Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the most common pathogen (26/34; 76.47% studies) according to PCR-based methods, and the genotype D as the highest reported genotype (15 studies).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the study showed a relatively high prevalence of microsporidia infection in rodents as a potential animal reservoir for infecting human. Given the relatively high incidence of microsporidiosis, designing strategies for control, and prevention of microsporidia infection in rodents should be recommended.
Topics: Animals; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Genotype; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Molecular Epidemiology; Prevalence; Public Health; Rodentia
PubMed: 34176043
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00447-8 -
Journal of Water and Health Jul 2023Water and food sources play a major role in the distribution and transfer of microsporidia infection to animals and humans. So, this systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Water and food sources play a major role in the distribution and transfer of microsporidia infection to animals and humans. So, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the status and genetic diversity of microsporidia infection in water, vegetables, fruits, milk, cheese, and meat. The standard protocol of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was followed. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from 1 January 2000 and 1 February 2023. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Of the 1,308 retrieved studies, 35 articles were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of microsporidia infection in mixed water, mixed fruits, mixed vegetables, and milk was 43.3% (95% CI, 33-54.2%; I, 94.86%), 35.8% (95% CI, 5.3-84.8%; I, 0), 12% (95% CI, 4.9-26.6%; I, 96.43%), and 5.8% (95% CI, 2.7-12%; I, 83.72%), respectively. Considering the genotypes, microsporidia with genotype D in water sources and genotype CD6 in vegetables/fruits were the highest reported genotypes. Given the relatively high prevalence of microsporidiosis (especially in water sources), designing strategies for control, and prevention of microsporidia infection in these sources should be recommended.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Microsporidia; Prevalence; Microsporidiosis; Vegetables; Genotype; Water
PubMed: 37515561
DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.042