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Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Oct 2023The management of irreparable rotator cuff tears remains a topic of considerable debate among orthopedic surgeons. Currently, there is little consensus regarding the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The management of irreparable rotator cuff tears remains a topic of considerable debate among orthopedic surgeons. Currently, there is little consensus regarding the gold-standard treatment; however, an emerging option involves the use of a biodegradable subacromial spacer. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to systematically review and synthesize the current literature reporting on the clinical outcomes following implantation of a subacromial balloon spacer (SABS) for the treatment of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
METHODS
A systematic review of the PubMed Central, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases from inception through December 2022 was performed. Clinical outcome studies reporting on functional and clinical outcomes, as well as postoperative complications, were included.
RESULTS
A total of 127 studies were initially identified, of which 28 were deemed eligible for inclusion in our review. Of these studies, 17 reported adequate preoperative and postoperative data (mean and a measure of variance) and thus were included in the meta-analysis. Among the included studies, a total of 894 shoulders (886 patients) were included; the mean age was 67.4 years (range, 61.7-76.2 years). The average follow-up period was 30.4 months (range, 12-56 months). All postoperative patient-reported outcomes improved significantly from baseline, including the Constant score (mean difference, 33.53; P < .001), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (mean difference, 40.38; P < .001), Oxford Shoulder Score (mean difference, 12.05; P = .004), and visual analog scale pain score or Numeric Pain Rating Scale score (mean difference, -3.79; P < .001). Forward elevation (mean difference, 24°; P < .001), abduction (mean difference, 52°; P = .02), and external rotation (mean difference, 15°; P < .001) improved. Device-related complications occurred at a rate of 3.6%, the most common of which were balloon migration (1.0%) and synovitis (0.6%). Ultimately, 5% of patients required salvage reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
CONCLUSION
Short-term outcomes suggest that SABS implantation can be a safe and effective treatment and appears to be associated with early improvements in postoperative pain and function. Clinical heterogeneity, use of concomitant procedures, and variations in patient selection limit our ability to conclusively interpret the available evidence. We do not yet know the potential therapeutic value of SABS implantation relative to other currently accepted treatment strategies, the length of symptomatic improvement that can be expected, or the long-term implications of SABS use on the outcomes of further salvage procedures.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Shoulder Joint; Treatment Outcome; Arthroplasty; Pain, Postoperative; Range of Motion, Articular; Arthroscopy
PubMed: 37247776
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.04.016 -
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Aug 2023The morbidity and mortality of intracranial aneurysm rupture motivate the risk evaluation of the patient´s characteristics and aneurysm's morphology. Brain vessel... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The morbidity and mortality of intracranial aneurysm rupture motivate the risk evaluation of the patient´s characteristics and aneurysm's morphology. Brain vessel variants lead to hemodynamic changes that could increase risk. This study aims to evaluate the fetal posterior cerebral artery (fPCA) as a risk factor for the formation, rupture, and recurrence of the posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysm.
METHODS
A search strategy was performed in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases for studies that evaluated the risk of appearance, rupture, and recurrence of PComA aneurysms with the presence of fPCA. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and AXIS were used for quality assessment. The primary and secondary outcomes were evaluated and interpreted with an odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
A total of 577 articles were reviewed. Thirteen studies were included for the qualitative analysis, and ten studies for the meta-analysis. All cohort studies were classified as poor quality, and all cross-sectional studies with moderate risk. The unadjusted OR resulted in 1.57 (n = 6, 95% CI 1.13-2.19, p = <0.001, I =0%) between the presence of fPCA and PComA aneurysm rupture.
CONCLUSION
There is a significant association of aneurysm formation and rupture of PComA aneurysms in the presence of fPCA. This may be triggered by the hemodynamic alterations caused by the variation, leading to changes in the vessel wall.
Topics: Humans; Intracranial Aneurysm; Posterior Cerebral Artery; Cross-Sectional Studies; Retrospective Studies; Aneurysm, Ruptured
PubMed: 37301004
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107815 -
Cureus Aug 2023Deciduosis is an ectopic transformation of connective tissue into decidual-like cells. This is the first systematic review describing the clinical course, associated... (Review)
Review
Cervical and Vaginal Deciduosis: Insights on Management and a Systematic Review of Observational Studies on Pregnancy Complications and Management Outcomes (Including Vaginal Birth).
INTRODUCTION
Deciduosis is an ectopic transformation of connective tissue into decidual-like cells. This is the first systematic review describing the clinical course, associated pregnancy complications, and management outcomes of cervical and vaginal deciduosis.
METHODS
Our search covered worldwide observational studies published in English in five databases (PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Europe PMC, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) from inception to February 24, 2023. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and critically appraised studies using CAse REport (CARE) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Then, we extracted patient characteristics, clinical features, management-related information, and outcomes.
RESULTS
The selection process identified 15 studies describing 30 pregnancies. Macroscopic cervical and vaginal deciduosis presented as recurrent vaginal bleeding in over 16 of 24 women (57%). Differential diagnoses included miscarriages, cervical pregnancy, placenta previa, and malignancy. Significant antenatal hemorrhages, preterm rupture of membranes, and preterm birth were the most frequent pregnancy complications. Only one of 27 electively performed procedures resulted in biopsy-induced uncontrolled vaginal bleeding (0.04%), suggesting the relative safety of the interventions. Lesion resection led to the cessation of recurrent symptoms in eight of eight patients (100%) compared to eight of 15 women (53%) under observation management. All women with polypoid deciduosis over 1.5 cm entered labor and delivered without complications.
CONCLUSIONS
We described the clinical course, pregnancy complications, diagnostic-related challenges, management, and associated outcomes in women with macroscopic cervical and vaginal deciduosis. We supported the analysis with the current state of the problem and discovered gaps for prospective studies.
PubMed: 37791171
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44479 -
Ophthalmology. Retina Aug 2023Comparing the efficacy and safety between combined and sequential pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification for macular hole (MH) and epiretinal membrane (ERM). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
TOPIC
Comparing the efficacy and safety between combined and sequential pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification for macular hole (MH) and epiretinal membrane (ERM).
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The standard of care for MH and ERM is vitrectomy, which increases the risk of developing cataract. Combined phacovitrectomy eliminates the need for a second surgery.
METHODS
Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched in May 2022 for all articles comparing combined versus sequential phacovitrectomy for MH and ERM. The primary outcome was mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months follow-up. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool for observational studies (PROSPERO, registration number, CRD42021257452).
RESULTS
Of the 6470 studies found, 2 RCTs and 8 nonrandomized retrospective comparative studies were identified. Total eyes for combined and sequential groups were 435 and 420, respectively. Meta-analysis suggested no significant difference between combined and sequential surgery for 12-month BCVA (combined = 0.38 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; sequential = 0.36 logMAR; mean difference = + 0.02 logMAR; 95% confidence interval = -0.04 to 0.08; P = 0.51; I = 0%; n = 4 studies, 398 participants), as well as absolute refractive error (P = 0.76; I = 97%; n = 4 studies, 289 participants), risk of myopia (P = 0.15; I = 66%; n = 2 studies, 148 participants), MH nonclosure (P = 0.57; I = 48%; n = 4 studies, 321 participants), cystoid macular edema (P = 0.15; I = 0%; n = 6 studies, 526 participants), high-intraocular pressure (P = 0.09; I = 0%; n = 2 studies, 161 participants), posterior capsule opacification (P = 0.46; I = 0%; n = 2 studies, 161 participants), posterior capsule rupture (P = 0.41; I = 0%; n = 5 studies, 455 participants), and retinal detachment (P = 0.67; I = 0%; n = 6 studies, 545 participants).
CONCLUSION
No significant difference was detected between combined and sequential surgeries for visual outcomes, refractive outcomes, or complications. Given that most studies were retrospective and contained a high RoB, future high-quality RCTs are warranted.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)
Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Topics: Humans; Phacoemulsification; Retinal Perforations; Epiretinal Membrane; Vitrectomy; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 37030392
DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.03.017 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2023Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are the most common cerebral vascular pathologies. Their rupture leads to the most dangerous subtype of stroke-aneurysmal subarachnoid... (Review)
Review
Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are the most common cerebral vascular pathologies. Their rupture leads to the most dangerous subtype of stroke-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), which may be followed by cerebral vasospasm and ischemic sequelae. Recently, an imbalance within the intestinal microbiota, referred to as dysbiosis, was suggested to play a role in the formation, progression, and rupture of IA. As no systematic review on this topic exists, considering the significance of this matter and a lack of effective prophylaxis against IA or cerebral vasospasm, we aim to sum up the current knowledge regarding their associations with intestinal microbiome, identify the gaps, and determine future prospects. Scientific databases were systematically and independently searched by two authors from inception to 1st May 2023 for original articles regarding the role of intestinal microbiota in intracranial aneurysmal growth, aSAH occurrence, as well as in cerebral vasospasm following aSAH. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist was followed in an abstraction process. The STROBE tool was applied to assess the risk of bias. This research was funded by the National Science Centre, Poland (grant number 2021/41/N/NZ2/00844). Of 302 records, four studies were included that fully met eligibility criteria. Studies reported (1) that the relative abundance of is a protective factor against aneurysm growth and rupture, resulting from the reduced inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in the cerebral arterial wall and from reduced metalloproteinase-mediated degradation of smooth muscle cells in cerebral vessels. (2) Relative abundance of is associated with aSAH. (3) No article has evaluated microbiota in relation to cerebral vasospasm following aSAH although there is an ongoing study. We concluded that intestinal microbiota might be a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic tools to improve the management of cerebral aneurysms. However, more studies of prospective design are needed.
PubMed: 37928732
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1247151 -
BMJ Open Mar 2024To identify risk factors for premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in pregnant women. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors for premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in pregnant women.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) and China Biology Medicine Disc were searched from inception to October 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies published in English or Chinese that reported the risk factors for PROM were eligible for inclusion.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers independently extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and American Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tools. Analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software, and heterogeneity was assessed using χ tests and I statistics. The sensitivity analyses included a methodological transition between fixed-effect and random-effect models and the systematic stepwise exclusion of studies.
RESULTS
A total of 21 studies involving 18 174 participants with 18 risk factors were included. The significant risk factors were low Body Mass Index (BMI) (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.32 to 3.61), interpregnancy interval (IPI) <2 years (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.98 to 4.50), previous abortion (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.14), previous preterm birth (OR 5.72, 95% CI 3.44 to 9.50), prior PROM (OR 3.95, 95% CI 2.48 to 6.28), history of caesarean section (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.72 to 5.43), gestational hypertension (OR 3.84, 95% CI 2.36 to 6.24), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.23), abnormal vaginal discharge (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.27), reproductive tract infection (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.75), malpresentation (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.78 to 2.85) and increased abdominal pressure (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.97). The sensitivity analysis showed that the pooled estimates were stable.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis indicated that low BMI, IPI <2 years, previous abortion, previous preterm birth, prior PROM, history of caesarean section, gestational hypertension, GDM, abnormal vaginal discharge, reproductive tract infection, malpresentation and increased abdominal pressure might be associated with a greater risk of PROM. Associations between smoking status, short cervical length, fine particulate matter (PM) and PROM require further investigation.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022381485.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnant Women; Premature Birth; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Cesarean Section; Cross-Sectional Studies; Reproductive Tract Infections; Diabetes, Gestational; Risk Factors; Vaginal Discharge
PubMed: 38553068
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077727 -
Cureus Sep 2023Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder (SRUB) during pregnancy is a potentially fatal event that necessitates immediate surgery. The aim of this systematic review is... (Review)
Review
Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder (SRUB) during pregnancy is a potentially fatal event that necessitates immediate surgery. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the symptoms, causes, associated factors, and prognosis of SRUB in pregnancy. We searched the literature from inception until December 2022 using the Cochrane Central Register, PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Articles not in English and those unrelated to the topic were excluded. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for case reports was employed for the risk of bias assessment. The search strategy yielded 312 citations; 29 full-text articles were evaluated for eligibility after screening. Five case reports were included in this review. The age range of the cases was 27-39 years. Four cases were in their second trimester of pregnancy, and one was in her third. Two cases had undergone previous cesarean sections, and one had an appendectomy and salpingectomy due to an ectopic pregnancy. One case reported a history of alcohol and drug abuse. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, abdominal distension, oliguria, voiding difficulty, hematuria, fever, and vomiting. The diagnosis of SRUB was primarily made via emergency laparotomy due to the patients' critical conditions. Beyond its diagnostic role, laparotomy was also the treatment method in all cases. Tear repair, antibiotic therapy, and urinary catheterization were all integral parts of the treatment. Four cases resulted in an uneventful pregnancy and a healthy, full-term baby. In one case, a hysterectomy was performed due to a combined uterus and bladder rupture. SRUB often presents with non-specific symptoms, leading to a delayed diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is essential when a pregnant woman exhibits urinary symptoms and severe abdominal pain, especially in those with a history of previous surgery. Early detection and treatment of SRUB are critical for an uneventful recovery.
PubMed: 37799223
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44643 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023During the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, utilization of emergency care units has been reported to be reduced for obstetrical and gynaecological reasons. The aim of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
During the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, utilization of emergency care units has been reported to be reduced for obstetrical and gynaecological reasons. The aim of this systematic review is to assess if this phenomenon reduced the rate of hospitalizations for any reason and to evaluate the main reasons for seeking care in this subset of the population.
METHODS
The search was conducted using the main electronic databases from January 2020 to May 2021. The studies were identified with the use of a combination of: "emergency department" OR "A&E" OR "emergency service" OR "emergency unit" OR "maternity service" AND "COVID-19" OR "COVID-19 pandemic" OR "SARS-COV-2" and "admission" OR "hospitalization". All the studies that evaluated women going to obstetrics & gynecology emergency department (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic for any reason were included.
RESULTS
The pooled proportion (PP) of hospitalizations increased from 22.7 to 30.6% during the lockdown periods, in particular from 48.0 to 53.9% for delivery. The PP of pregnant women suffering from hypertensive disorders increased (2.6 vs 1.2%), as well as women having contractions (52 vs 43%) and rupture of membranes (12.0 vs 9.1%). Oppositely, the PP of women having pelvic pain (12.4 vs 14.4%), suspected ectopic pregnancy (1.8 vs 2.0), reduced fetal movements (3.0 vs 3.3%), vaginal bleeding both for obstetrical (11.7 vs 12.8%) and gynecological issues (7.4 vs 9.2%) slightly reduced.
CONCLUSION
During the lockdown, an increase in the proportion of hospitalizations for obstetrical and gynecological reasons has been registered, especially for labor symptoms and hypertensive disorders.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; COVID-19; Gynecology; Pandemics; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Communicable Disease Control; Emergency Medical Services; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36894183
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2187254 -
Neurosurgical Review Jan 2024It is possible to identify unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) using machine learning (ML) algorithms, which can be a life-saving strategy, especially in high-risk... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
It is possible to identify unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) using machine learning (ML) algorithms, which can be a life-saving strategy, especially in high-risk populations. To better understand the importance and effectiveness of ML algorithms in practice, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to predict cerebral aneurysm rupture risk. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched without restrictions until March 20, 2023. Eligibility criteria included studies that used ML approaches in patients with cerebral aneurysms confirmed by DSA, CTA, or MRI. Out of 35 studies included, 33 were cohort, and 11 used digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as their reference imaging modality. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) were the commonest locations of aneurysmal vascular involvement-51% and 40%, respectively. The aneurysm morphology was saccular in 48% of studies. Ten of 37 studies (27%) used deep learning techniques such as CNNs and ANNs. Meta-analysis was performed on 17 studies: sensitivity of 0.83 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.77-0.88); specificity of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75-0.88); positive DLR of 4.81 (95% CI, 3.29-7.02) and the negative DLR of 0.20 (95% CI, 0.14-0.29); a diagnostic score of 3.17 (95% CI, 2.55-3.78); odds ratio of 23.69 (95% CI, 12.75-44.01). ML algorithms can effectively predict the risk of rupture in cerebral aneurysms with good levels of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. However, further research is needed to enhance their diagnostic performance in predicting the rupture status of IA.
Topics: Humans; Intracranial Aneurysm; Stroke; Algorithms; Angiography, Digital Subtraction; Machine Learning
PubMed: 38183490
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02271-2 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023This study aimed to explore the effects of levothyroxine on pregnancy outcomes and thyroid function in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) women with subclinical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effect of levothyroxine on the pregnancy outcomes in recurrent pregnancy loss women with subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroperoxidase antibody positivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the effects of levothyroxine on pregnancy outcomes and thyroid function in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) or thyroperoxidase antibody positivity (TPOAb).
METHODS
Literature search was performed from inception to 24 June 2022. The heterogeneity for each outcome was evaluated using Cochran's test and quantified with I-squared (). Pooled effect sizes were expressed as relative risk (RR) and weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Stability of the results were assessed using the sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS
Fifteen eligible studies with 1911 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled data showed that levothyroxine decreased premature delivery rate (RR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.32, 0.72), miscarriage rate (RR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.44, 0.79), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) rate (RR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.66), and fetal growth restriction rate (RR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.12, 0.89) in RPL women with TPOAb. In RPL women with SCH, live birth rate was elevated (RR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.42) and miscarriage rate was reduced (RR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.44, 0.97) by levothyroxine. In addition, levothyroxine substantially decreased TSH level (WMD = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.31, -0.16) and TPO level (WMD = -23.48, 95%CI: -27.50, -19.47).
CONCLUSIONS
Levothyroxine improved pregnancy outcomes and thyroid function in RPL women with TPOAb or SCH, indicating that levothyroxine may be beneficial for RPL women if TPOAb or SCH occurs. Future studies are needed to verify our findings.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Thyroxine; Pregnancy Outcome; Hypothyroidism; Premature Birth; Abortion, Habitual
PubMed: 37433649
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2233039