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European Review For Medical and... Sep 2023Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well-known marker that is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis due to its toxic effect on endothelial cells. This, in turn,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well-known marker that is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis due to its toxic effect on endothelial cells. This, in turn, leads to cardiovascular injury and increases morbidity. Different studies have shown alterations in the levels of homocysteine with respect to multiple disease states. Whether this non-traditional marker is associated with cardiovascular injury or not is subject to conflicting results. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of homocysteine in the formation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in young adults and children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). A search was done using specific keywords, including "homocysteine", "coronary artery disease", and "atherosclerosis", amongst several others, from the databases of PubMed, COCHRANE, and EBSCO. The data items included the diseased sample population along with the intervention used, or investigations carried out and the findings of the studies. Finally, 35 eligible studies were included.
RESULTS
Young patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were more likely to have elevated levels of homocysteine compared to elderly patients. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been observed with several genetic, nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune states such as rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, decreased levels of homocysteine have been observed after certain intervention treatments, such as oral contraceptive pills, L-thyroxine, and even the adoption of certain diets. In the majority of studies, whenever homocysteine levels were higher than normal, this was reflected by an increased carotid intima-media thickness.
CONCLUSIONS
Homocysteine has a high correlation with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in young and overweight patients. In addition, the relationship of homocysteine with smoking, genetic polymorphism, specific hormonal and renal disorders, nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12 and folic acid), and the use of specific medicines are among the other recurring findings. Given that many of these studies focus only on women, the relationship between homocysteine and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in males is still unclear. Whether males are more prone to hyperhomocysteinemia needs to be assessed. Still, precise processes underlying variations in homocysteine in relation to all influencing factors are unclear and need further studies.
Topics: Male; Child; Humans; Female; Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Prognosis; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Homocysteine; Endothelial Cells; Atherosclerosis; Folic Acid; Vitamin B 12; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37782175
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202309_33784 -
CJC Open Sep 2020During the current COVID-19 pandemic, a link between acute cardiac injury and COVID-19 infection has been observed. There is currently no consensus on the incidence of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, a link between acute cardiac injury and COVID-19 infection has been observed. There is currently no consensus on the incidence of cardiac injury, its relationship to prognosis, or its possible cause. In this article we provide a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of the incidence, comorbidities, outcomes, and possible mechanisms of acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and Embase for studies that evaluated cardiac injury in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Data on demographic information, comorbidities, and relevant laboratory values were extracted and a meta-analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies from China, Italy, and the United States with 2224 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of cardiac injury was 24.4% (542/2224 patients) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The all-cause mortality in patients with cardiac injury was 72.6% (odds ratio, 17.32; 95% confidence interval, 9.21-32.57) compared with those without cardiac injury (14.5%). In subgroup analyses, factors associated with increased risk of developing cardiac injury were older age and history of hypertension, and chronic obstructive respiratory disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Cardiac injury is common in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and is significantly associated with mortality. Patients who were older with hypertension and chronic obstructive respiratory disease were prone to develop cardiac injury. Early screening, triage, and cardiac monitoring are recommended for these patients.
PubMed: 32838255
DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2020.06.010 -
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology... 2022The efficacy and safety profiles of prone ventilation among intubated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients remain unclear. The primary objective was to examine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and safety profiles of prone ventilation among intubated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients remain unclear. The primary objective was to examine the effect of prone ventilation on the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO/FiO) in intubated COVID-19 patients.
METHODS
Databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were systematically searched from inception until March 2021. Case reports and case series were excluded.
RESULTS
Eleven studies (n = 606 patients) were eligible. Prone ventilation significantly improved PaO/FiO ratio (studies: 8, n = 579, mean difference 46.75, 95% CI 33.35‒60.15, p < 0.00001; evidence: very low) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO) (studies: 3, n = 432, mean difference 1.67, 95% CI 1.08‒2.26, p < 0.00001; evidence: ow), but not the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO) (studies: 5, n = 396, mean difference 2.45, 95% CI 2.39‒7.30, p = 0.32; evidence: very low), mortality rate (studies: 1, n = 215, Odds Ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.32‒1.33, p = 0.24; evidence: very low), or number of patients discharged alive (studies: 1, n = 43, Odds Ratio 1.49, 95% CI 0.72‒3.08, p = 0.28; evidence: very low).
CONCLUSION
Prone ventilation improved PaO/FiO ratio and SpO in intubated COVID-19 patients. Given the substantial heterogeneity and low level of evidence, more randomized- controlled trials are warranted to improve the certainty of evidence, and to examine the adverse events of prone ventilation.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Prone Position; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Respiration, Artificial; Oxygen
PubMed: 35809681
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjane.2022.06.007 -
Journal of Internal Medicine Mar 2017Obesity is a risk factor for a plethora of severe morbidities and premature death. Most supporting evidence comes from observational studies that are prone to chance,... (Review)
Review
Obesity is a risk factor for a plethora of severe morbidities and premature death. Most supporting evidence comes from observational studies that are prone to chance, bias and confounding. Even data on the protective effects of weight loss from randomized controlled trials will be susceptible to confounding and bias if treatment assignment cannot be masked, which is usually the case with lifestyle and surgical interventions. Thus, whilst obesity is widely considered the major modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases, its causes and consequences are often difficult to determine. Addressing this is important, as the prevention and treatment of any disease requires that interventions focus on causal risk factors. Disease prediction, although not dependent on knowing the causes, is nevertheless enhanced by such knowledge. Here, we provide an overview of some of the barriers to causal inference in obesity research and discuss analytical approaches, such as Mendelian randomization, that can help to overcome these obstacles. In a systematic review of the literature in this field, we found: (i) probable causal relationships between adiposity and bone health/disease, cancers (colorectal, lung and kidney cancers), cardiometabolic traits (blood pressure, fasting insulin, inflammatory markers and lipids), uric acid concentrations, coronary heart disease and venous thrombosis (in the presence of pulmonary embolism), (ii) possible causal relationships between adiposity and gray matter volume, depression and common mental disorders, oesophageal cancer, macroalbuminuria, end-stage renal disease, diabetic kidney disease, nuclear cataract and gall stone disease, and (iii) no evidence for causal relationships between adiposity and Alzheimer's disease, pancreatic cancer, venous thrombosis (in the absence of pulmonary embolism), liver function and periodontitis.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Comorbidity; Humans; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Obesity; Risk Factors
PubMed: 27933671
DOI: 10.1111/joim.12577 -
The European Journal of Neuroscience Aug 2023Mendelian randomization (MR) is a powerful approach for assessing the causal effect of putative risk factors on an outcome, using genetic variants as instrumental...
Mendelian randomization (MR) is a powerful approach for assessing the causal effect of putative risk factors on an outcome, using genetic variants as instrumental variables. The methodology and application developed in the framework of MR have been dramatically improved, taking advantage of the many public genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. The availability of summary-level data allowed to perform numerous MR studies especially for complex diseases, pinpointing modifiable exposures causally related to increased or decreased disease risk. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex multifactorial disease whose aetiology involves both genetic and non-genetic risk factors and their interplay. Previous observational studies have revealed associations between candidate modifiable exposures and MS risk; although being prone to confounding, and reverse causation, these studies were unable to draw causal conclusions. MR analysis addresses the limitations of observational studies and allows to establish reliable and accurate causal conclusions. Here, we systematically reviewed the studies evaluating the causal effect, through MR, of genetic and non-genetic exposures on MS risk. Among 107 papers found, only 42 were eligible for final evaluation and qualitative synthesis. We found that, above all, low vitamin D levels and high adult body mass index (BMI) appear to be uncontested risk factors for increased MS risk.
Topics: Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Multiple Sclerosis; Humans; Causality; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37463755
DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16088 -
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental... Jun 2023WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Researchers have examined several interventions for psychological distress, mindfulness being a popular one. One intervention that fosters... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
UNLABELLED
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Researchers have examined several interventions for psychological distress, mindfulness being a popular one. One intervention that fosters mindfulness is mantram repetition. Mantram repetition is an ancient traditional practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase at various times throughout the day and whenever needed. Psychologically, mantram repetition can mitigate immediate stressors. When used consistently, mantram repetition promotes resilience and deepens mindfulness, thereby promoting recovery from distress. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper examines the overall effect of mantram repetition on psychological distress symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety and somatization). WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The portable, cost-effective, mantram repetition intervention outperformed standard therapies. In people who are prone to psychological distress, practitioners might teach this technique, encouraging them to use it initially as they go through their day and then when they are experiencing distress. Mantram repetition can quiet the mind and pairs well with breathing exercises and routine activities such as walking or exercising, or during chores, thus, integrating the mantram into daily life.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Researchers have examined several interventions for psychological distress, mindfulness being a popular one. One mindfulness intervention is mantram repetition. Mantram repetition is an ancient traditional practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase at various times throughout the day and whenever needed.
AIM
To examine the evidence of the effect of mantram repetition on psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety and somatization).
METHOD
We searched 16 databases and retrieved 12 studies testing the effects of mantram repetition; only four of these measured aspects of psychological distress with comparison groups.
RESULTS
All studies showed positive effects ranging from very mild (.08) to very strong (.71). The summary effect across all studies was small (.23, p = .015). Importantly, this small effect was found when compared to treatment as usual and even psychotherapy.
DISCUSSION
The portable, cost-effective, mantram repetition intervention outperformed standard therapies.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
In patients who are prone to psychological distress, practitioners might teach this technique, encouraging them to use it initially as they go through their day and then when they are experiencing distress. Mantram repetition could be practiced with breathing exercises, when walking or exercising, or during chores, integrating the mantram into daily life.
Topics: Humans; Meditation; Psychotherapy; Psychological Distress; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety; Mindfulness; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 36427257
DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12886 -
Critical Care Medicine Mar 2021Prone positioning has been shown to be a beneficial adjunctive supportive measure for patients who develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. Studies have excluded... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Prone positioning has been shown to be a beneficial adjunctive supportive measure for patients who develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. Studies have excluded patients with reduced intracranial compliance, whereby patients with concomitant neurologic diagnoses and acute respiratory distress syndrome have no defined treatment algorithm or recommendations for management. In this study, we aim to determine the safety and feasibility of prone positioning in the neurologically ill patients.
DESIGN AND SETTING
A systematic review of the literature, performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses 2009 guidelines, yielded 10 articles for analysis. Using consensus from these articles, in combination with review of multi-institutional proning protocols for patients with nonneurologic conditions, a proning protocol for patients with intracranial pathology and concomitant acute respiratory distress syndrome was developed.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
Among 10 studies included in the final analysis, we found that prone positioning is safe and feasible in the neurologically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Increased intracranial pressure and compromised cerebral perfusion pressure may occur with prone positioning. We propose a prone positioning protocol for the neurologically ill patients who require frequent neurologic examinations and intracranial monitoring.
CONCLUSIONS
Although elevations in intracranial pressure and reductions in cerebral perfusion pressure do occur during proning, they may not occur to a degree that would warrant exclusion of prone ventilation as a treatment modality for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and concomitant neurologic diagnoses. In cases where intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and brain tissue oxygenation can be monitored, prone position ventilation should be considered a safe and viable therapy.
Topics: Brain; Clinical Protocols; Critical Care; Humans; Patient Positioning; Prone Position; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Distress Syndrome
PubMed: 33481406
DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000004820 -
Minerva Urology and Nephrology Feb 2021Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) can be performed either in prone or supine position. This study aimed at gathering together randomized controlled trials (RCTs)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) can be performed either in prone or supine position. This study aimed at gathering together randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing efficacy and safety between prone and supine PNL.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Systematic review of literature was conducted using the Scopus, Medline and Web of Science databases. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were independently assessed by two authors. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.3. Sensitivity analyses were performed to exclude studies with high risk of bias.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Pooled data from 12 studies including 1290 patients were available for analysis. Only one study was found to have overall low risk of bias. Significantly shorter operative time was found in favor of supine PNL (mean difference 13 minutes, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.4-22.7; P<0.01). Stone-free rate (SFR)≥14 days after surgery was significantly higher in prone PNL (odds ratio [OR]=2.15, 95% CI: 1.07-4.34; P=0.03). Significantly higher fever rate was found in prone PNL (OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.03-2.47; P=0.04). Overall SFR, hospital stay length, complications rate, transfusions rate and blood loss, as well as non-lower calyx puncture rate, puncture attempts and tubeless intervention rate did not differ between prone and supine PNL (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Efficacy of PNL seems balanced between prone and supine position, with comparable overall SFR and shorter operative time in favor of supine PNL. Safety of PNL appears in favor of supine PNL, with lower fever rate. Because of study heterogeneity and possible risks of outcome bias, results from this study should be interpreted with caution. Altogether, both prone and supine PNL account for appropriate therapy options.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Calculi; Nephrolithotomy, Percutaneous; Patient Positioning; Prone Position; Supine Position
PubMed: 33016031
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-6051.20.03960-0 -
Cureus May 2023Whether prone positioning of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 pneumonia has benefits over supine positioning is not clear. We conducted a... (Review)
Review
Whether prone positioning of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 pneumonia has benefits over supine positioning is not clear. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine whether prone versus supine positioning during ventilation resulted in different outcomes for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We searched Ovid Medline, Embase, and Web of Science for prospective and retrospective studies up through April 2023. We included studies that compared outcomes of patients with COVID-19 after ventilation in prone and supine positions. The primary outcomes were three mortality measures: hospital, overall, and intensive care unit (ICU). Secondary outcomes were mechanical ventilation days, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and hospital length of stay. We conducted risk of bias analysis and used meta-analysis software to analyze results. Mean difference (MD) was used for continuous data, and odds ratio (OR) was used for dichotomous data, both with 95% CIs. Significant heterogeneity (I) was considered if I was >50%. A statistically significant result was considered if the p-value was <0.05. Of 1787 articles identified, 93 were retrieved, and seven retrospective cohort studies encompassing 5216 patients with COVID-19 were analyzed. ICU mortality was significantly higher in the prone group (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.43-3.43; p=0.0004). No statistically significant difference was observed between prone and supine groups for hospital mortality (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.66-1.37; p=0.78) or overall mortality (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.72-1.64; p=0.71). Studies that analyzed primary outcomes had significant heterogeneity. Hospital length of stay was significantly higher in the prone than in the supine group (MD, 6.06; 95 % CI, 3.15-8.97; p<0.0001). ICU length of stay and days of mechanical ventilation did not differ between the two groups. In conclusion, mechanical ventilation with prone positioning for all patients with COVID-19 pneumonia may not provide a mortality benefit over supine positioning.
PubMed: 37388580
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39636 -
Urology Journal Oct 2016To compare results of studies on supine and prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) techniques to find the best position for treating kidney stones. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To compare results of studies on supine and prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) techniques to find the best position for treating kidney stones.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature review was done in April 2016 using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify the relevant studies. Article selection was based on the preferred reporting elements of systematic reviews and meta-analysis criteria. A subgroup analysis was done comparing standard prone and supine PCNLs separately.
RESULTS
Twenty studies were selected for the analysis including 7733 PCNL cases: 2110 cases were (27.3%) in supine and 5623 cases were (72.7%) in prone position. Supine and prone PCNL had a similar stone-free rate (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 070-1.27; P = 0.73), operation time (difference in means = -0.01, 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.03; P = .53), hospital stay (differencein means = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.03; P = .52), complication rate (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.76-1.02; P = .09) and urinary leakage (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.50-2.59; P = .75). However, patients received less blood transfusion (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55-0.94; P = .01) and had less fever rates (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52-0.80; P < 0.001) in supine PCNL.
CONCLUSION
Supine PCNL has similar stone-free rate, operation time, and hospital stay relative to prone PCNL. However, the supine position has the advantage of less fever and need for blood transfusion. Although both prone and supine PCNLs are suggested for treatment, supine PCNL may have advantages especially in patients with comorbidity. .
Topics: Blood Transfusion; Humans; Kidney Calculi; Nephrostomy, Percutaneous; Operative Time; Patient Positioning; Prone Position; Supine Position
PubMed: 27734421
DOI: No ID Found