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United European Gastroenterology Journal Nov 2023Scoring systems for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) prediction should be used in conjunction with pre-test probability to establish post-test probability of SAP, but... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Scoring systems for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) prediction should be used in conjunction with pre-test probability to establish post-test probability of SAP, but data of this kind are lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the predictive value of commonly employed scoring systems and their usefulness in modifying the pre-test probability of SAP.
METHODS
Following PRISMA statement and MOOSE checklists after PROSPERO registration, PubMed was searched from inception until September 2022. Retrospective, prospective, cross-sectional studies or clinical trials on patients with acute pancreatitis defined as Revised Atlanta Criteria, reporting rate of SAP and using at least one score among Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Examination (APACHE)-II, RANSON, and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) with their sensitivity and specificity were included. Random effects model meta-analyses were performed. Pre-test probability and likelihood ratio (LR) were combined to estimate post-test probability on Fagan nomograms. Pooled severity rate was used as pre-test probability of SAP and pooled sensitivity and specificity to calculate LR and generate post-test probability. A priori hypotheses for heterogeneity were developed and sensitivity analyses planned.
RESULTS
43 studies yielding 14,116 acute pancreatitis patients were included: 42 with BISAP, 30 with APACHE-II, 27 with Ranson, 8 with SIRS. Pooled pre-test probability of SAP ranged 16.6%-25.3%. The post-test probability of SAP with positive/negative score was 47%/6% for BISAP, 43%/5% for APACHE-II, 48%/5% for Ranson, 40%/12% for SIRS. In 18 studies comparing BISAP, APACHE-II, and Ranson in 6740 patients with pooled pre-test probability of SAP of 18.7%, post-test probability when scores were positive was 48% for BISAP, 46% for APACHE-II, 50% for Ranson. When scores were negative, post-test probability dropped to 7% for BISAP, 6% for Ranson, 5% for APACHE-II. Quality, design, and country of origin of the studies did not explain the observed high heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
The most commonly used scoring systems to predict SAP perform poorly and do not aid in decision-making.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatitis; Severity of Illness Index; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Acute Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prognosis; Probability; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
PubMed: 37755341
DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12464 -
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia :... 2023Mobile health (mHealth) applications are scarce for children and adolescents with chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs). This study aimed to map and describe the contents of...
OBJECTIVE
Mobile health (mHealth) applications are scarce for children and adolescents with chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs). This study aimed to map and describe the contents of the mHealth apps available for use in children and adolescents with CPDs.
METHODS
We performed a systematic mapping review of published scientific literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library by February of 2023, using relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria were as follows: children aged < 18 years with CPDs; and studies published in English on mHealth apps.
RESULTS
A total number of 353 studies were found, 9 of which met the inclusion criteria. These studies described seven mHealth apps for Android and iOS, designed either for asthma (n = 5) or for cystic fibrosis (n = 2). Five content areas were identified: education/information; pharmacological treatment; emergency; support; and non-pharmacological treatment. The studies (4, 2, and 3, respectively) showed consistent findings using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies.
CONCLUSIONS
This mapping review provided a guided selection of the most appropriate mHealth apps for use in children and adolescents with CPDs based on the needs of each target population. However, these mHealth apps have limited capabilities to reinforce disease self-management and provide information related to treatment compliance.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Child; Self-Management; Cystic Fibrosis; Asthma; Mobile Applications; Telemedicine
PubMed: 37909552
DOI: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20230201 -
European Journal of Nutrition Apr 2024The relationship between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and pancreatic cancer has been well studied but remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
The relationship between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and pancreatic cancer has been well studied but remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between circulating 25(OH)D and pancreatic cancer by using a meta-analytic approach.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Wed of Science databases were searched through October 15, 2022. A random or fixed-effects model was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR), risk ratio (RR), hazard ratio (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
A total of 16 studies including 529,917 participants met the inclusion criteria, of which 10 reported incidence and 6 reported mortality. For the highest versus lowest categories of circulating 25(OH)D, the pooled OR of pancreatic cancer incidence in case-control studies was 0.98 (95% CI 0.69-1.27), and the pooled HRs of pancreatic cancer mortality in cohort and case-control studies were 0.64 (95% CI 0.45-0.82) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.62-0.95), respectively. The leave-one-out sensitivity analyses found no outliers and Galbraith plots indicated no substantial heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
Evidence from this meta-analysis suggested that high circulating 25(OH)D levels may be associated with decreased mortality but not incidence of pancreatic cancer. Our findings may provide some clues for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and remind us to be cautious about widespread vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of pancreatic cancer.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Calcifediol; Pancreatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 38170272
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03302-w -
Clinical and Translational... Aug 2023Individuals with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are at increased risk for nutritional complications during their clinical course. We appraised the literature to provide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Individuals with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are at increased risk for nutritional complications during their clinical course. We appraised the literature to provide updated estimates of the prevalence and predictors of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteopathy in CP using a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Search strategies were developed for major databases from inception through October 2021. Outcomes of interest included rates of osteopenia and osteoporosis based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and risk factors. A random-effects model was used for analysis, and results were expressed as pooled cumulative rates along with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
From an initial total of 1,704 identified articles, we ultimately selected 17 studies that involved 1,659 subjects (n = 1,067 men) with CP. The pooled rate of osteopathy was 58% (95% CI: 49%-67%; P < 0.001; I 2 = 91.8%). The pooled rate of osteoporosis was 18% (95% CI: 12%-23%; P < 0.001; I 2 = 86.3%), and the pooled rate of osteopenia was 39% (95% CI: 31%-48%; P < 0.001; I 2 = 91.53%). In the systematic review, factors associated with decreased bone mineral density included smoking, alcohol consumption, older age, female sex, low body mass index, decreased vitamins D and K, and fecal elastase levels.
DISCUSSION
Patients with CP have high rates of osteopathy when assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry imaging. Additional studies with longitudinal follow-up are needed to understand the observed heterogeneity, the cumulative burden of disease, and rate of bone loss in CP.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Bone Density; Prevalence; Osteoporosis; Pancreatitis, Chronic
PubMed: 37477620
DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000623 -
The British Journal of Surgery Jan 2024Untreated pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) results in substantial patient harm. Upper gastrointestinal surgery (bariatric metabolic surgery and oesophagogastric... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Untreated pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) results in substantial patient harm. Upper gastrointestinal surgery (bariatric metabolic surgery and oesophagogastric resection) affects the delicate physiology of pancreatic exocrine function and may result in PEI. The aim of this study was to assimilate the literature on incidence, diagnosis, and management of PEI after bariatric metabolic surgery and oesophagogastric resection.
METHODS
A systematic review of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases identified studies investigating PEI after non-pancreatic upper gastrointestinal surgery. Meta-analyses were undertaken for incidence of PEI and benefit of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.
RESULTS
Among 1620 patients from 24 studies included in quantitative synthesis, 36.0% developed PEI. The incidence of PEI was 23.0 and 50.4% after bariatric metabolic surgery and oesophagogastric resection respectively. Notably, the incidence of PEI was 44% after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and 66.2% after total gastrectomy. The most common diagnostic test used was faecal elastase 1 (15 of 31 studies), with less than 200 µg/g being diagnostic of PEI. A total of 11 studies considered the management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, with 78.6% of patients responding positively to pancreatic enzyme replacement when it was prescribed.
CONCLUSION
PEI is common after non-pancreatic upper gastrointestinal surgery and patients may benefit from enzyme replacement therapy.
Topics: Humans; Pancreas; Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency; Enzyme Replacement Therapy; Feces; Gastrectomy
PubMed: 38064682
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad369 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jul 2024Improved systemic therapy has made long term (≥ 5 years) overall survival (LTS) after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) increasingly common.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Improved systemic therapy has made long term (≥ 5 years) overall survival (LTS) after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) increasingly common. However, a systematic review on predictors of LTS following resection of PDAC is lacking.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from inception until March 2023. Studies reporting actual survival data (based on follow-up and not survival analysis estimates) on factors associated with LTS were included. Meta-analyses were conducted by using a random effects model, and study quality was gauged by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies with 27,091 patients (LTS: 2,132, non-LTS: 24,959) who underwent surgical resection for PDAC were meta-analyzed. The median proportion of LTS patients was 18.32% (IQR 12.97-21.18%) based on 20 studies. Predictors for LTS included sex, body mass index (BMI), preoperative levels of CA19-9, CEA, and albumin, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, tumor grade, AJCC stage, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, pathologic T-stage, nodal disease, metastatic disease, margin status, adjuvant therapy, vascular resection, operative time, operative blood loss, and perioperative blood transfusion. Most articles received a "good" NOS assessment, indicating an acceptable risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis pools all true follow up data in the literature to quantify associations between prognostic factors and LTS after resection of PDAC. While there appears to be evidence of a complex interplay between risk, tumor biology, patient characteristics, and management related factors, no single parameter can predict LTS after the resection of PDAC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Survival Rate; Prognosis; Pancreatectomy
PubMed: 38710910
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15281-1 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jun 2024The study of changes in the microbiome in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) holds significant potential for developing noninvasive...
BACKGROUND
The study of changes in the microbiome in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) holds significant potential for developing noninvasive diagnostic tools as well as innovative interventions to alter the progression of diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze in detail the taxonomic and functional characteristics of the gut microbiome in patients with CP and PDAC.
METHODS
Two researchers conducted a systematic search across public databases to gather all published research up to June 2023. Diversity and gut microbiota composition are the main outcomes we focus on.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 14 studies, involving a total of 1511 individuals in the PDAC (n=285), CP (n=342), and control (n=649) groups. Our results show a significant difference in the composition of gut microbiota between PDAC/CP patients compared to healthy controls (HC), as evidenced by a slight decrease in α-diversity, including Shannon (SMD=-0.33; P=0.002 and SMD=-0.59; P<0.001, respectively) and a statistically significant β-diversity (P<0.05). The pooled results showed that at the phylum level, the proportion of Firmicutes was lower in PDAC and CP patients than in HC patients. At the genus level, more than two studies demonstrated that 4 genera were significantly increased in PDAC patients compared to HC (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella and Veillonella). CP patients had an increase in 4 genera (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella and Klebsiella) and a decrease in 8 genera (e.g., Coprococcus and Bifidobacterium) compared to HC. Functional/metabolomics results from various studies also showed differences between PDAC/CP patients and HC. In addition, this study found no significant differences in gut microbiota between PDAC and CP patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence suggests changes in gut microbiota is associated with PDAC/CP, commonly reflected by a reduction in beneficial species and an increase in the pathogenic species. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore therapeutic possibilities.
PubMed: 38847785
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001724 -
International Journal of Surgery... Aug 2023Pancreatectomy is the only curative treatment available for pancreatic cancer and a necessity for patients with challenging pancreatic pathology. To optimize outcomes,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pancreatectomy is the only curative treatment available for pancreatic cancer and a necessity for patients with challenging pancreatic pathology. To optimize outcomes, postsurgical complications such as clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) should be minimized. Central to this is the ability to predict and diagnose CR-POPF, potentially through drain fluid biomarkers. This study aimed to assess the utility of drain fluid biomarkers for predicting CR-POPF by conducting a diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Five databases were searched for relevant and original papers published from January 2000 to December 2021, with citation chaining capturing additional studies. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability of the selected studies.
RESULTS
Seventy-eight papers were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing six drain biomarkers and 30 758 patients with a CR-POPF prevalence of 17.42%. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for 15 cut-offs were determined. Potential triage tests (negative predictive value >90%) were identified for the ruling out of CR-POPF and included postoperative day 1 (POD1) drain amylase in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) patients (300 U/l) and in mixed surgical cohorts (2500 U/l), POD3 drain amylase in PD patients (1000-1010 U/l) and drain lipase in mixed surgery groups (180 U/l). Notably, drain POD3 lipase had a higher sensitivity than POD3 amylase, while POD3 amylase had a higher specificity than POD1.
CONCLUSIONS
The current findings using the pooled cut-offs will offer options for clinicians seeking to identify patients for quicker recovery. Improving the reporting of future diagnostic test studies will further clarify the diagnostic utility of drain fluid biomarkers, facilitating their inclusion in multivariable risk-stratification models and the improvement of pancreatectomy outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Fistula; Pancreas; Pancreatectomy; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Postoperative Complications; Drainage; Biomarkers; Amylases; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37216227
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000482 -
BJS Open Sep 2023Groove pancreatitis is a focal form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the area of the paraduodenal groove. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical...
BACKGROUND
Groove pancreatitis is a focal form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the area of the paraduodenal groove. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of patients with groove pancreatitis.
METHODS
Medical literature databases (Embase, Medline via PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were systematically searched for data recorded between 1 January 1990 and 31 August 2022 regarding patient characteristics, diagnosis, surgical treatment and outcomes. The following inclusion criteria were applied: RCTs, observational studies (cohort and case-control studies) and case studies with >3 cases including patients with groove pancreatitis undergoing medical, endoscopic or surgical treatment with available clinical and diagnostic data. Fisher's exact test for binary data and Mann-Whitney U test or Student t-test for continuous data were adopted for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Of 649 studies, 44 were included, involving reports on 1404 patients with a mean age of 49 years. In 41 of the 44 studies in which patient gender was described, 86 per cent (N = 1023) of patients were male. Information on the risk factors of alcohol and nicotine was available in 37 and 23 studies, respectively. Seventy-nine per cent (N = 886) of patients had a history of excessive alcohol consumption and 83 per cent (N = 595) were smokers. Information on clinical symptoms was available in 37 of the 44 included studies and 78.5 per cent (N = 870) presented with abdominal pain. Some 27 studies comprising 920 groove pancreatitis patients were treatment oriented. Seventy-four per cent (N = 682) of patients were treated conservatively, 26.4 per cent (N = 134) underwent endoscopic treatment and 54.7 per cent (N = 503) required surgery. There was complete relief of symptoms in 35.6 per cent (N = 243) after conservative treatment, 55.2 per cent (N = 74) after endoscopic treatment and 69.6 per cent (N = 350) after surgical treatment. The median follow-up time was 42 months (range, 1-161 months).
CONCLUSION
Groove pancreatitis shows on imaging a typical triad: cystic lesions in the pancreatic duct or duodenal wall, calcifications, and thickenings of the duodenal wall. Surgery appears to be the most effective treatment modality.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Rare Diseases; Abdominal Pain; Case-Control Studies; Conservative Treatment; Pancreatitis
PubMed: 37749756
DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrad094 -
JBMR Plus Dec 2023The importance of finite element analysis (FEA) is growing in orthopedic research, especially in implant design. However, Young's modulus () values, one of the most... (Review)
Review
The importance of finite element analysis (FEA) is growing in orthopedic research, especially in implant design. However, Young's modulus () values, one of the most fundamental parameters, can range across a wide scale. Therefore, our study aimed to identify factors influencing values in human bone specimens. We report our systematic review and meta-analysis based on the recommendation of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guideline. We conducted the analysis on November 21, 2021. We included studies investigating healthy human bone specimens and reported on values regarding demographic data, specimen characteristics, and measurement specifics. In addition, we included study types reporting individual specimen measurements. From the acquired data, we created a cohort in which we performed an exploratory data analysis that included the explanatory variables selected by random forest and regression trees methods, and the comparison of groups using independent samples Welch's test. A total of 756 entries were included from 48 articles. Eleven different bones of the human body were included in these articles. The range of values is between 0.008 and 33.7 GPa. The values were most heavily influenced by the cortical or cancellous type of bone tested. Measuring method (compression, tension, bending, and nanoindentation), the anatomical region within a bone, the position of the bone within the skeleton, and the bone specimen size had a decreasing impact on the values. Bone anisotropy, specimen condition, patient age, and sex were selected as important variables considering the value of . On the basis of our results, values of a bone change with bone characteristics, measurement techniques, and demographic variables. Therefore, the evaluation of FEA should be performed after the standardization of in vitro measurement protocol. © 2023 The Authors. published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
PubMed: 38130752
DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10835