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Frontiers in Pediatrics 2021This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for severe hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD). The PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Sinomed, WanFang, CNKI, and...
This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for severe hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD). The PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Sinomed, WanFang, CNKI, and VIP databases were searched (up to August 2021). Twenty-nine studies (9,241 and 927,355 patients with severe HFMD and controls, respectively; all from China) were included. EV71 was associated with higher odds of severe HFMD compared with other agents (OR = 4.44, 95%CI: 3.12-6.33, < 0.001). Being home-raised (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.59-2.50, < 0.001), higher number of children in the family (OR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.93-2.27, < 0.001), poor hand hygiene (OR = 2.74, 95%CI: 1.78-4.23, < 0.001), and no breastfeeding (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.45-2.79, < 0.001) were risk factors for severe HFMD. First consulting to a district-level or above hospital (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.25-0.45, < 0.001) and diagnosis of HFMD at baseline (OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.13-0.24, < 0.001) were protective factors against severe HFMD. Fever, long fever duration, vomiting, lethargy, leukocytosis, tic, and convulsions were each associated with severe HFMD (all < 0.05), while rash was not. EV71, lifestyle habits, frequent hospital visits, and symptoms are risk factors for severe HFMD in children in China, while early diagnosis and admission to higher-level hospitals are protective factors.
PubMed: 34858899
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.716039 -
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Apr 2021Several recent studies have reported an abnormal liver chemistry profile among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although its clinical significance... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Several recent studies have reported an abnormal liver chemistry profile among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although its clinical significance remains unknown.
APPROACH AND RESULTS
This systematic review and meta-analysis identified six studies of 586 patients delineating liver chemistries among patients with severe/critical illness versus mild cases of COVID-19 infection. Patients with severe/critical illness with COVID-19 infection have increased prevalence of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as compared with mild cases. A significant association between severe/critical COVID-19 infections with elevations in aspartate aminotransferase (pooled mean difference [MD], 11.70 U/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.97, 20.43; P = 0.009), elevated total bilirubin (pooled MD, 0.14 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.06, 0.22; P = 0.0005), and decreased albumin (pooled MD, -0.68 g/L; 95% CI, -0.81, -0.55; P < 0.00001) was noted. There was also a trend toward elevated alanine aminotransferase levels among these severe cases (pooled MD, 8.84 U/L; 95% CI, -2.28, 19.97; P = 0.12); however, this did not reach statistical significance. More severe/critically ill cases were associated with leukocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, elevated creatinine kinase, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and elevated prothrombin time (PT).
CONCLUSIONS
Comorbidities, including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are more prevalent in hospitalized Chinese patients with severe/critical illness from COVID-19, and these patients are more likely to manifest with abnormal liver chemistries. Further prospective studies are crucial to understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the hepatic manifestations of the novel COVID-19 infection and its clinical significance.
Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Bilirubin; Biomarkers; COVID-19; China; Comorbidity; Critical Illness; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Function Tests; Male; SARS-CoV-2; Serum Albumin; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 32692464
DOI: 10.1002/hep.31472 -
Renal Failure Dec 2021The therapeutic effects of tacrolimus (TAC) versus cyclophosphamide (CTX) were not fully illustrated for patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
Tacrolimus versus cyclophosphamide for patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy and treated with steroids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
The therapeutic effects of tacrolimus (TAC) versus cyclophosphamide (CTX) were not fully illustrated for patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN).
METHODS
The PubMed, EmBase, Cochrane library, and CNKI were systematically searched throughout March 2020 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the therapeutic effects of TAC versus CTX for IMN patients treated with steroids. The pooled relative risks (RRs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
Twelve trials recruited a total of 868 IMN patients were identified and contained in final meta-analysis. Patients in TAC group was associated with an increased incidence of overall remission (12 trials: 868 patients; RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.11-1.31; < 0.001) and complete remission (12 trials: 868 patients; RR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.25-1.80; < 0.001). Moreover, we noted TAC therapy significantly reduced urinary protein excretion (9 trials: 567 patients; WMD: -1.06; 95%CI: -1.41 to -0.71; < 0.001), and increased serum albumin (9 trials: 567 patients; WMD: 5.37; 95%CI: 2.97 to 7.77; < 0.001) than CTX therapy. Furthermore, no significant difference between TAC and CTX for serum creatinine was detected (6 trials: 378 patients; WMD: 0.15; 95%CI: -3.46 to 3.75; = 0.936). Finally, the risk of alopecia ( = 0.008), infection ( = 0.045), leukocytosis ( = 0.002), and elevated ALT/AST ( = 0.011) in TAC group was significantly lower than CTX group, whereas TAC was associated with an increased risk of tremor than CTX ( = 0.010).
CONCLUSIONS
This study found IMN patients treated with TAC combined with steroids provides a better therapeutic effect and less adverse events than those treated with CTX combined with steroids, with moderate-certainty evidence.
Topics: Cyclophosphamide; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Remission Induction; Steroids; Tacrolimus
PubMed: 34016023
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2021.1914655 -
International Journal of Infectious... Mar 2021Limited literature exists on Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms. In this review, we conducted a descriptive analysis of...
BACKGROUND
Limited literature exists on Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms. In this review, we conducted a descriptive analysis of CSF findings in patients with COVID-19 to understand prognosis and explore therapeutic options.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases using the keywords "SARS-CoV-2 in cerebrospinal fluid" and "SARS-CoV-2 and CNS Complications"" for reports of CSF findings in COVID-19 related neurological manifestations. Descriptive analyses were conducted to observe the CSF protein and cell counts based on age, gender, severity, fatality of COVID-19, and whether central (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS) was associated.
RESULTS
A total of 113 patients were identified from 67 studies. Of these, 7 patients (6.2%) were fatal COVID-19 cases and 35 patients (31%) were considered severe COVID-19 cases. CSF protein was elevated in 100% (7/7) of the fatal cases with an average of 61.28 mg/dl and in 65.0% (52/80) in non-fatal cases with an average 56.73 mg/dl. CSF protein levels were elevated in 74.5% (38/51) patients with non-severe COVID-19 and 68.6% (24/35) in those with a severe COVID-19 infection. CSF cell count was increased in 43% of fatal cases, 25.7% severe cases, and 29.4% of non-severe cases.
CONCLUSION
Our analysis showed that the most common CSF findings situation in COVID-19 infection is elevated protein with, very occasionally, mild lymphocyte predominant pleocytosis. Further studies to elucidate the pathophysiology of neurological complications in COVID-19 are recommended.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Leukocytosis; Nervous System Diseases; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33434662
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.01.002 -
Transfusion Oct 2020Up to 20% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) present with hyperleukocytosis, usually defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count greater than 100 × 10 /L.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Up to 20% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) present with hyperleukocytosis, usually defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count greater than 100 × 10 /L. Given the high early mortality rate, emergent cytoreduction with either leukapheresis, hydroxyurea, or chemotherapy is indicated, but the optimal strategy is unknown.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
For this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science from inception through March 2020 for multiarm studies comparing early mortality rates of patients with AML treated with leukapheresis and those who were not. The risk ratio (RR) of early death for patients who received leukapheresis vs patients who did not was estimated using a sum of the log-ratio of individual study estimates weighted by sample size.
RESULTS
Among 13 two-arm, retrospective studies with 1743 patients (486 leukapheresis and 1257 nonleukapheresis patients), leukapheresis did not improve the primary outcome of early mortality compared to treatment strategies in which leukapheresis was not used (RR, 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-1.13; P = .321) without statistically significant heterogeneity between studies (Cochran's Q, 18; P = .115; I , 33.4%). Patients presenting with clinical leukostasis tended to be more likely to undergo leukapheresis (odds ratio, 2.01; 95% CI, 0.99-4.08; P = .052).
CONCLUSION
As we did not find evidence of a short-term mortality benefit and considering the associated complications and logistic burden, our results argue against the routine use of leukapheresis for hyperleukocytosis among patients with AML.
Topics: Disease-Free Survival; Humans; Hydroxyurea; Leukapheresis; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Leukocytosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Survival Rate
PubMed: 32776542
DOI: 10.1111/trf.15994 -
BMC Cancer Jun 2022Anal cancer is primarily treated using concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT), with conformal techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc...
AIMS
Anal cancer is primarily treated using concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT), with conformal techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) now being the standard techniques utilised across the world. Despite this, there is still very limited consensus on prognostic factors for outcome following conformal CRT. This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing literature to identify prognostic factors for a variety of oncological outcomes in anal cancer, focusing on patients treated with curative intent using contemporary conformal radiotherapy techniques.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase to identify studies reporting on prognostic factors for survival and cancer-related outcomes after conformal CRT for anal cancer. The prognostic factors which were identified as significant in univariable and multivariable analysis, along with their respective factor effects (where available) were extracted. Only factors reported as prognostic in more than one study were included in the final results.
RESULTS
The results from 19 studies were analysed. In both univariable and multivariable analysis, N stage, T stage, and sex were found to be the most prevalent and reliable clinical prognostic factors for the majority of outcomes explored. Only a few biomarkers have been identified as prognostic by more than one study - pre-treatment biopsy HPV load, as well as the presence of leukocytosis, neutrophilia and anaemia at baseline measurement. The results also highlight the lack of studies with large cohorts exploring the prognostic significance of imaging factors.
CONCLUSION
Establishing a set of prognostic and potentially predictive factors for anal cancer outcomes can guide the risk stratification of patients, aiding the design of future clinical trials. Such trials will in turn provide us with greater insight into how to effectively treat this disease using a more personalised approach.
Topics: Anus Neoplasms; Chemoradiotherapy; Humans; Prognosis; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Radiotherapy, Conformal; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35659632
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09729-4 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences Feb 2017Healthcare-associated meningitis (HCAM) is a relatively rare entity with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to systematically review the...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Healthcare-associated meningitis (HCAM) is a relatively rare entity with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to systematically review the Turkish medical literature for acute nosocomial meningitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One national (ULAKBİM) and two international (www.scopus.com and www.pubmed.com) databases were searched. In addition, abstracts of four national congresses held between 2004 and 2013 were searched for reports for HCAM meningitis.
RESULTS
Data for 899 HCAM meningitis episodes were obtained from 24 reports. In terms of clinical findings, 177 of 216 (81.9%) had fever (>38 °C), 55 of 64 (85.9%) had high CRP levels, 105 of 132 had leukocytosis (>10,000/mm), and 241 of 759 had shunt infection. Cerebrospinal fluid culture yielded a pathogen in 689 of 872 nosocomial meningitis episodes. The most common pathogen was Acinetobacter spp. (30.7%), followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (21.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (19%). Carbapenem resistance was reported in 18 of 48 (37.5%) Acinetobacter spp. Overall mortality was 160/593 (27%). Pathogen-specific mortality was 55.5% (30/54) for A. baumannii whereas it was 18.9% (7/37) for S. aureus and 2/17 (11,7%) for MRSA.
CONCLUSION
Nosocomial meningitis is still a serious and highly fatal disease. More preventive measures should be sought to further decrease HCAM meningitis and the mortality/morbidity related to it.
Topics: Adult; Cross Infection; Female; Humans; Male; Meningitis, Bacterial; Turkey
PubMed: 28263502
DOI: 10.3906/sag-1508-102 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Aug 2019Definitive diagnosis of meningitis is made by analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) obtained from a lumbar puncture (LP),...
BACKGROUND
Definitive diagnosis of meningitis is made by analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) obtained from a lumbar puncture (LP), which may take days. A timelier diagnostic clue of meningitis is pleocytosis on CSF analysis. However, meningitis may occur in the absence of pleocytosis on CSF. Areas of Uncertainty: A diagnosis of meningitis seems less likely without pleocytosis on CSF, leading clinicians to prematurely exclude this. Further, there is little available literature on the subject.
METHODS
Ovid/Medline and Google Scholar search was conducted for cases of CSF culture-confirmed meningitis with lack of pleocytosis. Inclusion criterion was reported cases of CSF culture-positive or PCR positive meningitis in the absence of pleocytosis on LP. Exclusion criteria were pleocytosis on CSF, cases in which CSF cultures/PCR were not performed, and articles that did not include CSF laboratory values.
RESULTS
A total of 124 cases from 51 articles were included. Causative organisms were primarily bacterial (99 cases). Outcome was reported in 86 cases, 27 of which died and 59 survived. Mortality in viral, fungal and bacterial organisms was 0, 56 and 31%, respectively. The overall percentage of positive initial CSF PCR/culture for viral, fungal and bacterial organisms was 100, 89 and 82%, respectively. Blood cultures were performed in 79 of the 124 cases, 56 (71%) of which ultimately cultured the causative organism. In addition to bacteremia, concomitant sources of infection occurred in 17 cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Meningitis in the absence of pleocytosis on CSF is rare. If this occurs, causative organism is likely bacterial. We recommend ordering blood cultures as an adjunct, and, if clinically relevant, concomitant sources of infection should be sought. If meningitis is suspected, empiric antibiotics/antifungals should be administered regardless of initial WBC count on lumbar puncture.
Topics: Blood Culture; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytosis; Meningitis; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Puncture
PubMed: 31382892
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4204-z -
Medicine Jul 2019Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is correlated with high rate of death and poor outcome. Leukocytes participate in secondary brain injury in ICH. It is still not clear... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is correlated with high rate of death and poor outcome. Leukocytes participate in secondary brain injury in ICH. It is still not clear that whether leukocytosis can predict outcome in ICH. This study was performed to summarize that current evidences about the association between baseline leukocytosis and outcome in ICH patients in a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Published studies were searched in 5 databases. Original studies about association between baseline leukocytosis and outcome in ICH were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were achieved to evaluate the association between leukocytosis and prognosis.
RESULTS
A total of 19 eligible studies with 6417 patients were analyzed in this study. Meta-analysis showed baseline leukocyte count increase was significantly associated with worse overall (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.05-1.21, P = .001), short-term (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.05-1.38, P = .009), and long-term functional outcome (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.20, P = .004). Baseline leukocytosis defined by cut-off values had significant association with worse overall functional outcome (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.01-3.76, P = .046). Baseline leukocyte count increase was significantly associated with higher overall (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.18, P = .011) and long-term mortality (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.22, P = .007). Baseline leukocytosis defined by cut-off values was significantly associated with higher overall (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.23-2.27, P = .001) and short-term mortality (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.12-2.70, P = .014).
CONCLUSION
Baseline leukocytosis could be helpful in predicting prognosis in ICH patients. However, its prognostic value should be verified by further studies.
Topics: Cerebral Hemorrhage; Humans; Leukocytosis; Prognosis
PubMed: 31305410
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000016281 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2020Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the layers that protect the brain and spinal cord. Acute meningitis is an emergent disease that develops over the course of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the layers that protect the brain and spinal cord. Acute meningitis is an emergent disease that develops over the course of hours to several days. Delay in treatment can lead to serious outcomes. Inflammation of the meninges is assessed by analysing cerebrospinal fluid. Identifying the pathogen in cerebrospinal fluid is another way to diagnose meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid is collected by doing a lumbar puncture, which is an invasive test, and can be avoided if a physical examination excludes the diagnosis of meningitis. However, most physical examinations, such as nuchal rigidity, Kernig's test, and Brudzinski's test, are not sufficiently sensitive to exclude meningitis completely. Jolt accentuation of headache is a new and less well-recognised physical examination, which assesses meningeal irritation. It is judged as positive if the headache is exacerbated by rotating the head horizontally two or three times per second. A 1991 observational study initially reported high sensitivity of this examination to predict pleocytosis. Pleocytosis, an abnormally high cerebrospinal fluid sample white cell count, is an accepted indicator of nervous system infection or inflammation. Jolt accentuation of headache may therefore accurately rule out meningitis without the use of lumbar puncture. However, more recent cross-sectional studies have reported variable diagnostic accuracy.
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of jolt accentuation of headache for detecting acute meningitis in emergency settings. Secondary objectives: to investigate the sources of heterogeneity, including study population, patient condition, and types of meningitis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (Ovid), and Embase (Elsevier) to 27 April 2020. We searched ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Ichushi-Web Version 5.0 to 28 April 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included cross-sectional studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of jolt accentuation of headache for people with suspected meningitis in emergency settings. We included participants of any age and any severity of illness. Meningitis should be diagnosed with any reference standard, such as cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, proof of causative agents, or autopsy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently collated study data. We assessed methodological quality of studies using QUADAS-2 criteria. We used a bivariate random-effects model to determine summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity where meta-analysis was possible. We performed sensitivity analyses to validate the robustness of outcomes. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included nine studies (1161 participants). Five studies included only adults. Four studies included both adults and children; however, the proportion was not reported in three of these studies. The youngest child reported in the studies was aged 13 years. There was no study including only children. The reference standard was pleocytosis in eight studies, and the combination of pleocytosis and increased protein in the cerebrospinal fluid in one study. Two studies also used smear or positive culture of cerebrospinal fluid. Risk of bias and concern about applicability was high in the participant selection domain for all included studies and the consciousness subgroup. Overall, pooled sensitivity was 65.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.3 to 85.6), and pooled specificity was 70.4% (95% CI 47.7 to 86.1) (very low-certainty evidence). We established the possibility of heterogeneity from visual inspection of forest plots. However, we were unable to conduct further analysis for study population, types of meningitis, and participants' condition, other than disturbance of consciousness (a secondary outcome). Amongst participants whose consciousness was undisturbed (8 studies, 921 participants), pooled sensitivity and specificity were 75.2% (95% CI 54.3 to 88.6) and 60.8% (95% CI 43.4 to 75.9), respectively (very low-certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Jolt accentuation for headache may exclude diagnoses of meningitis in emergency settings, but high-quality evidence to support use of this test is lacking. Even where jolt accentuation of headache is negative, there is still the possibility of acute meningitis. This review identified the possibility of heterogeneity. However, factors that contribute to heterogeneity are incompletely understood, and should be considered in future research.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Bias; Confidence Intervals; Critical Pathways; Disease Progression; Emergencies; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Head Movements; Headache; Humans; Leukocytosis; Meningitis; Physical Examination; Rotation; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 32524581
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012824.pub2