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Scientific Reports Jan 2024Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for the diagnostic classification and risk stratification in most patients with cardiac disorders. The aim of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for the diagnostic classification and risk stratification in most patients with cardiac disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of Strain-encoded MR (SENC) for the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA Guidelines, including patients with or without cardiovascular disease and asymptomatic individuals. Myocardial strain by HARP were used as pulse sequences in 1.5 T scanners. Published literature in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane's databases were explored before February 2023 for studies assessing the clinical utility of myocardial strain by Harmonic Phase Magnetic Resonance Imaging (HARP), Strain-encoded MR (SENC) or fast-SENC. In total, 8 clinical trials (4 studies conducted in asymptomatic individuals and 4 in patients with suspected or known cardiac disease) were included in this systematic review, while 3 studies were used for our meta-analysis, based on individual patient level data. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used, testing the ability of myocardial strain by HARP and SENC/fast-SENC for the prediction of MACE. Strain enabled risk stratification in asymptomatic individuals, predicting MACE and the development of incident heart failure. Of 1332 patients who underwent clinically indicated CMR, including SENC or fast-SENC acquisitions, 19 patients died, 28 experienced non-fatal infarctions, 52 underwent coronary revascularization and 86 were hospitalized due to heart failure during median 22.4 (17.2-28.5) months of follow-up. SENC/fast-SENC, predicted both all-cause mortality and MACE with high accuracy (HR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.2-7.6, p = 0.02 and HR = 4.1, 95% CI = 3.0-5.5, respectively, p < 0.001). Using hierarchical Cox-proportional hazard regression models, SENC/fast-SENC exhibited incremental value to clinical data and conventional CMR parameters. Reduced myocardial strain predicts of all-cause mortality and cardiac outcomes in symptomatic patients with a wide range of ischemic or non-ischemic cardiac diseases, whereas in asymptomatic individuals, reduced strain was a precursor of incident heart failure.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine; Heart; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Heart Diseases; Heart Failure; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis
PubMed: 38212323
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50835-5 -
Heart Failure Reviews Nov 2023Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a well-recognized adverse prognostic feature in patients with heart failure (HF). Recently, many single-center studies have... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a well-recognized adverse prognostic feature in patients with heart failure (HF). Recently, many single-center studies have demonstrated that RV longitudinal strain assessed using speckle tracking echocardiography might be a powerful prognosticator in HF.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically appraise and quantitatively synthesize the evidence of the prognostic value of echocardiographic RV longitudinal strain, across the entire spectrum of left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) in HF.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted in electronic databases to identify every study reporting the predictive role of RV global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) and RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV FWLS) in HF subjects. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios [(a)HRs] for all-cause-mortality and for the composite outcome of all-cause mortality or HF-related hospitalization for both indices.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were deemed eligible and 15 of these provided appropriate quantitative data for the meta-analysis, encompassing 8,738 patients. Each 1% worsening in RV GLS and RV FWLS was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (pooled aHR = 1.08 [1.03-1.13]; p < 0.01; I = 76% and 1.05 [1.05-1.06]; p < 0.01; I = 0%, respectively) and the composite outcome (pooled aHR = 1.10 [1.06-1.15]; p < 0.01; I = 0% and 1.06 [1.02-1.10]; p < 0.01; I = 69%, respectively) for patients with HF. The subgroup analysis of HF patients with LVEF < 45% yielded similar results, with worsening in RV GLS and RV FWLS retaining strong association with the two outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Echocardiographic RV GLS and RV FWLS appear to have powerful prognostic value across the range of HF.
PubMed: 37308615
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-023-10329-y -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is an emerging technology that aims to identify euploid embryos for transfer, reducing the risk of embryonic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is an emerging technology that aims to identify euploid embryos for transfer, reducing the risk of embryonic chromosomal abnormalities. However, the clinical benefits of PGT-A in recurrent pregnancy failure (RPF) patients, particularly in young RPF patients, remains uncertain.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether RPF patients undergoing PGT-A had better clinical outcomes compared to those not undergoing PGT-A, thus assessing the value of PGT-A in clinical practice.
SEARCH METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP) from 2002 to 2022. Thirteen published studies involving 930 RPF patients screened using PGT-A and over 1,434 RPF patients screened without PGT-A were included in this meta-analysis. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on embryo transfers after PGT-A (n=1,015) and without PGT-A (n=1,799).
CLINICAL OUTCOMES
The PGT-A group demonstrated superior clinical outcomes compared to the fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) group. The PGT-A group had a significantly higher implantation rate (IR) (RR=2.01, 95% CI: [1.73; 2.34]), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (RR=1.53, 95% CI: [1.36; 1.71]), ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) (RR=1.76, 95% CI: [1.35; 2.29]), live birth rate (LBR) (RR=1.75, 95% CI: [1.51; 2.03]), and significantly lower clinical miscarriage rate (CMR) (RR=0.74, 95% CI: [0.54; 0.99]). Subgroup analysis based on patient age (under 35 years and 35 years or older) showed that both PGT-A subgroups had significantly better CPR (P<0.01) and LBR (P<0.05) values compared to the IVF/ICSI groups.
SUMMARY
This meta-analysis demonstrates that PGT-A in RPF patients, is associated with improved clinical outcomes, including higher IR, CPR, OPR, and LBR values, and lower CMR compared to the IVF/ICSI group. These findings support the positive clinical application of PGT-A in RPF patients.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
http://INPLASY.com, identifier INPLASY 202320118.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Male; Adult; Preimplantation Diagnosis; Semen; Genetic Testing; Fertilization in Vitro; Abortion, Spontaneous; Aneuploidy
PubMed: 37850092
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1178294 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Oct 2023: This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing the effects of corticotomy and flapless piezocision on accelerated tooth movement. : A comprehensive search using... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
: This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing the effects of corticotomy and flapless piezocision on accelerated tooth movement. : A comprehensive search using a combination of controlled vocabulary (MeSH) and free-text terms was undertaken by two reviewers to identify published systematic reviews. Three major electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Cochrane Database, and Embase) were searched up to 2 June 2023. : The results of the meta-analysis showed that the pooled standardized mean difference values of accumulative movement distances for flapless piezocision were 1.43 (95% CI, 0.38 to 2.48; < 0.01), 1.09 (95% CI, -0.08 to 2.26; = 0.07), and 0.73 (95% CI, -0.58 to 4.02; = 0.14). The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled SMD values of accumulative movement distances for the corticotomy were 2.76 (95% CI, 0.18 to 5.34; = 0.04), 1.43 (95% CI, -1.10 to 3.96; = 0.27), and 4.78 (95% CI, -4.54 to 14.10; = 0.32). Although the test for overall effectiveness was significant for piezocision and corticotomy, there were no significant differences between piezocision and corticotomy. : The study determined that both conventional corticotomy and flapless piezosurgery are effective as adjuncts to orthodontic treatment. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in the short-term effectiveness of canine retraction acceleration between conventional corticotomy and flapless piezocision. While piezocision may be a favorable option for orthodontic treatment, corticotomy can be considered in cases requiring additional procedures such as bone grafting.
Topics: Humans; Tooth Movement Techniques; Dental Care; Piezosurgery; Bone Transplantation; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37893522
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101804 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Feb 2024The comparison between prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and oxytocin and for induction of labor (IOL) remains controversial. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The comparison between prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and oxytocin and for induction of labor (IOL) remains controversial.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of these two agents in IOL.
SEARCH STRATEGY
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. from the establishment of the database to April 23, 2023.
SELECTION CRITERIA
A search was conducted with keywords "labor, induction, prostaglandin E2/PGE2/dinoprostone, and oxytocin". Only randomized clinical trials comparing oxytocin and vaginal dinoprostone in women who were at least late preterm (gestational age [GA] ≥34 weeks), singleton pregnant, and had intact membranes were enrolled for further meta-analysis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We conducted both a descriptive analysis and a meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis, we utilized the Mantel-Haenszel random effects model to analyze dichotomous data, employing the relative risk (RR) as the effect measure along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study quality was evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2). A random-effects model was applied for the meta-analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
After screening 3303 articles from five databases, a total of nine randomized controlled studies composed of 1071 patients were included. Our analysis included 534 patients in the PGE2 group and 537 patients in the oxytocin group. The pooled estimate of vaginal deliveries following PGE2 induction stood at 84.2%, while after oxytocin induction, it was 79.8%. The meta-analysis showed no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the rate of vaginal delivery (pooled RR, 1.05; 95% CI: 0.95-1.16; P value for Q, 0.001; I , 71.14%), cesarean section (pooled RR, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.52-1.35; P value for Q, 0.007; I , 61.69%) and induction-delivery interval (pooled standard mean difference, 0.09; 95% CI: -0.67 to 0.85; P value for Q, 0.000; I , 96.45%). Since the results for fetal distress and uterine hyperstimulation were consistent across all enrolled studies, no further meta-analysis was conducted.
CONCLUSIONS
When amalgamating the available literature, it implies that oxytocin was found to have similar effects as PGE2 on delivery outcomes and safety concerns in pregnant women with GA ≥36 weeks. Although the uterine cervix was unfavorable, both low and high doses of oxytocin were feasible for IOL.
PubMed: 38404054
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15443 -
Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine Nov 2023The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prognostic value of stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) in patients with acute myocardial... (Review)
Review
The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prognostic value of stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 26 cohort studies, involving 87,974 patients, were analyzed. The frequentist meta-analysis showed that AMI patients with SHR in the upper quantile had a significantly higher hazard of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE, HR = 1.7; 95 % CI= [1.42, 2.03]; P < 0.001; I = 71 %; P <0.01), long-term (HR = 1.64; 95 % CI= [1.49, 1.8]; P < 0.001; I = 16 %; P = 0.29) and in-hospital all-cause mortality (OR = 3.87; 95 % CI= [2.98, 5.03]; P < 0.001; I = 54 %; P = 0.03) compared to those with lower SHR. Prespecified subgroup analyses revealed that these results were consistent irrespective of diabetes status (P = 0.32 and 0.73 for subgroup differences) and that SHR was a significant predictor of MACCE both in AMI with obstructive coronary arteries (HR = 1.57; 95 % CI= [1.34, 1.83]; P < 0.001; I = 66 %; P < 0.01) and MINOCA (HR = 2.57; 95 % CI= [1.86, 3.56]; P < 0.001; I = 0 %; P = 0.84). The Bayesian analyses with weakly prior assumptions yielded comparable results with the frequentist approach and provided strong evidence that higher SHR values were associated with significantly greater hazard of MACCE, short-term and long-term mortality. Further, prospective research is warranted to provide deeper insights into this newer index of stress hyperglycemia before its potential incorporation in clinical prediction scores.
PubMed: 38042441
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2023.11.006 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Aug 2023The effectiveness of polypill therapy in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders is still unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effectiveness of polypill therapy in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders is still unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of polypill therapy in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated polypill therapy for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. We included 18 RCTs with a total of 20,463 participants in our analysis. Pooled effect estimates were reported as Odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. Polypill therapy was associated with a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR: -0.33, 95% CI [-0.64, -0.03]; P-value = 0.03), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR: -0.70, 95% CI [-1.20, -0.21]; P-value = 0.005), and total cholesterol level (OR: -1.25, 95% CI [-1.82, -0.68]; P-value < 0.0001). Polypill therapy also showed improved adherence (OR 2.18, 95% CI [1.47, 3.24]; P-value = 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant benefit in the reduction of all-cause mortality, major cardiovascular events, and LDL-c levels. The use of polypill therapy is associated with a statistically significant reduction in SBP, DBP, and total cholesterol levels, as well as improved adherence. Further research is needed to determine its impact on hard clinical outcomes such as mortality and major cardiovascular events.
Topics: Humans; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Hypertension; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37044270
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101735 -
Clinical and Experimental Medicine Nov 2023Zoledronic Acid (ZA) has been shown to inhibit Osteosarcoma (OSA) progression in preclinical studies. However, the use of ZA as an intervention for OSA treatment and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Zoledronic Acid (ZA) has been shown to inhibit Osteosarcoma (OSA) progression in preclinical studies. However, the use of ZA as an intervention for OSA treatment and management remains controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials comparing the use of ZA with standard treatment vs. standard treatment alone for OSA patients after resection was conducted. Primary outcomes assessed event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates, while secondary outcomes assessed impact of ZA on metastatic spread, histological response and adverse events occurrence. A literature search was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (version 2) was used to assess trial quality. RevMan v5.4 was used for the meta-analysis. The between-trial heterogeneity was assessed using the Chi test and the I statistic and the GRADE methodology was utilized to assess certainty of evidence. Two studies were considered eligible for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. ZA had no benefit on EFS (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.48-1.88; p-value 0.88), however, when compared to standard treatment it reduced OS (HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.49-2.64; p-value < 0.00001). ZA did not deter lung metastasis (RR, 2.56; 95% CI, 0.35-18.60; p-value 0.35), and neither did it increase good histological response (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90-1.05; p-value 0.48). ZA treatment was associated with higher risk of adverse events. Based on existing data, the use of ZA as adjuvant therapy is not recommended for the treatment of OSA patients.
Topics: Humans; Zoledronic Acid; Combined Modality Therapy; Osteosarcoma
PubMed: 36527511
DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00961-7 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2023Left ventricular dysfunction and cardiomyopathy are well documented adverse effects associated with chemotherapy agents. Limited information exists regarding the impact... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Left ventricular dysfunction and cardiomyopathy are well documented adverse effects associated with chemotherapy agents. Limited information exists regarding the impact of chemotherapeutic agents on the integrity and function of the right ventricle (RV).
OBJECTIVES
The current metanalysis compared pre- chemotherapy versus post- chemotherapy RV parameters measured on 2D echocardiography in patients receiving anthracycline and/or trastuzumab across all breast cancer patients.
METHODS
A systematic search across PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were performed from inception of the databases until November 2021 for relevant studies. We used the inverse variance method with a random effect model and DerSimonian and Laird method of Tau2 generation to calculate mean difference [MD] with 95% confidence interval [CI]. The analysis was carried out using RevMan Version 5.3 (Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014).
RESULTS
Fifteen studies, constituting total of 644 patients, met the inclusion criteria, with most studies having a follow up period of less than 12 months from initiation of chemotherapy. Anthracycline and/or Trastuzumab chemotherapy resulted in a statistically significant reduction in right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) at follow-up [MD: 2.70, 95% CI: 0.27 to 5.13, -value- 0.03, - 71%, -value < 0.05]. Treatment with Anthracycline and/or Trastuzumab chemotherapy resulted in a significant reduction in RV fractional area change (RVFAC) at follow-up [MD: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.33 to 6.15, -value < 0.01, - 68%, -value < 0.05]. RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) was lower at baseline, while LVEF was significantly reduced at follow-up [MD: -1.00, 95% CI: -1.86 to -0.15, -value < 0.05, - 0%, -value-0.40], [MD: 4.04, 95% CI: 2.08 to 6.01, -value < 0.01, - 91%, -value < 0.05], respectively. However, treatment with Anthracycline and/or Trastuzumab chemotherapy had no statistically significant effect on Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) at follow-up [MD: 0.53, 95% CI: -0.11 to 1.17, -value-0.11, - 98%, -value < 0.05].
CONCLUSIONS
Chemotherapy with anthracyclines and trastuzumab negatively affects right ventricular function leading to decline in RVEF, RVFAC, RVFWLS and LVEF.
PubMed: 37600030
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1103941 -
JPRAS Open Jun 2024Accurate methods are needed to evaluate the anatomy of the internal nasal valve (INV), yet there is currently no ideal measurement technique. Our systematic review aims... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Accurate methods are needed to evaluate the anatomy of the internal nasal valve (INV), yet there is currently no ideal measurement technique. Our systematic review aims to establish a comprehensive INV assessment tool, compare different INV diagnostic tools, and establish the most ideal measurement technique for the evaluation of the INV.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, and the study was recorded in PROSPERO under reference number CRD42023407950. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews), and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for studies assessing INV that were conducted between 1996 and 2023.
RESULT
Of the 421 total database searches, 23 studies were found, covering a total of 974 patients (6 studies assessed the accuracy of different diagnostic methods, with 2 of these studies comparing two different diagnostic modalities, and 17 studies measured INV angle). Based on the STROBE tool for quality appraisal the mean score was 16.92 ± ± 2.29, indicating a moderate quality. When comparing INV angle values from preoperative and postoperative records as obtained from CT readings, results showed no significant differences between the pre- and postoperative values (MD = -1.8, 95% CI, -4.8 to 1.2, = .227).
CONCLUSION
Acoustic rhinometry has the highest accuracy, followed by rhinomanometry then CT scan then endoscopy. Meta-analysis showed no significant differences between the pre- and postoperative values and a significant heterogeneity in the reported INV angle values across studies.
PubMed: 38544674
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2023.12.012