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Seizure Feb 2016Video electroencephalography (vEEG) is the gold-standard method for diagnosing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), but such assessment is expensive, unavailable in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Video electroencephalography (vEEG) is the gold-standard method for diagnosing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), but such assessment is expensive, unavailable in many centers, requires prolonged hospitalization, and many times is unable to capture an actual seizure episode. This paper systematically reviews other non-vEEG candidate biomarkers that may facilitate both diagnosis and study of PNES as differentiated from epileptic seizures (ES).
METHODS
PubMed database was searched to identify articles between 1980 and 2015 (inclusion: adult PNES population with or without controls, English language; exclusion: review articles, meta-analyses, single case reports).
RESULTS
A total of 49 studies were examined, including neuroimaging, autonomic nervous system, prolactin, other (non-prolactin) hormonal, enzyme, and miscellaneous marker studies. Functional MRI studies have shown PNES is hyperlinked with dissociation and emotional dysregulation centers in the brain, although conflicting findings are seen across studies and none used psychiatric comparators. Heart rate variability suggests increased vagal tone in PNES when compared to ES. Prolactin is elevated in ES but not PNES, although shows low diagnostic sensitivity. Postictal cortisol and creatine kinase are nonspecific. Other miscellaneous biomarkers (neuron specific enolase, brain derived neurotropic factor, ghrelin, leptin, leukocytosis) showed no conclusive evidence of utility. Many studies are limited by lack of psychiatric comparators, size, and other methodological issues.
CONCLUSION
No single biomarker successfully differentiates PNES from ES; in fact, PNES is only diagnosed via the negation of ES. Clinical assessment and rigorous investigation of psychosocial variables specific to PNES remain critical, and subtyping of PNES is warranted. Future investigational and clinical imperatives are discussed.
Topics: Biomarkers; Conversion Disorder; Electroencephalography; Humans; Psychophysiologic Disorders; Seizures; Video Recording
PubMed: 26774202
DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2015.12.011 -
Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome 2021Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been an extremely difficult pandemic to contain and it has affected more than 148 countries worldwide. The main aim of this...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been an extremely difficult pandemic to contain and it has affected more than 148 countries worldwide. The main aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive summary of clinical and laboratory parameters that are associated with and indicative of increased severity among COVID-19 patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
All the available data from high-quality research articles relevant to the epidemiology, demographics, trends in hospitalization and outcomes, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment methods of COVID-19 were retrieved and evaluated for inclusion.
RESULTS
As per our review, the mean age of patients in the severe group was 59.3 years compared to 46.5 years in non severe group. COVID-19 was more severe among men than women. Clinical presentation was variable among different studies. and dyspnea was the factor indicating severe disease. Laboratory parameters associated with increased severity were lymphopenia <0.8 × 10/L, thrombocytopenia 100 × 10/L, leucocytosis TC > 11 × 10/L, procalcitonin >0.5 ng/mL, d dimer >2 mcg/mL, aspartate transaminase elevation >150U/L, LDH >250U/L.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review suggests that COVID-19 is a disease with varied clinical presentation and laboratory parameters. The commonest clinical symptoms were fever, cough and dyspnea. The laboratory parameters associated with severe disease were lymphopenia, elevated LDH, D dimer and Procalcitonin.
Topics: Aspartate Aminotransferases; COVID-19; Comorbidity; Cough; Dyspnea; Fever; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Leukocytosis; Lymphopenia; Procalcitonin; Respiration, Artificial; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; Thrombocytopenia
PubMed: 33711574
DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.02.020 -
Journal of Reproductive Immunology Mar 2023Published data regarding efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for patients with unexplained recurrent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and safety of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Published data regarding efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is inconclusive. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy and safety of G-CSF in URSA.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Electronic databases were searched including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, China Biology Medicine disc, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (last search was performed on Sep 10th, 2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with R-language software. Combined relative risk (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate efficacy and safety.
RESULTS
Compared with placebo, the efficacy of G-CSF in the treatment of URSA patients was significant in conception rate (RR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.03-1.74, P = 0.028), and was none of significance in live birth rate (RR=1.35, 95%CI: 0.99-1.84, P = 0.06). Subgroup analysis showed that the ovulation-period-medication was the protective factor for conception rate, while "Ethnicity Asian" and "ovulation-period medication" were the protective factors for live birth rate. When it comes to the safety of rhG-CSF on URSA, meta-analysis showed that rhG-CSF had no significant effect on the incidence of adverse events (AEs) (RR=1.13, 95% CI: 0.89-1.43, P = 0.322), and subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of AEs in each subgroup did not increase significantly (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Based on our meta-analysis, intrauterine perfusion of rhG-CSF in ovulation period is an effective and safe way to improve conception rate in URSA.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Abortion, Habitual; Recombinant Proteins; Birth Rate; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; China
PubMed: 36821985
DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103830 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2018An association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection and stroke has been described, especially in children. However, current knowledge on this rare potential... (Review)
Review
An association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection and stroke has been described, especially in children. However, current knowledge on this rare potential cause of stroke is scant. The purpose of this systematic review of all published cases was to help better understand the relationships between recent MP infection and ischemic stroke on a clinical, radiological and pathophysiological perspective. A PubMed and Embase search was performed in September 2018 to identify all published cases of stroke occurring within 4 weeks after MP infection. Twenty-eight patients with ischemic stroke associated with MP infection were identified. Median age was 8 years (range: neonate to 57). The middle cerebral artery territory was involved in 25 (89%) patients. Fifteen (54%) patients had at least one arterial occlusion. Elevated D-dimer and/or fibrinogen was reported in 8 (29%) patients. Four patients had transient anticardiolipin IgM antibodies. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed pleocytosis in 7/20 (35%) patients (median: 19 leucocytes/μL, range: 10 to 63) and MP PCR was positive in 3/8 (38%) patients. The etiological work-up was considered inconclusive in 25 (89%) patients. Three (11%) patients died during follow-up, all of early respiratory deterioration. Neurological functional outcome was good in 22/27 (81%) patients. The association between MP infection and ischemic stroke in children and young adults is rare. Underlying pathogenesis might include hypercoagulability and vasculitis. Most patients achieve a favorable recovery. Whether MP infection could be a long-term risk factor for stroke by promoting atherosclerosis is uncertain and deserves further investigation.
PubMed: 30622505
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01109 -
PloS One 2020Understanding the factors associated with disease severity and mortality in Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is imperative to effectively triage patients. We performed a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Understanding the factors associated with disease severity and mortality in Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is imperative to effectively triage patients. We performed a systematic review to determine the demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological factors associated with severity and mortality in COVID-19.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase and WHO database for English language articles from inception until May 8, 2020. We included Observational studies with direct comparison of clinical characteristics between a) patients who died and those who survived or b) patients with severe disease and those without severe disease. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two authors independently.
RESULTS
Among 15680 articles from the literature search, 109 articles were included in the analysis. The risk of mortality was higher in patients with increasing age, male gender (RR 1.45, 95%CI 1.23-1.71), dyspnea (RR 2.55, 95%CI 1.88-2.46), diabetes (RR 1.59, 95%CI 1.41-1.78), hypertension (RR 1.90, 95%CI 1.69-2.15). Congestive heart failure (OR 4.76, 95%CI 1.34-16.97), hilar lymphadenopathy (OR 8.34, 95%CI 2.57-27.08), bilateral lung involvement (OR 4.86, 95%CI 3.19-7.39) and reticular pattern (OR 5.54, 95%CI 1.24-24.67) were associated with severe disease. Clinically relevant cut-offs for leukocytosis(>10.0 x109/L), lymphopenia(< 1.1 x109/L), elevated C-reactive protein(>100mg/L), LDH(>250U/L) and D-dimer(>1mg/L) had higher odds of severe disease and greater risk of mortality.
CONCLUSION
Knowledge of the factors associated of disease severity and mortality identified in our study may assist in clinical decision-making and critical-care resource allocation for patients with COVID-19.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 33206661
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241541 -
European Journal of Heart Failure Jul 2017Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, but the identification of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, but the identification of LVAD candidates at risk for RVF remains challenging. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies of risk factors associated with RVF after LVAD implant. Thirty-six studies published between 1 January 1995 and 30 April 2015, comprising 995 RVF patients out of a pooled final population of 4428 patients, were identified. Meta-analysed prevalence of post-LVAD RVF was 35%. A need for mechanical ventilation [odds ratio (OR) 2.99], or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT; OR 4.61, area under the curve 0.78, specificity 0.91) were the clinical variables with the highest effect size (ES) in predicting RVF. International normalized ratio [INR; standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.49] and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (SMD 0.52) were the biochemical markers that best discriminated between RVF and No-RVF populations, though NT-proBNP was highly heterogeneous. Right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI) and central venous pressure (CVP) (SMD -0.58 and 0.47, respectively) were the haemodynamic measures with the highest ES in identifying patients at risk of post-LVAD RVF; CVP was particularly useful in risk stratifying patients undergoing continuous-flow LVAD implant (SMD 0.59, P < 0.001, I = 20.9%). Finally, pre-implant moderate to severe right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, as assessed qualitatively (OR 2.82), or a greater RV/LV diameter ratio (SMD 0.51) were the standard echocardiographic measurements with the highest ES in comparing RVF with No-RVF patients. Longitudinal systolic strain of the RV free wall had the highest ES (SMD 0.73) but also the greatest heterogeneity (I = 74%) and was thus only marginally significant (P = 0.05). Patients on ventilatory support or CRRT are at high risk for post-LVAD RVF, similarly to patients with slightly increased INR, high NT-proBNP or leukocytosis. High CVP, low RVSWI, an enlarged right ventricle with concomitant low RV strain also identify patients at higher risk.
Topics: Cardiomyopathies; Global Health; Heart Failure; Heart-Assist Devices; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Prognosis; Survival Rate; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 28371221
DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.733 -
Andrology Jan 2020The association of leukocytospermia with male fertility is still under debate. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Relationship between leukocytospermia, reproductive potential after assisted reproductive technology, and sperm parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies.
BACKGROUND
The association of leukocytospermia with male fertility is still under debate.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of leukocytospermia (≥1 × 10 white blood cells/mL of semen, according to the World Health Organization) in men attending a fertility clinic for couple subfertility, on fertility outcomes after assisted reproductive technology (ART) and on semen quality.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-control studies reporting mean ± standard deviation for values of different seminal parameters (sperm concentration, progressive motility, sperm morphology, sperm DNA fragmentation, semen volume, and Ph) and fertilization rate (FR), or the odds ratio (OR) for clinical pregnancy rate (PR) per cycle after ART in leukocytospermic and non-leukocytospermic patients was performed. A literature search was carried out in MEDLINE and SCOPUS for English-language studies published till June 2018.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight case-controlled retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria, comparing fertility outcomes after ART or semen parameters in men with or without leukocytospermia. FR and PR after ART were not significantly different in the two groups. Leukocytospermic samples showed a lower sperm concentration (pooled SMD = -0.14; 95% CI: -0.28, -0.01, I = 71%, p < 0.00001) and a lower progressive motility (pooled SMD = -0.18; 95% CI: -0.29, -0.06; I = 59%, p < 0.0001). However, the significant differences disappeared, along with the large inter-study heterogeneity, when analyses were restricted to studies clearly reporting the inclusion of men without clinical evidence of seminal tract infection.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Leukocytospermia in men seeking consultation for couple subfertility is not associated with a reduced fertility after ART and with altered semen quality in populations asymptomatic for genital tract infection. Therefore, the current clinical criteria for definition of leukocytospermia should be re-assessed in subfertile couples attending a fertility clinic.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Leukocytosis; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Semen; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
PubMed: 31250986
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12662 -
Autopsy & Case Reports 2023Endocarditis is a rare, often fatal complication of rat bite fever caused by . Only 39 cases have been reported (including this case) as of 2022. We describe a case and...
INTRODUCTION
Endocarditis is a rare, often fatal complication of rat bite fever caused by . Only 39 cases have been reported (including this case) as of 2022. We describe a case and aim to perform this entit's first systematic literature review.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review in CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SciELO, and LILACS. The terms used were terms used were (but not limited to) rat bite fever, , and endocarditis. We included all abstracts and articles with patients with echocardiographic or histologic-proven endocarditis. In case of discordance, a third reviewer was involved. Our protocol was submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42022334092). We also performed searches for studies on the reference list of included articles.
RESULTS
We retrieved 108 and included 36 abstracts and articles. A total of 39 patients (including our report) were identified. The mean age was 41.27, and 61.5% were males. The most common findings were fever, murmur, arthralgias, fatigue, splenomegaly, and rash. Underlying heart disease was present in 33%. Exposure to rats was noted in 71.8% of patients, with 56.4% recalling a rat bite. Anemia was seen in 57%, leukocytosis in 52%, and elevated inflammatory markers in 58% that had lab work performed. The mitral valve was most affected, followed by the aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. Surgical intervention was required in 14 (36%) cases. Of those, 10 required valve replacement. Death was reported in 36% of cases. Unfortunately, the literature available is limited to case series and reports.
CONCLUSION
Our review allows clinicians to suspect better, diagnose, and manage Streptobacillary endocarditis.
PubMed: 37101553
DOI: 10.4322/acr.2023.423 -
International Journal of Reproductive... Dec 2020Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
BACKGROUND
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical manifestations including signs and symptoms, laboratory results, and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Scholarly databases such as PubMed via LitCovid hub, Embase, Scopus, Web of sciences, and Google scholar were searched on April 7, 2020. Meta-analysis was performed via comprehensive meta-analysis software using the Mantel-Haenszel method. The event rate with 95% CI was calculated for each variable.
RESULTS
Ten studies were selected. The pooled prevalence for fever, post-partum fever, cough, myalgia, fatigue, dyspnea, sore throat, and diarrhea were 66.8%, 37.1%, 35%, 24.6 %, 14.9%, 14.6%, 11.5%, and 7.6%, respectively. Laboratory test results were 49.8% for lymphopenia, 47.7% for leukocytosis, 83.7% for elevated neutrophil ratio, 57% for elevated C-reactive protein, and 71.4% for decreased lymphocyte ratio. The rate of cesarean section for delivery in all cases was 84%. Of the newborns of the corona-positive mothers, only one had a positive test result. Also, there was only one death due to a decreased lymphocyte ratio.
CONCLUSION
Fever was the most common sign and symptom in pregnant women with COVID-19. Among the laboratory tests, the highest amount was related to elevated neutrophil ratio. It seems that due to the differences between pregnant women and the general population, special measures should be considered to treat these patients.
PubMed: 33426411
DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v18i12.8022 -
Psychosomatics 2015A new class of synthetic hallucinogens called NBOMe has emerged as drugs of abuse. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A new class of synthetic hallucinogens called NBOMe has emerged as drugs of abuse.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of published reports of toxicities associated with NBOMe ingestion.
METHODS
We searched PubMed for relevant English-language citations that described adverse effects from analytically confirmed human NBOMe ingestion. Demographic and clinical data were extracted.
RESULTS
A total of 10 citations met the criteria for inclusion, representing 20 individual patients. 25I-NBOMe was the most common analogue identified, followed by 25B-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe. Fatalities were reported in 3 (15%) cases. Of all the patients, 7 (35%) were discharged after a period of observation, whereas 8 (40.0%) required admission to an intensive care unit. The most common adverse effects were agitation (85.0%), tachycardia (85.0%), and hypertension (65.0%). Seizures were reported in 8 (40.0%) patients. The most common abnormalities reported on laboratory tests were elevated level of creatinine kinase (45.0%), leukocytosis (25.0%), and hyperglycemia (20.0%).
CONCLUSION
NBOMe ingestion is associated with severe adverse effects. Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion for NBOMe ingestion in patients reporting the recent use of hallucinogens.
Topics: Anisoles; Benzylamines; Creatine Kinase; Dimethoxyphenylethylamine; Hallucinogens; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hypertension; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytosis; Phenethylamines; Seizures; Tachycardia
PubMed: 25659919
DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2014.11.002