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Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Jul 2023Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common birth defects and contribute to life-long disabilities, high medical care costs, and perinatal and child mortality. This review is... (Review)
Review
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common birth defects and contribute to life-long disabilities, high medical care costs, and perinatal and child mortality. This review is a primer on prevalence, causes, and evidence-based prevention strategies for NTDs. The estimated average global prevalence of NTDs is two cases per 1000 births, amounting to approximately 214,000-322,000 affected pregnancies worldwide annually. Prevalence and associated adverse outcomes are disproportionately high in developing countries. NTDs have multiple risk factors including genetic and non-genetic (i.e., maternal nutritional status, pre-pregnancy diabetes, early pregnancy exposure to valproic acid (anti-epileptic medication), and a previous pregnancy affected by a NTD) factors. Maternal folate insufficiency before and during early pregnancy is the most common risk factor and is preventable. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is required for formation of the neural tube early in pregnancy, around 28 days after conception, when most women are unaware of their pregnancies. Current guidelines recommend that all women planning or capable of pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 400-800 μg of folic acid. Mandatory folic acid fortification of staple foods (e.g., wheat flour, maize flour, rice) is safe, economical, and the effective intervention for primary prevention of NTDs. Currently, about 60 countries are implementing mandatory folic acid fortification of staple foods, preventing just a quarter of all preventable NTD cases worldwide. There is an urgent need for active champions, including neurosurgeons and other healthcare providers, to generate political will and promote effective mandatory food fortification with folic acid, and reach equitable primary prevention of NTDs in all countries.
Topics: Pregnancy; Child; Female; Humans; Flour; Prevalence; Food, Fortified; Triticum; Neural Tube Defects; Folic Acid; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 36882610
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05910-7 -
JAMA Jul 2023The effects of bempedoic acid on cardiovascular outcomes in statin-intolerant patients without a prior cardiovascular event (primary prevention) have not been fully...
IMPORTANCE
The effects of bempedoic acid on cardiovascular outcomes in statin-intolerant patients without a prior cardiovascular event (primary prevention) have not been fully described.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of bempedoic acid on cardiovascular outcomes in primary prevention patients.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This masked, randomized clinical trial enrolled 13 970 statin-intolerant patients (enrollment December 2016 to August 2019 at 1250 centers in 32 countries), including 4206 primary prevention patients.
INTERVENTIONS
Participants were randomized to oral bempedoic acid, 180 mg daily (n = 2100), or matching placebo (n = 2106).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary efficacy measure was the time from randomization to the first occurrence of any component of a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), nonfatal stroke, or coronary revascularization.
RESULTS
Mean participant age was 68 years, 59% were female, and 66% had diabetes. From a mean baseline of 142.2 mg/dL, compared with placebo, bempedoic acid reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 30.2 mg/dL (21.3%) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels by 0.56 mg/L (21.5%), from a median baseline of 2.4 mg/L. Follow-up for a median of 39.9 months was associated with a significant risk reduction for the primary end point (111 events [5.3%] vs 161 events [7.6%]; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.70 [95% CI, 0.55-0.89]; P = .002) and key secondary end points, including the composite of cardiovascular death, MI, or stroke (83 events [4.0%] vs 134 events [6.4%]; HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.48-0.84]; P < .001); MI (29 events [1.4%] vs 47 events [2.2%]; HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.39-0.98]); cardiovascular death (37 events [1.8%] vs 65 events [3.1%]; HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.41-0.92]); and all-cause mortality (75 events [3.6%] vs 109 events [5.2%]; HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.54-0.98]). There was no significant effect on stroke or coronary revascularization. Adverse effects with bempedoic acid included a higher incidence of gout (2.6% vs 2.0%), cholelithiasis (2.5% vs 1.1%), and increases in serum creatinine, uric acid, and hepatic enzyme levels.
CONCLUSIONS
In a subgroup of high-risk primary prevention patients, bempedoic acid treatment was associated with reduced major cardiovascular events.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02993406.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Male; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Myocardial Infarction; Stroke; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 37354546
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.9696 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2023The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights that complications and mortality associated with infectious diseases increase with age. Various vaccines are recommended for... (Review)
Review
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights that complications and mortality associated with infectious diseases increase with age. Various vaccines are recommended for adults, but coverage rates remain suboptimal. Although co-administration would improve vaccine uptake and timely immunization, this is not routine practice in adults. We review key data on co-administration of vaccines in children and adults to reassure healthcare providers about its safety and advantages. In European countries and the United States, combined tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis boosters as well as meningococcal and human papillomavirus vaccines are recommended for healthy adolescents and adults of certain ages. Vaccination against influenza (annually), pneumococcal disease, and herpes zoster is recommended for older adults and specific risk groups. While co-administration is well established in children, it is less common in adults. Travelers can also receive multiple co-administered vaccines. Pediatric and travel vaccine co-administration has a well-established positive benefit-risk profile and is an efficient and cost-saving strategy to improve coverage. Healthcare providers could more often recommend and practice vaccine co-administration; this would not risk patient safety and health, would improve protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, and would help comply with national vaccination calendars. Recommending bodies may consider revising vaccination schedules to reduce the number of visits.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; United States; Aged; Vaccination Coverage; Pandemics; COVID-19; Vaccination; Tetanus Toxoid; Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines
PubMed: 37039318
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2195786 -
Journal of the American College of... Nov 2023There is growing evidence that the atherosclerotic process that leads to symptomatic cardiovascular disease (CVD) starts at an early age. In young adults, exposure to... (Review)
Review
There is growing evidence that the atherosclerotic process that leads to symptomatic cardiovascular disease (CVD) starts at an early age. In young adults, exposure to low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) mediators, even at levels considered within normal limits, increases the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis and is associated with greater risk of cardiovascular events later in life. The optimal CVRF targets to prevent CVD in asymptomatic young individuals (<40 years) are unknown. The randomized controlled PRECAD (Prevent Coronary Artery Disease) trial has been developed to assess the potential benefit of an aggressive control of CVRF in otherwise healthy young adults. The hypothesis of PRECAD is that in subjects aged 20 to 39 years without known CVD, maintaining low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol <70 mg/dL and strict control of blood pressure and glucose will prevent the onset of atherosclerosis and/or its progression. The primary endpoint will be the change in total atherosclerosis burden, a surrogate for CVD.
Topics: Humans; Young Adult; Risk Factors; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, LDL; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 37993206
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.09.817 -
Nutrients Jul 2023Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with coronary heart disease being the primary cause. The Mediterranean Diet (MD)... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with coronary heart disease being the primary cause. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been highlighted for its potential in providing greater protection against CVDs. This study aims to present an updated systematic review that examines the impact of MD on mortality and CVDs, both in the general population and in patients with a prior CVD, while also considering the potential influence of gender. We conducted a systematic review. After the selection process, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings from these studies consistently demonstrate that higher adherence to the MD is associated with a reduced risk of overall mortality, both in the general population and in patients with previous CVDs. Moreover, evidence suggests that following this dietary pattern likely decreases the risk of CVDs such as heart attacks, various types of coronary artery disease, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. While some studies have identified differences in the benefits of the MD between men and women, it is important to note that these disparities may be attributed to lower event rates and a generally lower cardiovascular risk profile in women. Thus, the observed variations in outcomes should be interpreted in the context of these factors. Adherence to the MD has the potential to improve survival rates and reduce the risk of CVDs in both the general population and individuals with a prior CVD. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms underlying the protective effects of this dietary pattern and to better understand the role gender-related differences in its outcomes. Nevertheless, promoting the adoption of the MD could be an effective strategy for mitigating the burden of CVDs globally.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet, Mediterranean; Risk Factors; Secondary Prevention; Coronary Artery Disease; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 37571293
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153356 -
JAMA Surgery Nov 2023Most ovarian cancers originate in the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube. This has led to the hypothesis that surgical resection of the fallopian tubes at the time of...
IMPORTANCE
Most ovarian cancers originate in the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube. This has led to the hypothesis that surgical resection of the fallopian tubes at the time of gynecologic and nongynecologic surgical procedures-referred to as an opportunistic salpingectomy-may prevent the development of epithelial ovarian cancer for women at an average risk of developing the disease.
OBJECTIVE
To compile a comprehensive, state-of-the-science review examining the current landscape of performing bilateral salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
A systematic review of the literature was performed on March 4, 2022, to identify studies examining salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention. This review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Four databases were selected: PubMed via the National Library of Medicine's PubMed.gov, Embase via Elsevier's Embase.com, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via Wiley's Cochrane Library, and Northern Light Life Sciences Conference Abstracts via Ovid. A total of 20 gray literature sources, including 1 database, 2 registers, 1 repository, 1 index, 1 archive, 1 preprint server, 1 agency, and 12 organizations, were also searched.
FINDINGS
The initial search produced 1089 results; a total of 158 publications were included in the final review. Salpingectomy has been associated with ovarian cancer risk reduction of approximately 80%. Studies have demonstrated that salpingectomy was safe, cost-effective, and was not associated with an earlier age of menopause onset. With widespread implementation, salpingectomy has the potential to reduce ovarian cancer mortality in the US by an estimated 15%. Both physician and patient awareness regarding the adnexa as the origin for most ovarian cancers, as well as the existence of salpingectomy and its potential benefits in reducing ovarian cancer risk, has increased during the past decade. Raising awareness and developing effective implementation strategies are essential.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The results of this systematic review suggest that bilateral salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention was safe and feasible and has the potential to be a cost-effective and cost-saving strategy across the population. Prospective studies to demonstrate long-term survival outcomes and feasibility in nongynecologic surgical procedures are warranted.
Topics: Female; Humans; Prospective Studies; Ovarian Neoplasms; Salpingectomy; Hysterectomy; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 37672283
DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.4164 -
Current Opinion in Lipidology Oct 2023Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is causally associated with cardiovascular diseases, and elevated levels are highly prevalent. However, there is a lack of available therapies to... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is causally associated with cardiovascular diseases, and elevated levels are highly prevalent. However, there is a lack of available therapies to address Lp(a)-mediated risk. Though aspirin has progressively fallen out of favor for primary prevention, individuals with high Lp(a) may represent a high-risk group that derives a net benefit.
RECENT FINDINGS
Aspirin has been demonstrated to have a clear benefit in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, but recent primary prevention trials have at best demonstrated a small benefit. However, individuals with elevated Lp(a) may be of high risk enough to benefit, particularly given interactions between Lp(a) and the fibrinolytic system / platelets, and the lack of available targeted medical therapies. In secondary analyses of the Women's Health Study (WHS) and the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial, aspirin use was associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular events in carriers of genetic polymorphisms associated with elevated Lp(a) levels. Further studies are needed, however, as these studies focused on narrower subsets of the overall population and genetic markers.
SUMMARY
Individuals with elevated Lp(a) may benefit from aspirin therapy in primary prevention, but further study with plasma Lp(a) levels, broader populations, and randomization of aspirin are needed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged; Aspirin; Lipoprotein(a); Cardiovascular Diseases; Heterozygote; Primary Prevention; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37527183
DOI: 10.1097/MOL.0000000000000891 -
Canadian Family Physician Medecin de... Oct 2023To update the 2015 clinical practice guideline and provide a simplified approach to lipid management in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for primary care.
OBJECTIVE
To update the 2015 clinical practice guideline and provide a simplified approach to lipid management in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for primary care.
METHODS
Following the Institute of Medicine's , a multidisciplinary, pan-Canadian guideline panel was formed. This panel was represented by primary care providers, free from conflicts of interest with industry, and included the patient perspective. A separate scientific evidence team performed evidence reviews on statins, ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, niacin, and omega-3 supplements (docosahexaenoic acid with eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] or EPA ethyl ester alone [icosapent]), as well as on 11 supplemental questions. Recommendations were finalized by the guideline panel through use of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology.
RECOMMENDATIONS
All recommendations are presented in a patient-centred manner designed with the needs of family physicians and other primary care providers in mind. Many recommendations are similar to those published in 2015. Statins remain first-line therapy for both primary and secondary CVD prevention, and the Mediterranean diet and physical activity are recommended to reduce cardiovascular risk (primary and secondary prevention). The guideline panel recommended against using lipoprotein a, apolipoprotein B, or coronary artery calcium levels when assessing cardiovascular risk, and recommended against targeting specific lipid levels. The team also reviewed new evidence pertaining to omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA ethyl ester [icosapent]) and proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors, and outlined when to engage in informed shared decision making with patients on interventions to lower cardiovascular risk.
CONCLUSION
These updated evidence-based guidelines provide a simplified approach to lipid management for the prevention and management of CVD. These guidelines were created by and for primary health care professionals and their patients.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Anticholesteremic Agents; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Canada; Proprotein Convertases; Primary Health Care; Subtilisins; Esters; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 37833089
DOI: 10.46747/cfp.6910675 -
Journal of the American College of... Oct 2023Reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol with lipid-lowering therapy has consistently been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in primary...
BACKGROUND
Reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol with lipid-lowering therapy has consistently been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in primary prevention trials where the majority of individuals are aged <70 years. For older individuals, however, evidence is less clear.
OBJECTIVES
In this study, the authors sought to compare the clinical effectiveness of lowering LDL cholesterol by means of lipid-lowering therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease among older and younger individuals in a Danish nationwide cohort.
METHODS
We included individuals aged ≥50 years who had initiated lipid-lowering therapy from January 1, 2008, to October 31, 2017, had no history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and had a baseline and a within-1-year LDL cholesterol measurement. We assessed the associated risk of major vascular events among older individuals (≥70 years) by HRs per 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol compared with younger individuals (<70 years).
RESULTS
For both the 16,035 older and the 49,155 younger individuals, the median LDL cholesterol reduction was 1.7 mmol/L. Each 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol in older individuals was significantly associated with a 23% lower risk of major vascular events (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.71-0.83), which was equal to that of younger individuals (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.71-0.80; P value for difference = 0.79). Similar results were observed across all secondary analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study supports a relative clinical benefit of lowering LDL cholesterol for primary prevention of major vascular events in individuals aged ≥70 years similarly as in individuals aged <70 years.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Cholesterol, LDL; Cardiovascular Diseases; Atherosclerosis; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 37758432
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.07.027 -
Molecular Aspects of Medicine Aug 2023Cancer prevention is one of the aim with the highest priority in order to reduce the burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment on individuals as well as on healthcare... (Review)
Review
Cancer prevention is one of the aim with the highest priority in order to reduce the burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment on individuals as well as on healthcare systems. To this aim, vaccines represent the most efficient primary cancer prevention strategy. Indeed, anti-cancer immunological memory elicited by preventive vaccines might promptly expand and prevent tumor from progressing. Antigens derived from microorganisms (MoAs), represent the obvious target for developing highly effective preventive vaccines for virus-induced cancers. In this respect, the drastic reduction in cancer incidence following HBV and HPV preventive vaccines are the paradigmatic example of such evidence. More recently, experimental evidences suggest that MoAs may represent a "natural" anti-cancer preventive vaccination or can be exploited for developing vaccines to prevent cancers presenting highly homologous tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) (e.g. molecular mimicry). The present review describes the different preventive anti-cancer vaccines based on antigens derived from pathogens at the different stages of development.
Topics: Humans; Cancer Vaccines; Neoplasms; Vaccination
PubMed: 37295175
DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101192