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European Journal of Obstetrics,... Oct 2023There is a growing body of evidence that the presence and length of the purple line could represent a non-invasive method of estimating and determining labour progress. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is a growing body of evidence that the presence and length of the purple line could represent a non-invasive method of estimating and determining labour progress.
OBJECTIVES
The primary outcome was to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between the purple line length and cervical dilatation in active labour. The secondary outcome was to determine the association between the purple line length and the fetal head descent, and to calculate the pooled mean length of the purple line at a cervical dilatation of 3-4 cm and at a cervical dilatation of 9-10 cm.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Clinical Trials.gov and Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register databases from inception till March 25, 2023.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included observational studies of pregnant women in active first stage of labour who had their labour progress assessed with the use of regular vaginal examinations and who had the occurrence recorded and length of the purple line measured at the same time.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently evaluated study eligibility. We used the random effects and fixed effects model for meta-analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
There were six eligible studies included in the systematic review that reported on 982 women in total with the purple line appearing in 760 (77.3%) of cases. We found a moderate positive pooled correlation between the purple line length with cervical dilatation (r = +0.64; 95%CI: 0.41-0.87) and fetal head descent (r = +0.50; 95%CI: 0.32-0.68). For women either in spontaneous or induced labour, the pooled mean length of the purple line was more than 9.4 cm when the cervical dilatation was 9-10 cm, whereas it was more than 7.3 cm when the cervical dilatation was 3-4 cm.
CONCLUSIONS
The purple line is a non-invasive method that may potentially be used as an adjunct in labour progress assessment.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, First; Labor, Obstetric; Labor Onset; Databases, Factual; Fetus
PubMed: 37651813
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.08.383 -
Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine Nov 2023Lyme carditis is a well-established manifestation of early disseminated Lyme infection, yet the relationship between late disseminated Lyme disease and the development... (Review)
Review
Lyme carditis is a well-established manifestation of early disseminated Lyme infection, yet the relationship between late disseminated Lyme disease and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unclear. The present systematic review aims to summarize existing literature on the association between late disseminated Lyme disease and DCM. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and MEDLINE databases, after which a total of 11 observational studies (n = 771) were ultimately included for final data extraction. Although most studies (7/11) identified evidence associating Borrelia-infection with DCM, further research is required to isolate late disseminated Borrelia infection as a causative agent of DCM.
Topics: Humans; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Lyme Disease
PubMed: 35667636
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2022.05.010 -
European Journal of Clinical... Feb 2024N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation has been reported to have an impact on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), a conventionally used clinical technique... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation has been reported to have an impact on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), a conventionally used clinical technique for estimating endothelial dysfunction. However, its proven effects on endothelial function are unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplementation on FMD of the brachial artery.
METHOD
This study was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. To identify eligible RCTs, a systematic search was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Web of Science using relevant keywords. A fixed- or random-effects model was utilized to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
RESULTS
Thirty-two studies (with 35 arms) were included in this meta-analysis, involving 2385 subjects with intervention duration ranging from 4 to 48 weeks. The pooled meta-analysis demonstrated a significant effect of omega-3 on FMD (WMD = 0.8%, 95% CI = 0.3-1.3, p = .001) and heterogeneity was significant (I = 82.5%, p < .001).
CONCLUSION
We found that n-3 PUFA supplementation improves endothelial function as estimated by flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery.
Topics: Humans; Brachial Artery; Dietary Supplements; Endothelium, Vascular; Fatty Acids, Omega-3
PubMed: 37859571
DOI: 10.1111/eci.14109 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Aug 2023A systematic review to determine the efficacy and safety of prostaglandins (PG) and Foley catheter (FC) for cervical priming in the outpatient setting. Various methods... (Review)
Review
Efficacy of pharmacological and mechanical cervical priming methods for induction of labour and their applicability for outpatient management: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
A systematic review to determine the efficacy and safety of prostaglandins (PG) and Foley catheter (FC) for cervical priming in the outpatient setting. Various methods are available to achieve cervical ripening prior to induction of labour (IOL). In this systematic review, we will report the literature to date, and investigate the efficacy and safety of using the Foley catheter balloon or prostaglandins for cervical ripening, comparing both methods with each other, and discuss the implications of these findings for midwifery led units.
METHODS
English peer-reviewed journals were systematically searched in the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, EMCARE, EMBASE and CINAHL, for studies investigating cervical ripening using the FC or PGs. Additional randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were identified by a manual search. Search terms included: cervix dilatation effacement, cervix ripening, outpatient, ambulatory care, obstetric patients, pharmacological preparations, and Foley catheter. Only RCTs of FC versus PG or either intervention versus placebo or intervention in the in-patient Vs. outpatient setting were included. 15 RCTs were included.
RESULTS
The results of this review show that both FC and PG analogues are equally effective cervical ripening agents. When compared to FC, PGs lead to a reduced requirement for oxytocin augmentation and a shorter intervention to delivery interval. However, PG use is also associated with an increased risk of hyperstimulation, cardiotocographic monitoring abnormalities and negative neonatal outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
FC cervical ripening is an effective method of outpatient cervical priming, which is safe, acceptable, and cost-effective and thus has a potential role in both resource-rich and resource-poor countries. With appropriate dosing, some PG analogues also appear to offer similar outcomes.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Dinoprostone; Outpatients; Cervix Uteri; Oxytocics; Labor, Induced; Prostaglandins; Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; Cervical Ripening
PubMed: 37300982
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.05.037 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are abnormal dilations of the cerebral vessels, which pose a persistent threat of cerebral hemorrhage. Inflammation is known to contribute... (Review)
Review
Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are abnormal dilations of the cerebral vessels, which pose a persistent threat of cerebral hemorrhage. Inflammation is known to contribute to IA development. The nuclear factor "kappa-light-chain-enhancer" of activated B-cells (NF-κB) is the major driver of inflammation. It increases the expression of inflammatory markers and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which contribute heavily to the pathogenesis of IAs. NF-κB activation has been linked to IA rupture and resulting subarachnoid hemorrhage. Moreover, NF-κB activation can result in endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the arterial wall, which subsequently leads to the initiation and progression of IAs and consequently results in rupture. After a systematic search, abstract screening, and full-text screening, 30 research articles were included in the review. In this systematic review, we summarized the scientific literature reporting findings on NF-κB's role in the pathogenesis of IAs. In conclusion, the activation of the NF-κB pathway was associated with IA formation, progression, and rupture.
Topics: Humans; NF-kappa B; Intracranial Aneurysm; Signal Transduction; Arteries; Inflammation
PubMed: 37762520
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814218 -
Catheterization and Cardiovascular... Oct 2023Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is present in approximately 0.5%-2% of the general population, causing significant aortic stenosis (AS) in 12%-37% of affected individuals.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is present in approximately 0.5%-2% of the general population, causing significant aortic stenosis (AS) in 12%-37% of affected individuals. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is being considered the treatment of choice in patients with symptomatic AS across all risk spectra.
AIM
Aim Our study aims to compare TAVR outcomes in patients with BAV versus tricuspid aortic valves (TAV).
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane trials. Studies were included if they included BAV and TAV patients undergoing TAVR with quantitative data available for at least one of our predefined outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed by the random-effects model using Stata software.
RESULTS
Fifty studies of 203,288 patients were included. BAV patients had increased 30-day all-cause mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23 [1.00-1.50], p = 0.05), in-hospital stroke (OR = 1.39 [1.01-1.93], p = 0.05), in-hospital and 30-day PPI (OR = 1.13 [1.00-1.27], p = 0.04; OR = 1.16 [1.04-1.13], p = 0.01) and in-hospital, 30-day and 1-year aortic regurgitation (AR) (OR = 1.48 [1.19-1.83], p < 0.01; OR = 1.79 [1.26-2.52], p < 0.01; OR = 1.64 [1.03-2.60], p = 0.04). Subgroup analysis on new-generation valves showed a reduced 1-year all-cause mortality (OR = 0.86 [CI = 0.75-0.98], p = 0.03), despite higher in-hospital and 30-day PPI (OR = 0.1.21 [1.04-1.41], p = 0.01; OR = 1.17 [1.05-1.31], p = 0.01) and in-hospital AR (OR = 1.62 [1.14-2.31], p = 0.01) in the BAV group. The quality of included studies was moderate-to-high, and only three analyses presented high heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
TAVR is associated with comparable outcomes in patients with BAV and TAV. Careful selection of BAV cases by preprocedural assessment of valve anatomy and burden of calcification, pre- and post-procedural dilation, and implementing newer generations of valves may improve the safety and efficacy of TAVR in BAV patients.
Topics: Humans; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease; Heart Valve Diseases; Treatment Outcome; Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Aortic Valve Insufficiency
PubMed: 37605512
DOI: 10.1002/ccd.30808 -
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Jul 2023Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic progressive condition that is complicated by intestinal or colonic stricture in nearly 30% of cases within 10 years of the initial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic progressive condition that is complicated by intestinal or colonic stricture in nearly 30% of cases within 10 years of the initial diagnosis. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is associated with a risk of perforations and recurrence rates of up to 60% at 5 years. Endoscopic stenting has been used as an alternative to EBD, but data on its safety and efficacy are limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the outcomes of endoscopic stenting in CD-related strictures.
METHODS
A systematic and detailed search was run in January 2022 with the assistance of a medical librarian for studies reporting on outcomes of endoscopic stenting in CD-related strictures. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model, and results were expressed in terms of pooled proportions along with relevant 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Nine studies with 163 patients were included in the final analysis. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) including both partial and fully covered were used in 7 studies, whereas biodegradable stents were used in 2 studies. Pooled rate of clinical success and technical success was 60.9% (95% CI, 51.6-69.5; I2 = 13%) and 93% (95% CI, 87.3-96.3; I2 = 0%), respectively. Repeat stenting was needed in 9.6% of patients (95% CI, 5.3-16.7; I2 = 0%), whereas pooled rate of spontaneous stent migration was 43.9% (95% CI, 11.4-82.7; I2 = 88%). Pooled incidence of overall adverse events, proximal stent migration, perforation, and abdominal pain were 15.7%, 6.4%, 2.7%, and 17.9%, respectively. Mean follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 69 months.
DISCUSSION
Endoscopic stenting in CD-related strictures is a safe technique that can be performed with technical ease, albeit with a limited clinical success. Postprocedure abdominal pain and proximal stent migration are some of the common adverse events reported.
Topics: Humans; Crohn Disease; Constriction, Pathologic; Treatment Outcome; Abdominal Pain; Stents; Dilatation
PubMed: 35880681
DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izac153 -
Midwifery Sep 2023To conduct a systematic review exploring women's experiences, views and understanding of any vaginal examinations during intrapartum care, in any care setting and by any... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review exploring women's experiences, views and understanding of any vaginal examinations during intrapartum care, in any care setting and by any healthcare professional. Intrapartum vaginal examination is deemed both an essential assessment tool and routine intervention during labour. It is an intervention that can cause significant distress, embarrassment, and pain for women, as well as reinforce outdated gender roles. In view of its widespread and frequently reported excessive use, it is important to understand women's views on vaginal examination to inform further research and current practice.
DESIGN
A systematic search and meta-ethnography synthesis informed by Noblit and Hare (1988) and the eMERGe guidance (France et al. 2019) was undertaken. Nine electronic databases were searched systematically using predefined search terms in August 2021, and again in March 2023. Studies meeting the following criteria: English language, qualitative and mixed-method studies, published from 2000 onwards, and relevant to the topic, were eligible for quality appraisal and inclusion.
FINDINGS
Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Three from Turkey, one from Palestine, one from Hong Kong and one from New Zealand. One disconfirming study was identified. Following both a reciprocal and refutational synthesis, four 3rd order constructs were formed, titled: Suffering the examination, Challenging the power dynamic, Cervical-centric labour culture embedded in societal expectations, and Context of care. Finally, a line of argument was arrived at, which brought together and summarised the 3rd order constructs.
KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF PRACTICE
The dominant biomedical discourse of vaginal examination and cervical dilatation as central to the birthing process does not align with midwifery philosophy or women's embodied experience. Women experience examinations as painful and distressing but tolerate them as they view them as necessary and unavoidable. Factors such as context of care setting, environment, privacy, midwifery care, particularly in a continuity of carer model, have considerable positive affect on women's experience of examinations. Further research into women's experiences of vaginal examination in different care models as well as research into less invasive intrapartum assessment tools that promote physiological processes is urgently required.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Gynecological Examination; Anthropology, Cultural; Parturition; Labor, Obstetric; Midwifery; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 37315454
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103746 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Sep 2023Despite the growing use of electronic cigarettes (EC) in the Unites States, particularly among young people, and their perceived safety, current evidence suggests that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Despite the growing use of electronic cigarettes (EC) in the Unites States, particularly among young people, and their perceived safety, current evidence suggests that EC usage may cause adverse clinical cardiovascular effects. Therefore, we aim to pool all studies evaluating the association of EC exposure with cardiovascular health. Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus were searched for studies from January 1, 2006 until December 31, 2022. Randomized and observational studies reporting cardiovascular outcomes, hemodynamic parameters, and biomarkers of platelet physiology, before and after acute or chronic EC exposure were pooled using a random-effects model. Overall, 27 studies (n = 863) were included. Heart rate increased significantly after acute EC exposure (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 0.76 bpm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48, 1.03; P < 0.00001; I = 92%). Significant increases in systolic blood pressure (WMD: 0.28 mmHg; 95% CI, 0.06, 0.51; P = 0.01; I = 94%), diastolic blood pressure (WMD: 0.38 mmHg; 95% CI, 0.16, 0.60; P = 0.0006; I = 90%), and PWV (WMD: 0.38; 95% CI, 0.13, 0.63; P = 0.003; I = 100%) were also observed. Augmentation index increased significantly (SMD: 0.39; 95% CI, 0.11, 0.67; P = 0.007; I = 90%), whereas reduction in flow-mediated dilation (WMD: -1.48; 95% CI, -2.49, -0.47; P = 0.004; I = 45%) was observed. Moreover, significant rise in both soluble P-selectin (WMD: 4.73; 95% CI, 0.80, 8.66; P = 0.02; I = 98%) and CD40L (WMD: 1.14; 95% CI, 0.41, 1.87; P = 0.002; I = 79%) was observed. Our results demonstrate that smoking EC is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular hemodynamic measures and biomarkers. Our findings can aid policymakers in making informed decisions regarding the regulation of EC to ensure public safety.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Smoking; Blood Pressure; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37088177
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101748 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Oct 2023The primary objective was to perform a systematic review of predictive factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) occurrence at first vaginal delivery, with the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective was to perform a systematic review of predictive factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) occurrence at first vaginal delivery, with the diagnosis made by ultrasound (US-OASI). The secondary objective was to report on incidence rates of sonographic anal sphincter (AS) trauma, including trauma that was not clinically reported at childbirth, among the studies providing data for our primary objective.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Both observational cohort studies and interventional trials were eligible for inclusion. Study eligibility was assessed independently by two authors. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to pool effect estimates from studies reporting on similar predictive factors. Summary odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) is reported with 95% CI. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool.
RESULTS
A total of 2805 records were screened and 21 met the inclusion criteria (16 prospective cohort studies, three retrospective cohort studies and two interventional non-randomized trials). Increasing gestational age at delivery (MD, 0.34 (95% CI, 0.04-0.64) weeks), shorter antepartum perineal body length (MD, -0.60 (95% CI, -1.09 to -0.11) cm), labor augmentation (OR, 1.81 (95% CI, 1.21-2.71)), instrumental delivery (OR, 2.13 (95% CI, 1.13-4.01)), in particular forceps extraction (OR, 3.56 (95% CI, 1.31-9.67)), shoulder dystocia (OR, 12.07 (95% CI, 1.06-137.60)), episiotomy use (OR, 1.85 (95% CI, 1.11-3.06)) and shorter episiotomy length (MD, -0.40 (95% CI, -0.75 to -0.05) cm) were associated with US-OASI. When pooling incidence rates, 26% (95% CI, 20-32%) of women who had a first vaginal delivery had US-OASI (20 studies; I = 88%). In studies reporting on both clinical and US-OASI rates, 20% (95% CI, 14-28%) of women had AS trauma on ultrasound that was not reported clinically at childbirth (16 studies; I = 90%). No differences were found in maternal age, body mass index, weight, subpubic arch angle, induction of labor, epidural analgesia, episiotomy angle, duration of first/second/active-second stages of labor, vacuum extraction, neonatal birth weight or head circumference between cases with and those without US-OASI. Antenatal perineal massage and use of an intrapartum pelvic floor muscle dilator did not affect the odds of US-OASI. Most (81%) studies were judged to be at high risk of bias in at least one domain and only four (19%) studies had an overall low risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
Given the ultrasound evidence of structural damage to the AS in 26% of women following a first vaginal delivery, clinicians should have a low threshold of suspicion for the condition. This systematic review identified several predictive factors for this. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Anal Canal; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Delivery, Obstetric; Episiotomy; Anus Diseases; Perineum; Risk Factors; Obstetric Labor Complications
PubMed: 37329513
DOI: 10.1002/uog.26292