-
World Neurosurgery Jan 2022The mechanisms of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) development, formation, and progress are still poorly understood. By gaining more knowledge about the molecular...
BACKGROUND
The mechanisms of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) development, formation, and progress are still poorly understood. By gaining more knowledge about the molecular signature of bAVM in relation to hemorrhage, we might be able to find biomarkers associated with this serious complication, which can function as a goal for further research and can be a potential target for gene therapy.
AIMS
To provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular signature of bAVM-related hemorrhage We conducted a systematic review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, of articles published in Embase, Medline, Cochrane central, Scopus, and Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang).
SUMMARY OF REVIEW
Our search identified 3944 articles, of which 3108 remained after removal of duplicates. After title, abstract, and full-text screening, 31 articles were included for analysis. The results show an overview of molecular characteristics. Several genetic polymorphisms are identified that increase the risk of bAVM rupture by increasing the expression of certain inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-17A, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α), NOTCH pathways, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor-α.
CONCLUSIONS
Several molecular factors are associated with the risk of bAVM-related hemorrhage. These factors are associated with increased inflammation on the cellular level and changes in the endothelium leading to instability of the vessel wall. Further investigation of these biomarkers regarding hemorrhage rates, together with their relationship with noninvasive diagnostic methods, should be a goal of future studies to improve the patient specific risk estimation and future treatment options.
Topics: Arteriovenous Fistula; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Humans; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations; Polymorphism, Genetic
PubMed: 34687935
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.10.114 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Feb 2024To identify and critically appraise literature on true brachial artery aneurysm, exploring its demographic characteristics, aetiologies, clinical manifestations and...
OBJECTIVE
To identify and critically appraise literature on true brachial artery aneurysm, exploring its demographic characteristics, aetiologies, clinical manifestations and different methods of repair along with complication rates to determine future treatment strategies.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from September 30, 2021, to November 30, 2022, in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Literature was searched on MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for relevant studies in English language or with English translation published till May 31, 2022. The key words used for the search were "brachial artery aneurysm". Data was noted on a proforma and was subjected to descriptive analysis.
RESULTS
Of 113 articles, 6 (5.3%) were retrospective studies, 7 (6.1%) were case series and 100 (88.4%) were case reports. The total number of patients involved was 157 with mean age 43.1±23.4 years (range: 2 months to 84 years). The gender was mentioned for 152(96.8%) patients; 111(73%) males and 41(27%) females. The mean diameter of true brachial artery aneurysm was 36.2 ±17.5mm and 106(67.5%) patients presented with localised swelling, 65(41.4%) with pain, 41(26.1%) with distal ischaemic symptoms, and 28(17.8%) with median nerve compression. True brachial artery aneurysms were more common in renal failure patients having a history of arteriovenous fistula creation in the affected limb and were on immunosuppressant drugs due to renal transplant 81(51.5%). Less common causes included primary/idiopathic 27(17.1%), trauma 13(8.2%), connective tissue disorders 8(5%) and vasculitis 7(4.5%). The treatment of choice was aneurysmectomy in 142(90.4%) cases, with revascularisation of limb primarily with reversed great saphenous vein graft 79(50.3 %), followed by end-to-end anastomosis of brachial artery 17(10.8%) and synthetic grafting 17(10.8%). Endovascular intervention was performed in 6(3.8%) cases to exclude true brachial artery aneurysm, and to re-establish adequate blood flow to the associated limb.
CONCLUSION
True brachial artery aneurysm, although a rarity, may lead to significant neurological and vascular problems if ignored. Arteriovenous fistula and immunosuppression are identified as two significant risk factors in the development of true brachial artery aneurysm. Therefore, an effective long-term follow up in renal failure patients is recommended to prevent its complications. Open surgical repair has been the most preferred mode of treatment, but further significant studies are needed to explore and compare different modes of surgical intervention, like open versus endovascular, to plan future treatment strategies.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Brachial Artery; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Aneurysm; Arteriovenous Fistula; Renal Insufficiency
PubMed: 38419237
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.9042 -
Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences Aug 2018There is uncertainty as to the best management of arteriovenous malformations of the brain (bAVM). However, the Spetzler-Martin grade (SMG) has been validated as an... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
There is uncertainty as to the best management of arteriovenous malformations of the brain (bAVM). However, the Spetzler-Martin grade (SMG) has been validated as an effective determinant of surgical risks. We performed a systematic review for the best evidence regarding the management of bAVM for series that incorporate an analysis based upon SMG.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched for series between January 2000 and January 2018, with a minimum of 100 cases and that incorporated SMG stratification. From this primary search, series were selected for analysis that dichotomized outcomes at modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores between 1 and 2 due to complications of treatment or reported favorable outcome (FO) (i.e. complete occlusion, no neurological deterioration and no post treatment hemorrhage). Case series that used a subset of the population other than SMG or had a prior history of hemorrhage were excluded. The series finally analyzed were explored for outcomes that reported: complications of treatment that led to a new permanent neurological deficit with mRS score >1 (adverse outcome); post treatment hemorrhage; occlusion rate; and FO. A comparison of treatment outcomes was made when more than one modality of treatment (surgery, radiosurgery, embolization or multiple treatment modalities) could be examined with results for specific Spetzler-Ponce class (SPC) A (i.e. SMG I and II), B (i.e. SMG III) or C (i.e. SMG IV and V).
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The primary search produced 116 papers. After reviewing each publication and eliminating papers that had patient outcomes duplicated, 11 publications met the criteria for analysis (including: 5 exclusively surgery; 4 exclusively radiosurgery; 1 exclusively endovascular; and, 1 multi-modality). The following outcome comparisons analyzed were significant. For SPC A and B bAVM, there was a significantly higher rate of FO following treatment by surgery (98.6%; 95% CI: 97.5-99.2% and 76.4%; 95% CI: 70.0-81.7%, respectively) than radiosurgery (70.8%; 95% CI: 66.8-74.6% and 61.0%; 95% CI: 56.0-65.8%, respectively)(P<0.01). For SPC A and B bAVM, there were significantly fewer unobliterated bAVM following treatment by surgery (0.5%; 95% CI: 0.2-1.4% and 3.0%; 95% CI: 1.4-5.8%, respectively) than radiosurgery (23.9%; 95% CI: 20.4-27.8% and 30.9%; 95% CI: 27.9-34.0%, respectively) or embolization (7.6%; 95% CI: 4.3-12.9% SPC A) (P<0.01). Adverse outcomes from treatment were significantly higher for surgery (15.6%; 95% CI: 11.8-20.0%) than radiosurgery (3.3%; 95% CI: 2.3-4.8%) for SPC B (P<0.01) but not SPC A bAVM. No analysis of SPC C was possible.
CONCLUSIONS
Surgery remains, in general, the best choice for treating SPC A bAVM. For SPC B bAVM the decision as to best treatment should hinge on the likelihood of obliteration by radiosurgery. In cases where obliteration rate is expected to be high, radiosurgery should be the preferred treatment. There is insufficient information to make a recommendation from this analysis with regards the role of embolization for cure. There is no satisfactory standardized treatment for SPC C bAVM and treatment must remain individualized.
Topics: Arteriovenous Fistula; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations
PubMed: 29444560
DOI: 10.23736/S0390-5616.18.04370-9 -
Vascular Specialist International Sep 2018There is currently debate if brachio-basilic vein fistula (BBVF) should be performed as a one-stage or two-stage procedure. The aim of the present study was to perform a... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
There is currently debate if brachio-basilic vein fistula (BBVF) should be performed as a one-stage or two-stage procedure. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on BBVF staging.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
On February 25, 2016, a search for randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) on BBVF procedures was performed in MEDLINE and Scopus databases. Meta-analyses were performed with fixed-effect or random-effects models as appropriate with risk ratios (RRs). The primary efficacy and safety outcome measures were BBVF maturation and development of complications, respectively. Specific types of complications, including loss of functional secondary patency and long-term complications were all secondary outcome measures.
RESULTS
We identified three RCTs reporting on 126 patients. Maturation failure of two-stage BBVFs (3/47, 6.4%) was less frequent than one-stage BBVFs (16/79, 20.3%; RR, 0.27; P=0.02). Complication rates of two-stage and one-stage BBVFs were similar (RR, 0.80; P=0.54), but on sensitivity analysis these were less likely to occur with two-stage BBVFs (37% vs. 69% for one-stage BBVFs; RR, 0.57; P=0.03). Two-stage BBVFs were less likely to lose their functional secondary patency (21.3% vs. 31.6% for one-stage BBVFs; RR, 0.61; P=0.11). This non-significant trend became significant (RR, 0.36; P=0.02) on sensitivity analysis. There was no difference in specific complication rates of the two study groups.
CONCLUSION
Among candidates for BBVF fistula, there is evidence to suggest that two-stage BBVFs achieve higher maturation rates compared to one-stage BBVFs. The evidence for difference in long-term secondary patency is less robust, calling for further research.
PubMed: 30310807
DOI: 10.5758/vsi.2018.34.3.51 -
Cureus May 2022An endovascular arteriovenous fistula is a recent technological advancement in hemodialysis vascular access. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to... (Review)
Review
An endovascular arteriovenous fistula is a recent technological advancement in hemodialysis vascular access. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of endovascular arteriovenous fistula (eAVF) creation compared with surgical arteriovenous fistula (sAVF) creation among patients with chronic kidney disease. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Clinical Trials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform until May 2021 to perform meta-analyses using random-effects models. Pre-specified primary outcomes were fistula maturation, procedure-related complications, and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were procedural technical success, procedure time, all adverse events, and medical expenditure. The risk of bias in non-randomized studies of the interventions assessment tool, and the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach were used to assess the quality of individual studies and the body of evidence, respectively. In seven studies including 860 patients, endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation had little to no effect on fistula maturation (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence intervals, 0.05 to 6.91). Meta-analysis could not be performed for procedure-related complications and patient satisfaction due to insufficient data. For secondary outcomes, endovascular arteriovenous fistula resulted in a slight to no difference in procedural technical success (odds ratio, 0.69: 95% confidence intervals, 0.04 to 11.98) and all adverse events (odds ratio, 6.31; 95% confidence intervals, 0.64 to 62.22). Endovascular fistula creation incurred less medical expenditure than sAVF (mean difference, USD 12760; 95% confidence intervals, -19710 to -5820). Meta-analysis for procedure time was not performed because one of the studies had a critical risk of bias. All of these outcomes were of low certainty of evidence or very low certainty of evidence. There was limited evidence for supporting endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation over conventional surgical arteriovenous fistula creation for patients with chronic kidney disease. Multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of eAVFs in selected populations.
PubMed: 35733463
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25091 -
Archives of Academic Emergency Medicine 2024Pain experienced during the insertion of a catheter into the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are prevalent issues among Hemodialysis (HD)... (Review)
Review
The Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender on Pain of Needle Insertion and Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Pain experienced during the insertion of a catheter into the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are prevalent issues among Hemodialysis (HD) patients. The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the findings from randomized clinical trial (RCT) studies examining the impact of aromatherapy with lavender on the pain associated with AVF catheter insertion and RLS in HD patients.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar search engine from inception to August 1, 2022, using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings, such as "Aromatherapy", "Lavender", "Arteriovenous fistula", "Pain", "Restless legs syndrome", and "Hemodialysis".
RESULTS
Finally, eleven articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that aromatherapy reduced the average pain of catheter insertion in AVF compared to the control group (Standard Mean Difference: -1.60, 95% Confidence Interval: -2.32 to -0.87, Z=4.32, I:90.3%, P<0.001). Also, aromatherapy massage reduced the average severity of RLS compared to the control group, which was statistically significant (Weighted Mean Difference: -13.21, 95% Confidence Interval: -17.50 to -8.91, Z=6.03, I:93.0%, P<0.001). Also, the subgroup analysis showed that lavender in the intervention group significantly decreased the pain intensity compared to the "no intervention" group (P<0.001), yet it was not significant compared to the placebo group (P=0.12).
CONCLUSION
In summary, the findings indicate a notable reduction in catheter insertion pain in AVF and relief from RLS among HD patients through the use of lavender essential oil. As a result, future research is encouraged to include a comparison of lavender's effects with those of a placebo group.
PubMed: 38022715
DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v12i1.2071 -
World Neurosurgery: X Jul 2023Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) represent a group of rare, abnormal arteriovenous communications between the carotid arterial system and the cavernous sinuses (CS).... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) represent a group of rare, abnormal arteriovenous communications between the carotid arterial system and the cavernous sinuses (CS). CCFs often produce ophthalmologic symptoms related to increased CS pressures and retrograde venous drainage of the eye. Although endovascular occlusion remains the preferred treatment for symptomatic or high-risk CCFs, most of the data for these lesions is limited to small, single-center series. As such, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating endovascular occlusions of CCFs to determine any differences in clinical outcomes based on presentation, fistula type, and treatment paradigm.
METHOD
A retrospective review of all studies discussing the endovascular treatment of CCFs published through March 2023 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases. A total of 36 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Data from the selected articles were extracted and analyzed using Stata software version 14.
RESULTS
1494 patients were included. 55.08% were female and the mean age of the cohort was 48.10 years. A total number of 1516 fistulas underwent endovascular treatment, 48.05% of which were direct and 51.95% of which were indirect. 87.17% of CCFs were secondary to a known trauma while 10.18% were spontaneous. The most common presenting symptoms were 89% exophthalmos (95% CI: 78.0-100.0; I = 75.7%), 84% chemosis (95% CI: 79.0-88.0; I = 91.6%), 79% proptosis (95% CI: 72.0-86.0; I = 91.8%), 75.0% bruits (95% CI: 67.0-82.0; I = 90.7%), 56% diplopia (95% CI: 42.0-71.0; I = 92.3%), 49% cranial nerve palsy (95% CI: 32.0-66.0; I = 95.1%), 39% visual decline (95% CI: 32.0-45.0; I = 71.4%), 32% tinnitus (95% CI: 6.0-58.0; I = 96.7%), 29% elevated intraocular pain (95% CI: 22.0-36.0; I = 0.0%), 31% orbital or pre-orbital pain (95% CI: 14.0-48.0; I = 89.9%) and 24% headache (95% CI: 13.0-34.0; I = 74.98%). Coils, balloons, and stents were the three most used embolization methods respectively. Immediate complete occlusion of the fistula was seen in 68% of cases and complete remission was seen in 82%. Recurrence of CCF occurred in only 35% of the patients. Cranial nerve paralysis after treatment was observed in 7% of the cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Exophthalmos, Chemosis, proptosis, bruits, cranial nerve palsy, diplopia, orbital and periorbital pain, tinnitus, elevated intraocular pressure, visual decline and headache are the most common clinical manifestations of CCFs. The majority of endovascular treatments involved coiling, balloons and onyx and a high percentage of CCF patients experienced complete remission with the improvement of their clinical symptoms.
PubMed: 37223772
DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2023.100189 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Aug 2016Many patients using haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) require arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) or grafts. Patency can be variable, and this systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Many patients using haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) require arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) or grafts. Patency can be variable, and this systematic review aimed to determine the effects of adjuvant drug treatment on the patency of AVFs and grafts.
METHODS
The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group searched the Specialised Register and CENTRAL for all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of active drug versus placebo on patency. The primary outcome was fistula or graft patency rate. The odds ratio (OR) was used as the measure of effect for each outcome. If several trials assessed the same adjuvant therapy then a meta-analysis was conducted using a Mantel-Haenszel model.
RESULTS
Fifteen trials were deemed suitable for inclusion, investigating nine drug treatments in 2,230 participants. Overall, the quality of evidence was low. Three trials compared ticlopidine (a platelet aggregation inhibitor) versus placebo and favoured active treatment (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.82; p = .009). Three RCTs assessed aspirin versus placebo and did not show a statistical benefit (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.07-2.25; p = .30). Two trials compared clopidogrel with placebo. The overall result did not favour treatment (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.19; p = .10). Three trials evaluated human type-I pancreatic elastase but did not provide evidence of improved patency (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.42-1.32; p = .31). Finally, two RCTs assessed fish oil and did not favour treatment (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.03-1.95; p = .18). Single trials comparing dipyridamole alone, dipyridamole plus aspirin, and sulfinpyrazone against placebo favoured active treatment but a meta-analysis could not be undertaken. Finally, a single trial of warfarin versus placebo found warfarin resulted in increased complications and worse patency rates.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review has not demonstrated a beneficial effect for any adjuvant treatment to increase the patency of AVF or grafts in the short term, except ticlopidine which has been taken off the market.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Hematologic Agents; Humans; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Vascular Grafting; Vascular Patency
PubMed: 27289558
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2016.04.016 -
The Journal of Vascular Access Jan 2021The aim of the present study was to perform cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses comparing endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation to surgical arteriovenous... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the present study was to perform cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses comparing endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation to surgical arteriovenous fistula creation in hemodialysis patients from the National Healthcare Service (NHS) perspective in Italy.
METHODS
A systematic literature review has been conducted to retrieve complications' rates after arteriovenous fistula creation procedures. One study comparing endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation, performed with WavelinQ device, to the surgical approach through propensity score matching was preferred to single-arm investigations to execute the economic evaluations. This study was chosen to populate a Markov model to project, on a time horizon of 1 year, quality adjusted life years and costs associated with endovascular arteriovenous fistula (WavelinQ) and surgical arteriovenous fistula options for both cohorts of incident and prevalent hemodialysis patients.
RESULTS
For both incident and prevalent hemodialysis patients, endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation, performed with WavelinQ, was the dominant strategy over surgical arteriovenous fistula approach, showing less cost and better patients' quality of life. Compared to the current scenario, progressively increasing utilization rates of WavelinQ over surgical arteriovenous fistula creation in the next 5 years in incident hemodialysis patients are expected to save globally 30-36 million euros to the NHS.
CONCLUSION
Endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation performed with WavelinQ could be a cost-saving strategy in comparison with the surgical approach for patients in hemodialysis. Future studies comparing different devices for endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation versus the surgical option would be needed to confirm or reject the validity of this preliminary evaluation. In the meantime, decision-makers can use these results to take decisions on the diffusion of endovascular procedures in Italy.
Topics: Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Budgets; Clinical Decision-Making; Cost Savings; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Decision Support Techniques; Endovascular Procedures; Health Care Costs; Humans; Italy; Markov Chains; Models, Economic; National Health Programs; Renal Dialysis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32425096
DOI: 10.1177/1129729820921021 -
Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and... Jun 2019Patients with iatrogenic iliac arteriovenous fistulas (IAVFs) after lumbar discectomy surgeries (LDSs) from our hospital and the published literature were reviewed in... (Review)
Review
Patients with iatrogenic iliac arteriovenous fistulas (IAVFs) after lumbar discectomy surgeries (LDSs) from our hospital and the published literature were reviewed in order to better understand this clinical phenomenon. Literature from databases about iatrogenic IAVFs after LDSs were retrieved and a patient from our hospital was reviewed with emphasis placed upon the patient's clinical data. From 31 publications and studies of 44 individuals' data, the study revealed L4-L5 and/or L5-S1 intervertebral space levels were mostly involved (62.0%). Most of the patients underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) and/or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examinations to confirm the potential diagnosis and rule out other differential diagnosis (86.4%). Most of the patients (63.6%) developed features of high output heart failure months to years after the LDSs, and the majority of them (88.6%) were treated with endovascular repairs. An iatrogenic IAVF after an LDS is a rare occurrence; however, more attention should be paid to it for the purpose of obtaining accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
PubMed: 31367570
DOI: 10.21037/qims.2019.05.12