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ESC Heart Failure Aug 2023The aim of the meta-analysis was to generate a more comprehensive understanding of the HFA-PEFF score in the diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aim of the meta-analysis was to generate a more comprehensive understanding of the HFA-PEFF score in the diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and to pose clues in the field of scientific and clinical practice. Electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase were systematically searched. Studies investigating the use of the HFA-PEFF score to diagnose HFpEF were included. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative Likelihood Ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under the curve of summary receiver operating characteristic, and superiority index were calculated. Five studies with 1521 participants were included in this meta-analysis. In the pooled analysis of the 'Rule-out' approach, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and DOR were 0.98 (0.94, 1.00), 0.33 (0.08, 0.73), 1.5 (0.8, 2.5), 0.05 (0.02, 0.17), and 28 (6, 127). In the pooled analysis of the 'Rule-in' approach, the pooled sensitivity and specificity, PLR, NLR, and DOR were 0.69 (0.62, 0.75), 0.87 (0.64, 0.96), 5.5 (1.8, 16.9), 0.35 (0.30, 0.41), and 16 (5, 50). This meta-analysis indicates that the HFA-PEFF algorithm showed acceptable specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis and exclusion of HFpEF. More relevant studies on the diagnostic validity of the HFA-PEFF score are needed in the future.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Stroke Volume; Sensitivity and Specificity; ROC Curve; Algorithms
PubMed: 37292053
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14421 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Jan 2024Type-III vasa previa (VP) is a rare form of VP, not necessarily associated with other placental or vascular anomalies, in which aberrant vessels run from the placenta to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Type-III vasa previa (VP) is a rare form of VP, not necessarily associated with other placental or vascular anomalies, in which aberrant vessels run from the placenta to the amniotic membranes, near the internal cervical os, before returning to the placenta. Early diagnosis of Type-III VP is important but technically challenging. The objective of this study was to gather the current available evidence on the perinatal diagnosis and outcome of Type-III VP.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature on the perinatal diagnosis of atypical Type-III VP was carried out in PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE accordingto PRISMA guidelines from inception to March 2023. Data extraction and tabulation were performed by two operators and checked by a third senior author. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health tool for the quality assessment of case-series studies. Our local ultrasound database was searched for previously unreported recent cases. Characteristics of prenatally and postnatally diagnosed Type-III VP, including clinical features and perinatal outcomes, were summarized using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
Eighteen cases of Type-III VP were included, of which 16 were diagnosed prenatally (14 cases were retrieved from 10 publications and two were unpublished cases from our center) and two were diagnosed postnatally (retrieved from two publications). All prenatal cases were diagnosed on transvaginal ultrasound at a mean gestational age of 29 weeks (median, 31 weeks; range, 19-38 weeks). Conception was achieved with in-vitro fertilization in 4/16 (25.0%) cases. There were no prenatal symptoms in 15/18 (83.3%) cases, while in two (11.1%) cases there was vaginal bleeding and in one (5.6%) preterm labor occurred. In 15/18 (83.3%) cases, at least one placental abnormality was observed, including low-lying insertion (9/17), succenturiate or accessory lobe (1/17), velamentous cord insertion (3/18) and marginal insertion (9/18). All prenatally diagnosed cases were liveborn and were delivered by Cesarean section before rupture of membranes at a median gestational age of 35 weeks (range, 32-38 weeks) without neonatal complications. Emergency Cesarean section was performed in 2/16 (12.5%) cases with a prenatal diagnosis and 1/2 (50.0%) cases with a postnatal diagnosis (P = 0.179). Among those with data available, an Apgar score of ≤ 7 was observed in the prenatally vs postnatally diagnosed group in 5/13 vs 1/1 cases, respectively, at the 1-min evaluation and 3/13 vs 1/1 cases, respectively, at the 5-min evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS
The prenatal diagnosis of Type-III VP is challenging, with few cases reported in the literature; however, it is crucial for minimizing the risk of adverse outcome by enabling early-term elective Cesarean delivery prior to rupture of membranes. Given that clinical manifestations and risk factors are non-specific, and that Type-III VP cannot be excluded when there is a normal cord insertion or a singular placental mass, systematic screening by transvaginal ultrasound in the general pregnant population is recommended, particularly in those with a low-lying or morphologically abnormal placenta and those who conceived using assisted reproductive technology. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Cesarean Section; Placenta; Placenta Diseases; Prenatal Diagnosis; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Vasa Previa
PubMed: 37470694
DOI: 10.1002/uog.26315 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Jan 2024Diagnosing lipedema remains a challenge due to its heterogeneous presentation, co-existing diseases, and the lack of objective diagnostic imaging. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Diagnosing lipedema remains a challenge due to its heterogeneous presentation, co-existing diseases, and the lack of objective diagnostic imaging.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to outline the currently available diagnostic imaging methods to characterize lipedema in the legs along with their diagnostic performance.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. The quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) tool was used for quality assessment.
RESULTS
Thirty-two studies describing a total of 1154 patients with lipedema were included for final analysis. Features for lipedema have been defined using ultrasound (increased subcutaneous adipose tissue), lymphoscintigraphy (slowing of the lymphatic flow and a frequent asymmetry between the lower extremities), computed tomography (symmetrical bilateral soft tissue enlargement without either skin thickening or subcutaneous edema), magnetic resonance imaging (increased subcutaneous adipose tissue), MR lymphangiography (enlarged lymphatic vessels up to a diameter of 2 mm), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (fat mass in the legs adjusted for body mass index (BMI) ≥ 0.46 or fat mass in the legs adjusted for total fat mass ≥ 0.384).
CONCLUSION
The diagnostic performance of currently available imaging modalities for assessing lipedema is limited. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of each imaging modality. Imaging techniques focusing on the pathogenesis of the disease are needed.
Topics: Humans; Lipedema; Subcutaneous Fat; Lower Extremity; Lymphatic Vessels; Hypertrophy; Diagnostic Imaging
PubMed: 37789512
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13648 -
Rheumatology (Oxford, England) Oct 2023Dysphagia is a common debilitating clinical feature of IBM. However, the impact of dysphagia in IBM has been historically overlooked. This study aimed to identify,...
OBJECTIVES
Dysphagia is a common debilitating clinical feature of IBM. However, the impact of dysphagia in IBM has been historically overlooked. This study aimed to identify, evaluate and summarize the evidence regarding the assessment and management of dysphagia in persons with IBM undergoing treatment.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using a multiengine search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies had to employ an intervention for persons with IBM, report a swallowing outcome and be published in English. Quality assessments of the eligible studies were performed.
RESULTS
Of 239 studies found, 19 met the inclusion criteria. One study was rated as 'fair' and the rest as 'poor' quality, particularly due to the lack of published and validated swallowing assessment procedures and outcome measures. Cricopharyngeal (CP) dysfunction (12/19) was the most commonly reported swallowing abnormality. Interventions for disease management included pharmacological agents (10/19), followed by surgical (3/19), behavioral (1/19) and combined approaches (5/19). Interventions with immunosuppressants, botulinum toxin injection, balloon dilation and/or CP myotomy led to mixed and transient benefits. Few studies examining statins or behavioral therapies (primarily focused on respiratory function) showed no effects for dysphagia.
CONCLUSION
Various interventions have been reported to temporarily improve dysphagia in persons with IBM. However, these findings are based on limited and overall low-quality evidence. This study cautions against the generalization of these findings and emphasizes the need for further systematic research to improve the diagnosis and management of dysphagia in IBM.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Myositis, Inclusion Body; Pharyngeal Muscles; Endoscopy
PubMed: 37115631
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead194 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Mar 2024Depression and anxiety are significant contributors to maternal perinatal morbidity and a range of negative child outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Depression and anxiety are significant contributors to maternal perinatal morbidity and a range of negative child outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review and assess the diagnostic test accuracy of selected screening tools (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS], EPDS-3A, Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]-, PHQ-2, Matthey Generic Mood Question [MGMQ], Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7], GAD-2, and the Whooley questions) used to identify women with antenatal depression or anxiety in Western countries.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
On January 16, 2023, we searched 10 databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CRD Database, Embase, Epistemonikos, International HTA Database, KSR Evidence, Ovid MEDLINE, PROSPERO and PsycINFO); the references of included studies were also screened. We included studies of any design that compared case-identification with a relevant screening tool to the outcome of a diagnostic interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth or fifth edition (DSM-IV or DSM-5), or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision (ICD-10). Diagnoses of interest were major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Two authors independently screened abstracts and full-texts for relevance and evaluated the risk of bias using QUADAS-2. Data extraction was performed by one person and checked by another team member for accuracy. For synthesis, a bivariate model was used. The certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021236333.
RESULTS
We screened 8276 records for eligibility and included 16 original articles reporting on diagnostic test accuracy: 12 for the EPDS, one article each for the GAD-2, MGMQ, PHQ-9, PHQ-2, and Whooley questions, and no articles for the EPDS-3A or GAD-7. Most of the studies had moderate to high risk of bias. Ten of the EPDS articles provided data for synthesis at cutoffs ≥10 to ≥14 for diagnosing major depressive disorder. Cutoff ≥10 gave the optimal combined sensitivity (0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.90) and specificity (0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings from the meta-analysis suggest that the EPDS alone is not perfectly suitable for detection of major depressive disorder during pregnancy. Few studies have evaluated the other instruments, therefore, their usefulness for identification of women with depression and anxiety during pregnancy remains very uncertain. At present, case-identification with any tool may best serve as a complement to a broader dialogue between healthcare professionals and their patients.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depression; Mass Screening; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety; Depression, Postpartum
PubMed: 38014572
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14734 -
Neurology(R) Neuroimmunology &... May 2024Susac syndrome (SuS) is an orphan microangiopathic disease characterized by a triad of encephalopathy, visual disturbances due to branch retinal artery occlusions, and... (Review)
Review
Susac syndrome (SuS) is an orphan microangiopathic disease characterized by a triad of encephalopathy, visual disturbances due to branch retinal artery occlusions, and sensorineuronal hearing loss. Our previous systematic review on all cases of SuS reported until 2012 allowed for a better understanding of clinical presentation and diagnostic findings. Based on these data, we suggested diagnostic criteria in 2016 to allow early diagnosis and treatment of SuS. In view of the accumulation of new SuS cases reported in the last 10 years and improved diagnostic tools, we here aimed at updating the demographic and clinical features of SuS and to review the updated ancillary tests being used for SuS diagnosis. Therefore, based on the 2016 criteria, we systematically collected and evaluated data on SuS published from January 2013 to March 2022.
Topics: Humans; Susac Syndrome; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Brain Diseases; Vision Disorders; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38364193
DOI: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000200209 -
The International Journal of... May 2024
BACKGROUND Despite the high morbidity and mortality globally, standard microbiologic diagnosis for TB requires laboratory infrastructure... (Meta-Analysis)Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND Despite the high morbidity and mortality globally, standard microbiologic diagnosis for TB requires laboratory infrastructure inaccessible in many resource-limited areas and may be insufficient for identifying extrapulmonary disease. Point-of-care (POC) ultrasound facilitates visualization of extrapulmonary manifestations, permitting laboratory-independent diagnosis, but its diagnostic utility remains unclear.METHODS We conducted a systematic review of five online databases for studies reporting ultrasound findings among cases with and without extrapulmonary TB (EPTB). A minimum of two authors independently screened and reviewed each article, and extracted data elements of interest. We conducted a series of univariate meta-analyses using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled effect estimate and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).RESULTS Of 279 articles identified, 6 were included. There were 699 cases of EPTB among 1,633 participants. The pooled sensitivity estimate was 0.72 (95% CI 0.57-0.88). The pooled specificity estimate was 0.77 (95% CI 0.63-0.90). The pooled PPV and NPV estimates were respectively 0.67 (95% CI 0.47-0.87) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.77-0.93). .CONCLUSION POC ultrasound showed modest test characteristics for diagnosing EPTB, which may constitute an improvement over some currently available diagnostics.Topics: Humans; Ultrasonography; Point-of-Care Systems; Tuberculosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Predictive Value of Tests
PubMed: 38659144
DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.23.0471 -
Viruses Oct 2023Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant health concern affecting numerous expectant mothers across the globe. CMV is the leading cause of health problems and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant health concern affecting numerous expectant mothers across the globe. CMV is the leading cause of health problems and developmental delays among infected infants. Notably, this study examines CMV infection in pregnancy, its management, prevention mechanisms, and treatment options.
METHODS
Specifically, information from the Cochrane Library, PUBMED, Wiley Online, Science Direct, and Taylor Francis databases were reviewed along with additional records identified through the register, the Google Scholar search engine. Based on the search, 21 articles were identified for systematic review.
RESULTS
A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were utilized for a meta-analytic review. As heterogeneity was substantial, the random effects model was used for meta-analysis. Utilizing the random-effects model, the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) approach, the estimate of effect size (d = -0.479, 95% CI = -0.977 to 0.019, = 0.060) suggests the results are not statistically significant, so it cannot be inferred that the prevention methods used were effective, despite an inverse relationship between treatment and number of infected cases. The findings indicated that several techniques are used to prevent, diagnose, and manage CMV infection during pregnancy, including proper hygiene, ultrasound examination (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), amniocentesis, viremia, hyperimmunoglobulin (HIG), and valacyclovir (VACV).
CONCLUSIONS
The current review has significant implications for addressing CMV infection in pregnancy. Specifically, it provides valuable findings on contemporary management interventions to prevent and treat CMV infection among expectant mothers. Therefore, it allows relevant stakeholders to address these critical health concerns and understand the effectiveness of the proposed prevention and treatment options.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant; Female; Humans; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Amniocentesis; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
PubMed: 38005820
DOI: 10.3390/v15112142 -
Theranostics 2023Recent studies suggest that Ga-FAPI PET/CT demonstrated superiority over F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of various cancer types, especially in gastric cancer (GC). By... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Recent studies suggest that Ga-FAPI PET/CT demonstrated superiority over F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of various cancer types, especially in gastric cancer (GC). By comprehensively reviewing and analysing the differences between Ga-FAPI and F-FDG in GC, some evidence is provided to foster the broader clinical application of FAPI PET imaging. In this review, studies published up to July 3, 2023, that employed radionuclide labelled FAPI as a diagnostic radiotracer for PET in GC were analysed. These studies were sourced from both the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Our statistical analysis involved a bivariate meta-analysis of the diagnostic data and a meta-analysis of the quantitative metrics. These were performed using R language. The meta-analysis included 14 studies, with 527 patients, of which 358 were diagnosed with GC. Overall, Ga-FAPI showed higher pooled sensitivity (0.84 [95% CI 0.67-0.94] 0.46 [95% CI 0.32-0.60]), specificity (0.91 [95% CI 0.76-0.98] 0.88 [95% CI 0.74-0.96]) and area under the curve (AUC) (0.92 [95% CI 0.77-0.98] 0.52 [95% CI 0.38-0.86]) than F-FDG. The evidence showed superior pooled sensitivities of Ga-FAPI PET over F-FDG for primary tumours, local recurrence, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, and peritoneal metastases. Furthermore, Ga-FAPI PET provided higher maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and tumour-to-background ratios (TBR). For bone metastases, while Ga-FAPI PET demonstrated slightly lower patient-based pooled sensitivity (0.93 1.00), it significantly outperformed F-FDG in the lesion-based analysis (0.95 0.65). However, SUVmax (mean difference [MD] 1.79 [95% CI -3.87-7.45]) and TBR (MD 5.01 [95% CI -0.78-10.80]) of bone metastases showed no significant difference between Ga-FAPI PET/CT and F-FDG PET/CT. Compared with F-FDG, Ga-FAPI PET imaging showed improved diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of GC. It can be effectively applied to the early diagnosis, initial staging, and detection of recurrence/metastases of GC. Ga-FAPI may have the potential of replacing F-FDG in GC in future applications.
Topics: Humans; Stomach Neoplasms; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Gallium Radioisotopes; Positron-Emission Tomography
PubMed: 37649615
DOI: 10.7150/thno.88335 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Nov 2023Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are often diagnosed at advanced clinical stages during their symptomatic phase, leading to a reduced treatment window and poor survival....
IMPORTANCE
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are often diagnosed at advanced clinical stages during their symptomatic phase, leading to a reduced treatment window and poor survival. Screening programs have been suggested as a mitigation strategy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of current HNC screening programs in improving diagnosis and survival in adults.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
This Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses-guided systematic review involved use of peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles identified from MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials between January 1, 2001, and July 15, 2022. Snowballing was applied to retrieve more studies. Eligible articles were original clinical trials and observational studies presenting a universal or risk-targeted screening program of primary HNC in the adult population. Reporting quality was assessed using the JBI's critical appraisal tools.
FINDINGS
Database searches yielded 3646 unique citations with an additional 8 studies found via snowballing. Five reviewers assessed the full text of 106 studies. Sixteen articles were ultimately included in the review, involving 4.7 million adults (34.1%-100% male; median age, 30-59 years). Fifteen studies were based in Asia and 1 in Europe (Portugal). Five reported data from randomized clinical trials. An oral inspection conducted once or once every 2 to 3 years was described in 11 studies for screening oral cancer, while multistep screening involving Epstein-Barr virus serologic testing for nasopharyngeal carcinoma delivered every 1 to 4 years was presented in 5. In 4 trials and 6 observational studies, screening significantly increased the detection of localized (stage I/II) tumor or was associated with an increased proportion of diagnoses, respectively, regardless of the population and cancer subsites. Universal screening of asymptomatic adults improved 3- to 5-year overall survival but did not increase cancer-specific survival in 4 trials. Targeted screening improved overall and cancer-specific survival or was associated with improved survival outcomes in 2 trials and 2 observational studies, respectively. Studies had low to medium risks of bias.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Evidence from the existing literature suggests that a risk-targeted screening program for oral and nasopharyngeal cancers could improve diagnosis and patient survival. Screening adherence, societal cost-effectiveness, and optimal risk stratification of such a program warrant future research, especially in low-incidence settings outside Asia.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Early Detection of Cancer; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Mouth Neoplasms
PubMed: 37796524
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.3010