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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2020Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cause of death, accounting for 50,000 to 200,000 deaths annually. It is the third most common cause of mortality among the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cause of death, accounting for 50,000 to 200,000 deaths annually. It is the third most common cause of mortality among the cardiovascular diseases, after coronary artery disease and stroke. The advent of multi-detector computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) has allowed better assessment of PE regarding visualisation of the peripheral pulmonary arteries, increasing its rate of diagnosis. More cases of peripheral PEs, such as isolated subsegmental PE (SSPE) and incidental PE, have thereby been identified. These two conditions are usually found in patients with few or none of the classic PE symptoms such as haemoptysis or pleuritic pain, acute dyspnoea or circulatory collapse. However, in patients with reduced cardiopulmonary reserve, classic PE symptoms can be found with isolated SSPEs. Incidental SSPE is found casually in asymptomatic patients, usually by diagnostic imaging performed for other reasons (for example routine CT for cancer staging in oncology patients). Traditionally, all PEs are anticoagulated in a similar manner independent of their location, or number and size of the thrombi. It has been suggested that many patients with SSPE may be treated without benefit, increasing adverse events by a possible unnecessary use of anticoagulants. Patients with isolated SSPE, or incidental PE, may have a more benign clinical presentation compared to those with proximal PEs. However, the clinical significance in patients, and their prognosis, needs to be studied to evaluate whether anticoagulation therapy is required. This is the second update of the Cochrane systematic review published in 2014.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulation therapy versus control in patients with isolated subsegmental pulmonary embolism (SSPE) or incidental SSPE.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and AMED databases and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 26 November 2019. We also undertook reference checking to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials of anticoagulation therapy versus control in patients with SSPE or incidental SSPE.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors inspected all citations identified to ensure reliable assessment. If relevant studies were identified, we planned for two review authors to independently extract data and to assess the methodological quality of identified trials using the criteria recommended in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.
MAIN RESULTS
We did not identify any studies that met the inclusion criteria.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials to assess the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulation therapy versus control in patients with isolated subsegmental pulmonary embolism (SSPE) or incidental SSPE. Well-conducted research is required before informed practice decisions can be made.
Topics: Acute Disease; Anticoagulants; Dyspnea; Humans; Prognosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Watchful Waiting
PubMed: 32030721
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010222.pub4 -
International Heart Journal Jul 2016Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that imposes a significant burden on patients. Although multiple treatment options for PAH are available, head-to-head... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that imposes a significant burden on patients. Although multiple treatment options for PAH are available, head-to-head comparisons are difficult to conduct. Network meta-analysis (NMA) can be a useful alternative for direct comparison to estimate the relative effectiveness of multiple treatments. The objective of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and NMA to evaluate the relative effectiveness among oral PAH medications.Data collection was performed by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Ichushi-Web. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing at least 1 of the following 3 outcome measurements; 6-minute walk distance test (6MWD), WHO functional class (WHOFC), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) were included (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42015016557). Outcomes were evaluated by estimating the differences in the mean change from baseline or by estimating the odds ratios. Analyses were performed using WinBUGS 1.4.3.Seven double-blind RCTs were eligible. NMA results showed similar improvements in 6MWD for all medications assessed. Bosentan and sildenafil caused a statistically significant improvement in WHOFC compared to other medications.The relative effectiveness of oral PAH medications could be compared using NMA, which suggested the superiority of bosentan and sildenafil in the improvement of WHOFC.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Antihypertensive Agents; Bosentan; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sildenafil Citrate; Sulfonamides; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents
PubMed: 27385603
DOI: 10.1536/ihj.15-459 -
Neurology Dec 2015To compare the outcomes between endovascular and medical management of acute ischemic stroke in recent randomized controlled trials (RCT). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcomes between endovascular and medical management of acute ischemic stroke in recent randomized controlled trials (RCT).
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed, and multicenter, prospective RCTs published from January 1, 2013, to May 1, 2015, directly comparing endovascular therapy to medical management for patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Meta-analyses of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) for endovascular therapy and medical management were performed.
RESULTS
Eight multicenter, prospective RCTs (Interventional Management of Stroke [IMS] III, Local Versus Systemic Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke [SYNTHESIS] Expansion, Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy [MR RESCUE], Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands [MR CLEAN], Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness [ESCAPE], Extending the Time for Thrombolysis in Emergency Neurological Deficits-Intra-Arterial [EXTEND-IA], Solitaire With the Intention For Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment [SWIFT PRIME], and Endovascular Revascularization With Solitaire Device Versus Best Medical Therapy in Anterior Circulation Stroke Within 8 Hours [REVASCAT]) comprising 2,423 patients were included. Meta-analysis of pooled data demonstrated functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days in favor of endovascular therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71; p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis of the 6 trials with large vessel occlusion (LVO) criteria also demonstrated functional independence at 90 days in favor of endovascular therapy (OR = 2.23; p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis of the 5 trials that primarily utilized stent retriever devices (≥70%) in the intervention arm demonstrated functional independence at 90 days in favor of endovascular therapy (OR = 2.39; p < 0.00001). No difference was found for mortality at 90 days and sICH between endovascular therapy and medical management in all analyses and subgroup analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that endovascular intervention combined with medical management, including IV tissue plasminogen activator for eligible patients, improves the outcomes of appropriately selected patients with acute ischemic stroke in the setting of LVO.
Topics: Brain Ischemia; Disease Management; Endovascular Procedures; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Stroke; Thrombectomy; Thrombolytic Therapy; Tissue Plasminogen Activator
PubMed: 26537058
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000002176 -
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Jul 2022The aim of this study was to investigate the features of partial anomalous left pulmonary artery (PALPA) and differences between cases with posterior versus anterior a... (Review)
Review
The aim of this study was to investigate the features of partial anomalous left pulmonary artery (PALPA) and differences between cases with posterior versus anterior a nomalous vessels in relation to the tracheobronchial tree. We hypothesized that statistical significance was dependent on the course of the anomalous vessel due to airway compression in the posterior type. This study included cases obtained from the literature ( = 33) and an institution teaching file ( = 2). Information collected: age, sex, medical history, additional anomalies, anomalous vessel course, and respiratory symptoms. Data were analyzed with independent samples -test and Fisher's exact test. PALPAs were more commonly anterior than posterior. Mean age: 5.3 years (SD = 12.4) for anterior and 6.8 years (SD = 18.5) for posterior ( = 0.77). Respiratory symptoms: 20% of anterior and 60% of posterior cases ( = 0.032). Tracheobronchial anomalies: 35% of anterior and 60% of posterior cases ( = 0.182). Non-cardiac and non-tracheobronchial anomalies: 30% of anterior and 47% of posterior cases ( = 0.511). Kabuki syndrome: 25% of anterior and 6.7% of posterior cases ( = 0.207). In conclusion, respiratory symptoms were the only significant difference between anterior and posterior PALPA types.
Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Child, Preschool; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Pulmonary Artery; Vascular Malformations; Vestibular Diseases
PubMed: 36006061
DOI: 10.3390/tomography8040163 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2021Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a pro-apoptotic protein showing broad biological functions. Data from animal studies indicate that... (Review)
Review
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a pro-apoptotic protein showing broad biological functions. Data from animal studies indicate that TRAIL may possibly contribute to the pathophysiology of cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm. It has been also suggested that TRAIL might be useful in cardiovascular risk stratification. This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether TRAIL is a risk factor or risk marker in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) focusing on major adverse cardiovascular events. Two databases (PubMed and Cochrane Library) were searched until December 2020 without a year limit in accordance to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 63 eligible original studies were identified and included in our systematic review. Studies suggest an important role of TRAIL in disorders such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease, and pulmonary and gestational hypertension. Most evidence associates reduced TRAIL levels and increased TRAIL-R2 concentration with all-cause mortality in patients with CVDs. It is, however, unclear whether low TRAIL levels should be considered as a risk factor rather than a risk marker of CVDs. Further studies are needed to better define the association of TRAIL with cardiovascular diseases.
PubMed: 33803523
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061252 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Dec 2023Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH-COPD) results in a significant impact on symptoms, quality of life, and survival. There is... (Review)
Review
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH-COPD) results in a significant impact on symptoms, quality of life, and survival. There is scant and conflicting evidence about the use of pulmonary hypertension (PH) specific therapy in patients with PH-COPD. PubMed, OVID, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science were searched using various MESH terms to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies investigating PH-specific therapies in patients with severe PH-COPD, defined by mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of more than 35 mm Hg or pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of more than 5 woods units on right heart catheterization. The primary outcome was a change in mPAP and PVR. Secondary outcomes were changes in six-minute walk distance (6MWD), changes in the brain-natriuretic peptide (BNP), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, oxygenation, and survival. Thirteen studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, including a total of 328 patients with severe PH-COPD. Out of these, 308 patients received some type of specific therapy for PH. There was a significant reduction in mPAP (mean difference (MD) -3.68, 95% CI [-2.03, -5.32], < 0.0001) and PVR (MD -1.40 Wood units, 95% CI [-1.97, -0.82], < 0.00001). There was a significant increase in the cardiac index as well (MD 0.26 L/min/m, 95% CI [0.14, 0.39], < 0.0001). There were fewer patients who had NYHA class III/lV symptoms, with an odds ratio of 0.55 (95% CI [0.30, 1.01], = 0.05). There was no significant difference in the 6MWD (12.62 m, 95% CI [-8.55, 33.79], = 0.24), PaO (MD -2.20 mm Hg, 95% CI [-4.62, 0.22], = 0.08), or BNP or NT-proBNP therapy (MD -0.15, 95% CI [-0.46, 0.17], = 0.36). The use of PH-specific therapies in severe PH-COPD resulted in a significant reduction in mPAP and PVR and increased CI, with fewer patients remaining in NYHA functional class III/IV. However, no significant difference in the 6MWD, biomarkers of right ventricular dysfunction, or oxygenation was identified, demonstrating a lack of hypoxemia worsening with treatment. Further studies are needed to investigate the use of PH medications in patients with severe PH-COPD.
PubMed: 38132665
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10120498 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2017. To investigate the effects of practicing Baduanjin Qigong on different health outcomes. . Six electronic databases were used for literature search through entering the... (Review)
Review
. To investigate the effects of practicing Baduanjin Qigong on different health outcomes. . Six electronic databases were used for literature search through entering the following key words: Baduanjin Qigong, quality of life, sleep quality, and health-related outcomes. . Nineteen randomized controlled trials were used for meta-analysis. The aggregated results from this systematic review have shown significant benefits in favour of Baduanjin Qigong on quality of life (SMD, -0.75; 95% CI -1.26 to -0.24; = 0.004), sleep quality (SMD, -0.55; 95% CI -0.97 to -0.12; = 0.01), balance (SMD, -0.94; 95% CI -1.59 to 0.30; = 0.004), handgrip strength (SMD, -0.69; 95% CI -1.2 to -0.19; = 0.007), trunk flexibility (SMD, -0.66; 95% CI -1.13 to -0.19; = 0.006), systolic (SMD, -0.60; 95% CI -0.94 to -0.27; = 0.0004) and diastolic blood pressure (SMD, -0.46; 95% CI -0.73 to -0.20; = 0.0005), and resting heart rate (SMD, -0.87; 95% CI -1.47 to -0.27; = 0.005). The aggregated results of meta-analyses examining the effect of Baduanjin Qigong on leg power, cardiopulmonary endurance, and pulmonary function remain unclear because of a small number of studies. . The aggregated results from this systematic review show that Baduanjin Qigong practice is beneficial for quality of life, sleep quality, balance, handgrip strength, trunk flexibility, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate. Further studies are necessary to confirm the effects of Baduanjin Qigong on leg power, cardiopulmonary endurance, and pulmonary function (e.g., vital capacity), while considering a long-term follow-up. . This trial is registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42016036966.
PubMed: 28367223
DOI: 10.1155/2017/4548706 -
Medicine Dec 2014To summarize the performance of CT-based main pulmonary artery diameter or pulmonary artery to aorta ratio (PA:A ratio) measurement in detection of pulmonary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To summarize the performance of CT-based main pulmonary artery diameter or pulmonary artery to aorta ratio (PA:A ratio) measurement in detection of pulmonary hypertension by a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies determining diagnostic accuracy of main pulmonary artery diameter or PA:A ratio measurement for pulmonary hypertension. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A bivariate random-effects model was used to pool sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative likelihood ratio (PLR/NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were used to summarize overall diagnostic performance. This meta-analysis included 20 publications involving 2134 subjects. Summary estimates for main pulmonary artery diameter measurement in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension were as follows: sensitivity, 0.79 (95% CI 0.72-0.84); specificity, 0.83 (95% CI 0.75-0.89); PLR, 4.68 (95% CI 3.13-6.99); NLR, 0.26 (95% CI 0.20-0.33); DOR, 18.13 (95% CI 10.87-30.24); and AUC 0.87. The corresponding summary performance estimates for using the PA:A ratio were as follows: sensitivity, 0.74 (95% CI 0.66-0.80); specificity, 0.81 (95% CI 0.74-0.86); PLR, 3.83 (95% CI, 2.70-5.43); NLR, 0.33 (95% CI 0.24-0.44); DOR, 11.77 (95% CI 6.60-21.00); and AUC 0.84. Both main pulmonary artery diameter and PA:A ratio are helpful for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension. Nevertheless, the results of pulmonary artery measurement should be interpreted in parallel with the results of traditional tests such as echocardiography.
Topics: Aortography; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Pulmonary Artery; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 25501096
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000256 -
Intractable & Rare Diseases Research Aug 2023Ortner's syndrome (OS), also called cardiovocal syndrome, is a rare condition hallmarked by left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy due to underlying cardiopulmonary... (Review)
Review
Ortner's syndrome (OS), also called cardiovocal syndrome, is a rare condition hallmarked by left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy due to underlying cardiopulmonary disease. The purpose of this review is to systemically analyze the existing literature for cases of OS to outline typical presentation, methods of diagnosis, and management of these patients. Case reports, case series, and cohort studies describing OS between 1955 and 2021 were identified. Individual manuscripts were reviewed for clinical features, presentation, and management. A total of 117 patient cases were gathered from 92 published articles. Common symptoms included hoarseness, dyspnea, cough, and dysphagia. The most common associated comorbidity was aortic aneurysm (41%), followed by pulmonary hypertension (35%), mitral stenosis (17%), and hypertension (12%). Among those who were managed surgical intervention, 85.4% reported improvement in their hoarseness. While historically OS was associated with mitral stenosis, in recent decades, aortic aneurysms and dilation of the pulmonary artery from pulmonary hypertension have emerged as primary etiologies of OS. Therefore, OS should be considered in any patient presenting with hoarseness and history of cardiopulmonary disease. Surgical intervention in appropriate candidates resolves OS in most cases.
PubMed: 37662622
DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2023.01047 -
British Journal of Haematology Aug 2015Many studies report estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) screened by echocardiography. To better understand... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Many studies report estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) screened by echocardiography. To better understand the prevalence and outcomes of elevated ePASP in clinically stable SCD patients, we conducted a random-effects meta-analysis. A total of 45 studies, representing 15 countries and including 6109 individuals, met our inclusion criteria. In most (70%) studies, elevated ePASP was defined by a tricuspid regurgitant velocity of 2.5 m/s. The prevalence of elevated ePASP was 21% (17-26%) in children and 30% (26-35%) in adults. After adjustment for sex, SCD genotype, haemoglobin, hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) treatment, country and publication year, age remained associated with elevated ePASP, yielding a 12% (0.4-23%) higher adjusted prevalence in adults. Few studies reported 6-min walk tests or mortality outcomes, and estimates were highly heterogeneous. In random effects meta-analyses, patients with elevated ePASP walked an estimated 30.4 (6.9-53.9) metres less than those without elevated ePASP and had an associated mortality hazard ratio of 4.9 (2.4-9.7).
Topics: Adult; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Antisickling Agents; Arterial Pressure; Echocardiography; Female; Humans; Hydroxyurea; Male; Prevalence; Pulmonary Artery
PubMed: 25854714
DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13447