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Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) May 2024Super giant basal cell carcinoma (SGBCC), defined as greater than 20 cm in diameter, is a rare oncological entity, with scarce literature. The authors conducted a... (Review)
Review
Super giant basal cell carcinoma (SGBCC), defined as greater than 20 cm in diameter, is a rare oncological entity, with scarce literature. The authors conducted a review to characterize SGBCC, specifically with regards to age, sex predilection, risk factors, geographical location, body site, metastasis, and treatment. A systematic literature search was conducted from 1972 to 2023. All abstracts, studies, and citations were reviewed. The initial result showed 47 281 articles and were filtered down for human, skin, English language, and SGBCC. The authors identified 20 case reports for our analysis. The sample size was too small to conduct extensive statistical analysis. Majority of the cases were reported in North America and Europe. Males outnumbered almost females 2:1. The mean age was 61 years. The lesion was located on trunk in 16 out of 20 cases. In 13 out of 20 years, the lesion had been present for more than 10 years and 7 out of 20 cases reported metastasis. Several reports documented low socioeconomic status and poor mental health. Regarding treatment, 11 patients underwent surgery, radiation was utilized in 6 patients and immunotherapy (Vismodegib) in 4 patients. Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is known to have a favorable prognosis, SGBCC is highly aggressive with ability to metastasize. Our review reveals SGBCC is commonly diagnosed in males in their sixth decade, present for more than 10 years duration, risk factors include low socioeconomic status and poor mental health, commonly found on the trunk with a predilection for metastasis. The authors believe self-neglect is the likely etiology of the large size. Treatment options may be multimodal with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy or immunotherapy (Vismodegib).
PubMed: 38694394
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001958 -
Minerva Cardiology and Angiology Dec 2023Coronary artery calcification remains a challenge in percutaneous coronary interventions, due to the higher risk of suboptimal result with subsequent poor clinical...
INTRODUCTION
Coronary artery calcification remains a challenge in percutaneous coronary interventions, due to the higher risk of suboptimal result with subsequent poor clinical outcomes. Intravascular lithotripsy is a novel way of treating severe coronary calcification as it has the ability to modify calcium both circumferentially as well as transmurally, facilitating stent expansion and apposition. We conducted a systematic overview of the published literature on intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) assessing the efficacy and feasibility of IVL in treating severe coronary calcification.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Of the retrieved publications, 62 met our inclusion criteria and were included. A total of 1389 patients (1414 lesions) with significant coronary calcification or under-expanded stents underwent IVL.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The mean age was 72.03 years (74.7% male). There was a significant improvement in acute and sustained vessel patency, with mean minimal lumen diameter of 2.78±0.46 mm, resulting in acute gain of 1.72±0.51 mm. The acute procedural success rate was 78.2 to 100% with in-hospital complication rate of 5.6 to 7.0%. The majority of the studies reported 30-day MACE, which was between 2.2 to 7.8%.
CONCLUSIONS
The recent studies have highlighted that the use of IVL with adjuvant intracoronary imaging has revolutionized the way of treating heavily calcified, non-dilatable coronary lesions and is likely to succeed the conventional ways of treating these complex lesions. We need further studies to gauge the long-term efficacy and safety of IVL against techniques currently available for calcium modification including conventional balloons, cutting or scoring balloons, rotational atherectomy and laser atherectomy.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aged; Female; Calcinosis; Calcification, Physiologic; Heart; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic; Calcium, Dietary
PubMed: 34713678
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5683.21.05776-8 -
International Journal of Cardiology Aug 2024Ultramarathon running poses physiological challenges, impacting cardiac function. This systematic review and meta-analysis explore the acute effects of single-stage... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ultramarathon running poses physiological challenges, impacting cardiac function. This systematic review and meta-analysis explore the acute effects of single-stage ultramarathon running on cardiac function.
METHODS
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations were followed. Searches covered Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Central Cochrane, and Scopus. Random effects meta-analyses assessed left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) variables, expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Among 6972 studies, 17 were included. Post-ultramarathon reductions were found in LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (-1.24; 95% CI = -1.77, -0.71 mm), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (-9.92; 95% CI = -15.25, -4.60 ml), LV stroke volume (LVSV) (-8.96 ml, 95% CI -13.20, -4.72 ml), LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (-3.71; 95% CI = -5.21, -2.22%), LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) (-1.48; 95% CI = -2.21, -0.76%), E/A (-0.30; 95% CI = -0.38, -0.22 cm/s), .E' (-1.35 cm/s, 95% CI -1.91, -0.79 cm/s), RV fractional area change (RVFAC) (-3.34, 95% CI = -5.84, -0.84%), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (-0.12, 95% CI = -0.22, -0.02 cm), RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) (-1.73, 95% CI = -2.87, -0.59%), with increases in RV end-diastolic area (RVEDA) (1.89, 95% CI = 0.63, 3.14 cm), RV Peak A' (1.32 cm/s, 95% CI 0.20, 2.44), and heart rate (18.24, 95% CI = 15.16, 21.32). No significant differences were observed in LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), RV end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD), RV Peak E', and RV Peak S'.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence suggests immediate impairment of systolic and diastolic cardiac function post-ultramarathon running.
Topics: Humans; Diastole; Systole; Marathon Running; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 38705202
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.132106 -
Sex-based outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Vascular Surgery Apr 2024As it remains unclear whether there are sex-based differences in clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), this meta-analysis aimed to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
As it remains unclear whether there are sex-based differences in clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate differences in early outcomes and overall survival between female and male patients who underwent TEVAR.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for eligible studies published through June 10, 2023, that reported sex-based differences in clinical outcomes after TEVAR. The primary outcome was operative mortality; second outcomes included stroke, spinal cord ischemia, acute kidney injury, hospital length of stay, and overall survival. Patient characteristics, operative data, and early outcomes were aggregated using the random-effects model, presenting pooled risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall survival was assessed by reconstructing individual patient data to generate sex-specific pooled Kaplan-Meier curves. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023426069).
RESULTS
Of the 1785 studies retrieved, 14 studies met all eligibility criteria, encompassing a total of 17,374 patients, comprising 5026 female and 12,348 male patients. Female patients were older, had a smaller maximum aortic diameter, had lower rates of smoking and coronary artery disease, and had higher rates of anemia. Intraoperatively, female patients were more likely to use iliac conduits and require blood transfusions. There were no sex-based differences in operative mortality (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.90-1.40; P = .309), stroke (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.95-1.38; P = .165), spinal cord ischemia (RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 0.83-2.14; P = .234), acute kidney injury (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.52-1.17; P = .228), and hospital length of stay (standardized mean difference: 0.09, 95% CI: -0.03 to 0.20; P = .141). Pooled Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a worse overall survival in female patients compared with male patients (87.2% vs 89.8% at 2 years, log-rank P = .001).
CONCLUSIONS
Among patients treated by TEVAR, female sex was not associated with increased risk of operative mortality or major morbidity. However, female patients exhibited a lower overall survival after TEVAR compared with male patients.
PubMed: 38621637
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.04.024 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Feb 2024To evaluate the effect of exercise rehabilitation on the left ventricular (LV) function in patients with heart failure (HF). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
To evaluate the effect of exercise rehabilitation on the left ventricular (LV) function in patients with heart failure (HF).
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase were searched until May 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) providing data on changes in LV function, comparing exercise to no-exercise controls with HF of any type, were included.
RESULTS
A total of 16 studies including 1443 participants were included. LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was significantly improved in the exercise group [mean differences (MD), -2.67; 95 % confidence interval (CI) (-4.88, -0.46); P=0.02], but left atrial volume index (LAVI), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), E/e' E/A, end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV mass were unaltered compared to the non-exercise group. High intensity interval training (HIIT) or with moderate exercise (MT) led to improvement in LVEDD [MD, 3.62; 95 %CI (2.55, 4.69); P<0.00001], but not LAVI, E/e' and E/A. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses showed that the location, the type of HF and study duration may be the source of heterogeneity in LVEF. Age appears to be a source of heterogeneity in EDV and ESV. The Egger test indicated no significant publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Exercise can partially improve LV function in patients with HF, with improvements appearing to be dependent on study quality, the type of HF, and race. However, there are some indicators that do not seem to improve or are even worse than the control group. Among all exercise modalities, HIIT shows the greatest benefit for HF patients.
Topics: Humans; Ventricular Function, Left; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Heart Failure; Stroke Volume; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 37993005
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102210 -
The Journal of Vascular Access Jan 2024The aims of our review were: (i) to evaluate the effect of post-operative upper extremity exercise on maturation of AVFs, stratified by their locations. (ii) To evaluate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aims of our review were: (i) to evaluate the effect of post-operative upper extremity exercise on maturation of AVFs, stratified by their locations. (ii) To evaluate the effect of pre-operative arm exercise on patients' superficial vein caliber of patients. Literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify eligible articles. The quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. In the Meta-analysis, Risk ratios (RRs) of clinical maturation and ultrasonographic maturation were pooled from studies focused on post-operative exercise program; Mean difference (MD) of venous caliver was pooled from those studied pre-operative exercise. Nine studies (six for post-operative exercise; three for pre-operative exercise) were included in the review. Among the AVFs created in distal region (158 patients in exercise group and 144 patients in control group), there was a significantly superior clinical maturation (RR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.10-1.48, = 0.001; = 0), and ultrasonographic maturation (RR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07-1.59, = 0.009; = 0) in the exercise group in comparison to the control group. For the AVFs created in proximal region (93 and 96 patients in exercise group and control group respectively), there is no significant difference in clinical maturation (RR:1.25, 95% CI: 0.88-1.78, = 0.27, = 74%) and ultrasonographic maturation (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.97-1.40, = 0.11, = 43%) between the exercise group and controls. For pre-operative exercise, the mean difference of 0.34 mm (95% CI: 0.23-0.46, < 0.001, = 87% ) was found for vein size. In conclusion, existing upper extremity exercise programs appear to be useful in facilitating maturation of AVFs created in distal region, while its effect on fistulas created in proximal region is less certain. However, more robust trials are warranted to establish these findings.
Topics: Humans; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Veins; Upper Extremity; Arteriovenous Fistula
PubMed: 35633081
DOI: 10.1177/11297298221100446 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Apr 2024Large abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) present a significant mortality risk. While numerous medical interventions have been proposed, no drugs have convincingly reduced... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Large abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) present a significant mortality risk. While numerous medical interventions have been proposed, no drugs have convincingly reduced AAA progression, rupture rates, or repair risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of re-purposed drugs or dietary supplements on slowing expansion rates, reducing the risk of rupture, or minimising the risk of repair for individuals with AAA.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in five databases. Both observational studies and randomised controlled trials were included. Unpublished data from two screening trials were incorporated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were performed for each identified drug subclass and were stratified by overall risk of bias. Results were reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Of 7 484 screened studies, 39 met the inclusion criteria. No studies on dietary supplements were included. A total of 84 cohorts were derived from the included studies, and twelve distinct drug groups underwent meta-analyses. Two drug groups, metformin and statins, were statistically significant in slowing AAA growth. No low risk of bias studies were included for these two drug groups, and the results had very high heterogeneity (I > 80%). Both groups had a GRADE certainty of very low. Metformin, excluding high risk of bias studies, presented an estimated mean growth difference of AAA diameter between users and non-users of -0.73 mm/year, whilst statins had an overall estimated mean difference of -0.84 mm/year.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that metformin and statins may provide some effect in slowing AAA progression. However, no definitive evidence was found for any of the investigated drugs included in this study. Further research is needed to identify effective medical treatments for AAA progression with more robust methodology.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Metformin; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal
PubMed: 38013062
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2023.11.037 -
Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical... Nov 2023This study assesses the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in Chinese patients with heart failure through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials from... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This study assesses the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in Chinese patients with heart failure through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials from PubMed and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Focusing on 977 patients across eight trials, the meta-analysis used Review Manager 5.4.1 for data analysis. Key findings include a significant reduction in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels (standardized mean difference: -2.88, 95% CI: -4.31 to -1.44, p<0.001) and an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (weighted mean difference: 5.10, 95% CI: 2.32 to 10.32, p<0.001). However, changes in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter were not significant (weighted mean difference: -1.33, 95% CI: -2.80 to 0.15, p=0.08) and the relative risk of adverse reactions was comparable between the control and observation groups (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.68, p=0.38). Overall, dapagliflozin demonstrates good efficacy and safety in treating heart failure in this population.
Topics: Humans; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left; Heart Failure; Benzhydryl Compounds
PubMed: 38124408
DOI: No ID Found -
Catheterization and Cardiovascular... Apr 2024With heavily calcified coronary and peripheral artery lesions, lesion preparation is crucial before stent placement to avoid underexpansion, associated with stent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
With heavily calcified coronary and peripheral artery lesions, lesion preparation is crucial before stent placement to avoid underexpansion, associated with stent thrombosis or restenosis and patency failure in the long-term. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) technology disrupts superficial and deep calcium by using localized pulsative sonic pressure waves, making it to a promising tool for patients with severe calcification in coronary bed.
AIMS
The aim of the study is to systematically review and summarize available data regarding the safety and efficacy of IVL for lesion preparation in severely calcified coronary arteries before stenting.
METHODS
This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases from their inception to February 23, 2023, for studies assessing the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing IVL before stent implantation. The diameter of the vessel lumen before and after IVL, as well as stent implantation, were analyzed. The occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was assessed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis comprised 38 studies including 2977 patients with heavily calcified coronary lesions. The mean age was 72.2 ± 9.1 years, with an overall IVL clinical success of 93% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91%-95%, I = 0%) and procedural success rate of 97% (95% CI: 95%-98%, I = 73.7%), while the in-hospital and 30-days incidence of MACE, myocardial infarction (MI), and death were 8% (95% CI: 6%-11%, I = 84.5%), 5% (95% CI: 2%-8%, I = 85.6%), and 2% (95% CI: 1%-3%, I = 69.3%), respectively. There was a significant increase in the vessel diameter (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.77-3.17, I = 96%) and a decrease in diameter stenosis (SMD: -3.44, 95% CI: -4.36 to -2.52, I = 97.5%) immediately after IVL application, while it was observed further reduction in diameter stenosis (SMD: -6.57, 95% CI: -7.43 to -5.72, I = 95.8%) and increase in the vessel diameter (SMD: 4.37, 95% CI: 3.63-5.12, I = 96.7%) and the calculated lumen area (SMD: 3.23, 95% CI: 2.10-4.37, I = 98%), after stent implantation. The mean acute luminal gain following IVL and stent implantation was estimated to be 1.27 ± 0.6 and 1.94 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. Periprocedural complications were rare, with just a few cases of perforations, dissection, or no-reflow phenomena recorded.
CONCLUSIONS
IVL seems to be a safe and effective strategy for lesion preparation in severely calcified lesions before stent implantation in coronary arteries. Future prospective studies are now warranted to compare IVL to other lesion preparation strategies.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Constriction, Pathologic; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Calcinosis; Coronary Stenosis; Coronary Vessels; Vascular Calcification; Coronary Artery Disease; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38482928
DOI: 10.1002/ccd.31006 -
Prenatal Diagnosis May 2024To assess the risk of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in fetuses with an isolated fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix (i-FIUVV). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Isolated fetal umbilical vein varix and the association with intrauterine fetal death and fetal growth restriction: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and nested retrospective cohort study.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the risk of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in fetuses with an isolated fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix (i-FIUVV).
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study combined with a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed. In the retrospective cohort study, all singleton fetuses with an i-FIUVV in the fetal medicine units of the Amsterdam UMC (between 2007 and 2023) were analyzed. The primary outcome measures were IUFD and FGR. The sample proportions of IUFD and FGR were depicted as risk percentages. The IUFD proportion was compared to the regional reference population and the FGR proportion was compared to the reported proportions in Europe. The secondary outcome measures were gestational age at diagnosis, initial and maximal FIUVV diameter, fetal monitoring in pregnancy, turbulent flow in the varix, thrombus formation in the varix, induction of labor, gestational age at birth, and birthweight centile. The proportion of fetuses with a birthweight below the 10 centile was compared with that of the regional reference population. The systematic review included all cases from eligible literature published between 2007 and 2023 supplemented by the data of our retrospective cohort study. In the systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled proportions of IUFD and FGR were assessed in fetuses with i-FIUVV.
RESULTS
The retrospective cohort included 43 singletons with an i-FIUVV. The IUFD risk was 0% [Confidence Interval, CI: 0%-8.2%], which did not differ significantly from 0.3% in the reference population, p = 1.0. The risk of FGR was 16.3% [CI: 6.8%-30.7%] in the studied population, which is higher than the reported incidence of FGR in Europe ranging from 5%-10%. The proportion of fetuses with birthweights below the 10 centile was higher in our cohort compared with the reference population (23.3 vs. 9.9%, p < 0.01). The systematic review included 12 articles, three abstracts, and our current cohort. In total, 513 cases with an i-FIUVV were included. The pooled risk was 0.4% [CI: 0.1%-1.7%] for IUFD and 5.2% [CI: 1.1%-21.3%] for FGR. The mean gestational age at birth did not exceed 39 weeks in neither the cohort (38.7 weeks) nor the pooled literature (37.6 weeks).
CONCLUSION
An i-FIUVV in singletons is not associated with an increased IUFD risk up to 39 weeks of gestation but is possibly associated with FGR. The incidence of FGR in our cohort was higher than in the pooled literature (16.3% vs. 5%) but FGR definitions in the included studies varied. The proportion of birthweights below the 10 percentile in our cohort was significantly higher than in the reference group. Thus, based on these findings, we suggest conducting sonographic growth assessments while simultaneously assessing the i-FIUVV. No further monitoring and follow-up are indicated up to 39 weeks of gestation. After 39 weeks of gestation, data on fetuses with i-FIUVV and their outcomes are lacking.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Cohort Studies; Fetal Death; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gestational Age; Retrospective Studies; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Umbilical Veins; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 38502055
DOI: 10.1002/pd.6538