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International Journal of Cardiology Sep 2022Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder that arises from mutations altering the transforming growth factor β signalling pathway. Due to the recent... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder that arises from mutations altering the transforming growth factor β signalling pathway. Due to the recent discovery of the underlying genetic mutations leading to LDS, the spectrum of characteristics and complications is not fully understood.
METHODS
Our search included five databases (Pubmed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE and google scholar) and included variations of "Loeys-Dietz Syndrome" as search terms, using all available data until February 2021. All study types were included. Three reviewers screened 1394 abstracts, of which 418 underwent full-text review and 392 were included in the final analysis.
RESULTS
We identified 3896 reported cases of LDS with the most commonly reported features and complications being: aortic aneurysms and dissections, arterial tortuosity, high arched palate, abnormal uvula and hypertelorism. LDS Types 1 and 2 share many clinical features, LDS Type 2 appears to have a more aggressive aortic disease. LDS Type 3 demonstrated an increased prevalence of mitral valve prolapse and arthritis. LDS Type 4 and 5 demonstrated a lower prevalence of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular involvement. Amongst 222 women who underwent 522 pregnancies, 4% experienced an aortic dissection and the peripartum mortality rate was 1%.
CONCLUSION
We observed that LDS is a multisystem connective tissue disorder that is associated with a high burden of complications, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Ongoing attempts to better characterise these features will allow clinicians to appropriately screen and manage these complications.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Arteries; Connective Tissue Diseases; Female; Humans; Loeys-Dietz Syndrome; Mutation; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35662564
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.05.065 -
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology... 2017We systematically reviewed the role of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in hemoptysis. Literature search was done for studies on BAE published between 1976 and 2016.... (Review)
Review
We systematically reviewed the role of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in hemoptysis. Literature search was done for studies on BAE published between 1976 and 2016. Twenty-two studies published in English, with sample size of at least 50 patients, reporting indications, technique, efficacy, and follow-up were included in the final analysis. Common indications for BAE included tuberculosis (TB), post-tubercular sequelae, bronchiectasis, and aspergillomas. Most common embolizing agent used was polyvinyl alcohol (size, 300-600 μm) with increasing use of glue in recent years. Overall immediate clinical success rate of BAE, defined as complete cessation of hemoptysis, varied from 70%-99%. However, recurrence rate remains high, ranging from 10%-57%, due to incomplete initial embolization, recanalization of previously embolized arteries, and recruitment of new collaterals. Presence of nonbronchial systemic collaterals, bronchopulmonary shunting, aspergillomas, reactivation TB, and multidrug resistant TB were associated with significantly higher recurrence rates (P < 0.05). Rate of major complications remained negligible and stable over time with median incidence of 0.1% (0%-6.6%). Despite high hemoptysis recurrence rates, BAE continues to be the first-line, minimally invasive treatment of hemoptysis in emergency settings, surgically unfit patients, or in patients with diffuse or bilateral lung disease.
Topics: Bronchial Arteries; Embolization, Therapeutic; Hemoptysis; Humans; Polyvinyl Alcohol; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28703105
DOI: 10.5152/dir.2017.16454 -
Journal of the American Heart... Apr 2022Background A relevant proportion of patients with suspected coronary artery disease undergo invasive coronary angiography showing normal or nonobstructive coronary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Background A relevant proportion of patients with suspected coronary artery disease undergo invasive coronary angiography showing normal or nonobstructive coronary arteries. However, the prevalence of coronary microvascular disease (CMD) and coronary spasm in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease remains to be determined. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of coronary CMD and coronary vasospastic angina in patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease. Methods and Results A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the prevalence of CMD and vasospastic angina in patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease was performed. Random-effects models were used to determine the prevalence of these 2 disease entities. Fifty-six studies comprising 14 427 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of CMD was 0.41 (95% CI, 0.36-0.47), epicardial vasospasm 0.40 (95% CI, 0.34-0.46) and microvascular spasm 24% (95% CI, 0.21-0.28). The prevalence of combined CMD and vasospastic angina was 0.23 (95% CI, 0.17-0.31). Female patients had a higher risk of presenting with CMD compared with male patients (risk ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.11-1.90]). CMD prevalence was similar when assessed using noninvasive or invasive diagnostic methods. Conclusions In patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease, approximately half of the cases were reported to have CMD and/or coronary spasm. CMD was more prevalent among female patients. Greater awareness among physicians of ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries is urgently needed for accurate diagnosis and patient-tailored management.
Topics: Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Vasospasm; Coronary Vessels; Female; Humans; Male; Microcirculation; Microvascular Angina; Prevalence
PubMed: 35301851
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.023207 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Sep 2018The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date summarization of available Food and Drug Administration-approved vascular closure devices (VCDs) and to analyze... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date summarization of available Food and Drug Administration-approved vascular closure devices (VCDs) and to analyze current evidence comparing individual devices with one another and with manual compression (MC). The review includes indications for use, advantages and disadvantages, safety and efficacy, and outcomes.
METHODS
A review of literature available on VCDs was conducted using PubMed and MEDLINE. Only clinical trials published within the last 10 years evaluating the efficacy of different VCDs with access obtained through common femoral artery or vein were included. All literature included in this review was published in English and used human participants.
RESULTS
The search strategy yielded 34 relevant articles. These studies included procedures ranging from diagnostic catheterizations to percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair. There is considerable heterogeneity in the studies, with a wide variety of definitions and different outcome measures. The review demonstrated that VCDs provided improvement in the patients' comfort and satisfaction as well as in the time to hemostasis and ambulation. Most studies are underpowered to show differences, but even after meta-analysis or Cochrane review, complication rates as well as safety and efficacy between devices and MC remained comparable.
CONCLUSIONS
VCDs have shown marked improvement in patients' comfort and satisfaction as well as in time to hemostasis and ambulation after percutaneous vascular procedures. According to multiple small randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and a Cochrane review, complication rates, safety and efficacy, and outcomes remain comparable between VCDs and MC (12% for VCDs vs 13% for MC). VCDs have a low incidence of major complications and high success rates, which provides convenience for the practitioner and facilitates turnover of patients. VCDs have a risk of infectious (0.6% with VCDs vs 0.2% with MC) and thrombotic complications (0.3% with VCDs vs none with MC) that is small but may be increased compared with MC. It is important to balance the goals of comfort of the patient, resources of the staff, and early ambulation against periprocedural and anatomic risk factors (ie, individualize use of VCDs to specific clinical scenarios). Users must be familiar with a device and its limitations to safely and effectively achieve hemostasis after femoral artery puncture.
Topics: Femoral Artery; Humans; Punctures; Vascular Closure Devices; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 30146036
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2018.05.019 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Jan 2022The Society for Vascular Surgery clinical practice guidelines on popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) leverage the work of a panel of experts chosen by the Society for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The Society for Vascular Surgery clinical practice guidelines on popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) leverage the work of a panel of experts chosen by the Society for Vascular Surgery to review the current world literature as it applies to PAAs to extract the most salient, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of these patients. These guidelines focus on PAA screening, indications for intervention, choice of repair strategy, management of asymptomatic and symptomatic PAAs (including those presenting with acute limb ischemia), and follow-up of both untreated and treated PAAs. They offer long-awaited evidence-based recommendations for physicians taking care of these patients.
Topics: Aneurysm; Clinical Decision-Making; Consensus; Endovascular Procedures; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Popliteal Artery; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 34023430
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.040 -
JAMA Internal Medicine Oct 2020Current clinical guidelines recommend selecting diagnostic tests for giant cell arteritis (GCA) based on pretest probability that the disease is present, but how pretest... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Current clinical guidelines recommend selecting diagnostic tests for giant cell arteritis (GCA) based on pretest probability that the disease is present, but how pretest probability should be estimated remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of symptoms, physical signs, and laboratory tests for suspected GCA.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from November 1940 through April 5, 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
Trials and observational studies describing patients with suspected GCA, using an appropriate reference standard for GCA (temporal artery biopsy, imaging test, or clinical diagnosis), and with available data for at least 1 symptom, physical sign, or laboratory test.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Screening, full text review, quality assessment, and data extraction by 2 investigators. Diagnostic test meta-analysis used a bivariate model.
MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURES
Diagnostic accuracy parameters, including positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs).
RESULTS
In 68 unique studies (14 037 unique patients with suspected GCA; of 7798 patients with sex reported, 5193 were women [66.6%]), findings associated with a diagnosis of GCA included limb claudication (positive LR, 6.01; 95% CI, 1.38-26.16), jaw claudication (positive LR, 4.90; 95% CI, 3.74-6.41), temporal artery thickening (positive LR, 4.70; 95% CI, 2.65-8.33), temporal artery loss of pulse (positive LR, 3.25; 95% CI, 2.49-4.23), platelet count of greater than 400 × 103/μL (positive LR, 3.75; 95% CI, 2.12-6.64), temporal tenderness (positive LR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.14-8.65), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate greater than 100 mm/h (positive LR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.43-6.78). Findings that were associated with absence of GCA included the absence of erythrocyte sedimentation rate of greater than 40 mm/h (negative LR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.08-0.44), absence of C-reactive protein level of 2.5 mg/dL or more (negative LR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.25-0.59), and absence of age over 70 years (negative LR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27-0.86).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This study identifies the clinical and laboratory features that are most informative for a diagnosis of GCA, although no single feature was strong enough to confirm or refute the diagnosis if taken alone. Combinations of these symptoms might help direct further investigation, such as vascular imaging, temporal artery biopsy, or seeking evaluation for alternative diagnoses.
Topics: Biopsy; Blood Sedimentation; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Physical Examination; Positron-Emission Tomography; Temporal Arteries; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 32804186
DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.3050 -
Fertility and Sterility Oct 2021To quantify the efficacy of medical management of uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and compare efficacy between different classes of medication. In addition, we... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the efficacy of medical management of uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and compare efficacy between different classes of medication. In addition, we evaluated for factors associated with treatment success and pregnancy outcomes after medical management.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Thirty-two studies representing 121 premenopausal women with medically-treated uterine AVM were identified via database searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and cited references.
INTERVENTION(S)
Medical treatment with progestins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a), methotrexate, combined hormonal contraception , uterotonics, danazol, or combination of the above.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Primary outcome of treatment success was defined as AVM resolution without subsequent procedural interventions. Secondary outcome was treatment complication (readmission or transfusion).
RESULT(S)
The overall success rate of medical management was 88% (106/121). After adjusting for clustering effects, success rates for progestin (82.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 70.1%-90.4%), GnRH-a (89.3%; 99% CI, 71.4%-96.5%) and methotrexate (90.0%; 99% CI, 55.8%-98.8%) were significantly different from the null hypothesis of 50% success. The agents with the lowest adjusted proportion of complications were progestins (10.0%; 99% CI, 3.3%-26.8%) and GnRH-a (10.7%; 99% CI, 3.5%-28.4%). No clinical factors were found to predict treatment success. Twenty-six subsequent pregnancies are described, with no reported recurrences of AVM.
CONCLUSION(S)
Medical management for uterine AVM is a reasonable approach in a well selected patient. These data should be interpreted in the context of significant publication bias.
Topics: Arteriovenous Fistula; Blood Transfusion; Clinical Decision-Making; Female; Humans; Patient Readmission; Patient Selection; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Artery; Uterus
PubMed: 34130801
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.05.095 -
Nutrients Sep 2020Matrix gla protein (MGP) is an important vitamin K-dependent inhibitor of vascular calcification. High levels of uncarboxylated, dephosphorylated MGP have been...
Matrix gla protein (MGP) is an important vitamin K-dependent inhibitor of vascular calcification. High levels of uncarboxylated, dephosphorylated MGP have been associated with vascular calcification and are responsive to vitamin K treatment. In this systematic review, we summarize the available evidence examining whether vitamin K supplementation improves surrogate measures of cardiovascular disease including artery and valve calcification, atherosclerosis and artery stiffening. Data from controlled trials of adults were obtained by searching Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Web of Science Core Collection. We identified nine randomized controlled trials for review, including trials of vitamin K or vitamin K supplementation, that assessed a surrogate measure of cardiovascular disease including arterial calcification, atherosclerosis or arterial stiffening. For each trial, the risk of bias was assessed applying Cochrane Collaboration methodology. The findings indicate that vitamin K does not consistently prevent progression of calcification, atherosclerosis or arterial stiffness. There may be some benefit in people with calcification at study entry. Studies were heterogenous, with relatively short follow-up and outcome measures were varied. While vitamin K supplementation clearly improves the carboxylation of dephosphoylated MGP, its role in mitigating vascular calcification is uncertain, based on current evidence.
Topics: Animals; Arteries; Atherosclerosis; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Cardiovascular Diseases; Databases, Factual; Dietary Supplements; Disease Progression; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vascular Calcification; Vascular Stiffness; Vitamin K; Vitamin K 2; Matrix Gla Protein
PubMed: 32977548
DOI: 10.3390/nu12102909 -
JAMA Cardiology Aug 2020Recently, the Complete vs Culprit-Only Revascularization to Treat Multivessel Disease After Early PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) for STEMI (ST-segment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Recently, the Complete vs Culprit-Only Revascularization to Treat Multivessel Disease After Early PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) for STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [MI]) (COMPLETE) trial showed that angiography-guided PCI of the nonculprit lesion with the goal of complete revascularization reduced cardiovascular (CV) death or new MI compared with PCI of the culprit lesion only in STEMI. Whether complete revascularization also reduces CV mortality is uncertain. Moreover, whether the association of complete revascularization with hard clinical outcomes is consistent when fractional flow reserve (FFR)- and angiography-guided strategies are used is unknown.
OBJECTIVE
To determine through a systematic review and meta-analysis (1) whether complete revascularization is associated with decreased CV mortality and (2) whether heterogeneity in the association occurs when FFR- and angiography-guided PCI strategies for nonculprit lesions are performed.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from database inception to September 30, 2019, was performed. Conference proceedings were also reviewed from January 1, 2002, to September 30, 2019.
STUDY SELECTION
English-language randomized clinical trials comparing complete revascularization vs culprit-lesion-only PCI in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The combined odds ratio (OR) was calculated with the random-effects model using the Mantel-Haenszel method (sensitivity with fixed-effects model). Heterogeneity was measured using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using the inverted funnel plot approach. Data were analyzed from October 2019 to January 2020.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Cardiovascular death and the composite of CV death or new MI.
RESULTS
Ten randomized clinical trials involving 7030 unique patients were included. The weighted mean follow-up time was 29.5 months. Complete revascularization was associated with reduced CV death compared with culprit-lesion-only PCI (80 of 3191 [2.5%] vs 106 of 3406 [3.1%]; OR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.48-0.99]; P = .05; fixed-effects model OR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.55-0.99]; P = .04). All-cause mortality occurred in 153 of 3426 patients (4.5%) in the complete revascularization group vs 177 of 3604 (4.9%) in the culprit-lesion-only group (OR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.67-1.05]; P = .13; I2 = 0%). Complete revascularization was associated with a reduced composite of CV death or new MI (192 of 2616 [7.3%] vs 266 of 2586 [10.3%]; OR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.55-0.87]; P = .001; fixed-effects model OR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.57-0.84]; P < .001), with no heterogeneity in this outcome when complete revascularization was performed using an FFR-guided strategy (OR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.43-1.44]) or an angiography-guided strategy (OR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.38-0.97]; P = .52 for interaction).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In patients with STEMI and multivessel disease, complete revascularization was associated with a reduction in CV mortality compared with culprit-lesion-only PCI. There was no differential association with treatment between FFR- and angiography-guided strategies on major CV outcomes.
Topics: Coronary Vessels; Humans; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
PubMed: 32432651
DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2020.1251 -
World Journal of Emergency Surgery :... Aug 2021Multiple studies regarding the use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in patients with non-compressible torso injuries and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in patients with major trauma and uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Multiple studies regarding the use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in patients with non-compressible torso injuries and uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock were recently published. To date, the clinical evidence of the efficacy of REBOA is still debated. We aimed to conduct a systematic review assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of REBOA in patients with major trauma and uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and CENTRAL up to June 2020. All randomized controlled trials and observational studies that investigated the use of REBOA compared to resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) with/without REBOA or no-REBOA were eligible. We followed the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Two authors independently extracted data and appraised the risk of bias of included studies. Effect sizes were pooled in a meta-analysis using random-effects models. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Primary outcomes were mortality, volume of infused blood components, health-related quality of life, time to haemorrhage control and any adverse effects. Secondary outcomes were improvement in haemodynamic status and failure/success of REBOA technique.
RESULTS
We included 11 studies (5866 participants) ranging from fair to good quality. REBOA was associated with lower mortality when compared to RT (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.20-0.74), whereas no difference was observed when REBOA was compared to no-REBOA (aOR 1.40; 95% CI 0.79-2.46). No significant difference in health-related quality of life between REBOA and RT (p = 0.766). The most commonly reported complications were amputation, haematoma and pseudoaneurysm. Sparse data and heterogeneity of reporting for all other outcomes prevented any estimate.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings on overall mortality suggest a positive effect of REBOA among non-compressible torso injuries when compared to RT but no differences compared to no-REBOA. Variability in indications and patient characteristics prevents any conclusion deserving further investigation. REBOA should be promoted in specific training programs in an experimental setting in order to test its effectiveness and a randomized trial should be planned.
Topics: Aorta; Balloon Occlusion; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Shock, Hemorrhagic
PubMed: 34384452
DOI: 10.1186/s13017-021-00386-9