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Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... Jan 2021COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been shown to cause multisystemic damage. We undertook a systematic literature...
COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been shown to cause multisystemic damage. We undertook a systematic literature review and comprehensive analysis of a total of 55 articles on arterial and venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 and articles on previous pandemics with respect to thromboembolism and compared the similarities and differences between them. The presence of thrombosis in multiple organ systems points to thromboembolism being an integral component in the pathogenesis of this disease. Thromboembolism is likely to be the main player in the morbidity and mortality of COVID -19 in which the pulmonary system is most severely affected. We also hypothesize that D-dimer values could be used as an early marker for prognostication of disease as it has been seen to be raised even in the pre-symptomatic stage. This further strengthens the notion that thromboembolism prevention is necessary. We also examined literature on the neurovascular and cardiovascular systems, as the manifestation of thromboembolic phenomenon in these two systems varied, suggesting different pathophysiology of damage. Further research into the role of thromboembolism in COVID-19 is important to advance the understanding of the virus, its effects and to tailor treatment accordingly to prevent further casualties from this pandemic.
Topics: Arterial Occlusive Diseases; COVID-19; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Prognosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Venous Thromboembolism; Venous Thrombosis; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 33137615
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105427 -
Clinical Transplantation May 2022Lay-caregivers in organ transplantation (to candidates, recipients, and donors) are essential to pre- and postoperative care, but report significant caregiving-related... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Lay-caregivers in organ transplantation (to candidates, recipients, and donors) are essential to pre- and postoperative care, but report significant caregiving-related stressors. This review aims to summarize studies testing nonpharmacological interventions aimed at improving organ transplant caregiver-reported outcomes.
METHODS
In accordance with PRISMA, we conducted a systematic review (searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, PsycInfo, and CINAHL, no start-date restriction through 7/1/2021). Quality of comparative studies assessed by ROBS-2 or ROBINS.
RESULTS
Twelve studies met inclusion. Study designs, interventions, and outcomes varied. Sample sizes were small across caregivers to adults (nine studies, five with caregiver samples ns≤50) and pediatric patients (three studies, caregiver samples ns≤16). Study designs included seven single-arm interventions, two prepost with comparison cohorts, and three randomized-controlled trials. Eight studies included transplant-specific education as the intervention, an interventional component, or as the comparison group. Outcomes included transplant specific knowledge, mental health, and intervention acceptability. Of the nine prepost caregiver assessments and/or comparison groups, four studies demonstrated no statistically significant intervention effects.
CONCLUSION
Few interventions addressing the needs of organ transplant caregivers have been empirically evaluated. Existing interventions were well-received by caregivers. Given complexities of care in transplantation, research is needed evaluating interventions using rigorous trial methodology with adequate samples.
Topics: Adult; Caregivers; Child; Humans; Mental Health; Organ Transplantation; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35143701
DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14611 -
Transplant Infectious Disease : An... Apr 2022Dematiaceous fungi cause a number of infectious syndromes referred to as phaeohyphomycosis among both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. We performed a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Dematiaceous fungi cause a number of infectious syndromes referred to as phaeohyphomycosis among both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. We performed a systematic review to characterize these infections in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR).
METHODS
We searched PubMed database (last searched 1/6/2022) for English-language reports on dematiaceous fungal infections in SOTR. Included reports needed individualized demographic, treatment, and outcome data; pediatric reports were excluded. A universally applicable bias assessment was performed on reports. Models for infection type and outcome were created using the Bayesian paradigm.
RESULTS
We included 149 reports on 201 cases of dematiaceous fungal infections in SOTR. The mean age was 54 years, 72% were men, and kidney recipients accounted for 61% of cases. Skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) was the most common infectious syndrome (73%). Death from infection occurred in 7% of cases (14/201), with disseminated (32%) cases having the highest mortality. Our model for infection type predicted the relative probability of central nervous system infection to be highest in liver recipients. Across all transplant types, higher relative probabilities of disseminated and pulmonary infections occur in the early post-transplant period, and the predicted probabilities for these infection types decreased after 100 months post-transplantation.
DISCUSSION
We identified SSTI as the most common dematiaceous fungal infections in SOTR. Disseminated infections carried the worst prognosis. The evidence in this review is limited by the heterogeneity of included cases. No funding source was used, and this review's protocol was not registered.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Bayes Theorem; Child; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mycoses; Organ Transplantation; Transplant Recipients
PubMed: 35253959
DOI: 10.1111/tid.13819 -
World Neurosurgery Jul 2018There seems to be a pathogenetic link between hemodynamics and inflammatory arterial wall alteration leading to the development and rupture of intracranial aneurysms... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There seems to be a pathogenetic link between hemodynamics and inflammatory arterial wall alteration leading to the development and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Noninvasive assessment of the inflammatory status of the aneurysm wall may guide the management of unruptured IAs by identifying reliable markers for increased rupture risk.
METHODS
We conducted a qualitative systematic review following the ENTREQ (Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research) framework. A search was made in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL from database inception to October 2017 using the terms "intracranial aneurysm" and "cerebral aneurysm" linked with the following key words: inflammation, hemodynamic(s), remodeling, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, complement system, vascular smooth muscle cells, mast cells, cytokines, and inflammatory biomarkers.
RESULTS
One hundred and twenty-three articles were included in the review.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review, we explore the relationship between hemodynamic stress, inflammation, vascular remodeling, and the formation and rupture of IAs to develop novel strategies to predict the individual risk of aneurysmal rupture.
Topics: Aneurysm, Ruptured; Biomarkers; Hemodynamics; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Intracranial Aneurysm
PubMed: 29709752
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.04.143 -
Pediatric Transplantation May 2017The process of pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT) places new and increased stressors on patients and family members. Measures of family functioning may predict... (Review)
Review
The process of pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT) places new and increased stressors on patients and family members. Measures of family functioning may predict psychological and health outcomes for pediatric patients and their families, and provide opportunity for targeted intervention. This systematic review investigated parent and family functioning and factors associated with poorer functioning in the pediatric SOT population. Thirty-seven studies were identified and reviewed. Studies featured a range of organ populations (eg, heart, liver, kidney, lung, intestine) at various stages in the transplant process. Findings highlighted that parents of pediatric SOT populations commonly report increased stress and mental health symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder. Pediatric SOT is also associated with increased family stress and burden throughout the transplant process. Measures of parent and family functioning were associated with several important health-related factors, such as medication adherence, readiness for discharge, and number of hospitalizations. Overall, findings suggest that family stress and burden persists post-transplant, and parent and family functioning is associated with health-related factors in SOT, highlighting family-level functioning as an important target for future intervention.
Topics: Caregivers; Child; Family; Family Health; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Organ Transplantation; Parenting; Parents; Patient Discharge; Postoperative Period; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 28181361
DOI: 10.1111/petr.12900 -
Eye (London, England) Feb 2017Blindness afflicts ~39 million people worldwide. Retinal ganglion cells are unable to regenerate, making this condition irreversible in many cases. Whole-eye... (Review)
Review
Blindness afflicts ~39 million people worldwide. Retinal ganglion cells are unable to regenerate, making this condition irreversible in many cases. Whole-eye transplantation (WET) provides the opportunity to replace diseased retinal ganglion cells, as well as the entire optical system and surrounding facial tissue, if necessary. Recent success in face transplantation demonstrates that this may be a promising treatment for what has been to this time an incurable condition. An animal model for WET must be established to further enhance our knowledge of nerve regeneration, immunosuppression, and technical aspects of surgery. A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate studies describing animal models for WET. Only articles in which the eye was completely enucleated and reimplanted were included. Study methods and results were compared. In the majority of published literature, WET can result in recovery of vision in cold-blooded vertebrates. There are a few instances in which mammalian WET models demonstrate survival of the transplanted tissue following neurovascular anastomosis and the ability to maintain brief electroretinogram activity in the new host. In this study we review in cold-blooded vertebrates and mammalian animal models for WET and discuss prospects for future research for translation to human eye transplantation.
Topics: Animals; Blindness; Disease Models, Animal; Eye; Optic Nerve Injuries; Organ Transplantation; Retina; Tissue Survival
PubMed: 27983731
DOI: 10.1038/eye.2016.272 -
IEEE Reviews in Biomedical Engineering 2017Many virtual and augmented reality systems have been proposed to support renal interventions. This paper reviews such systems employed in the treatment of renal cell... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Many virtual and augmented reality systems have been proposed to support renal interventions. This paper reviews such systems employed in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and renal stones.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed. Inclusion criteria were virtual and augmented reality systems for radical or partial nephrectomy and renal stone treatment, excluding systems solely developed or evaluated for training purposes.
RESULTS
In total, 52 research papers were identified and analyzed. Most of the identified literature (87%) deals with systems for renal cell carcinoma treatment. About 44% of the systems have already been employed in clinical practice, but only 20% in studies with ten or more patients. Main challenges remaining for future research include the consideration of organ movement and deformation, human factor issues, and the conduction of large clinical studies.
CONCLUSION
Augmented and virtual reality systems have the potential to improve safety and outcomes of renal interventions. In the last ten years, many technical advances have led to more sophisticated systems, which are already applied in clinical practice. Further research is required to cope with current limitations of virtual and augmented reality assistance in clinical environments.
Topics: Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Kidney; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 28885161
DOI: 10.1109/RBME.2017.2749527 -
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Feb 2017Current trends in pharmacovigilance systems are veering towards patient involvement in spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of the current... (Review)
Review
AIMS
Current trends in pharmacovigilance systems are veering towards patient involvement in spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of the current systematic review was to identify what is known and what remains unknown with respect to patient reporting to pharmacovigilance systems.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Journals@Ovid and the Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they contained: (i) reviews about patient reporting; (ii) evaluation of patient reports to national or supranational pharmacovigilance authorities; (iii) a comparison between patient and healthcare professional (HCP) reports submitted to pharmacovigilance authorities; and (iv) surveys of patient experiences, opinions and awareness about reporting ADRs. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed according to principles of Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE).
RESULTS
A total of thirty four studies were included. Five of the studies were reviews (two of which systematic reviews), fourteen retrospective observational studies, nine surveys and six applied mixed research methods. Patient reporting has the advantages of bringing novel information about ADRs. It provides a more detailed description of ADRs, and reports about different drugs and system organ classes when compared with HCP reporting. In addition, patients describe the severity and impact of ADRs on daily life, complementing information derived from HCPs. Patient reporting is relatively rare in most countries.
CONCLUSIONS
Patient reporting adds new information, and perspective about ADRs in a way otherwise unavailable. This can contribute to better decision-making processes in regulatory activities. The present review identified gaps in knowledge that should be addressed to improve our understanding of the full potential and drawbacks of patient reporting.
Topics: Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Health Personnel; Humans; Patient Participation; Pharmacovigilance; Self Report
PubMed: 27558545
DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13098 -
Eco-Environment & Health Dec 2023Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) pollution has become a pressing global environmental issue, with growing concerns regarding its impact on human health. However, evidence... (Review)
Review
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) pollution has become a pressing global environmental issue, with growing concerns regarding its impact on human health. However, evidence on the effects of MNPs on human health remains limited. This paper reviews the three routes of human exposure to MNPs, which include ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. It further discusses the potential routes of translocation of MNPs in human lungs, intestines, and skin, analyses the potential impact of MNPs on the homeostasis of human organ systems, and provides an outlook on future research priorities for MNPs in human health. There is growing evidence that MNPs are present in human tissues or fluids. Lab studies, including animal models and human-derived cell cultures, revealed that MNPs exposure could negatively affect human health. MNPs exposure could cause oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, disruption of internal barriers like the intestinal, the air-blood and the placental barrier, tissue damage, as well as immune homeostasis imbalance, endocrine disruption, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Limitedly available epidemiological studies suggest that disorders like lung nodules, asthma, and blood thrombus might be caused or exacerbated by MNPs exposure. However, direct evidence for the effects of MNPs on human health is still scarce, and future research in this area is needed to provide quantitative support for assessing the risk of MNPs to human health.
PubMed: 38435355
DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.08.002 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022The decision of vancomycin dosage for central nervous system (CNS) infections is still a challenge because its bactericidal nature in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has not... (Review)
Review
The decision of vancomycin dosage for central nervous system (CNS) infections is still a challenge because its bactericidal nature in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has not been confirmed by human studies. This study systematically reviewed the literatures on vancomycin in patients with meningitis, ventriculitis, and CNS device-associated infections, to assess efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics to better serve as a practical reference. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched using terms vancomycin, Glycopeptides, meningitis, and central nervous system infections. Data were extracted including characteristics of participants, causative organism(s), administration, dosage, etc., The clinical response, microbiological response, adverse events and pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed. Nineteen articles were included. Indications for vancomycin included meningitis, ventriculitis, and intracranial device infections. No serious adverse effects of intravenous (IV) and intraventricular (IVT) vancomycin have been reported. Dosages of IV and IVT vancomycin ranged from 1000-3000 mg/day and 2-20 mg/day. Duration of IV and IVT vancomycin therapy most commonly ranged from 3-27 days and 2-21 days. Therapeutic drug monitoring was conducted in 14 studies. Vancomycin levels in CSF in patients using IV and IVT vancomycin were varied widely from 0.06 to 22.3 mg/L and 2.5-292.9 mg/L. No clear relationships were found between vancomycin CSF levels and efficacy or toxicity. Using vancomycin to treat CNS infections appears effective and safe based on current evidence. However, the optimal regimens are still unclear. Higher quality clinical trials are required to explore the vancomycin disposition within CNS.
PubMed: 36467047
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1056148