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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2017High altitude illness (HAI) is a term used to describe a group of cerebral and pulmonary syndromes that can occur during travel to elevations above 2500 metres (8202... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
High altitude illness (HAI) is a term used to describe a group of cerebral and pulmonary syndromes that can occur during travel to elevations above 2500 metres (8202 feet). Acute hypoxia, acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) are reported as potential medical problems associated with high altitude. In this review, the first in a series of three about preventive strategies for HAI, we assess the effectiveness of six of the most recommended classes of pharmacological interventions.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the clinical effectiveness and adverse events of commonly-used pharmacological interventions for preventing acute HAI.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID), LILACS and trial registries in January 2017. We adapted the MEDLINE strategy for searching the other databases. We used a combination of thesaurus-based and free-text terms to search.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized-controlled and cross-over trials conducted in any setting where commonly-used classes of drugs were used to prevent acute HAI.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures as expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 64 studies (78 references) and 4547 participants in this review, and classified 12 additional studies as ongoing. A further 12 studies await classification, as we were unable to obtain the full texts. Most of the studies were conducted in high altitude mountain areas, while the rest used low pressure (hypobaric) chambers to simulate altitude exposure. Twenty-four trials provided the intervention between three and five days prior to the ascent, and 23 trials, between one and two days beforehand. Most of the included studies reached a final altitude of between 4001 and 5000 metres above sea level. Risks of bias were unclear for several domains, and a considerable number of studies did not report adverse events of the evaluated interventions. We found 26 comparisons, 15 of them comparing commonly-used drugs versus placebo. We report results for the three most important comparisons: Acetazolamide versus placebo (28 parallel studies; 2345 participants)The risk of AMS was reduced with acetazolamide (risk ratio (RR) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39 to 0.56; I = 0%; 16 studies; 2301 participants; moderate quality of evidence). No events of HAPE were reported and only one event of HACE (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.48; 6 parallel studies; 1126 participants; moderate quality of evidence). Few studies reported side effects for this comparison, and they showed an increase in the risk of paraesthesia with the intake of acetazolamide (RR 5.53, 95% CI 2.81 to 10.88, I = 60%; 5 studies, 789 participants; low quality of evidence). Budenoside versus placebo (2 parallel studies; 132 participants)Data on budenoside showed a reduction in the incidence of AMS compared with placebo (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.61; I = 0%; 2 studies, 132 participants; low quality of evidence). Studies included did not report events of HAPE or HACE, and they did not find side effects (low quality of evidence). Dexamethasone versus placebo (7 parallel studies; 205 participants)For dexamethasone, the data did not show benefits at any dosage (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.00; I2 = 39%; 4 trials, 176 participants; low quality of evidence). Included studies did not report events of HAPE or HACE, and we rated the evidence about adverse events as of very low quality.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Our assessment of the most commonly-used pharmacological interventions suggests that acetazolamide is an effective pharmacological agent to prevent acute HAI in dosages of 250 to 750 mg/day. This information is based on evidence of moderate quality. Acetazolamide is associated with an increased risk of paraesthesia, although there are few reports about other adverse events from the available evidence. The clinical benefits and harms of other pharmacological interventions such as ibuprofen, budenoside and dexamethasone are unclear. Large multicentre studies are needed for most of the pharmacological agents evaluated in this review, to evaluate their effectiveness and safety.
Topics: Acetazolamide; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Altitude Sickness; Brain Edema; Budesonide; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; Dexamethasone; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Middle Aged; Paresthesia; Publication Bias; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28653390
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009761.pub2 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2022Understanding the prevalence of signs of severity identified in the Thai population with malaria could aid clinical management and disease control efforts, decrease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Understanding the prevalence of signs of severity identified in the Thai population with malaria could aid clinical management and disease control efforts, decrease mortality, and promote malaria elimination in Thailand. This systematic review aimed to collate the evidence regarding signs of severity identified in the Thai population with malaria. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for potentially relevant studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. The pooled prevalence of signs of severity among patients with severe malaria and the pooled proportion of each sign of severity among all signs of severity were estimated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity among included studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test. A subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate whether differences in pooled estimates between different study sites. Publication bias was assessed by visualizing funnel plot asymmetry and using Egger's test. Among 741 studies identified by literature searching, 12 studies of a total of 2900 patients with severe malaria, in 7 Thai hospitals, met the eligibility criteria. Results of meta-analyses showed that the signs of the severity of malaria with the highest prevalence in Thailand were jaundice (54%), hyperparasitemia (47%), impaired consciousness/coma (21%), acidosis (18%), renal impairment (13%), shock (10%), convulsions (9%), severe anemia (8%), pulmonary edema/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (8%), hypoglycemia (4%), and bleeding/disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (2%). The signs of the severity of malaria that made up the highest proportion of all signs of severity identified in the Thai population with malaria were hyperparasitemia (33%), jaundice (33%), impaired consciousness/coma (12%), acidosis (9%), renal impairment (7%), severe anemia (6%), convulsions (5%), shock (5%), pulmonary edema/ARDS (3%), bleeding/DIC (1%), and hypoglycemia (1%). The present study revealed the prevalence of signs of severity identified in the Thai population with malaria. Jaundice, hyperparasitemia, and impaired consciousness/coma were the most common signs of severity identified. These results may inform the management of patients with severe malaria and promote malaria-elimination efforts in Thailand.
Topics: Anemia; Hemorrhage; Humans; Malaria; Prevalence; Thailand
PubMed: 35162229
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031196 -
European Review For Medical and... Mar 2021The current study aimed to pool data for the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD). We also... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Prevalence and risk factors of pulmonary embolism in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its impact on outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The current study aimed to pool data for the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD). We also aimed to assess the risk factors of PE and its impact on the outcomes of AE-COPD.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched up to 1st January 2021 for prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional studies reporting the prevalence of PE in AE-COPD based on computed tomography (CT) data.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies were included. Pooled data of 5035 patients indicated the prevalence of PE in AE-COPD to be 12.9% (95% CI: 8.9%-18.4%). In studies wherein, all patients underwent CT the prevalence was 19.4% (95% CI: 13.4%-27.4%). On the other hand, the prevalence of PE was 7.8% (95% CI: 3.7%-15.7%) in studies where CT was carried out only after screening patients based on study-specific diagnostic protocol. Multiple studies indicated that recent immobilization, increased D-dimer levels, lower limb edema, older age and the concomitant presence of deep vein thrombosis were independent risk factors for PE in AE-COPD. Pooled analysis indicated that PE was associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality (OR: 3.21 95% CI: 1.86, 5.54 I2=52% p<0.0001) and longer ICU/hospital stay (MD: 3.26 95% CI: 1.93, 4.58 I2=0% p<0.00001) in AE-COPD.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of PE in AE-COPD is estimated to be 12.9%. This figure, however, varies based on the PE workup protocol. Higher prevalence (19.4%) was noted when all patients underwent CT as compared to when a study-specific diagnostic protocol was followed (7.8%). Recent immobilization, increased D-dimer levels, lower limb edema, older age and the concomitant presence of deep vein thrombosis are important independent risk factors for PE in patients with AE-COPD. Patients diagnosed with PE have increased mortality and longer ICU/hospital stay as compared to non-PE patients.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Pulmonary Embolism; Risk Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 33829447
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202103_25424 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2020Scorpion sting is a public health issue in several countries, particularly in America, the Middle East, India and Africa. The estimated annual global incidence of... (Review)
Review
Scorpion sting is a public health issue in several countries, particularly in America, the Middle East, India and Africa. The estimated annual global incidence of scorpion envenomings is about 1.5 million, resulting in 2600 deaths. Scorpions are Arthropoda characterized by a tail ending in a terminal bulbous (telson) containing paired venom glands and the stinger. There are 19 known families of scorpions and more than 2200 species, of which about 50 from the families of Buthidae, Hemiscorpiidae and Scorpionidae are harmful to humans. Scorpion venom is a complex structure composed of neurotoxic proteins, salts, acidic proteins and organic compounds, thereby having neurologic, cardiovascular, hematologic and renal side effects, in addition to local effects such as redness, pain, burning and swelling. When the sting is fatal, the mechanism of death is often related to cardiotoxicity with terminal pulmonary edema. However, the cholinergic excess or the neuromuscular excitation can provoke respiratory failure. Sometimes, death is due to an anaphylactic reaction to the envenoming. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the autopsy findings in scorpion sting-related deaths in order to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying them, thus helping pathologists in defining the correct diagnosis.
PubMed: 32899951
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030325 -
European Journal of Heart Failure Sep 2017Pulmonary congestion is an important finding in patients with heart failure (HF) that can be quantified by lung ultrasound (LUS). We conducted a systematic review to... (Review)
Review
AIMS
Pulmonary congestion is an important finding in patients with heart failure (HF) that can be quantified by lung ultrasound (LUS). We conducted a systematic review to describe dynamic changes in LUS findings of pulmonary congestion (B-lines) in HF and to examine the prognostic utility of B-lines in HF.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We searched online databases for studies conducted in patients with chronic or acute HF that used LUS to assess dynamic changes or the prognostic value of pulmonary congestion. We included studies in adult populations, published in English, and conducted in ≥25 patients. Of 1327 identified studies, 13 (25-290 patients) met the inclusion criteria: six reported on dynamic changes in LUS findings (438 patients) and seven on the prognostic value of B-lines in HF (953 patients). In acute HF, B-line number changed within as few as 3 h of HF treatment. In acute HF, ≥15 B-lines on 28-zone LUS at discharge identified patients at a more than five-fold risk for HF readmission or death. Similarly, in ambulatory patients with chronic HF, ≥3 B-lines on five- or eight-zone LUS marked those at a nearly four-fold risk for 6-month HF hospitalization or death.
CONCLUSIONS
Lung ultrasound findings change rapidly in response to HF therapy. This technique may represent a useful and non-invasive method to track dynamic changes in pulmonary congestion. Furthermore, residual congestion at the time of discharge in acute HF or in ambulatory patients with chronic HF may identify those at high risk for adverse events.
Topics: Heart Failure; Humans; Lung; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Pulmonary Edema; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 28557302
DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.839 -
Cell Journal Feb 2024Exposure to phosgene, a colourless poisonous gas, can lead to various health issues including eye irritation, a dry and burning throat, vomiting, coughing, the...
Exposure to phosgene, a colourless poisonous gas, can lead to various health issues including eye irritation, a dry and burning throat, vomiting, coughing, the production of foamy sputum, difficulty in breathing, and chest pain. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations and treatment of phosgene toxicity by systematically analyzing available literature. The search was carried out on various scientific online databases to include related studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria with the use of PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Thirteen articles were included in this study after the screening process. Inhalation was found to be the primary health problem of phosgene exposure with respiratory symptoms such as coughing and dyspnea. Chest pain and pulmonary oedema were also observed in some cases. Furthermore, pulmonary crackle was the most common reported physical examination. Beyond respiratory tract health issues, other organs involvements such as cardiac, skin, eye, and renal were also reported in some studies. The symptoms can occur within minutes to hours after exposure, and the severity of symptoms depends on the amount of inhaled phosgene. The findings showed that bronchodilators can alleviate symptoms of bronchoconstriction caused by phosgene. Oxygen therapy is essential for restoring oxygen levels and improving respiratory function in cases of hypoxemia. In severe cases, endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation are used for artificial respiration, along with the removal of tracheal secretions and pulmonary oedema fluid through suctioning as crucial components of supportive therapy.
PubMed: 38459726
DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2024.2011864.1405 -
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia Oct 2021Appropriate volume assessment and fluid management can prevent maternal deaths in the severely pre-eclamptic (SPE) parturients. We planned a systematic review and...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Appropriate volume assessment and fluid management can prevent maternal deaths in the severely pre-eclamptic (SPE) parturients. We planned a systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) to evaluate the role and ability of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the assessment of volume status and early detection of lung oedema in an SPE parturient.
METHODS
An e-literature search was done from several databases. Data were extracted under five domains including POCUS-derived parameters like echo comet score (ECS), lung ultrasound (LUS) scores, B-patterns, optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), E/e' ratio, presence of pleural effusion, pulmonary interstitial syndrome and pulmonary congestion. The risk of bias was assessed. Extracted data were analysed using MetaXL and Revman 5.3. Heterogeneity in the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Q test and I statistics. Funnel plots were used for the assessment of publication bias.
RESULTS
Seven prospective studies including 574 parturients (including 396 pre-eclamptics) were selected. POCUS included lung, optic nerve, cardiac and thoracic US. In two studies, the ECS and LUS scores pre-delivery were higher in pre-eclamptics. Two studies found a mean ONSD of 5-5.84 mm before delivery. MA revealed a significantly lower mean ECS score at post-delivery than pre-delivery, and the summary prevalence of B-pattern and pleural effusion among SPE parturients was found to be 0.28 (0.03-0.84) and 0.1 (0-0.2), respectively. A good correlation was observed between B-line patterns and diastolic dysfunction (increased E/e' ratio), LUS score and thoracic fluid content, ONSD and ECS in individual studies.
CONCLUSION
POCUS parameters can be useful as early markers of fluid status and serve as useful tools in the precise clinical management of pre-eclampsia.
PubMed: 34898698
DOI: 10.4103/ija.ija_820_21 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Dec 2019Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare condition with poor prognosis, and lung transplantation is recommended as the only curative therapy. The role of...
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare condition with poor prognosis, and lung transplantation is recommended as the only curative therapy. The role of pulmonary arterial hypertension targeted therapy in PVOD remains controversial, and long-term effects of targeted therapy have been rarely reported. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the role of targeted therapy in PVOD patients and the long-term outcome.
METHODS
PVOD patients with good responses to targeted therapies were analyzed, and data pre- and post- targeted therapies were compared. An overview of the effects of targeted therapies on PVOD patients was also conducted.
RESULTS
Five genetically or histologically confirmed PVOD patients received targeted therapies and showed good responses. Their mean pulmonary arterial pressure by right heart catheterization was 62.0 ± 11.7 mmHg. Two receiving monotherapy got stabilized, and three receiving sequential combination therapy got improved, cardiac function and exercise capacity significantly improved after treatments. No pulmonary edema occurred. The mean time from the first targeted therapy to the last follow up was 39.3 months, and the longest was 9 years. A systematic review regarding the effects of targeted therapies on PVOD patients indicated majorities of patients got hemodynamics or 6-min walk distance improved, and 26.7% patients developed pulmonary edema. The interval from targeted drugs use to death ranged from 71 min to over 4 years.
CONCLUSIONS
Cautious use of targeted therapy could safely and effectively improve or stabilize hemodynamics and exercise capacity of some patients without any complications. PVOD patients could live longer than expected.
Topics: Acetamides; Adult; Anticoagulants; Antihypertensive Agents; Cardiac Catheterization; Disease Progression; Diuretics; Drug Therapy, Combination; Echocardiography, Doppler; Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; Enzyme Activators; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; Prostaglandins; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; Pulmonary Edema; Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease; Pyrazines; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines; Retrospective Studies; Walk Test
PubMed: 31856792
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-019-1031-3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2015Parenteral fluids are commonly used in people with acute stroke with poor oral fluid intake. However, the balance between benefit and harm for different fluid regimens... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Parenteral fluids are commonly used in people with acute stroke with poor oral fluid intake. However, the balance between benefit and harm for different fluid regimens is unclear.
OBJECTIVES
To assess whether different parenteral fluid regimens lead to differences in death, or death or dependence, after stroke based on fluid type, fluid volume, duration of fluid administration, and mode of delivery.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (May 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) (Cochrane Library 2015, Issue 5), MEDLINE (2008 to May 2015), EMBASE (2008 to May 2015), and CINAHL (1982 to May 2015). We also searched ongoing trials registers (May 2015) and reference lists, performed cited reference searches, and contacted authors.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials of parenteral fluid regimens in adults with ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke within seven days of stroke onset that reported death or dependence.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
One review author screened titles and abstracts. We obtained the full-text articles of relevant studies, and two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion and extracted data. We used Cochrane's tool for bias assessment.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 12 studies (2351 participants: range 27 to 841).Characteristics: The 12 included studies compared hypertonic (colloids) with isotonic fluids (crystalloids); of these, five studies (1420 participants) also compared 0.9% saline with another fluid. No data were available to make other comparisons. Delay from stroke to recruitment varied from less than 24 hours to 72 hours. Duration of fluid delivery was between two hours and 10 days.Bias assessment: Investigators and participants in eight of the 12 included studies were blind to treatment allocation, seven of the 12 included studies gave details of randomisation, and eight of the 12 included studies reported all outcomes measured.
RESULTS
There were no relevant completed trials that addressed the effect of volume, duration, or mode of fluid delivery on death or dependence in people with stroke.The odds of death or dependence were similar in participants allocated to colloids or crystalloid fluid regimens (odds ratio (OR) 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 1.21, five studies, I² = 58%, low-quality evidence), and between 0.9% saline or other fluid regimens (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.32, three studies, I² = 71%, low-quality evidence). There was substantial heterogeneity in these estimates.The odds of death were similar between colloids and crystalloids (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.27, 12 studies, I² = 24%, moderate-quality evidence), and 0.9% saline and other fluids (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.12, five studies, I² = 53%, low-quality evidence). The odds of pulmonary oedema were higher in participants allocated to colloids (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.28 to 4.29, I² = 0%). Although the studies observed a higher risk of cerebral oedema (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.74) and pneumonia (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.01) with crystalloids, we could not exclude clinically important benefits or harms.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found no evidence that colloids were associated with lower odds of death or dependence in the medium term after stroke compared with crystalloids, though colloids were associated with greater odds of pulmonary oedema. We found no evidence to guide the best volume, duration, or mode of parenteral fluid delivery for people with acute stroke.
Topics: Adult; Colloids; Crystalloid Solutions; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Isotonic Solutions; Rehydration Solutions; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 26329401
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011138.pub2 -
Legal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Mar 2024Volatile substance abuse is widespread among adolescents due to its easy availability and methods of consumption. Inhalant abuse represents a current problematic issue,... (Review)
Review
Volatile substance abuse is widespread among adolescents due to its easy availability and methods of consumption. Inhalant abuse represents a current problematic issue, causing significant morbidity and mortality due to direct toxicity on several target organs and displacement of gas which results in a lack of oxygen. This review aims to evaluate post-mortem and toxicological investigations in cases of suspected butane intoxication. We performed comprehensive research using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards. Forty scientific papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A total of 58 cases of butane-related deaths were found. Among these, we found 11 cases of suicide (18%), 1 case of homicide (2%), 44 cases of accidental poisoning (76%), and 2 cases of work-related deaths (4%). Autopsy and post-mortem examinations were performed in 54 cases, whereas toxicological analyses were presented in 56 cases. In autopsy, pulmonary edema (51%) and poli-visceral congestion (59%) were the most common findings. When death by butane inhalation is hypothesized, autopsy and histological findings may be nonspecific, therefore toxicological investigations assume a crucial role along with attention to the methods used to collect biological samples.
PubMed: 38579662
DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102442