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Journal of Aerosol Medicine and... Feb 2015Dyspnea significantly impacts quality of life and is one of the most common symptoms in advanced illness. Systemically-administered opioids and benzodiazepines have been... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dyspnea significantly impacts quality of life and is one of the most common symptoms in advanced illness. Systemically-administered opioids and benzodiazepines have been the most studied and utilized pharmacologic treatments for refractory dyspnea. Less attention has been given to the use of these medications and others when nebulized. This article presents a review of the literature on the use of nebulized medications for the treatment of dyspnea related to cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, or experimentally-induced dyspnea.
METHODS
A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using Medline/PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Google Scholar.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine publications were included in this review, including 17 high-quality clinical research studies, as defined by the GRADE system. The evidence for nebulized morphine remains mixed, whereas a potential benefit was suggested for nebulized furosemide, hydromorphone, and fentanyl. No conclusions could be drawn as to which disease population derived greatest benefit from nebulized medications, or whether jet or ultrasonic nebulizers were more effective for the delivery of these medications.
CONCLUSIONS
More research is needed to assess the characteristics of specific diseases and the combination of different nebulizers and medications that may yield the greatest benefit, and to assess the safety and efficacy of the chronic use of nebulized opioids and furosemide. Until larger, longer-term studies are completed, the use of nebulized medications to treat dyspnea should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be considered if the hoped-for benefits outweigh potential harm.
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Aerosols; Analgesics, Opioid; Dyspnea; Furosemide; Humans; Lung; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 24914770
DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2014.1136 -
Journal of Clinical Hypertension... Sep 2022Hypertension-related death is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, making blood pressure (BP) control an important issue. Salt substitute is a non-pharmaceutical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Hypertension-related death is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, making blood pressure (BP) control an important issue. Salt substitute is a non-pharmaceutical strategy to improve hypertension control. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of salt substitute on BP and cardiovascular disease. The authors searched the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases through March 2022, and assessed the risk-of-bias for included studies by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Twenty-three randomized controlled trials with 32073 patients were included in our systematic review. A meta-analysis with random effects was performed to analyze the effects of salt substitute on systolic and diastolic BP, 24-h urinary sodium and potassium, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. In the random-effects model, participants consuming salt substitute showed significant reduction in systolic BP (mean difference (MD) -4.80 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -6.12 to -3.48, P < 0.0001) and diastolic BP (MD -1.48 mmHg, 95% CI -2.06 to -0.90, P < 0.0001) compared with participants consuming normal salt. In the urine electrolyte analysis, the salt substitute group had significant reduction in 24-h urine sodium (MD -22.96 mmol/24-h, P = 0.0001) and significant elevation in 24-h urine potassium (MD 14.41 mmol/24-h, P < 0.0001). Of the five studies with mortality outcome data, salt substitute significantly reduced all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.88, P = 0.0003). In conclusion, our analyses showed that salt substitute has a strong effect on lowering BP and reducing all-cause mortality. By modifying the daily diet with salt substitute, the authors can improve BP control by using this non-pharmaceutical management.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Hypertension; Potassium; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sodium; Sodium Chloride, Dietary
PubMed: 36196475
DOI: 10.1111/jch.14562 -
Journal of Hypertension Jun 2016Diuretic drugs have been a mainstay of hypertension treatment in the elderly however their dementia sparing effects are under-reported. The objective was to quantify... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Diuretic drugs have been a mainstay of hypertension treatment in the elderly however their dementia sparing effects are under-reported. The objective was to quantify dementia risk in relation to diuretic antihypertensive drugs.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched until June 2015.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
population, adults without dementia from primary care, community cohort, residential/institutionalized, or randomized controlled trial; exposure, diuretic antihypertensive drug; comparison, no diuretic drug, other or no antihypertensive drug, placebo-control; outcome, incident dementia diagnosed by standardized criteria. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled in fixed-effects models with RevMan 5.3 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark) and the findings rated according to The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 15 articles were included (52 599 persons, 3444 dementia cases, median age 76.1 years) and median follow-up was 6.1 years. Diuretics were associated with reduced dementia risk (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.76-0.91, P < 0.0001, I = 0) and Alzheimer's disease risk (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.71-0.94, P = 0.004, I = 0). Stratified analysis indicated a difference between potassium sparing, thiazide and loop diuretics (P = 0.01). Risk estimates were generally consistent comparing monotherapy vs. combination therapy, study design and follow-up. Meta-regression showed that demographics, stroke, heart failure, diabetes, liver disease, attrition, mortality rate, cognitive function, and apolipoprotein E allele did not moderate the results.
CONCLUSION
Diuretic antihypertensive drugs were associated with a consistent reduction in dementia risk without heterogeneity, pointing to generalizability of these findings.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO [CRD42015023428].
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Antihypertensive Agents; Dementia; Diuretics; Diuretics, Potassium Sparing; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Hypertension; Prospective Studies; Protective Factors; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors
PubMed: 26886565
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000000868 -
Journal of Hypertension Jun 2023Current literature is lacking a comprehensive review of data on dietary interventions in blood pressure (BP) management in sub-Saharan African countries. We assessed the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Current literature is lacking a comprehensive review of data on dietary interventions in blood pressure (BP) management in sub-Saharan African countries. We assessed the association of dietary and other lifestyle interventions with BP-lowering effects in populations within sub-Saharan Africa.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis to determine the impact of dietary and lifestyle interventions on SBP and DBP in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. We included intervention studies that were randomized and nonrandomized conducted in Africans residing in sub-Saharan Africa investigating diet and other lifestyle, physical activity, weight loss, tobacco, and alcohol cessation modifications. We determined the effect of diet and other lifestyle interventions on SBP and DBP. We expressed effect size as weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
: We identified six studies with a total of 1412 individuals, 38% males, mean age of 52.8 years (SD = 11.5). The weighted mean difference of dietary and other lifestyle interventions on SBP and DBP was -7.33 mmHg, (95% CI: -9.90 to -4.76, P < 0.001) and -2.98 mmHg, (95% CI: -4.28 to -1.69, P < 0.001), respectively. In the metaregression analyses, the duration of the interventions did not have any effect on changes in SBP and DBP.
PRINCIPAL CONCLUSION
: Dietary modifications showed a beneficial overall improvement in SBP and DBP in Africans. However, aside from low-salt interventions, studies on dietary potassium, healthy dietary patterns, and lifestyle modifications have not been investigated extensively in Africans and are in critical need. In addition, researchers will need to consider the settings (rural, urban, or semiurban) and the predominant existing dietary habits while designing studies on dietary interventions in sub-Saharan Africa.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42020207923.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Female; Blood Pressure; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Ethanol; Diet; Life Style
PubMed: 36928004
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003411 -
Forensic Science, Medicine, and... Dec 2023This study summarized the available evidence on the differences in volume, density, electrolyte concentration, and total proteins in paranasal sinus fluid between...
Differences in volume, density, electrolyte concentration, and total proteins in the fluid of the paranasal sinuses of freshwater and saltwater drowning victims: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This study summarized the available evidence on the differences in volume, density, electrolyte concentration, and total proteins in paranasal sinus fluid between freshwater and saltwater drowning victims. A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases and gray literature, resulting in the inclusion of five studies with 234 drowning victims (92 saltwater incidents and 142 freshwater incidents). Meta-analyses using the inverse-of-variance method and a random-effects model were performed, reporting effect sizes as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The findings showed a significantly higher sinus density in saltwater drowning cases compared to freshwater drowning cases (SMD 0.91, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.32). However, no significant differences were observed in sinus fluid volume. Saltwater drowning victims exhibited higher electrolyte concentrations (sodium: SMD 3.77, 95% CI 3.07 to 4.48; potassium: SMD 0.78, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.49; chloride: SMD 3.48, 95% CI 2.65 to 4.31; magnesium: SMD 4.01, 95% CI 3.00 to 5.03) and lower total protein concentrations (SMD - 1.20, 95% CI - 1.82 to - 0.58) in sinus fluid compared to freshwater drowning victims. This meta-analysis highlights the importance of analyzing the characteristics and composition of sinus fluid in forensic investigations of drowning cases. While no differences were found in sinus fluid volume, saltwater drowning victims exhibited higher sinus density, elevated electrolyte concentrations, and lower total protein concentrations compared to freshwater drowning victims.
PubMed: 38148467
DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00761-9 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Nov 2023Despite potential advantages of torsemide over furosemide, <10% of the patients with heart failure (HF) are on torsemide in clinical practice. Prior studies comparing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Despite potential advantages of torsemide over furosemide, <10% of the patients with heart failure (HF) are on torsemide in clinical practice. Prior studies comparing furosemide to torsemide in patients with HF have shown conflicting findings, regarding hospitalizations and mortality. We aimed to pool all the studies conducted to date and provide the most updated and comprehensive evidence, regarding the effect of furosemide vs torsemide in reducing mortality and hospitalizations in patients with HF. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library and Scopus from inception till June 2023, for randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing furosemide to torsemide in adult patients (>18 years) with acute or chronic HF. Data about all-cause mortality, HF-related hospitalizations and all-cause hospitalizations was extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Forest plots were created based on the random effects model. A total of 17 studies (n = 11,996 patients) were included in our analysis with a median follow-up time of 8 months. Our pooled analysis demonstrated no difference in all-cause mortality between furosemide and torsemide groups in HF patients (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.75-1.29, P = 0.89). However, torsemide was associated with a significantly lesser incidence of HF-related hospitalizations (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.99, P = 0.04), and all-cause hospitalizations (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73-0.98, P = 0.03), as compared to furosemide. Torsemide significantly reduces HF-related and all-cause hospitalizations as compared to furosemide, with no difference in mortality. We recommend transitioning from furosemide to torsemide in HF patients who are not attaining symptomatic control.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Furosemide; Torsemide; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; Heart Failure; Hospitalization
PubMed: 37453532
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101927 -
European Journal of Anaesthesiology Sep 2023Peripheral regional anaesthesia is frequently used for upper extremity surgery. To prolong the duration of analgesia, adjuvants can be added to single-injection local... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effect of adjuvants added to local anaesthetics for single-injection upper extremity peripheral regional anaesthesia: A systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomised trials.
BACKGROUND
Peripheral regional anaesthesia is frequently used for upper extremity surgery. To prolong the duration of analgesia, adjuvants can be added to single-injection local anaesthetics. Despite attempts to compare several adjuvants in pairwise meta-analyses, a comprehensive comparison is still missing.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this network meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of adjuvants in upper extremity peripheral nerve blocks.
DESIGN
A systematic review of randomised controlled trials with network meta-analyses.
DATA SOURCES
A literature search in Embase, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Web of Science was performed up to March 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised trials comparing different adjuvants injected perineurally in peripheral upper extremity nerve blocks were eligible. Frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model with physiological saline as the comparator. The primary endpoint was the ratio of means (ROM) of the duration of analgesia.
RESULTS
The review included 242 randomised controlled trials with a total of 17 391 patients. Twenty-eight adjuvants were compared in the largest networks. Most network estimations consisted of a high proportion of direct evidence. Fourteen adjuvants increased the duration of analgesia significantly by the following factors, ROM [95% confidence interval (CI)]: dexamethasone 1.95 (1.79 to 2.13), buprenorphine 1.83 (1.51 to 2.24), butorphanol 1.84 (1.41 to 2.39), potassium chloride 1.89 (1.15 to 3.11), dexmedetomidine 1.70 (1.59 to 1.81), sufentanil 1.70 (1.27 to 2.29), ketorolac 1.68 (1.24 to 2.27), midazolam 1.55 (1.24 to 1.94), tramadol 1.52 (1.32 to 1.75), nalbuphine 1.50 (1.30 to 1.72), morphine 1.43 (1.09 to 1.88), magnesium sulfate 1.42 (1.20 to 1.67), clonidine 1.36 (1.24 to 1.50) and fentanyl 1.23 (1.08 to 1.40). Inconsistency in network meta-analysis was substantial. Overall side effect rates were low with all adjuvants.
CONCLUSION
The best interventions to prolong the duration of analgesia were dexamethasone, followed by dexmedetomidine, opioids, electrolytes, ketorolac and midazolam. There are general concerns about the quality of underlying studies and the risk of publication bias.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018115722.
Topics: Humans; Anesthetics, Local; Network Meta-Analysis; Midazolam; Dexmedetomidine; Ketorolac; Anesthesia, Conduction; Pain; Upper Extremity; Dexamethasone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37337656
DOI: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000001860 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Oct 2019Dietary salts sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg2), and calcium (Ca2) are important in metabolic diseases. Yet, we do not have sufficient understanding on the...
BACKGROUND
Dietary salts sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg2), and calcium (Ca2) are important in metabolic diseases. Yet, we do not have sufficient understanding on the salts global molecular network in these diseases. In this systematic review we have pooled information to identify the general effect of salts on obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension.
AIMS
To assess the roles of salts in metabolic disorders by focusing on their individual effect and the network effect among these salts.
METHODS
We searched articles in PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar. We selected original laboratory research, systematic reviews, clinical trials, observational studies and epidemiological data that focused on dietary salts and followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review in designing the present systematic review.
RESULTS
From the initial search of 2898 studies we selected a total of 199 articles that met our inclusion criteria and data extraction. Alterations in metabolic pathways associated with the sensitivity of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium may lead to obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. We found that the results of most laboratory research, animal studies and clinical trials are coherent but some research outcome are either inconsistent or inconclusive.
CONCLUSION
Important of salts in metabolic disorder is evident. In order to assess the effects of dietary salts in metablic diseases, environmental factors, dietary habits, physical activity, and the microbiome, should be considered in any study. Although interest in this area of research continues to grow, the challenge is to integrate the action of these salts in metabolic syndrom.
Topics: Animals; Calcium, Dietary; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Insulin; Magnesium; Metabolic Syndrome; Potassium; Sodium Chloride, Dietary
PubMed: 30446179
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.10.021 -
Heart Failure Reviews Jan 2022There is ongoing controversy regarding the association between loop diuretics (LD), especially in high doses, and adverse clinical outcomes in outpatients with heart... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Association of loop diuretics use and dose with outcomes in outpatients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies involving 96,959 patients.
There is ongoing controversy regarding the association between loop diuretics (LD), especially in high doses, and adverse clinical outcomes in outpatients with heart failure (HF). We performed a systematic review of the evidence for LD in outpatients with HF. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Clinical Trial Collection to identify controlled studies, evaluating the association between LD and morbidity and mortality in patients with HF. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and secondary endpoint HF hospitalizations. Quantitative analysis was performed by generating forest plots and pooling adjusted risk estimates across studies using random effects models. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed through Q and I statistics. Twenty-four studies with a total of 96,959 patients were included. No randomized studies were identified. Use of LD was associated with increased all-cause mortality compared with non-use (pooled adjusted risk estimates, 1.18; P = 0.001) and increased HF hospitalization rates (pooled adjusted risk estimates, 1.81; P < 0.001). These associations remained significant after excluding studies that included HF patients at discharge from hospital (pooled adjusted risk estimates, 1.31 and 1.89, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). High-dose LD (median dose 80 mg) were also associated with increased all-cause mortality (pooled adjusted risk estimates, 1.99; P < 0.001) compared with low-dose LD. Again, this association remained significant after excluding studies that included HF patients at discharge from hospital (pooled adjusted risk estimates, 1.33; P < 0.001). Existing evidence indicates that LD, especially in high doses, are associated with increased all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization rates. For this reason, prospective, randomized studies are warranted to clarify whether these associations indicate causality or are merely an epiphenomenon due to disease severity. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO database registration number CRD42020153239. Date of registration: 28 April 2020.
Topics: Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Outpatients; Prospective Studies; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors
PubMed: 32564330
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-020-09995-z -
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Jan 2021To conduct a systematic review of the available literature for primary research articles identifying potential gene mutations, polymorphisms and other molecular...
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review of the available literature for primary research articles identifying potential gene mutations, polymorphisms and other molecular regulatory mechanisms related to trigeminal neuralgia in order to identify the genetic and molecular models of primary trigeminal neuralgia currently being investigated.
METHODS
PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify primary research articles discussing genetic predictors of trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathic pain that were published prior to July 2020. This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
Out of the 333 articles originally identified, a total of 14 papers were selected for study inclusion. These articles included 5 human studies, 6 mouse studies and 3 rat studies. Four articles investigated sodium channels, 1 investigated a sodium channel and nerve growth factor receptor, 2 investigated potassium channels, 1 investigated calcium channels, 1 investigated the downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator protein, 1 investigated the dynorphin-kappa opioid receptor system, 1 investigated TRPA1, 1 investigated the Nrg1/ErbB3/ErbB2 signaling complex, 1 investigated a serotonin transporter and 1 investigated potassium channels, sodium channels, calcium channels, chloride channels, TRP channels and gap junctions.
CONCLUSION
Researchers have identified multiple genetic and molecular targets involved with potential pathophysiologies that have a relationship to the creation of trigeminal neuralgia. At this time, there does not seem to be clear causal frontrunner, demonstrating the possibility that genetic predisposition to trigeminal neuralgia may involve multiple genes and/or downstream products, such as ion channels.
Topics: Animals; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Ion Channels; Neuralgia; Polymorphism, Genetic; Trigeminal Neuralgia
PubMed: 33338828
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106397