-
Annals of Translational Medicine Jan 2018It is well-known that positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can prevent ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and improve pulmonary physiology in animals with injured... (Review)
Review
It is well-known that positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can prevent ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and improve pulmonary physiology in animals with injured lungs. It's uncertain whether PEEP has similar effects in animals with uninjured lungs. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different PEEP levels in animals with uninjured lungs was performed. Trials in animals with injured lungs were excluded, as were trials that compared ventilation strategies that also differed with respect to other ventilation settings, e.g., tidal volume size. The search identified ten eligible trials in 284 animals, including rodents and small as well as large mammals. Duration of ventilation was highly variable, from 1 to 6 hours and tidal volume size varied from 7 to 60 mL/kg. PEEP ranged from 3 to 20 cmHO, and from 0 to 5 cmHO, in the 'high PEEP' or 'PEEP' arms, and in the 'low PEEP' or 'no PEEP' arms, respectively. Definitions used for lung injury were quite diverse, as were other outcome measures. The effects of PEEP, at any level, on lung injury was not straightforward, with some trials showing less injury with 'high PEEP' or 'PEEP' and other trials showing no benefit. In most trials, 'high PEEP' or 'PEEP' was associated with improved respiratory system compliance, and better oxygen parameters. However, 'high PEEP' or 'PEEP' was also associated with occurrence of hypotension, a reduction in cardiac output, or development of hyperlactatemia. There were no differences in mortality. The number of trials comparing 'high PEEP' or 'PEEP' with 'low PEEP' or 'no PEEP' in animals with uninjured lungs is limited, and results are difficult to compare. Based on findings of this systematic review it's uncertain whether PEEP, at any level, truly prevents lung injury, while most trials suggest potential harmful effects on the systemic circulation.
PubMed: 29430442
DOI: 10.21037/atm.2017.12.05 -
Surgical Endoscopy Oct 2022It has been previously demonstrated that the rise of intra-abdominal pressures and prolonged exposure to such pressures can produce changes in the cardiovascular and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
It has been previously demonstrated that the rise of intra-abdominal pressures and prolonged exposure to such pressures can produce changes in the cardiovascular and pulmonary dynamic which, though potentially well tolerated in the majority of healthy patients with adequate cardiopulmonary reserve, may be less well tolerated when cardiopulmonary reserve is poor. Nevertheless, theoretically lowering intra-abdominal pressure could reduce the impact of pneumoperitoneum on the blood circulation of intra-abdominal organs as well as cardiopulmonary function. However, the evidence remains weak, and as such, the debate remains unresolved. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to demonstrate the current knowledge around the effect of pneumoperitoneum at different pressures levels during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis were reported according to the recommendations of the 2020 updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions.
RESULTS
This systematic review and meta-analysis included 44 randomized controlled trials that compared different pressures of pneumoperitoneum in the setting of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Length of hospital, conversion rate, and complications rate were not significantly different, whereas statistically significant differences were observed in post-operative pain and analgesic consumption. According to the GRADE criteria, overall quality of evidence was high for intra-operative bile spillage (critical outcome), overall complications (critical outcome), shoulder pain (critical outcome), and overall post-operative pain (critical outcome). Overall quality of evidence was moderate for conversion to open surgery (critical outcome), post-operative pain at 1 day (critical outcome), post-operative pain at 3 days (important outcome), and bleeding (critical outcome). Overall quality of evidence was low for operative time (important outcome), length of hospital stay (important outcome), post-operative pain at 12 h (critical outcome), and was very low for post-operative pain at 1 h (critical outcome), post-operative pain at 4 h (critical outcome), post-operative pain at 8 h (critical outcome), and post-operative pain at 2 days (critical outcome).
CONCLUSIONS
This review allowed us to draw conclusive results from the use of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with an adequate quality of evidence.
Topics: Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; Humans; Pain, Postoperative; Pneumoperitoneum; Pneumoperitoneum, Artificial; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35437642
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09201-1 -
Pulmonary Circulation 2021Several studies have suggested that exercise capacity and quality of life are reduced in patients with pulmonary hypertension, and exercise-based rehabilitation can... (Review)
Review
Several studies have suggested that exercise capacity and quality of life are reduced in patients with pulmonary hypertension, and exercise-based rehabilitation can improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of exercise-based rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to November 2018. All randomized controlled trials comparing exercise capacity and quality of life between patients undergoing exercise-based rehabilitation and those undergoing non-exercise training were included. Data were extracted separately and independently by two investigators, and discrepancies were arbitrated by the third investigator. We used the random-effects model to analyze the results, the GRADE to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, and I statistic to estimate the degree of heterogeneity. Nine randomized controlled trials are included; however, only seven randomized controlled trials were able to extract data. Including inpatients and outpatients, the total number of participants was 234, most of whom were diagnosed as pulmonary artery hypertension. The study duration ranged from 3 to 15 weeks. The mean six-minute walking distance after exercise training was 51.94 m higher than control (27.65-76.23 m, = 234, 7 randomized controlled trials, low quality evidence), the mean peak oxygen uptake was 2.96 ml/kg/min higher (2.49-3.43 ml/kg/min, = 179, 4 randomized controlled trials, low-quality evidence) than in the control group. In conclusion, our finding suggests that an exercise-based training program positively influences exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
PubMed: 34104422
DOI: 10.1177/20458940211007810 -
PloS One 2022Chinese herbs for supplementing qi and activating blood circulation (CH) combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is widely used for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Clinical efficacy of Chinese herbs for supplementing qi and activating blood circulation combined with N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Chinese herbs for supplementing qi and activating blood circulation (CH) combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is widely used for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in China, but there is a lack of literature to evaluate its efficacy and clinical value.
PURPOSE
This study compared CH + NAC with other treatments by network meta-analysis to clarify its clinical value.
METHODS
Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine were searched. Outcomes included lung function (DLCO (%), VC (%), FVC (%), FVC (L)), 6-min walking distance (6MWD), score of St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), blood gas analysis (PaO2, PaCO2). The data were analyzed by Review Manager 5.4, Stata 12.0 and ADDIS 1.16.5.
RESULTS
23 studies including 1390 patients (702 in intervention group and 688 in control group) were collected to compare 8 outcome indicators among different treatments involving CH, CH+NAC, CH+PFD, NAC, PFD and PFD+NAC on IPF. Network meta-analysis showed that CH was better than NAC in terms of DLCO (%) (MD = 5.14, 95%CI: 1.01 to 8.68) and 6MWD (MD = 49.17, 95%CI: 25.97 to 71.36) as well as PFD + NAC was better than NAC in terms of FVC (L) (MD = -0.56, 95%CI: -0.83 to -0.31). In rankings results, CH + NAC is the best in terms of FVC (%), SGRQ, PaO2 and PaCO2; CH is the best in terms of DLCO (%), VC (%) and 6MWD; CH + PFD is the best in terms of FVC (L).
CONCLUSION
CH related treatments may have advantages in the treatment of IPF and CH + NAC may have clinical application value. However, limited by the quality and quantity of researches included, more rational and scientific randomized controlled trials containing large sample sizes need to be conducted to further verify our conclusions.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Humans; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Network Meta-Analysis; Oxygen; Qi; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35245333
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265006 -
Pulmonary Circulation Apr 2022Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous condition, associated with a high symptom burden and high rates of disability. While nonprofessional caregivers are... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous condition, associated with a high symptom burden and high rates of disability. While nonprofessional caregivers are essential in helping patients live better, little is known about the impact on caregivers and support that is currently available. This review has synthesised evidence examining experiences of caregivers of adults with PH. Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were searched for all types of study design. Articles were evaluated and analysed using a Joanna Briggs Institute approach. Eight articles primarily focussed on pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic PH were identified investigating 456 caregivers from at least 10 countries. Four categories were identified describing caregiver demographics, responsibilities, impact, and support. Four integrated themes emerged identifying possible unmet needs and therapeutic targets: (1) Change, reflecting the various demands caring had on people as they attempted to balance the needs of the patient and their own; (2) Preparedness, discussing how caregivers could feel uncertain and unskilled for their duties and unsupported; (3) Isolation, with caregivers often encountering challenges to gaining information on PH turning to PH organisations and others affected for support and connection; and (4) Physical and mental demands, reflecting the multifaceted impact of caring. Findings add to the evidence demonstrating that PH can have a considerable impact on patients' support network. Providing support for caregivers of people with PH is an unmet need and may have a positive impact on patients and is an area that requires further research.
PubMed: 35514773
DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12077 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jul 2022Background In patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, initial palliation includes catheter-based patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent or surgical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stent Versus Surgical Aortopulmonary Shunt for Initial Palliation of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease with Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Background In patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, initial palliation includes catheter-based patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent or surgical aortopulmonary shunt (APS). This meta-analysis aimed to compare outcomes between PDA stent and APS. Methods and Results A comprehensive literature search yielded six retrospective observational studies. Pooled adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were included to control for covariates and assess time to event analysis. Of 757 patients, 243 (32.1%) underwent PDA stent and 514 (67.9%) underwent APS. Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and expected biventricular repair were more common with PDA stent compared with APS (39.6% versus 21.2%, <0.001 and 57.9% versus 46.6%, =0.007, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between PDA stent and APS (HR, 0.71; [95% CI, 0.26-1.93]; =0.50). PDA stent was associated with lower risk of postprocedural complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; [95% CI, 0.25-0.81]; =0.008), mechanical circulatory support (OR, 0.27; [95% CI, 0.09-0.79]; =0.02), and shorter intensive care unit length of stay (-4.03 days; [95% CI, -5.99 to -2.07]; <0.001), hospital length of stay (-5.54 days; [95% CI, -9.20 to -1.88]; =0.003), and duration of mechanical ventilation (-3.41 days; [95% CI, -5.29 to -1.52]; <0.001). There was no difference in pulmonary artery growth or hazard of unplanned reintereventions. Conclusions PDA stent has a similar hazard of mortality compared with APS. Benefits to PDA stent include shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, shorter hospital length of stay, and fewer complications. Differences in patient characteristics exist with more patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and expected biventricular repair undergoing PDA stent.
Topics: Cardiac Catheterization; Cyanosis; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Hypoxia; Pulmonary Atresia; Pulmonary Circulation; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35766251
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.024721 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022Patients with a Fontan circulation are at risk for sequelae of Fontan physiology during follow-up. Fontan physiology affects all organ systems and an overview of...
INTRODUCTION
Patients with a Fontan circulation are at risk for sequelae of Fontan physiology during follow-up. Fontan physiology affects all organ systems and an overview of end-organ damage is needed.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of abnormalities in multiple organ systems for patients with a longstanding Fontan circulation. We searched online databases for articles describing abnormalities in multiple organ systems. Cardio-pulmonary abnormalities, protein losing enteropathy, and Fontan associated liver disease have already extensively been described and were excluded from this systematic review.
RESULTS
Our search returned 5,704 unique articles. After screening, we found 111 articles relating to multiple organ systems. We found abnormalities in, among others, the nervous system, pituitary, kidneys, and musculoskeletal system. Pituitary edema-relating to the unique pituitary vasculature- may affect the thyroid axis. Renal dysfunction is common. Creatinine based renal function estimates may be inappropriate due to myopenia. Both lean muscle mass and bone mineral density are decreased. These abnormalities in multiple organ systems may be related to Fontan physiology, cyanosis, iatrogenic factors, or lifestyle.
CONCLUSIONS
Health care providers should be vigilant for hypothyroidism, visual or hearing deficits, and sleep disordered breathing in Fontan patients. We recommend including cystatin C for assessment of renal function. This review may aid health care providers and guide future research. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021232461, PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021232461.
PubMed: 35391839
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.826096 -
Journal of Cardiac Surgery Sep 2015The aim of this report was to review the exiting literature to date to inform clinical decision-making regarding the additional pulmonary blood flow at the time of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aim of this report was to review the exiting literature to date to inform clinical decision-making regarding the additional pulmonary blood flow at the time of bidirectional Glenn procedure.
Topics: Blalock-Taussig Procedure; Cohort Studies; Databases, Bibliographic; Evidence-Based Medicine; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular; Humans; Length of Stay; Pulmonary Circulation
PubMed: 26138594
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.12592 -
Transplantation Apr 2021Pulmonary artery obstruction is an uncommon but significant complication after lung transplantation. Although numerous reports have documented its occurrence, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary artery obstruction is an uncommon but significant complication after lung transplantation. Although numerous reports have documented its occurrence, the hemodynamic parameters associated with its presentation and diagnostic considerations remain ill-defined. This systematic review summarizes evidence in the literature surrounding pulmonary artery obstruction after lung transplantation surgery.
METHODS
Databases were searched for all articles and abstracts reporting on pulmonary artery obstruction. Data collected included the number of patients studied, patient characteristics, incidences of pulmonary artery obstruction, and timing and imaging modality used for diagnosis.
RESULTS
Thirty-four full-text citations were included in this review. The point prevalence of pulmonary artery obstruction was 3.66%. The peak pulmonary artery velocity associated with obstruction was found to be 2.60 ± 0.58 m/s. The diameter of the obstructed pulmonary artery predictive of poor outcomes was noted to be 0.78 ± 0.40 cm. The majority of diagnoses were made in the late postoperative period using pulmonary angiogram and transesophageal echocardiography. Overall, 76% of patients (47 of 62) required emergent procedural reintervention, and 23% of patients (14 of 62) diagnosed with pulmonary artery obstruction died during their hospital stay.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review underscores the importance of identifying pulmonary artery obstruction immediately after lung transplant surgery. The clinical implications of these results warrant the development of identification and management strategies for early detection of irregularities in pulmonary artery anastomosis in lung transplant patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Hemodynamics; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Lung Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Pulmonary Artery; Pulmonary Circulation; Reoperation; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stenosis, Pulmonary Artery; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 33760790
DOI: 10.1097/TP.0000000000003407 -
Pulmonary Circulation Sep 2016Statins improve pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy in animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, clinical trials...
Statins improve pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy in animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, clinical trials assessing the efficacy of statins in patients with PAH have reported mixed results. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess the efficacy of statins in patients with PAH. We included randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of statins in patients with PAH. Primary outcomes were mortality and change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Data are presented as odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for binary and continuous variables, respectively. We included 4 RCTs of high quality. The mean age of participants was 42 ± 13 years, and 70% were women. The statins used were simvastatin at 40-80 mg in two trials, atorvastatin 10 mg in one trial, and rosuvastatin 10 mg in the other. In the pooled-data analysis, there was no statistically significant improvement in mortality (OR: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.32-1.74]), 6MWD (WMD: -9.27 [95% CI: -27.73 to 9.20]), or cardiac index (WMD: 0.11 [95% CI: -0.04 to 0.27]) with statin therapy when compared to placebo. There was no difference in adverse events leading to withdrawal of therapy between statin and placebo groups. These data suggest that statins are not beneficial in the treatment of PAH. There is a need for large, well-conducted clinical trials assessing the effects of statins in patients with PAH. Future trials should include homogeneous patient populations and should be long-term, event-driven trials with combined morbidity and mortality end points.
PubMed: 27683606
DOI: 10.1086/687304