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Neuroradiology Jul 2024We reviewed 33 original research studies assessing brain perfusion, using consensus guidelines from a "white paper" issued by the International Society for Magnetic... (Review)
Review
We reviewed 33 original research studies assessing brain perfusion, using consensus guidelines from a "white paper" issued by the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Perfusion Study Group and the European Cooperation in Science and Technology Action BM1103 ("Arterial Spin Labelling Initiative in Dementia"; https://www.cost.eu/actions/BM1103/ ). The studies were published between 2011 and 2023 and included participants with subjective cognitive decline plus; neurocognitive disorders, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI); as well as schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar and major depressive disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, panic disorder and alcohol use disorder. Hypoperfusion associated with cognitive impairment was the major finding across the spectrum of cognitive decline. Regional hyperperfusion also was reported in MCI, AD, frontotemporal dementia phenocopy syndrome and VCI. Hypoperfused structures found to aid in diagnosing AD included the precunei and adjacent posterior cingulate cortices. Hypoperfused structures found to better diagnose patients with FTLD were the anterior cingulate cortices and frontal regions. Hypoperfusion in patients with DLB was found to relatively spare the temporal lobes, even after correction for partial volume effects. Hyperperfusion in the temporal cortices and hypoperfusion in the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices were found in patients with schizophrenia, most of whom were on medication and at the chronic stage of illness. Infratentorial structures were found to be abnormally perfused in patients with bipolar or major depressive disorders. Brain perfusion abnormalities were helpful in diagnosing most neurocognitive disorders. Abnormalities reported in VCI and the remaining mental disorders were heterogeneous and not generalisable.
Topics: Humans; Spin Labels; Mental Disorders; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Cognitive Dysfunction
PubMed: 38536448
DOI: 10.1007/s00234-024-03323-0 -
PloS One 2024In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), mechanical occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using a permanently implanted device may be an... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Safety and efficacy of percutaneous Watchman 2.5 device versus Amplatzer Amulet for left atrial appendage closure in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and study-level meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), mechanical occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using a permanently implanted device may be an effective alternative to oral anti-coagulants (OAC). To facilitate left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), multiple percutaneous devices have been proposed. Watchman Generation 2.5 and Amplatzer Amulet are the two most popular used devices for preventing stroke in patients with NVAF. We sought to compare safety and efficacy outcomes between Watchman 2.5 and Amplatzer Amulet in patients undergoing LAAC procedure.
METHODS
We carried out a comprehensive and systematic search of the databases PubMed and Scopus, for all studies that compared the safety and efficacy of Watchman 2.5 and Amplatzer Amulet devices, from inception, till June 2023. We performed the statistical analysis using Review Manager (V.5.4.1 Cochrane Collaboration, London, United Kingdom). The safety outcomes of interest included device success, device-related thrombus, device embolization perioperatively and at follow-up, perioperative pericardial perfusion events, and perioperative cardiac tamponade events. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality perioperatively and at follow-up, cardiovascular (CV) mortality at follow-up, stroke, major and minor bleeding events at follow-up, transient ischemic attack (TIA) in follow-up period, thromboembolic events in follow-up period, and peri-device leakage in perioperative period. All data was analysed using a random-effects model, and presented as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs).
RESULTS
Regarding safety outcomes, device success was non-significantly reduced in Watchman group when compared with Amulet (RR 0.99, p = 0.57; I2 = 34%). In contrast, device-related thrombus was non-significantly increased in Watchman 2.5 group in comparison to Amulet (RR 1.44, p = 0.11; I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference between the devices in terms of device embolization in the perioperative (RR 0.36, p = 0.38; I2 = 22%) and follow-up (RR 2.24, p = 0.13; I2 = 0%) periods. Likewise, there was no significant difference in the risks of pericardial effusion (RR 0.98, p = 0.98; I2 = 0%), and cardiac tamponade (RR 0.65, p = 0.76; I2 = 62%) perioperatively. Regarding efficacy outcomes, no significant difference was observed in all-cause mortality between devices perioperatively (RR 0.51, p = 0.32; I2 = 0%) and at follow-up (RR 1.08, p = 0.56; I2 = 0%). CV-mortality was non-significantly reduced in Watchman group when compared with Amulet (RR 0.57, p = 0.20; I2 = 0%). The Amulet device was not superior to the Watchman device in terms of stroke at follow-up (RR 1.13, p = 0.63; I2 = 0%). Sub-group analysis showed comparable ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke events between two devices. Furthermore, at follow-up, there was no significant difference in major (RR 1.06, p = 0.63; I2 = 0%) and minor bleeding events (RR 1.81, p = 0.17; I2 = 0%) between the two devices. No difference was observed for trans-ischemic attack (RR 1.89, p = 0.24; I2 = 0%) and thromboembolic events (RR 0.96, p = 0.96; I2 = 0%) at follow-up. No significant difference was observed between devices for peri-device leakage in perioperative period (RR 2.16, p = 0.05; I2 = 0%).
CONCLUSION
The data suggested that LAAC is safe and efficacious procedure irrespective of device used, with generally low complication rates. Watchman generation 2.5 remains non-superior to Amplatzer Amulet in terms of safety and efficacy outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Left Atrial Appendage Closure; Cardiac Tamponade; Treatment Outcome; Atrial Appendage; Stroke; Thrombosis; Cardiac Catheterization
PubMed: 38354181
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295804 -
Disease Models & Mechanisms May 2024Preclinical and clinical studies on the administration of bone marrow-derived cells to restore perfusion show conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Preclinical and clinical studies on the administration of bone marrow-derived cells to restore perfusion show conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on preclinical studies to assess the efficacy of bone marrow-derived cells in the hind limb ischemia model and identify possible determinants of therapeutic efficacy. In vivo animal studies were identified using a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE on 10 January 2022. 85 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. Study characteristics and outcome data on relative perfusion were extracted. The pooled mean difference was estimated using a random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed for all included studies. We found a significant increase in perfusion in the affected limb after administration of bone marrow-derived cells compared to that in the control groups. However, there was a high heterogeneity between studies, which could not be explained. There was a high degree of incomplete reporting across studies. We therefore conclude that the current quality of preclinical research is insufficient (low certainty level as per GRADE assessment) to identify specific factors that might improve human clinical trials.
Topics: Animals; Hindlimb; Ischemia; Bone Marrow Cells; Perfusion; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Humans; Publication Bias; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
PubMed: 38616715
DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050632 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Sep 2023This study aimed to assess the association between aortic valve calcification and lipoprotein (a). We searched PUBMED, WOS, and SCOPUS databases. Inclusion criteria were... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aimed to assess the association between aortic valve calcification and lipoprotein (a). We searched PUBMED, WOS, and SCOPUS databases. Inclusion criteria were any controlled clinical trials or observational studies that reported the level of Lipoprotein A in patients with aortic valve calcifications, excluding case reports, editorials and animal studies. RevMan software (5.4) was used to perform the meta-analysis. After complete screening, 7 studies were included with a total number of 446,179 patients included in the analysis. The pooled analysis showed a statistically significant association between the incidence of aortic valve calcium and increased levels of lipoprotein (a) compared with controls (SMD = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.04- 2.38, P-value < 0.00001). This meta-analysis showed a statistically significant association between the incidence of aortic valve calcium and increased levels of lipoprotein (a) compared with controls. Patients with high levels of lipoprotein (a) are at increased risk of developing aortic valve calcification. Medications targeting lipoprotein (a) in future clinical trials may be useful in primary prevention of aortic valve calcification in high risk patients.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Valve; Lipoprotein(a); Calcium; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37100357
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101746 -
American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Jul 2024The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model is frequently used to study preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. An improved understanding of influential... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model is frequently used to study preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. An improved understanding of influential factors might improve reproducibility and reduce animal use considering the variability in RUPP phenotype. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching Medline and Embase (until 28 March, 2023) for RUPP studies in murine. Primary outcomes included maternal blood pressure (BP) or proteinuria, fetal weight or crown-rump length, fetal reabsorptions, or antiangiogenic factors. We aimed to identify influential factors by meta-regression analysis. We included 155 studies. Our meta-analysis showed that the RUPP procedure results in significantly higher BP (MD = 24.1 mmHg; [22.6; 25.7]; = 148), proteinuria (SMD = 2.3; [0.9; 3.8]; = 28), fetal reabsorptions (MD = 50.4%; [45.5; 55.2]; = 42), circulating soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) (SMD = 2.6; [1.7; 3.4]; = 34), and lower fetal weight (MD = -0.4 g; [-0.47; -0.34]; = 113. The heterogeneity (variability between studies) in primary outcomes appeared ≥90%. Our meta-regression identified influential factors in the method and time point of BP measurement, randomization in fetal weight, and type of control group in sFlt-1. The RUPP is a robust model considering the evident differences in maternal and fetal outcomes. The high heterogeneity reflects the observed variability in phenotype. Because of underreporting, we observed reporting bias and a high risk of bias. We recommend standardizing study design by optimal time point and method chosen for readout measures to limit the variability. This contributes to improved reproducibility and thereby eventually improves the translational value of the RUPP model.
Topics: Fetal Growth Retardation; Female; Pregnancy; Pre-Eclampsia; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Uterus; Blood Pressure; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; Fetal Weight
PubMed: 38758122
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00056.2024 -
Critical Care Medicine Oct 2023Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high ventilation-perfusion heterogeneity and dead-space ventilation. However, whether the degree of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high ventilation-perfusion heterogeneity and dead-space ventilation. However, whether the degree of dead-space ventilation is associated with outcomes is uncertain. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the ability of dead-space ventilation measures to predict mortality in patients with ARDS.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar from inception to November 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies including adults with ARDS reporting a dead-space ventilation index and mortality.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. We calculated pooled effect estimates using a random effects model for both adjusted and unadjusted results. The quality and strength of evidence were assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, respectively.
DATA SYNTHESIS
We included 28 studies in our review, 21 of which were included in our meta-analysis. All studies had a low risk of bias. A high pulmonary dead-space fraction was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR], 3.52; 95% CI, 2.22-5.58; p < 0.001; I2 = 84%). After adjusting for other confounding variables, every 0.05 increase in pulmonary-dead space fraction was associated with an increased odds of death (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.13-1.34; p < 0.001; I2 = 57%). A high ventilatory ratio was also associated with increased mortality (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.33-1.80; p < 0.001; I2 = 48%). This association was independent of common confounding variables (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12-1.58; p = 0.001; I2 = 66%).
CONCLUSIONS
Dead-space ventilation indices were independently associated with mortality in adults with ARDS. These indices could be incorporated into clinical trials and used to identify patients who could benefit from early institution of adjunctive therapies. The cut-offs identified in this study should be prospectively validated.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Respiration; Prognosis; Risk
PubMed: 37204257
DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000005921 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Jul 2024Individuals suffering from long-COVID can present with "brain fog", which is characterized by a range of cognitive impairments, such as confusion, short-term memory... (Review)
Review
Individuals suffering from long-COVID can present with "brain fog", which is characterized by a range of cognitive impairments, such as confusion, short-term memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. To date, several potential interventions for brain fog have been considered. Notably, no systematic review has comprehensively discussed the impact of each intervention type on brain fog symptoms. We included studies on adult (aged > 18 years) individuals with proven long- COVID brain-fog symptoms from PubMed, MEDLINE, Central, Scopus, and Embase. A search limit was set for articles published between 01/2020 and 31/12/2023. We excluded studies lacking an objective assessment of brain fog symptoms and patients with preexisting neurological diseases that affected cognition before COVID-19 infection. This review provided relevant information from 17 studies. The rehabilitation studies utilized diverse approaches, leading to a range of outcomes in terms of the effectiveness of the interventions. Six studies described noninvasive brain stimulation, and all showed improvement in cognitive ability. Three studies described hyperbaric oxygen therapy, all of which showed improvements in cognitive assessment tests and brain perfusion. Two studies showed that the use of Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin (PEA-LUT) improved cognitive impairment. Noninvasive brain stimulation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed promising results in the treatment of brain fog symptoms caused by long-COVID, with improved perfusion and cortical excitability. Furthermore, both rehabilitation strategies and PEA-LUT administration have been associated with improvements in symptoms of brain fog. Future studies should explore combinations of interventions and include longer follow-up periods to assess the long-term effects of these treatments.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Cognitive Dysfunction; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; SARS-CoV-2; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Brain; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
PubMed: 38695969
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07566-w -
Annals of Plastic Surgery Jun 2024Management of vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disorders is a complex challenge, with current treatments showing varied success. Cannabinoids have demonstrated both...
BACKGROUND
Management of vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disorders is a complex challenge, with current treatments showing varied success. Cannabinoids have demonstrated both vasodilatory and antifibrotic properties, which present potential mechanisms for therapeutic relief. No existing review examines these effects in peripheral circulation in relation to vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disorders. This study aims to investigate vasodilatory and antifibrotic properties of cannabinoids in peripheral vasculature for application in vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disorders affecting the hand.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted by 2 independent reviewers across PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid MEDLINE, and CINAHL to identify studies in accordance with the determined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Information regarding study design, medication, dosage, and hemodynamic or antifibrotic effects were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize study findings as appropriate.
RESULTS
A total of 584 articles were identified, and 32 were selected for inclusion. Studies were grouped by effect type: hemodynamic (n = 17, 53%) and antifibrotic (n = 15, 47%). Vasodilatory effects including reduced perfusion pressure, increased functional capillary density, inhibition of vessel contraction, and increased blood flow were reported in 82% of studies. Antifibrotic effects including reduced dermal thickening, reduced collagen synthesis, and reduced fibroblast migration were reported in 100% of studies.
CONCLUSION
Overall, cannabinoids were found to have vasodilatory and antifibrotic effects on peripheral circulation via both endothelium-dependent and independent mechanisms. Our review suggests the applicability of cannabis-based medicines for vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disorders affecting the hand (eg, Raynaud disease, Buerger disease). Future research should aim to assess the effectiveness of cannabis-based medicines for these conditions.
Topics: Humans; Cannabinoids; Vasodilator Agents; Antifibrotic Agents; Fibrosis
PubMed: 38857012
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003985 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023This study aimed to evaluate the retina and microvascular alterations with optical coherence tomography (OCT) or optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the retina and microvascular alterations with optical coherence tomography (OCT) or optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO).
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to find relevant literature on patients with MA or MO using OCT/OCTA devices. The eligible data were analyzed by Stata Software (version 15.0).
RESULTS
There were 16 studies identified, involving 379 eyes with MA, 583 eyes with MO, and 658 eyes of healthy controls. The thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) of patients with MA decreased significantly in most regions. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and perimeter in MA patients significantly enlarged, while the perfusion density (PD) in the macular deep capillary plexus (mDCP) significantly decreased in the whole image and its subregions except for the fovea, with the PD in radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) decreasing inside the disk. Patients with MO demonstrated a significantly decreased thickness of pRNFL in most regions, and the FAZ parameters were significantly enlarged. No statistical significance was observed in the retina and microvascular features of patients with MA and MO.
CONCLUSION
The eyes affected by MA and MO demonstrated significantly reduced thickness of pRNFL and enlarged FAZ. Patients with MA showed retinal microvascular impairments, including a decreased PD in mDCP. The OCT and OCTA could detect membrane morphology and circulation status in migraine and might provide the basis for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with migraine.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42023397653.
PubMed: 37840933
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1241778 -
The British Journal of Surgery Apr 2024Machine perfusion is an organ preservation strategy used to improve function over simple storage in a cold environment. This article presents an updated systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Machine perfusion is an organ preservation strategy used to improve function over simple storage in a cold environment. This article presents an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of machine perfusion in deceased donor kidneys.
METHODS
RCTs from November 2018 to July 2023 comparing machine perfusion versus static cold storage in kidney transplantation were evaluated for systematic review. The primary outcome in meta-analysis was delayed graft function.
RESULTS
A total 19 studies were included, and 16 comparing hypothermic machine perfusion with static cold storage were analysed. The risk of delayed graft function was lower with hypothermic machine perfusion (risk ratio (RR) 0.77, 95% c.i. 0.69 to 0.86), even in kidneys after circulatory death (RR 0.78, 0.68 to 0.90) or brain death (RR 0.73, 0.63 to 0.84). Full hypothermic machine perfusion decreased the risk of delayed graft function (RR 0.69, 0.60 to 0.79), whereas partial hypothermic machine perfusion did not (RR 0.92, 0.69 to 1.22). Normothermic machine perfusion or short-term oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion preservation after static cold storage was equivalent to static cold storage in terms of delayed graft function and 1-year graft survival.
CONCLUSION
Hypothermic machine perfusion reduces delayed graft function risks and normothermic approaches show promise.
Topics: Humans; Delayed Graft Function; Graft Survival; Kidney; Kidney Transplantation; Organ Preservation; Perfusion; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38637312
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znae102