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European Urology Oct 2021Urethral stricture disease (USD) is initially managed with minimally invasive techniques such as urethrotomy and urethral dilatation. Minimally invasive techniques are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Urethral stricture disease (USD) is initially managed with minimally invasive techniques such as urethrotomy and urethral dilatation. Minimally invasive techniques are associated with a high recurrence rate, especially in recurrent USD. Adjunctive measures, such as local drug injection, have been used in an attempt to reduce recurrence rates.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review evidence for the efficacy and safety of adjuncts used alongside minimally invasive treatment of USD.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic review of the literature published between 1990 and 2020 was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA checklist.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
A total of 26 studies were included in the systematic review, from which 13 different adjuncts were identified, including intralesional injection (triamcinolone, n = 135; prednisolone, n = 58; mitomycin C, n = 142; steroid-mitomycin C-hyaluronidase, n = 103, triamcinolone-mitomycin C-N-acetyl cysteine, n = 50; platelet-rich plasma, n = 44), intraluminal instillation (mitomycin C, n = 20; hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose, n = 70; captopril, n = 37; 192-iridium brachytherapy, n = 10), application via a lubricated catheter (triamcinolone, n = 124), application via a coated balloon (paclitaxel, n = 106), and enteral application (tamoxifen, n = 30; deflazacort, n = 36). Overall, 13 randomised controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Use of any adjunct was associated with a lower rate of USD recurrence (odds ratio [OR] 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27-0.50; p < 0.001) compared to no adjunct use. Of all the adjuncts, mitomycin C was associated with the lowest rate of USD recurrence (intralesional injection: OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.11-0.48; p < 0.001; intraluminal injection: OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.61; p = 0.01). Urinary tract infection (2.9-14%), bleeding (8.8%), and extravasation (5.8%) were associated with steroid injection; pruritis of the urethra (61%) occurred after instillation of captopril; mild gynaecomastia (6.7%) and gastrointestinal side effects (6.7%) were associated with oral tamoxifen.
CONCLUSIONS
Adjuncts to minimally invasive treatment of USD appear to lower the recurrence rate and are associated with a low adjunct-specific complication rate. However, the studies included were at high risk of bias. Mitomycin C is the adjunct supported by the highest level of evidence.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We reviewed studies on additional therapies (called adjuncts) to minimally invasive treatments for narrowing of the urethra in men. Adjuncts such as mitomycin C injection result in a lower recurrence rate compared to no adjunct use. The use of adjuncts appeared to be safe and complications are uncommon; however, the studies were small and of low quality.
Topics: Captopril; Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Male; Mitomycin; Recurrence; Tamoxifen; Triamcinolone; Urethra; Urethral Stricture
PubMed: 34275660
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2021.06.022 -
Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences 2018We performed a systematic review on the clinical epidemiology and outcome of difficult embryo transfers (ETs) in infertility patients who present with difficult ET. We... (Review)
Review
We performed a systematic review on the clinical epidemiology and outcome of difficult embryo transfers (ETs) in infertility patients who present with difficult ET. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier journals from 1980 to June 2017. We aimed to determine the most successful method resulting in highest pregnancy rates (PRs) in patients with difficult ET. We identified 50 articles, in which 36 were reviewed and 15 were included. Analysis of the data collected showed that the majority of the difficult ETs were caused by cervical stenosis and the most common treatment was cervical dilation. We concluded that cervical dilation was effective at managing difficult ET. Hegar dilators used a minimum of 3 weeks before ET showed to have higher PR.
PubMed: 30568351
DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_59_18 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology... Dec 2020This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness and safety of camylofin compared with other antispasmodics (drotaverine, hyoscine, valethamate,... (Review)
Review
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness and safety of camylofin compared with other antispasmodics (drotaverine, hyoscine, valethamate, phloroglucinol, and meperidine) in labor augmentation. A systematic literature search until March 27, 2018, was performed, and data on the cervical dilatation rate (CDR) and duration of stages of labor reported in 39 eligible articles were analyzed using a random-effects model. CDR was significantly higher (0.38 cm/h, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10 to 0.67, = 0.007), and the duration of the first stage of labor was significantly shorter (- 41.21 minutes, 95% CI, - 77.19 to - 5.22, = 0.02) in women receiving camylofin than those receiving other antispasmodics for labor augmentation. CDR was significantly higher with camylofin compared with valethamate (0.6 cm/h, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.9, < 0.0001) and hyoscine (20 mg) (0.5 cm/h, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.8, = 0.02). The duration of the first stage of labor was significantly shorter with camylofin compared with hyoscine (20 mg) (- 59.9 min, 95% CI, - 117.9 to - 1.8, = 0.04). However, CDR and the duration of first stage of labor were not statistically different between camylofin and drotaverine groups. The percentage of women having nausea and vomiting, cervical/vaginal tear, and postpartum hemorrhage were comparable with all antispasmodics, whereas tachycardia was least reported in women receiving camylofin (3, 2.07%) than those receiving other antispasmodics. This meta-analysis demonstrated the benefit of camylofin in labor augmentation with a faster CDR and reduction in the active first stage of labor in Indian women.
PubMed: 33417640
DOI: 10.1007/s13224-020-01343-3 -
PLoS Medicine Aug 2023The optimal approach to prevent preterm birth (PTB) in twins has not been fully established yet. Recent evidence suggests that placement of cervical cerclage in twin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cervical cerclage for prevention of preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies with short cervical length or cervical dilatation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The optimal approach to prevent preterm birth (PTB) in twins has not been fully established yet. Recent evidence suggests that placement of cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies with short cervical length at ultrasound or cervical dilatation at physical examination might be associated with a reduced risk of PTB. However, such evidence is based mainly on small studies thus questioning the robustness of these findings. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the role of cervical cerclage in preventing PTB and adverse maternal or perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
Key databases searched and date of last search: MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL were searched electronically on 20 April 2023. Eligibility criteria: Inclusion criteria were observational studies assessing the risk of PTB among twin pregnancies undergoing cerclage versus no cerclage and randomized trials in which twin pregnancies were allocated to cerclage for the prevention of PTB or to a control group (e.g., placebo or treatment as usual). The primary outcome was PTB <34 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcomes were PTB <37, 32, 28, 24 weeks of gestation, gestational age at birth, the interval between diagnosis and birth, preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (pPROM), chorioamnionitis, perinatal loss, and perinatal morbidity. Subgroup analyses according to the indication for cerclage (short cervical length or cervical dilatation) were also performed. Risk of bias assessment: The risk of bias of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, while that of the observational studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Statistical analysis: Summary risk ratios (RRs) of the likelihood of detecting each categorical outcome in exposed versus unexposed women, and (b) summary mean differences (MDs) between exposed and unexposed women (for each continuous outcome), with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using head-to-head meta-analyses. Synthesis of the results: Eighteen studies (1,465 twin pregnancies) were included. Placement of cervical cerclage in women with a twin pregnancy with a short cervix at ultrasound or cervical dilatation at physical examination was associated with a reduced risk of PTB <34 weeks of gestation (RR: 0.73, 95% CI [0.59, 0.91], p = 0.005 corresponding to a 16% difference in the absolute risk, AR), <32 (RR: 0.69, 95% CI [0.57, 0.84], p < 0.001; AR: 16.92%), <28 (RR: 0.54, 95% [CI 0.43, 0.67], 0.001; AR: 18.29%), and <24 (RR: 0.48, 95% CI [0.23, 0.97], p = 0.04; AR: 15.57%) weeks of gestation and a prolonged gestational age at birth (MD: 2.32 weeks, 95% [CI 0.99, 3.66], p < 0.001). Cerclage in twin pregnancy with short cervical length or cervical dilatation was also associated with a reduced risk of perinatal loss (RR: 0.38, 95% CI [0.25, 0.60], p < 0.001; AR: 19.62%) and composite adverse outcome (RR: 0.69, 95% CI [0.53, 0.90], p = 0.007; AR: 11.75%). Cervical cerclage was associated with a reduced risk of PTB <34 weeks both in women with cervical length <15 mm (RR: 0.74, 95% CI [0.58, 0.95], p = 0.02; AR: 29.17%) and in those with cervical dilatation (RR: 0.68, 95% CI [0.57, 0.80], p < 0.001; AR: 35.02%). The association between cerclage and prevention of PTB and adverse perinatal outcomes was exclusively due to the inclusion of observational studies. The quality of retrieved evidence at GRADE assessment was low.
CONCLUSIONS
Emergency cerclage for cervical dilation or short cervical length <15 mm may be potentially associated with a reduction in PTB and improved perinatal outcomes. However, these findings are mainly based upon observational studies and require confirmation in large and adequately powered RCTs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Cerclage, Cervical; Cervix Uteri; Labor Stage, First; Pregnancy, Twin; Premature Birth
PubMed: 37535682
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004266 -
Open Heart Jul 2023Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by enzyme deficiency, leading to glycosphingolipid accumulation. Cardiac accumulation triggers local...
INTRODUCTION
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by enzyme deficiency, leading to glycosphingolipid accumulation. Cardiac accumulation triggers local tissue injury, electrical instability and arrhythmia. Bradyarrhythmia and atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence are reported in up to 16% and 13%, respectively.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review evaluating AF burden and bradycardia requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation and report any predictive risk factors identified.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search on studies in adults with FD published from inception to July 2019. Study outcomes included AF or bradycardia requiring therapy. Databases included Embase, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane. The Risk of Bias Agreement tool for Non-Randomised Studies (RoBANS) was utilised to assess bias across key areas.
RESULTS
11 studies were included, eight providing data on AF incidence or PPM implantation. Weighted estimate of event rates for AF were 12.2% and 10% for PPM. Age was associated with AF (OR 1.05-1.20 per 1-year increase in age) and a risk factor for PPM implantation (composite OR 1.03). Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was associated with AF and PPM implantation.
CONCLUSION
Evidence supporting AF and bradycardia requiring pacemaker implantation is limited to single-centre studies. Incidence is variable and choice of diagnostic modality plays a role in detection rate. Predictors for AF (age, LVH and atrial dilatation) and PPM (age, LVH and PR/QRS interval) were identified but strength of association was low. Incidence of AF and PPM implantation in FD are variably reported with arrhythmia burden likely much higher than previously thought.
PROSPERO DATABASE
CRD42019132045.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Bradycardia; Atrial Fibrillation; Fabry Disease; Incidence; Pacemaker, Artificial
PubMed: 37460269
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2023-002316 -
The European Respiratory Journal Dec 2017Paediatric airway endoscopy is accepted as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, with an expanding number of indications and applications in children. The aim of this... (Review)
Review
Paediatric airway endoscopy is accepted as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, with an expanding number of indications and applications in children. The aim of this European Respiratory Society task force was to produce a statement on interventional bronchoscopy in children, describing the evidence available at present and current clinical practice, and identifying areas deserving further investigation. The multidisciplinary task force panel performed a systematic review of the literature, focusing on whole lung lavage, transbronchial and endobronchial biopsy, transbronchial needle aspiration with endobronchial ultrasound, foreign body extraction, balloon dilation and occlusion, laser-assisted procedures, usage of airway stents, microdebriders, cryotherapy, endoscopic intubation, application of drugs and other liquids, and caregiver perspectives. There is a scarcity of published evidence in this field, and in many cases the task force had to resort to the collective clinical experience of the committee to develop this statement. The highlighted gaps in knowledge underline the need for further research and serve as a call to paediatric bronchoscopists to work together in multicentre collaborations, for the benefit of children with airway disorders.
Topics: Advisory Committees; Balloon Occlusion; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Bronchoscopy; Child; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; Europe; Foreign Bodies; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Societies, Medical
PubMed: 29242258
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00901-2017 -
Journal of Crohn's & Colitis Feb 2018Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis removes the diseased tissue in ulcerative colitis but also allows gastrointestinal continuity and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis removes the diseased tissue in ulcerative colitis but also allows gastrointestinal continuity and stoma-free living. Pouch strictures are a complication with a reported incidence of 5-38%. The three areas where pouch strictures occur are in the pouch inlet, mid-pouch and pouch-anal anastomosis.
AIM
To undertake a systematic review of the literature and to identify management strategies available for pouch-anal, mid-pouch and pre-pouch ileal strictures and their outcomes.
METHODS
A computer-assisted search of the online bibliographic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE limited to 1966 to February 2016 was performed. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, observational studies and case reports were considered. Those where data could not be extracted were excluded.
RESULTS
Twenty-two articles were considered eligible. Pouch-anal strictures have been initially managed using predominately dilators which include bougie and Hegar dilators with various surgical procedures advocated when initial dilatation fails. Mid-pouch strictures are relatively unstudied with both medical, endoscopic and surgical management reported as successful. Pouch inlet strictures can be safely managed using a combined medical and endoscopic approach.
CONCLUSION
The limited evidence available suggests that pouch-anal strictures are best treated in a stepwise fashion with initial treatment to include digital or instrumental dilatation followed by surgical revision or resection. Management of mid-pouch strictures requires a combination of medical, endoscopic and surgical management. Pouch inlet strictures are best managed using a combined medical and endoscopic approach. Future studies should compare different treatment modalities on separate stricture locations to enable an evidenced-based treatment algorithm.
Topics: Colonic Pouches; Constriction, Pathologic; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Dilatation; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Humans; Ileum
PubMed: 29155985
DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjx151 -
International Journal of Medical... 2023The members of the transmembrane emp24 domain-containing protein (TMED) family are summarized in human as four subfamilies, α (TMED 4, 9), β (TMED 2), γ (TMED1, 3, 5,... (Review)
Review
The members of the transmembrane emp24 domain-containing protein (TMED) family are summarized in human as four subfamilies, α (TMED 4, 9), β (TMED 2), γ (TMED1, 3, 5, 6, 7) and δ (TMED 10), with a total of nine members, which are important regulators of intracellular protein transport and are involved in normal embryonic development, as well as in the pathogenic processes of many human diseases. Here we systematically review the composition, structure and function of TMED family members, and describe the progress of TMED family in human diseases, including malignancies (head and neck tumors, lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, gastrointestinal tumors, urological tumors, osteosarcomas, etc.), immune responses, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, mucin 1 nephropathy (MKD), and desiccation syndrome (SS). Finally, we discuss and prospect the potential of TMED for disease prognosis prediction and therapeutic targeting, with a view to laying the foundation for therapeutic research based on TMED family causative genes.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Membrane Proteins; Protein Transport; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Vesicular Transport Proteins
PubMed: 37928880
DOI: 10.7150/ijms.87272 -
Minerva Urologica E Nefrologica = the... Jun 2018Ureteral obstructions are managed by complex surgery not always feasible for surgical field complexity or poor patient conditions. Various surgical maneuvers, as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Ureteral obstructions are managed by complex surgery not always feasible for surgical field complexity or poor patient conditions. Various surgical maneuvers, as ureteral dilation, stenting and percutaneous nephrostomy, can be offered, but they are related to considerable failure rates and negative impact on quality of life. In selected cases, the positioning of long-term expandable metallic ureteral stents (EMUSs) may be an appropriate and successful choice.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria, a systematic review of the literature was performed in July 2017 using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The search was conducted by typing the following terms: "Expandable metallic ureteral stent," "Memokath ureteral stent," "Allium ureteral stent," and "Uventa ureteral stent."
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Twenty studies reported the safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes related to the common available EMUSs. Most studies were single-arm, retrospective and involving a low number of clinical cases, resulting in significant difficulties with outlining indications and drawing conclusions. Available papers showed EMUSs offered a high rate of patency, a long duration and a good quality of life, even if they are associated with significant complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Since the first description of ureteral stents 50 years ago, we have faced a significant evolution in stent design. The current generation of EMUSs offers many advantages, but the onset of adverse effects is still significant and limits their use to selected cases. Further research should be addressed to the realization of prospective, multi-institutional randomized clinical trials to highlight indications to manage appropriately ureteral obstructions.
Topics: Humans; Stents; Ureter; Ureteral Obstruction
PubMed: 29595037
DOI: 10.23736/S0393-2249.18.03035-7 -
World Journal of Radiology Feb 2023Paraduodenal pancreatitis (PP) represents a diagnostic challenge, especially in non-referral centers, given its potential imaging overlap with pancreatic cancer. There...
BACKGROUND
Paraduodenal pancreatitis (PP) represents a diagnostic challenge, especially in non-referral centers, given its potential imaging overlap with pancreatic cancer. There are two main histological variants of PP, the cystic and the solid, with slightly different imaging appearances. Moreover, imaging findings in PP may change over time because of disease progression and/or as an effect of its risk factors exposition, namely alcohol intake and smoking.
AIM
To describe multimodality imaging findings in patients affected by PP to help clinicians in the differential diagnosis with pancreatic cancer.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses 2009 guidelines. A Literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library using (groove pancreatitis [Title/Abstract]) OR (PP [Title/Abstract]) as key words. A total of 593 articles were considered for inclusion. After eliminating duplicates, and title and abstract screening, 53 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Eligibility criteria were: Original studies including 8 or more patients, fully written in English, describing imaging findings in PP, with pathological confirmation or clinical-radiological follow-up as the gold standard. Finally, 14 studies were included in our systematic review.
RESULTS
Computed tomography (CT) findings were described in 292 patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in 231 and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) findings in 115. Duodenal wall thickening was observed in 88.8% of the cases: Detection rate was 96.5% at EUS, 91.0% at MRI and 84.1% at CT. Second duodenal portion increased enhancement was recognizable in 76.3% of the cases: Detection rate was 84.4% at MRI and 72.1% at CT. Cysts within the duodenal wall were detected in 82.6% of the cases: Detection rate was 94.4% at EUS, 81.9% at MRI and 75.7% at CT. A solid mass in the groove region was described in 40.9% of the cases; in 78.3% of the cases, it showed patchy enhancement in the portal venous phase, and in 100% appeared iso/hyperintense during delayed phase imaging. Only 3.6% of the lesions showed restricted diffusion. The prevalence of radiological signs of chronic obstructive pancreatitis, namely main pancreatic duct dilatation, pancreatic calcifications, and pancreatic cysts, was extremely variable in the different articles.
CONCLUSION
PP has peculiar imaging findings. MRI is the best radiological imaging modality for diagnosing PP, but EUS is more accurate than MRI in depicting duodenal wall alterations.
PubMed: 36874260
DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v15.i2.42