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Pharmacology Research & Perspectives Oct 2022The misattribution of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) as a symptom or illness can lead to the prescribing of additional medication, referred to as a prescribing cascade....
The misattribution of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) as a symptom or illness can lead to the prescribing of additional medication, referred to as a prescribing cascade. The aim of this systematic review is to identify published prescribing cascades in community-dwelling adults. A systematic review was reported in line with the PRISMA guidelines and pre-registered with PROSPERO. Electronic databases (Medline [Ovid], EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) and grey literature sources were searched. Inclusion criteria: community-dwelling adults; risk-prescription medication; outcomes-initiation of new medicine to "treat" or reduce ADR risk; study type-cohort, cross-sectional, case-control, and case-series studies. Title/abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were conducted independently in duplicate. A narrative synthesis was conducted. A total of 101 studies (reported in 103 publications) were included. Study sample sizes ranged from 126 to 11 593 989 participants and 15 studies examined older adults specifically (≥60 years). Seventy-eight of 101 studies reported a potential prescribing cascade including calcium channel blockers to loop diuretic (n = 5), amiodarone to levothyroxine (n = 5), inhaled corticosteroid to topical antifungal (n = 4), antipsychotic to anti-Parkinson drug (n = 4), and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to urinary incontinence drugs (n = 4). Identified prescribing cascades occurred within three months to one year following initial medication. Methodological quality varied across included studies. Prescribing cascades occur for a broad range of medications. ADRs should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with new symptoms, particularly older adults and those who started a new medication in the preceding 12 months.
Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Aged; Antifungal Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Humans; Independent Living; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; Thyroxine
PubMed: 36123967
DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1008 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery; it is associated with morbidity and mortality. We undertook this review... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery; it is associated with morbidity and mortality. We undertook this review to compare the effects of rhythm vs. rate control in this population.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL to March 2023. We included randomized trials and observational studies comparing rhythm to rate control in cardiac surgery patients with POAF. We used a random-effects model to meta-analyze data and rated the quality of evidence using GRADE.
RESULTS
From 8,110 citations, we identified 8 randomized trials (990 patients). Drug regimens used for rhythm control included amiodarone in four trials, other class III anti-arrhythmics in one trial, class I anti-arrhythmics in four trials and either a class I or III anti-arrhythmic in one trial. Rhythm control compared to rate control did not result in a significant difference in length of stay (mean difference -0.8 days; 95% CI -3.0 to +1.4, I = 97%), AF recurrence within 1 week (130 events; risk ratio [RR] 1.1; 95%CI 0.6-1.9, I = 54%), AF recurrence up to 1 month (37 events; RR 0.9; 95%CI 0.5-1.8, I = 0%), AF recurrence up to 3 months (10 events; RR 1.0; 95%CI 0.3-3.4, I = 0%) or mortality (25 events; RR 1.6; 95%CI 0.7-3.5, I = 0%). Effect measures from seven observational studies (1428 patients) did not differ appreciably from those in randomized trials.
CONCLUSIONS
Although atrial fibrillation is common after cardiac surgery, limited low-quality data guide its management. Limited available evidence suggests no clear advantage to either rhythm or rate control. A large-scale randomized trial is needed to inform this important clinical question.
PubMed: 37445569
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134534 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022To evaluate the efficiency of amiodarone in preventing the occurrence of reperfusion ventricular fibrillation (RVF) after aortic cross-clamp (ACC) release in patients...
Effectiveness of Amiodarone in Preventing the Occurrence of Reperfusion Ventricular Fibrillation After the Release of Aortic Cross-Clamp in Open-Heart Surgery Patients: A Meta-Analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficiency of amiodarone in preventing the occurrence of reperfusion ventricular fibrillation (RVF) after aortic cross-clamp (ACC) release in patients undergoing open-heart surgery.
METHODS
We searched the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed databases through January 2021 for relevant studies addressing the efficacy of amiodarone in preventing RVF after ACC release in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A complete statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to express the results of dichotomous outcomes using random or fixed-effect models. The chi-square test and test were used to calculate heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Seven studies (856 enrolled patients; 311 in the amiodarone group, 268 in the lidocaine group, and 277 in the placebo group) were selected for the meta-analysis. The incidence of RVF was significantly decreased in the amiodarone group compared to the placebo group (RR = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.50-0.94, = 0.02). However, amiodarone and lidocaine did not confer any significant difference (RR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.61-1.59, = 0.94). The percentage of patients requiring electric defibrillation counter shocks (DCSs) did not confer any significant difference between patients administered amiodarone and lidocaine or placebo (RR = 1.58, 95%CI: 0.29-8.74, = 0.60; RR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.27-1.10, = 0.09; respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Amiodarone is more effective than a placebo in preventing RVF after ACC release in cardiac surgery. However, the amiodarone group required the same number of electrical DCSs to terminate RVF as the lidocaine or placebo groups.
PubMed: 35187132
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.821938 -
Current Cardiology Reviews 2022Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia (JET) is an arrhythmia originating from the AV junction, which may occur following congenital heart surgery, especially when the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia (JET) is an arrhythmia originating from the AV junction, which may occur following congenital heart surgery, especially when the intervention is near the atrioventricular junction.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the effectiveness of amiodarone, dexmedetomidine, and magnesium in preventing JET following congenital heart surgery.
METHODS
This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, where 11 electronic databases were searched from the date of inception to August 2020. The incidence of JET was calculated with the relative risk of 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Quality assessment of the included studies was assessed using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 statement.
RESULTS
Eleven studies met the predetermined inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Amiodarone, dexmedetomidine, and magnesium significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative JET [Amiodarone: risk ratio 0.34; I2= 0%; Z=3.66 (P=0.0002); 95% CI 0.19-0.60. Dexmedetomidine: risk ratio 0.34; I2= 0%; Z=4.77 (P<0.00001); 95% CI 0.21-0.52. Magnesium: risk ratio 0.50; I2= 24%; Z=5.08 (P<0.00001); 95% CI 0.39-0.66].
CONCLUSION
All three drugs have shown promising results in reducing the incidence of JET. Our systematic review found that dexmedetomidine is better in reducing the length of ICU stays as well as mortality. In addition, dexmedetomidine also has the least pronounced side effects among the three. However, it should be noted that this conclusion was derived from studies with small sample sizes. Therefore, dexmedetomidine may be considered as the drug of choice for preventing JET.
Topics: Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Dexmedetomidine; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Tachycardia, Ectopic Junctional
PubMed: 34082685
DOI: 10.2174/1573403X17666210603113430 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation has shown different results in comparison with standard defibrillation in the treatment...
INTRODUCTION
Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation has shown different results in comparison with standard defibrillation in the treatment of refractory ventricular fibrillation (RVF). This review aims to compare the advantages of DSED with standard defibrillation in the treatment of refractory ventricular fibrillation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to May 1, 2022. Studies included adult patients who developed RVF. The study used random-effects and fixed-effects models for meta-analysis, which was reported by risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), mean difference (MD), or standardized mean difference (SMD). The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Robins-I tool for observational studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (ROB-2) tool for clinical trials. Primary outcomes included the termination of RVF, prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital admission, survival to hospital discharge, and good neurological recovery. Secondary outcomes included age, total defibrillation attempts, emergency medical system arrival time, and dose of epinephrine and amiodarone used.
RESULTS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, 10 studies containing 1347 patients with available data on treatment outcomes were included. The pooled estimate was (RR 1.03, 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.19; = 0.42, = 0.678 > 0.05) for Termination of RVF, (RR 0.84, 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.11; = 1.23, = 0.219 > 0.05) for ROSC, (RR 0.86, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.06; = 1.4, = 0.162 > 0.05) for survival to hospital admission, (RR 0.77, 95%CI, 0.52 to 1.15; = 1.26, = 0.206 > 0.05) for survival to hospital discharge, (RR 0.65, 95%CI, 0.35 to 1.22; = 1.33, = 0.184 > 0.05) for good neurologic recovery, (MD -1.01, 95%CI, -3.07 to 1.06; = 0.96, = 0.34 > 0.05) for age, (MD 2.27, 95%CI, 1.80 to 2.73; = 9.50, = 0.001 < 0.05) for total defibrillation attempts, (MD 1.10, 95%CI, -0.45 to 66; = 1.39, = 0.16 > 0.05) for emergency medical system arrival time, (SMD 0.34, 95%CI, 0.17 to 0.50; = 4.04, = 0.001 < 0.05) for epinephrine, and (SMD -0.30, 95%CI, -0.65 to -0.05; = 1.66, = 0.1 > 0.05) for amiodarone.
CONCLUSION
We discovered no differences between DSED and standard defibrillation in termination of RVF, prehospital return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital admission, survival to hospital discharge, good neurological outcome, emergency medical system arrival time, and amiodarone doses in patients with RVF. There were some differences in the number of defibrillations and epinephrine doses utilized during resuscitation.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=329354], identifier [CRD42022329354].
PubMed: 36505388
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1017935 -
Drugs & Aging Feb 2023Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can lead to medication-related harm, and the older population is at greatest risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can lead to medication-related harm, and the older population is at greatest risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate DDI prevalence and identify common DDIs in older community-dwelling adults.
METHODS
PubMed and EMBASE were searched for observational studies published between 01/01/2010 and 10/05/2021 reporting DDI prevalence in community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 65 years. Nursing home and inpatient hospital studies were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with logit transformation. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q and I. DDI prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are presented. All analyses were performed in R (version 4.1.2).
RESULTS
There were 5144 unique articles identified. Thirty-three studies involving 17,011,291 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 65 years met inclusion criteria. Thirty-one studies reported DDI prevalence at the study-participant level, estimates ranged from 0.8% to 90.6%. The pooled DDI prevalence was 28.8% (95% CI 19.3-40.7), with significant heterogeneity (p < 0.10; I = 100%; tau = 2.13) largely explained by the different DDI identification methods. Therefore, 26 studies were qualitatively synthesised and seven studies were eligible for separate meta-analyses. In a meta-analysis of three studies (N = 1122) using Micromedex, pooled DDI prevalence was 57.8% (95% CI 52.2-63.2; I = 69.6%, p < 0.01). In a meta-analysis of two studies (N = 809,113) using Lexi-Interact, pooled DDI prevalence was 30.3% (95% CI 30.2-30.4; I = 6.8%). In a meta-analysis of two studies (N = 947) using the 2015 American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria, pooled DDI prevalence was 16.6% (95% CI 5.6-40.2; I = 97.5%, p < 0.01). Common DDIs frequently involved cardiovascular drugs, including ACE inhibitor-potassium-sparing diuretic; amiodarone-digoxin; and amiodarone-warfarin.
CONCLUSIONS
DDIs are prevalent among older community-dwelling individuals; however, the methodology used to estimate these events varies considerably. A standardised methodology is needed to allow meaningful measurement and comparison of DDI prevalence.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Independent Living; Prevalence; Drug Interactions; Nursing Homes; Skilled Nursing Facilities
PubMed: 36692678
DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-01001-5 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery May 2024To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intraoperative intravenous amiodarone for arrhythmia prevention in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The efficacy and safety of intraoperative intravenous amiodarone in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a systemic review and PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intraoperative intravenous amiodarone for arrhythmia prevention in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients.
METHODS
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wan Fang database until July 1th, 2023. The primary outcomes of interest included the incidences of intra- and post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF), ventricular fibrillation, or any arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular contraction, and sinus bradycardia. For continuous and dichotomous variables, treatment effects were calculated as the weighted mean difference (WMD)/risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
A database search yielded 7 randomized controlled trials including 608 patients, where three studies, including three treatments (amiodarone, lidocaine, and saline), contributed to the clinical outcome of atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, or any arrhythmia. Meta-analysis demonstrated that amiodarone can significantly reduce the incidence of POAF (RR, 0.39; 95%CI: 0.20, 0.77; P = 0.007, I = 0%) in patients undergoing on-pump CABG; there was no statistically significant influence on intra-operative atrial fibrillation, intra- and post-operative ventricular fibrillation, or any arrhythmia.
CONCLUSIONS
The current study suggests that intraoperative administration of intravenous amiodarone may be safe and effective in preventing POAF in patients undergoing on-pump CABG. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate this result.
Topics: Humans; Amiodarone; Coronary Artery Bypass; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Intraoperative Care; Administration, Intravenous; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38702789
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02732-9 -
Journal of Cardiology Jun 2019Amiodarone, which inhibits CYP2C9 and P-glycoprotein, is commonly prescribed with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and polypharmacy in high-risk... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants with amiodarone, P-glycoprotein inhibitors, or polypharmacy in patients with atrial fibrillation: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Amiodarone, which inhibits CYP2C9 and P-glycoprotein, is commonly prescribed with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and polypharmacy in high-risk atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. We studied efficacy and safety of NOACs in AF patients receiving amiodarone, P-glycoprotein inhibitor, or polypharmacy.
METHODS
After a systematic database search (Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science), four phase-III randomized trials comparing NOACs and warfarin in "with/without amiodarone," "with/without P-glycoprotein inhibitors," or "with/without multiple (≥5, polypharmacy) concomitant drugs" subgroups were included. The outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model to determine the relative risks (RRs) for stroke/systemic thromboembolism (SSTE), major bleeding (MB), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
Among patients taking amiodarone, superiority of NOACs over warfarin in non-amiodarone users disappeared in terms of SSTE (p=0.11), MB (p=0.95), ICH (p=0.26), and mortality (p=0.32). No safety benefit (MB) of NOACs compared to warfarin was shown in patients taking P-glycoprotein inhibitors (p=0.47), but SSTE prevention was still superior with NOACs compared to warfarin in the same patient group [RR=0.78 (0.61-0.99), p=0.04, I=11%]. In AF patients with polypharmacy, NOACs showed a lower risk of SSTE [RR=0.82 (0.71-0.96), p=0.01, I=0%] and mortality [RR=0.91 (0.83-0.99), p=0.04, I=0%], but not MB (p=0.81) compared to warfarin.
CONCLUSIONS
NOACs were equivalent to warfarin among AF patients with concomitant amiodarone use in terms of efficacy, safety, and mortality. There was no safety benefit of NOACs over warfarin in patients using polypharmacy or P-glycoprotein inhibitors.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
The protocol of this meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO under CRD42018104808 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42018104808).
Topics: ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1; Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Amiodarone; Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polypharmacy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke; Thromboembolism; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30770140
DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2018.12.018 -
BMJ Open Mar 2020The aim of this review is to summarise the latest evidence on efficacy and safety of treatments for new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in critical illness.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review is to summarise the latest evidence on efficacy and safety of treatments for new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in critical illness.
PARTICIPANTS
Critically ill adult patients who developed NOAF during admission.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES
Primary outcomes were efficacy in achieving rate or rhythm control, as defined in each study. Secondary outcomes included mortality, stroke, bleeding and adverse events.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Knowledge on 11 March 2019 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting treatment efficacy for NOAF in critically ill patients. Data were extracted, and quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
Of 1406 studies identified, 16 remained after full-text screening including two RCTs. Study quality was generally low due to a lack of randomisation, absence of blinding and small cohorts. Amiodarone was the most commonly studied agent (10 studies), followed by beta-blockers (8), calcium channel blockers (6) and magnesium (3). Rates of successful rhythm control using amiodarone varied from 30.0% to 95.2%, beta-blockers from 31.8% to 92.3%, calcium channel blockers from 30.0% to 87.1% and magnesium from 55.2% to 77.8%. Adverse effects of treatment were rarely reported (five studies).
CONCLUSION
The reported efficacy of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, magnesium and amiodarone for achieving rhythm control was highly varied. As there is currently significant variation in how NOAF is managed in critically ill patients, we recommend future research focuses on comparing the efficacy and safety of amiodarone, beta-blockers and magnesium. Further research is needed to inform the decision surrounding anticoagulant use in this patient group.
Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Adult; Amiodarone; Atrial Fibrillation; Calcium Channel Blockers; Critical Illness; Humans; Magnesium; Stroke
PubMed: 32209631
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034774 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2018To evaluate possible adverse effects and efficacy of Wenxin keli (WXKL)-amiodarone combination on heart failure complicated by ventricular arrhythmia. Nine electronic...
To evaluate possible adverse effects and efficacy of Wenxin keli (WXKL)-amiodarone combination on heart failure complicated by ventricular arrhythmia. Nine electronic literature databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, IPA, AMED, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang) were searched up to February 2018. Two authors extracted data and assessed risk of bias of the included studies independently. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs about WXKL-amiodarone combination and amiodarone alone were eligible for comparison. Thirteen trials involving 1,126 patients were included. Risk of bias was assessed as high in three studies and unclear in the remaining 10 studies. Six trials reported adverse events (AE). There was no obvious difference between WXKL-amiodarone combination group and amiodarone group in reported AEs (OR 0.64; 95%CI 0.39-1.07). The total effective rate of WXKL-amiodarone combination group was greater than that of amiodarone group (RR 1.22; 95%CI 1.16-1.29). The pooled results showed that the combination group was more effective in reducing heart rate (MD -2.25; 95%CI -2.61 to -1.88, = 0.46, = 0%), the frequency of ventricular premature complexes (MD -2.03; 95%CI -2.41 to -1.65) and QT dispersion (MD 5.59; 95%CI 3.60-7.58). The WXKL-amiodarone combination is safe and shows more protective effects on heart failure combined with ventricular arrhythmia compared with amiodarone alone. Further research is warranted, ideally involving large, prospective, rigorous trials, in order to confirm these findings.
PubMed: 29875671
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00487