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Cardiovascular Diabetology Jul 2023The TyG index is an indicator of insulin resistance (IR), which is associated with the development and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to summarize... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The TyG index is an indicator of insulin resistance (IR), which is associated with the development and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to summarize the relationship between the TyG index and the risk, severity, and prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
The PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published from inception until May 1, 2023. Cross-sectional studies, retrospective or prospective cohort studies recruiting patients with CAD were included. For the analysis of CAD severity, the outcomes were coronary artery calcification, coronary artery stenosis, coronary plaque progression, multi-vessel CAD, and in-stent re-stenosis. For the analysis of CAD prognosis, the primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
RESULTS
Forty-one studies were included in this study. Compared to patients with the lowest TyG index, those with the highest TyG index had a higher CAD risk [odds ratio (OR): 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-3.14, I = 91%, P = 0.007]. Additionally, these patients were more likely to have stenotic coronary arteries (OR: 3.49, 95% CI 1.71-7.12, I = 0%, P = 0.0006), progressed plaques (OR: 1.67, 95% CI 1.28-2.19, I = 0%, P = 0.002), and with more vessels involved (OR: 2.33, 95% CI 1.59-3.42, I = 0%, P < 0.0001). When calculated as a categorized variable, it appears that acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with higher TyG index levels may have a higher incidence rate of MACE [hazard ratio (HR): 2.09, 95% CI 1.68-2.62, I = 87%, P < 0.00001], whereas chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) or stable CAD patients with higher TyG index levels showed a trend towards an increased incidence rate of MACE (HR: 1.24, 95% CI 0.96-1.60, I = 85%, P = 0.09). When calculated as a continuous variable, ACS patients had an HR of 2.28 per 1-unit/1-standard deviation increment of the TyG index (95% CI 1.44-3.63, I = 95%, P = 0.0005). Similarly, CCS or stable CAD patients had an HR of 1.49 per 1-unit/1-standard deviation increment of the TyG index (95% CI 1.21-1.83, I = 75%, P = 0.0001). Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries patients had an HR of 1.85 per 1-unit increment of the TyG index (95% CI 1.17-2.93, P = 0.008).
CONCLUSIONS
The TyG index is a simple new synthetic index that has been proven to be a valuable tool in the whole-course management of CAD patients. Patients with higher TyG index levels are at a higher risk of CAD, more severe coronary artery lesions, and worse prognosis compared to those with lower TyG index levels.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Glucose; Retrospective Studies; Triglycerides; Prospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Risk Assessment; Prognosis; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Blood Glucose; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37415168
DOI: 10.1186/s12933-023-01906-4 -
JAMA Internal Medicine May 2024Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used but are associated with complications. Quantifying complication rates is essential for guiding CVC utilization... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used but are associated with complications. Quantifying complication rates is essential for guiding CVC utilization decisions.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize current rates of CVC-associated complications.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases were searched for observational studies and randomized clinical trials published between 2015 to 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
This study included English-language observational studies and randomized clinical trials of adult patients that reported complication rates of short-term centrally inserted CVCs and data for 1 or more outcomes of interest. Studies that evaluated long-term intravascular devices, focused on dialysis catheters not typically used for medication administration, or studied catheters placed by radiologists were excluded.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Bayesian random-effects meta-analysis was applied to summarize event rates. Rates of placement complications (events/1000 catheters with 95% credible interval [CrI]) and use complications (events/1000 catheter-days with 95% CrI) were estimated.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Ten prespecified complications associated with CVC placement (placement failure, arterial puncture, arterial cannulation, pneumothorax, bleeding events requiring action, nerve injury, arteriovenous fistula, cardiac tamponade, arrhythmia, and delay of ≥1 hour in vasopressor administration) and 5 prespecified complications associated with CVC use (malfunction, infection, deep vein thrombosis [DVT], thrombophlebitis, and venous stenosis) were assessed. The composite of 4 serious complications (arterial cannulation, pneumothorax, infection, or DVT) after CVC exposure for 3 days was also assessed.
RESULTS
Of 11 722 screened studies, 130 were included in the analyses. Seven of 15 prespecified complications were meta-analyzed. Placement failure occurred at 20.4 (95% CrI, 10.9-34.4) events per 1000 catheters placed. Other rates of CVC placement complications (per 1000 catheters) were arterial canulation (2.8; 95% CrI, 0.1-10), arterial puncture (16.2; 95% CrI, 11.5-22), and pneumothorax (4.4; 95% CrI, 2.7-6.5). Rates of CVC use complications (per 1000 catheter-days) were malfunction (5.5; 95% CrI, 0.6-38), infection (4.8; 95% CrI, 3.4-6.6), and DVT (2.7; 95% CrI, 1.0-6.2). It was estimated that 30.2 (95% CrI, 21.8-43.0) in 1000 patients with a CVC for 3 days would develop 1 or more serious complication (arterial cannulation, pneumothorax, infection, or DVT). Use of ultrasonography was associated with lower rates of arterial puncture (risk ratio [RR], 0.20; 95% CrI, 0.09-0.44; 13.5 events vs 68.8 events/1000 catheters) and pneumothorax (RR, 0.25; 95% CrI, 0.08-0.80; 2.4 events vs 9.9 events/1000 catheters).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Approximately 3% of CVC placements were associated with major complications. Use of ultrasonography guidance may reduce specific risks including arterial puncture and pneumothorax.
Topics: Humans; Central Venous Catheters; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheter-Related Infections
PubMed: 38436976
DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.8232 -
Circulation. Cardiovascular... Sep 2023Short-term (≤6 months) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and DAPT de-escalation become attractive for patients with acute coronary syndrome. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Short-term (≤6 months) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and DAPT de-escalation become attractive for patients with acute coronary syndrome.
METHODS
A systemic search identified randomized controlled trials that included patients with acute coronary syndrome treated using (1) standard DAPT (12 months) with clopidogrel, prasugrel (standard/low dose), or ticagrelor; (2) extended DAPT (≥18 months); (3) short-term DAPT (≤6 months) followed by P2Y inhibitor or aspirin; (4) 12-month DAPT with unguided de-escalation from potent P2Y inhibitors to low-dose potent P2Y inhibitor or clopidogrel at 1 month; and (5) guided selection DAPT with genotype or platelet function tests. The primary efficacy outcome (major adverse cardiovascular events) was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The primary safety outcome was major or minor bleeding.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 32 randomized controlled trials with 103 497 patients. While there were no differences in efficacy between short, unguided de-escalation and guided selection strategies, unguided de-escalation was associated with reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with standard DAPT with clopidogrel or ticagrelor (hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.67 [0.49-0.93] and 0.68 [0.50-0.93]). Both short DAPT followed by P2Y inhibitor and unguided de-escalation were associated with reduced risks in safety compared with other strategies, including guided selection (hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.66 [0.47-0.93] and 0.48 [0.33-0.71]). Short DAPT followed by a P2Y inhibitor was associated with reduced risk of major bleeding and all-cause death compared with standard, extended DAPT (eg, versus DAPT with clopidogrel; hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.64 [0.42-0.97] and 0.60 [0.44-0.82]). By rankogram, unguided de-escalation strategy was the safest and most effective strategy in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events and major or minor bleeding while short DAPT followed by P2Y inhibitor was ranked the best for major bleeding and all-cause death.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with acute coronary syndrome, unguided de-escalation was associated with the lowest risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and major or minor bleeding outcomes, while short DAPT followed by P2Y inhibitor was associated with the lowest risk of major bleeding and all-cause death.
Topics: Humans; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Network Meta-Analysis; Clopidogrel; Ticagrelor; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37609850
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.123.013242 -
Heart Failure Reviews Nov 2023The role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a possible causal risk factor for atherosclerotic artery disease and aortic valve stenosis has been well established. However, the... (Review)
Review
The role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a possible causal risk factor for atherosclerotic artery disease and aortic valve stenosis has been well established. However, the information on the association between Lp(a) levels and heart failure (HF) is limited and controversial. The main objective of the present study was to assess the association between Lp(a) levels and HF. This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed to detect studies that evaluated the association between Lp(a) levels and HF. Eight studies, including 73,410 patients, were eligible for this research. Seven prospective or retrospective cohorts and one cross-sectional study were analyzed. Five studies analyzed populations without HF; another three included patients with HF or left ventricular dysfunction. The endpoints evaluated varied according to the study analyzed, including incident HF, HF hospitalizations, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. Lp(a) levels were also analyzed in different ways, including analysis of Lp(a) as a continuous or categorical variable (distinct cut-off points or percentiles). Globally, the studies included in this review found predominantly positive results. Data on some relevant subgroups, such as HF of ischemic or non-ischemic etiology or HF with or without left ventricular dysfunction, was poorly reported. This systematic review suggests that there would be a positive relationship between Lp(a) levels and HF. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of HF, new studies should be developed to clarify this topic.
PubMed: 37466712
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-023-10333-2 -
Stroke Oct 2023Although coronary calcification quantification is an established approach for cardiovascular risk assessment, the value of quantifying carotid calcification is less... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although coronary calcification quantification is an established approach for cardiovascular risk assessment, the value of quantifying carotid calcification is less clear. As a result, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between extracranial carotid artery plaque calcification burden and ipsilateral cerebrovascular ischemic events.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE(R) 1946 to July 6, 2022; OVID Embase 1974 to July 6, 2022; and The Cochrane Library (Wiley). We performed meta-analyses including studies in which investigators performed a computed tomography assessment of calcification volume, percentage, or other total calcium burden summarizable in a single continuous imaging biomarker and determined the association of these features with the occurrence of ipsilateral stroke or transient ischemic attack.
RESULTS
Our overall meta-analysis consisted of 2239 carotid arteries and 9 studies. The presence of calcification in carotid arteries ipsilateral to ischemic stroke or in stroke patients compared with asymptomatic patients did not demonstrate a significant association with ischemic cerebrovascular events (relative risk of 0.75 [95% CI, 0.44-1.28]; =0.29). When restricted to studies of significant carotid artery stenosis (>50%), the presence of calcification was associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke (relative risk of 0.56 [95% CI, 0.38-0.85]; =0.006). When the analysis was limited to studies of patients with mainly nonstenotic plaques, there was an increased relative risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke of 1.72 ([95% CI, 1.01-2.91]; =0.04). Subgroup meta-analyses of total calcium burden and morphological features of calcium showed wide variability in their strength of association with ischemic stroke and demonstrated significant heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
The presence of calcification in carotid plaque confers a reduced association with ipsilateral ischemic events, although these results seem to be limited among carotid arteries with higher degrees of stenosis. Adoption of carotid calcification measures in clinical decision-making will require additional studies providing more reproducible and standardized methods of calcium characterization and testing these imaging strategies in prospective studies.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Calcium; Brain Ischemia; Stroke; Carotid Arteries; Carotid Artery Diseases; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Carotid Stenosis; Risk Assessment; Calcinosis; Ischemic Stroke; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37638399
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.042807 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2023Carotid artery stenosis is narrowing of the carotid arteries. Asymptomatic carotid stenosis is when this narrowing occurs in people without a history or symptoms of this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Carotid artery stenosis is narrowing of the carotid arteries. Asymptomatic carotid stenosis is when this narrowing occurs in people without a history or symptoms of this disease. It is caused by atherosclerosis; that is, the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. Atherosclerosis is more likely to occur in people with several risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and smoking. As this damage can develop without symptoms, the first symptom can be a fatal or disabling stroke, known as ischaemic stroke. Carotid stenosis leading to ischaemic stroke is most common in men older than 70 years. Ischaemic stroke is a worldwide public health problem.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of pharmacological interventions for the treatment of asymptomatic carotid stenosis in preventing neurological impairment, ipsilateral major or disabling stroke, death, major bleeding, and other outcomes.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two other databases, and three trials registers from their inception to 9 August 2022. We also checked the reference lists of any relevant systematic reviews identified and contacted specialists in the field for additional references to trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs), irrespective of publication status and language, comparing a pharmacological intervention to placebo, no treatment, or another pharmacological intervention for asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Two review authors independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of the trials. A third author resolved disagreements when necessary. We assessed the evidence certainty for key outcomes using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 34 RCTs with 11,571 participants. Data for meta-analysis were available from only 22 studies with 6887 participants. The mean follow-up period was 2.5 years. None of the 34 included studies assessed neurological impairment and quality of life. Antiplatelet agent (acetylsalicylic acid) versus placebo Acetylsalicylic acid (1 study, 372 participants) may result in little to no difference in ipsilateral major or disabling stroke (risk ratio (RR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 2.47), stroke-related mortality (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.54 to 3.59), progression of carotid stenosis (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.71), and adverse events (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.59), compared to placebo (all low-certainty evidence). The effect of acetylsalicylic acid on major bleeding is very uncertain (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.53; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not measure neurological impairment or quality of life. Antihypertensive agents (metoprolol and chlorthalidone) versus placebo The antihypertensive agent, metoprolol, may result in no difference in ipsilateral major or disabling stroke (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02 to1.16; 1 study, 793 participants) and stroke-related mortality (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.94; 1 study, 793 participants) compared to placebo (both low-certainty evidence). However, chlorthalidone may slow the progression of carotid stenosis (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.91; 1 study, 129 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared to placebo. Neither study measured neurological impairment, major bleeding, adverse events, or quality of life. Anticoagulant agent (warfarin) versus placebo The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of warfarin (1 study, 919 participants) on major bleeding (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.46; very low-certainty evidence), but it may reduce adverse events (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.99; low-certainty evidence) compared to placebo. The study did not measure neurological impairment, ipsilateral major or disabling stroke, stroke-related mortality, progression of carotid stenosis, or quality of life. Lipid-lowering agents (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, probucol, and rosuvastatin) versus placebo or no treatment Lipid-lowering agents may result in little to no difference in ipsilateral major or disabling stroke (atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin; RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.53; 5 studies, 2235 participants) stroke-related mortality (lovastatin and pravastatin; RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.29; 2 studies, 1366 participants), and adverse events (fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, probucol, and rosuvastatin; RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.53 to1.10; 7 studies, 3726 participants) compared to placebo or no treatment (all low-certainty evidence). The studies did not measure neurological impairment, major bleeding, progression of carotid stenosis, or quality of life.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Although there is no high-certainty evidence to support pharmacological intervention, this does not mean that pharmacological treatments are ineffective in preventing ischaemic cerebral events, morbidity, and mortality. High-quality RCTs are needed to better inform the best medical treatment that may reduce the burden of carotid stenosis. In the interim, clinicians will have to use other sources of information.
Topics: Humans; Warfarin; Carotid Stenosis; Metoprolol; Atorvastatin; Chlorthalidone; Fluvastatin; Pravastatin; Probucol; Rosuvastatin Calcium; Stroke; Hemorrhage; Aspirin; Ischemic Stroke; Atherosclerosis
PubMed: 37565307
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013573.pub2 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions Oct 2023Low fractional flow reserve (FFR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Hitherto, this assessment has been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Low fractional flow reserve (FFR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Hitherto, this assessment has been independent of the epicardial vessel interrogated.
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to assess the predictive capacity of post-PCI FFR for target vessel failure (TVF) stratified by coronary artery.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and individual patient-level data meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and observational studies with protocol-recommended post-PCI FFR assessment. The difference in post-PCI FFR between left anterior descending (LAD) and non-LAD arteries was assessed using a random-effect models meta-analysis of mean differences. TVF was defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target vessel revascularization.
RESULTS
Overall, 3,336 vessels (n = 2,760 patients) with post-PCI FFR measurements were included in 9 studies. The weighted mean post-PCI FFR was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.87-0.90) and differed significantly between coronary vessels (LAD = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.88 vs non-LAD = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91-0.94; P < 0.001). Post-PCI FFR was an independent predictor of TVF, with its risk increasing by 52% for every reduction of 0.10 FFR units, and this was mainly driven by TVR. The predictive capacity for TVF was poor for LAD arteries (AUC: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.47-0.58) and moderate for non-LAD arteries (AUC: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.59-0.73; LAD vs non-LAD arteries, P = 0.005).
CONCLUSIONS
The LAD is associated with a lower post-PCI FFR than non-LAD arteries, emphasizing the importance of interpreting post-PCI FFR on a vessel-specific basis. Although a higher post-PCI FFR was associated with improved prognosis, its predictive capacity for events differs between the LAD and non-LAD arteries, being poor in the LAD and moderate in the non-LAD vessels.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial; Coronary Angiography; Treatment Outcome; Predictive Value of Tests
PubMed: 37821185
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2023.08.018 -
Interventional Neuroradiology : Journal... Aug 2023As one of the major causes of acute ischemic stroke, intracranial arterial stenosis necessitates an intervention that ranges from medical treatment to balloon... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
As one of the major causes of acute ischemic stroke, intracranial arterial stenosis necessitates an intervention that ranges from medical treatment to balloon angioplasty and stenting. Self-expandable stents (SES) and balloon-mounted stents (BMS) are two types of stents and their comparative efficacy and safety for intracranial stenosis are not well established.
METHODS
Studies that investigate balloon-mounted stenting for intracranial stenosis were extracted from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library. We sought to gather data on the success rate, change in mean arterial stenosis, and complications such as minor and major stroke and death (MMD), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, myocardial infarction, all-cause mortality, and in-stent re-stenosis.
RESULTS
3049 patients from 35 studies were included in this study. 20 studies investigated BMS alone and others compared BMS with SES. BMS was significantly more effective in reducing the degree of stenosis compared to SES (Difference in mean -5.953, CI 95% -7.727 to -4.179), had less complications compared to SES such as MMD (8.5% vs. 11.2%) and less in-stent re-stenosis (18.6% vs. 19.6%), but patients with SES experienced a lower rate of all-cause mortality(1.7% vs. 4.1%).
CONCLUSION
Intracranial stenting with BMS is more effective in reducing the degree of stenosis and has lower rates of complications when compared to SES.
Topics: Humans; Constriction, Pathologic; Ischemic Stroke; Treatment Outcome; Stents; Angioplasty, Balloon
PubMed: 35549530
DOI: 10.1177/15910199221100620 -
Annals of Clinical and Translational... Jun 2024Fabry disease is caused by enzymatic defects in alpha-galactosidase A that leads to the accumulation of glycosphingolipids throughout the body, resulting in a...
OBJECTIVE
Fabry disease is caused by enzymatic defects in alpha-galactosidase A that leads to the accumulation of glycosphingolipids throughout the body, resulting in a multisystemic disorder. The most common neurological manifestations are neuropathic pain, autonomic nervous system dysfunction and strokes, but some rarer neurological manifestations exist. Among these, aseptic meningitis is a possible complication. Our objectives were to measure the prevalence of this complication in a cohort of patients with Fabry disease, and to describe its clinical features.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective review of Fabry disease patients followed at our tertiary referral center between 1995 and September 2023 with at least one episode of meningitis, and performed a systematic review to identify similar published cases.
RESULTS
Four patients out of 107 (3.7%) had at least one episode of aseptic meningitis. Our systematic review identified 25 other observations. The median age of these 29 patients was 29.0 years, the median cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count was 24 cells/mm3 with a predominance of lymphocytes in 64.7% of cases. In 82.8% of the patients, the diagnosis of Fabry disease was unknown before the meningitis. Large artery stenosis was present in 17.2% of patients and 57.1% of patients had a recent stroke concomitant with the meningitis. Several differential diagnoses were evoked, such as multiple sclerosis or central nervous system vasculitis.
INTERPRETATION
Our study suggests that Fabry disease should be considered as a cause of aseptic meningitis. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying meningeal inflammation remain largely unknown but may reflect the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways.
Topics: Humans; Fabry Disease; Meningitis, Aseptic; Adult; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent; Aged; Child
PubMed: 38717582
DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52043 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Sep 2023Sex differences regarding the safety and efficacy of carotid revascularization in carotid artery stenosis have been addressed in several studies with conflicting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Sex differences regarding the safety and efficacy of carotid revascularization in carotid artery stenosis have been addressed in several studies with conflicting results. Moreover, women are underrepresented in clinical trials, leading to limited conclusions regarding the safety and efficacy of acute stroke treatments.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by literature search including four databases from January 1985 to December 2021. Sex differences in the efficacy and safety of revascularization procedures, including carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS), for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenoses were analyzed.
RESULTS
Regarding CEA in symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, the stroke risk in men (3.6%) and women (3.9%) based on 99,495 patients (30 studies) did not differ (P = .16). There was also no difference in the stroke risk by different time frames up to 10 years. Compared with men, women treated with CEA had a significantly higher stroke or death rate at 4 months (2 studies, 2565 patients; 7.2% vs 5.0%; odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.12; I = 0%; P = .03), and a significantly higher rate of restenosis (1 study, 615; 17.2% vs 6.7%; OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.66-4.75; P = .0001). For CAS in symptomatic artery stenosis, data showed a non-significant tendency toward higher peri-procedural stroke in women, whereas for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, data based on 332,344 patients showed that women (compared with men) after CEA had similar rates of stroke, stroke or death, and the composite outcome stroke/death/myocardial infarction. The rate of restenosis at 1 year was significantly higher in women compared with men (1 study, 372 patients; 10.8% vs 3.2%; OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.49-9.2; P = .005). Furthermore, CAS in asymptomatic patients was associated with low risk of a postprocedural stroke in both sexes, but a significantly higher risk of in-hospital myocardial infarction in women than men (8445 patients, 1.2% vs 0.6%; OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.23-3.28; I = 0%; P = .005).
CONCLUSIONS
A few sex-differences in short-term outcomes after carotid revascularization for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis were found, although there were no significant differences in the overall stroke. This indicates a need for larger multicenter prospective studies to evaluate these sex-specific differences. More women, including those aged over 80 years, need to be enrolled in randomized controlled trials, to better understand if sex differences exist and to tailor carotid revascularization accordingly.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Aged, 80 and over; Carotid Stenosis; Sex Characteristics; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Stents; Endarterectomy, Carotid; Carotid Arteries; Stroke; Myocardial Infarction; Constriction, Pathologic; Risk Factors; Risk Assessment; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37055001
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.03.502