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HPB : the Official Journal of the... Feb 2023Acute pancreatitis (AP) has variable clinical courses. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the safety, efficacy, and impact of epidural... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Acute pancreatitis (AP) has variable clinical courses. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the safety, efficacy, and impact of epidural anaesthesia (EA) use in AP.
METHODS
The PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched between 1980 and 2022 using the PRISMA guidelines, to identify observational and comparative studies reporting on EA in AP. The meta-analysis was performed in R Foundation for Statistical Computing using the meta R Package for Meta-Analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 9 studies with 2006 patients of which 726 (36%) patients had EA were included. All studies demonstrated high safety and feasibility of EA in AP with no reported major local or neurological complications. One randomised controlled trial demonstrated an improvement in pain severity using a 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) at the outset (1.6 in EA vs 3.5 in non-EA, P = 0.02) and on day 10 (0.2 in EA vs 2.33 in non-EA, P = 0.034). There was also improvement in pancreatic perfusion with EA measured with computerised tomography 13 (43%) in EA vs 2 (7%) in non-EA, P = 0.003. The need for ventilatory support and overall mortality was lower in EA patients 40 (19%) vs 285 (24%) P = 0.025 (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.84) and 16 (7%) vs 214 (20%), P = 0.050 (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.15-1.00), respectively.
CONCLUSION
EA is infrequently used for pain management in AP and yet the available evidence suggests that it is safe and effective in reducing pain severity, improving pancreatic perfusion, and decreasing mortality.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatitis; Acute Disease; Anesthesia, Epidural; Pancreas; Analgesia, Epidural; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36593161
DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2022.12.004 -
Pediatric Pulmonology May 2024Given extensive pertinent disease factors and evolving medical treatments, this systematic review explores qualitative and quantitative cystic fibrosis (CF) research... (Review)
Review
Given extensive pertinent disease factors and evolving medical treatments, this systematic review explores qualitative and quantitative cystic fibrosis (CF) research surrounding self-concept, an overarching perception of self. Research methodologies, self-concept dimensions, prominent self-concept findings and clinical recommendations are identified. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses guidelines were applied. PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Psycinfo, CINAHL (ebsco), and CENTRAL Cochrane electronic databases were searched from 2012 to 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the critical appraisal skills program. Data-based convergent synthesis was applied to analyze and report on qualitative and quantitative studies in parallel. Thirty-seven publications met the inclusion criteria, most of which employed a cross-sectional, single-center design within an adolescent and adult population. Self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-identity studies were dimensions of self-concept identified, with studies relating to self-efficacy surrounding physical health management most prevalent. All three dimensions were positively associated with improved treatment adherence and psychosocial health. Efficacy tested intervention programs to enhance self-concept are limited; however, an extensive range of clinical recommendations are offered, highlighting the importance of clinician self-concept awareness, quality clinician-patient conversations and online CF peer-support. Self-concept is an important mechanism to optimize patient outcomes. Further CF self-concept research is required, particularly multicenter, longitudinal, and interventional studies. Early childhood, post lung transplant and the older adult CF population in particular, lack research attention. Given the potential impact of rapidly evolving CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulator drugs on many aspects of self, future self-concept research beyond the dimension of self-efficacy may be beneficial.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Humans; Cystic Fibrosis; Self Concept; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 38376009
DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26916 -
International Journal of Surgery... May 2018Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery (LPS) has been widely used in the treatment of benign and low-grade pancreatic diseases. It is necessary to expand the current knowledge... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery (LPS) has been widely used in the treatment of benign and low-grade pancreatic diseases. It is necessary to expand the current knowledge on the feasibility and safety of LPS for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by systematic reviewing the published studies and analyzing them by meta-analysis.
METHODS
Original articles compared LPS with open pancreatic surgery (OPS) for PDAC, published from January 1994 to August 2017 were searched in medical databases. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), morbidity, mortality, operation time, blood loss, transfusion, hospital stay, retrieved lymph nodes (RLNs), and survival outcomes were compared.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies with a total of 13174 patients (1705 in LPS and 11469 in OPS) were included for the meta-analysis. LPS showed less morbidity (RR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.66-0.92, P < .01), blood loss (WMD = -298.05 ml, 95% CI, -482.98∼-113.12 ml; P < .01), shorter hospital stay (WMD = -2.86, 95%CI, -3.85∼-1.87; P < .01), more RLNs (WMD = 1.47, 95%CI: 0.15-2.78; P = .03) and comparable POPF (RR = 1.12, 95%CI: 0.82-1.53, P = .50), operation time (WMD = 22.23 min; 95%CI: -19.56-64.01, P = .30), and 5-year overall survival (HR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.80-1.06; P = .23) compared to OPS.
CONCLUSION
LPS can be performed safely in carefully selected patients with PADC and would improve the surgical outcomes. Considering the limitation of study design, the conclusions should be interpret cautiously and warrant to be confirmed by randomized controlled studies.
Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Operative Time; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Fistula; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29337177
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.12.032 -
Nutrients Jan 2022Pancreatic cancer represents the most lethal malignancy among all digestive cancers. Despite the therapeutic advances achieved during recent years, the prognosis of this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic cancer represents the most lethal malignancy among all digestive cancers. Despite the therapeutic advances achieved during recent years, the prognosis of this neoplasm remains disappointing. An enormous amount of experimental (mainly) and clinical research has recently emerged referring to the effectiveness of various plants administered either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Apart from Asian countries, the use of these plants and herbals in the treatment of digestive cancer is also increasing in a number of Western countries as well. The aim of this study is to review the available literature regarding the efficacy of plants and herbals in pancreatic cancer.
METHODS
The authors have reviewed all the experimental and clinical studies published in Medline and Embase, up to June 2021.
RESULTS
More than 100 plants and herbals were thoroughly investigated. Favorable effects concerning the inhibition of cancer cell lines in the experimental studies and a favorable clinical outcome after combining various plants with established chemotherapeutic agents were observed. These herbals and plants exerted their activity against pancreatic cancer via a number of mechanisms. The number and severity of side-effects are generally of a mild degree.
CONCLUSION
A quite high number of clinical and experimental studies confirmed the beneficial effect of many plants and herbals in pancreatic cancer. More large, double-blind clinical studies assessing these natural products, either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents should be conducted.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Asia; Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Phytotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35276978
DOI: 10.3390/nu14030619 -
Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy &... Feb 2016Minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic or robotic) are used in various operations. Our aim was to compare them with the open approach in pancreaticoduodenectomy. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
INTRODUCTION
Minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic or robotic) are used in various operations. Our aim was to compare them with the open approach in pancreaticoduodenectomy.
METHODS
We conducted a search for articles published in MEDLINE database comparing minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) with open pancreaticoduodenectomy on June 15, 2014.
RESULTS
Our search yielded 136 articles. We excluded 122 articles and we took into consideration 14 (10 for laparoscopic and 4 for robotic pancreaticoduodenectomies). Most cases were related to malignant diseases and tumors treated with minimally invasive operations tended to be smaller. There were relatively high conversion rates in both laparoscopic (0% to 15%) and robotic procedures (4.5% to 10%). There were no significant differences regarding resection margins, rates of pancreatic fistula formation, bile leak, and delayed gastric emptying, reoperation rates, and intraoperative and postoperative mortality. On the contrary, blood loss was less in minimally invasive than open operations, although this difference was not always significant. Moreover, totally laparoscopic and robotic procedures lasted longer than the open ones, whereas hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures did not. However, the findings regarding the number of the retrieved lymph nodes, the length of hospital stay, and costs were inconclusive and controversial.
CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy are feasible, safe, and oncologically equivalent alternatives to open pancreaticoduodenectomy. Minimally invasive operations have the advantage of the less blood loss, but totally laparoscopic and robotic procedures last longer than open procedures.
Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Feasibility Studies; Hospital Costs; Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Postoperative Complications; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 26836625
DOI: 10.1097/SLE.0000000000000228 -
European Journal of Surgical Oncology :... Jan 2018Identification of factors associated with dismal survival after surgery in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is important to select patients for neoadjuvant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Identification of factors associated with dismal survival after surgery in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is important to select patients for neoadjuvant treatment. The present meta-analysis aimed to compare the results of distal pancreatectomy for resectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic body-tail with and without splenic vessels infiltration.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria were studies including patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer with or without splenic vessels infiltration. 5-year overall survival (OS) was the primary outcomes. Meta-analysis was carried out applying time-to-event method.
RESULTS
Six articles with 423 patients were analysed. Patients with pathological splenic artery invasion had a worse survival compared with those without infiltration (Hazard ratio 1.76, 95% CI 1.36-2.28; P < 0.0001). A similar results was found when considering pathological splenic vessels infiltration, showing that survival was significantly poorer when splenic vein infiltration was present (Hazard ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.19-1.93; P = 0.0009).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis showed worse survival for patients with splenic vessels infiltration undergoing distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. Splenic vessels infiltration represents the stigmata of a more aggressive disease, although resectable.
Topics: Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Humans; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Prognosis; Splenic Artery
PubMed: 29183639
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2017.10.217 -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Sep 2023Endoscopist experience and center volume might be associated with ERCP outcomes, as in other fields of endoscopy and in surgery. An effort to assess this relationship is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Endoscopist experience and center volume might be associated with ERCP outcomes, as in other fields of endoscopy and in surgery. An effort to assess this relationship is important to improve practice. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate these comparative data and to assess the impact of endoscopist and center volume on ERCP procedure outcomes.
METHODS
We performed a literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus through March 2022. Volume classification included high- and low-volume (HV and LV) endoscopists and centers. The primary outcome was the impact of endoscopist and center volume on ERCP success. Secondary outcomes were the overall adverse event (AE) rate and the specific AE rate. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data synthesis was obtained by direct meta-analyses using a random-effects model; results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Of 6833 relevant publications, 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. Procedure success was higher among HV endoscopists (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.59-2.06; I = 57%) and in HV centers (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.22-2.57; I = 67%). The overall AE rate was lower for procedures performed by HV endoscopists (OR, .71; 95% CI, .61-.82; I = 38%) and in HV centers (OR, .70; 95% CI, .51-.97; I = 92%). Bleeding was less frequent in procedures performed by HV endoscopists (OR, .67; 95% CI, .48-.95; I = 37%) but did not differ based on center volume (OR, .68; 95% CI, .24-1.90; I = 89%). No statistical differences were detected concerning pancreatitis, cholangitis, and perforation rates.
CONCLUSIONS
HV endoscopists and centers provide higher ERCP success rates with fewer overall AEs, especially bleeding, compared with respective LV comparators.
Topics: Humans; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Pancreatitis; Cholangitis
PubMed: 37201726
DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2023.05.045 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety Jun 2024The existing evidence from pre- and post-marketing studies is conflicting on the risk of pancreatic events for anti-diabetic medications. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma for anti-diabetic medications: findings from real-world safety data analysis and systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
The existing evidence from pre- and post-marketing studies is conflicting on the risk of pancreatic events for anti-diabetic medications.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A retrospective case/non-case study was conducted by using spontaneous reports on pancreatic events for anti-diabetic medications from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and VigiBase. Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), and Information Component (IC) were calculated by a disproportionality analysis. Furthermore, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on anti-diabetic drugs with pancreatic outcomes.
RESULTS
The FAERS data analysis found strong signals on incretin mimetics causing pancreatic events, with sitagliptin having the highest risk [PRR = 24.2, lower bound (LB) ROR = 24.4, IC = 4.4 for pancreatitis, and PRR = 15.4, LB ROR = 14.9, IC = 3.8 for pancreatic carcinoma]. Empagliflozin was the most pancreatitis-risk sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor [PRR = 4.0, LB ROR = 3.5, IC = 1.8]. VigiBase reiterated these findings and identified some new signals for novel anti-diabetics. Meta-analysis revealed that the incidence of pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma with anti-diabetic medications was insignificant. However, compared to the placebo/active comparator, gliptins had a higher risk of acute pancreatitis (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.03, 2.01; = 0.03).
CONCLUSION
Evidence from the post-marketing safety data analysis identified a strong association between incretin mimetics and pancreatic events. Fewer events in RCTs may justify insignificant meta-analysis results.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatitis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Hypoglycemic Agents; Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; Retrospective Studies; Risk; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
PubMed: 37986140
DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2284992 -
Digestive and Liver Disease : Official... May 2016Safety of non-operative management for low-risk branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) is debated. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Safety of non-operative management for low-risk branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) is debated.
AIM
To perform a systematic review/meta-analysis to determine their risk of developing pancreatic malignancy and of pancreatic malignancy-related deaths.
METHODS
A MEDLINE search was performed and methodology was based on PRISMA statement. Incidence rates of overall pancreatic malignancy, malignant BD-IPMN, IPMN-distinct PDAC, and of pancreatic malignancy-related death rates were calculated by dividing the total number of events by the total number of person-years (pyrs) of follow-up. Heterogeneity was determined by I(2) statistic.
RESULTS
20 studies including 2177 patients were included. Mean follow-up ranged from 29.3 to 76.7 months. Overall, 82 patients (3.7%) developed a pancreatic malignancy with a pooled estimate rate of 0.007/pyrs (I(2)=32.8%). The pooled estimate rate of malignant IPMN was 0.004/pyrs (I(2)=40.8%), and the pooled estimate rate of distinct PDAC 0.002/pyrs (I(2)=0%). The rate of death due to pancreatic malignancy during follow-up was 0.9%, with an overall pooled estimate rate of death of 0.002/pyrs (I(2)=0%).
CONCLUSION
Non-operative management of low-risk BD-IPMN is safe, with a very low risk of malignant transformation of IPMN and of distinct PDAC. The rate of pancreatic malignancy-related mortality is low, particularly when compared with the mortality of pancreatic surgery.
Topics: Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Humans; Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous; Pancreatic Ducts; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Watchful Waiting
PubMed: 26965783
DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2016.02.003 -
Pancreatology : Official Journal of the... Oct 2021Pain is the most common symptom in chronic pancreatitis (CP) with a major impact on quality of life. Few validated questionnaires to assess pain in CP exist, and the...
Pain is the most common symptom in chronic pancreatitis (CP) with a major impact on quality of life. Few validated questionnaires to assess pain in CP exist, and the lack of consensus negatively impacts clinical management, research and meta-analysis. This guideline aims to review generic pain questionnaires for their usability in CP, to outline how pain assessment can be modified by confounding factors and pain types, to assess the value of additional measures such as quality of life, mental health and quantitative sensory testing, and finally to review pain assessment questionnaires used specifically in CP. A systematic review was done to answer 27 questions that followed the PICO (Population; Intervention; Comparator; Outcome) template. Quality of evidence of the statements was judged by Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. The manuscript was sent for review to 36 experts from various disciplines and continents in a multi-stage Delphi process, and finally reviewed by patient representatives. Main findings were that generic pain instruments are valid in most settings, but aspects of pain are specific for CP (including in children), and instruments have to account for the wide phenotypic variability and development of sensitization of the central nervous system. Side effects to treatment and placebo effects shall also be considered. Some multidimensional questionnaires are validated for CP and are recommended together with assessment of quality of life and psychiatric co-morbidities. This guideline will result in more homogeneous and comprehensive pain assessment to potentially improve management of painful CP.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Chronic Pain; Consensus; Humans; Pain Measurement; Pancreatitis, Chronic; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34391675
DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2021.07.004