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Journal of Intensive Care Medicine Sep 2023This study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with severity and death from COVID-19 through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with severity and death from COVID-19 through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published documents in Iran. A systematic search was performed based on all articles indexed in Scopus, Embase, Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, and Google Scholar in English and Scientific Information Database (SID) and Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IRA)NDOC indexes in Persian. To assess quality, we used the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's tests. Forest plots were used for a graphical description of the results. We used HRs, and ORs reported for the association between risk factors and COVID-19 severity and death. Sixty-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, of which 62 and 13 had assessed risk factors for death and severity, respectively. The results showed a significant association between death from COVID-19 and age, male gender, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), Headache, and Dyspnea. We observed a significant association between increased white blood cell (WBC), decreased Lymphocyte, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), increased creatinine, vitamin D deficiency, and death from COVID-19. There was only a significant relationship between CVD and disease severity. It is recommended that the predictive risk factors of COVID-19 severity and death mentioned in this study to be used for therapeutic and health interventions, to update clinical guidelines and determine patients' prognoses.
Topics: Humans; Male; COVID-19; Iran; Risk Factors; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 36976873
DOI: 10.1177/08850666231166344 -
Physiotherapy Research International :... Apr 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in improving dyspnea, fatigue, physical activity, quality of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in improving dyspnea, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with Long COVID-19 (LC). The impact of PR on LC and a comparison of face-to-face and telerehabilitation approaches was explored.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. A literature search included PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until January 2023. No language filters were applied. Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and observational studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed using appropriate tools. Descriptive analysis and meta-analysis were performed. Forest plots presented results. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Metafor Package in R v.3.4.2.
RESULTS/FINDINGS
This systematic review and meta-analysis included 16 studies on PR in LC patients. A total of 1027 adults were included. The studies varied in design, with seven observational studies, three quasi-experimental studies, and six randomized controlled trials. Dyspnea, physical function, quality of life, psychological state, and fatigue were assessed as outcomes. The review found that pulmonary rehabilitation had a significant positive effect on dyspnea, physical function, quality of life (both global and physical domain), anxiety, and depression. However, the effect on fatigue was not significant. Heterogeneity was observed in some analyses, and publication bias was found in certain outcomes. Age and study design were identified as potential moderators. Both face-to-face and telerehabilitation interventions improved the studied outcomes, with only differences in the physical domain of quality of life favoring the face-to-face group.
IMPLICATIONS ON PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE
PR improved dyspnea, physical function, quality of life, and psychological state in LC patients, but not fatigue. Face-to-face and telerehabilitation have similar effects, except for physical quality of life.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Quality of Life; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; COVID-19; Fatigue; Dyspnea
PubMed: 38389299
DOI: 10.1002/pri.2077 -
IJID Regions Sep 2023To determine the prevalence of long COVID, its most common symptoms, comorbidities, and pathophysiological mechanisms in African populations. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence of long COVID, its most common symptoms, comorbidities, and pathophysiological mechanisms in African populations.
METHODS
A systematic review of long COVID in African populations was conducted. The random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence rates (95% CI). A narrative synthesis was also performed.
RESULTS
We included 14 studies from seven African countries, totaling 6030 previously SARS-CoV-2 infected participants and 2954 long COVID patients. Long COVID had a pooled prevalence of 41% (26-56%). Fatigue, dyspnea, and confusion or lack of concentration were the most common symptoms, with prevalence rates (95% CI) of 41% (26-56%), 25% (12-38%), and 40% (12-68%), respectively. Long COVID was mainly associated with advanced age, being female, more than three long COVID symptoms in the acute phase, initial fatigue and dyspnea, COVID-19 severity, pre-existing obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and the presence of any chronic illness ( ≤0.05). High microclot and platelet-poor plasma viscosity explained the pathophysiology of long COVID.
CONCLUSION
Long COVID prevalence in Africa was comparable to the global prevalence. The most common symptoms were higher in Africa. Comorbidities associated with long COVID may lead to additional complications in African populations due to hypercoagulation and thrombosis.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42023430024.
PubMed: 37674565
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.08.004 -
Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel,... Mar 2024Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) has emerged as a promising tool in ischemic stroke rehabilitation. However, there has been no systematic review summarizing its adverse...
INTRODUCTION
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) has emerged as a promising tool in ischemic stroke rehabilitation. However, there has been no systematic review summarizing its adverse effects, critical information for patients and providers when obtaining informed consent for this novel treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis reports the adverse effects of VNS.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify common complications after VNS therapy. The search was executed in: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE. All prospective, randomized controlled trials using implanted VNS therapy in adult patients were eligible for inclusion. Case studies and studies lacking complete complication reports were excluded. Extracted data included technology name, location of implantation, follow-up duration, purpose of VNS, and adverse event rates.
RESULTS
After title-and-abstract screening of 4933 studies, 21 were selected for final inclusion. Across these studies, 1474 patients received VNS implantation. VNS was used as a potential therapy for epilepsy (9), depression (8), anxiety (1), ischemic stroke (1), chronic heart failure (1), and fibromyalgia (1). The 5 most common post-implant adverse events were voice alteration/hoarseness (n=671, 45.5%), paresthesia (n = 233, 15.8%), cough (n = 221, 15.0%), dyspnea (n = 211, 14.3%), and pain (n = 170, 11.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
Complications from VNS are mild and transient, with reduction in severity and number of adverse events with increasing follow-up time. In prior studies, VNS has served as treatment option in several instances of treatment-resistant conditions, such as epilepsy and psychiatric conditions, and its use in stroke recovery and rehabilitation should continue to be explored.
PubMed: 38471473
DOI: 10.1159/000536362 -
Respiratory Medicine 2023This systematic review summarized the evidence on the effects (benefits and harms) of pulmonary rehabilitation for individuals with acute exacerbations of chronic...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
This systematic review summarized the evidence on the effects (benefits and harms) of pulmonary rehabilitation for individuals with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We included randomized controlled trials comparing pulmonary rehabilitation to either active interventions or usual care regardless of setting. In March 2022, we searched MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, CINAHL and Web of Sciences, and trial registries. Record screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were undertaken by two reviewers. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
This systematic review included 18 studies (n = 1465), involving a combination of mixed settings (8 studies), inpatient settings (8 studies), and outpatient settings (2 studies). The studies were at high risk of performance, detection, and reporting biases. Compared to usual care, pulmonary rehabilitation probably improves AECOPD-related hospital readmissions (relative risk 0.56, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.86; moderate certainty evidence) and cardiovascular submaximal capacity (standardized mean difference 0.73, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.99; moderate certainty evidence). Low certainty evidence suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation may be beneficial on re-exacerbations, dyspnoea, and impact of disease. The evidence regarding the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on health-related quality of life and mortality is very uncertain (very low certainty evidence).
CONCLUSION
Our results indicate that pulmonary rehabilitation may be an effective treatment option for individuals with AECOPD, irrespective of setting. Our certainty in this evidence base was limited due to small studies, heterogeneous rehabilitation programs, numerous methodological weaknesses, and a poor reporting of findings that were inconsistent with each other. Trialists should adhere to the latest reporting standards to strengthen this body of evidence.
REGISTRATION
The study protocol was registered in Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/amgbz/).
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Patient Readmission; Dyspnea; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37858727
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107425 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Nov 2023Acute heart failure (AHF) is often associated with diffuse insufficiency and arterial hypoxemia, requiring respiratory support for rapid and effective correction. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Acute heart failure (AHF) is often associated with diffuse insufficiency and arterial hypoxemia, requiring respiratory support for rapid and effective correction. We aimed to compare the effects of high-flow nasal cannula(HFNC) with those of conventional oxygen therapy(COT) or non-invasive ventilation(NIV) on the prognosis of patients with AHF.
METHODS
We performed the search using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases from the inception to August 31, 2023 for relevant studies in English and Chinese. We included controlled studies comparing HFNC with COT or NIV in patients with AHF. Primary outcomes included the intubation rate, respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and oxygenation status.
RESULTS
From the 1288 original papers identified, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 1333 patients were included. Compared with COT, HFNC reduced the intubation rate (odds ratio [OR]: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14-0.58, P = 0.0005), RR (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.73 95% CI: -0.99 - -0.47, P < 0.00001) and HR (SMD: -0.88, 95% CI: -1.07 - -0.69, P < 0.00001), and hospital stay (SMD: -0.94, 95% CI: -1.76 - -0.12, P = 0.03), and increase arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO), (SMD: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.70-1.06, P < 0.00001) and oxygen saturation (SpO [%], SMD: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.34-1.06, P = 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
There were no significant differences in intubation rate, RR, HR, arterial blood gas parameters, and dyspnea scores between the HFNC and NIV groups. Compared with COT, HFNC effectively reduced the intubation rate and provided greater clinical benefits to patients with AHF. However, there was no significant difference in the clinical prognosis of patients with AHF between the HFNC and NIV groups.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (identifier: CRD42022365611).
Topics: Humans; Cannula; Oxygen; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Hypoxia; Noninvasive Ventilation; Heart Failure; Respiratory Insufficiency
PubMed: 38017474
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02782-0 -
BMC Pediatrics Feb 2024There are some concerns regarding long-term complications of COVID-19 in children. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed evaluating the respiratory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
There are some concerns regarding long-term complications of COVID-19 in children. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed evaluating the respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function, post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in databases up to 30 March 2023. Studies evaluating respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function after COVID-19 infection in children were selected. The major outcomes were the frequency of respiratory symptoms and the mean of spirometry parameters. A pooled mean with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated.
RESULTS
A total of 8 articles with 386 patients were included in meta-analysis. Dyspnea, cough, exercise intolerance, and fatigue were the most common symptoms. The meta-mean of forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) was 101.72%, 95% CI= (98.72, 104.73) and 101.31%, 95% CI= (95.44, 107.18) respectively. The meta-mean of FEV1/FVC and Forced expiratory flow at 25 and 75% was 96.16%, 95% CI= (90.47, 101.85) and 105.05%, 95% CI= (101.74, 108.36) respectively. The meta-mean of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was 105.30%, 95%CI= (88.12, 122.49). There was no significant difference in spirometry parameters before and after bronchodilator inhalation.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite some clinical respiratory symptoms, meta-results showed no abnormality in pulmonary function in follow-up of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Disease severity and asthma background had not confounded this outcome.
Topics: Child; Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Lung; Asthma; Respiratory Function Tests; Forced Expiratory Volume
PubMed: 38302891
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04560-1 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in an increasing population that is experiencing a wide range of long-lasting symptoms after recovery from the... (Review)
Review
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in an increasing population that is experiencing a wide range of long-lasting symptoms after recovery from the acute infection. Long COVID refers to this specific condition and is associated with diverse symptoms, such as fatigue, myalgias, dyspnea, headache, cognitive impairment, neurodegenerative symptoms, anxiety, depression, and a sense of despair. The potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to improve chronic fatigue, cognitive impairments, and neurological disorders has been established; therefore, the use of HBOT to treat long COVID has also been studied. We conducted a literature search between 1 January 2019 and 30 October 2023, focusing on the clinical efficacy and utility of HBOT for treating long COVID and found ten clinical studies that fit the review topic, including one case report, five one-group pretest-posttest design studies, one safety report from a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and three complete reports of RCTs. Most studies found that HBOT can improve quality of life, fatigue, cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cardiopulmonary function. Although HBOT has shown some benefits for long COVID symptoms, further rigorous large-scale RCTs are required to establish precise indications, protocols, and post-treatment evaluations.
PubMed: 38672710
DOI: 10.3390/life14040438 -
Heliyon May 2024Dyspnea, a common symptom of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), is closely linked to higher levels of functional impairment and death, leading to significant societal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dyspnea, a common symptom of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), is closely linked to higher levels of functional impairment and death, leading to significant societal and financial challenges. Despite numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews suggested the potential benefits of acupuncture for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclusively prove its effectiveness in alleviating dyspnea in patients with CRDs.
METHODS
To compile and evaluate the existing data on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for managing dyspnea in CRDs. Randomized controlled trials investigating acupuncture for the treatment of dyspnea in patients with CRDs, such as COPD, lung cancer, asthma, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, chronic pulmonary heart disease and bronchitis, were searched and retrieved from five electronic databases in English or Chinese.
RESULTS
A total of 23 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were found in databases, covering various CRDs such as COPD, lung cancer, and asthma. A meta-analysis that compared acupuncture to a control group (which included no acupuncture and sham acupuncture) found significant advantages for acupuncture in reducing dyspnea severity ( = 0.0003), increasing 6MWD ( < 0.00001), improving quality of life measured by St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire ( = 0.03) and karnofsky performance status score ( < 0.00001). No significance was found in breathing physiology represented by FEV ( = 0.34) and FVC ( = 0.15). There was a comparable incidence of negative outcomes in both groups ( = 0.07). Results were consistent when compared to sham acupuncture. In addition, subgroup analyses were also consistent when different diseases or types of acupuncture were analyzed.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture may be an effective and safe non-pharmacological complementary intervention to relief dyspnea for patients with CRDs. Nevertheless, research with high quality and large sample sizes is needed for further investigation.
PubMed: 38813170
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31176 -
Journal of Psychosomatic Research Dec 2023This study aims to assess the global and regional prevalence and the potential risk factors for depression among COPD patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to assess the global and regional prevalence and the potential risk factors for depression among COPD patients.
METHODS
Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases were searched for the literature related to the prevalence and risk factors of depression in COPD. Random-effect models were performed to pool the global prevalence. Sub-group analysis and meta-regression were conducted to investigate the potential heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was performed only on the risk factors that have been reported in a minimum of three studies.
RESULTS
A total of 79 studies from 25 countries were included. The pooled global prevalence of variably defined depression among COPD patients was 34.5% (95% CI: 30.9-38.1). The odds of depression in COPD patients were 3.53 times higher than in non-COPD participants (95% CI: 2.35-5.29). Meta-regression results showed that region, income level, and research setting are the main sources of heterogeneity. Female sex (OR=1.92), living alone (OR=2.29), BODE index (OR=1.48), dyspnea (OR=3.02), impaired quality of life (OR=1.26), and GOLD stage III∼IV (OR=1.96) were found to be significant risk factors for depression in meta-analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
More than one-third of COPD patients experience depression, with marked variations in prevalence across countries and regions. This study further highlights the need for the consolidation of mental health considerations into COPD treatments. High-quality, longitudinal studies and further research are needed to gain a better understanding of risk and protective factors.
Topics: Humans; Female; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Depression; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37907038
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111537