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Infection Dec 2023Several studies suggested pancreatic stone protein (PSP) as a promising biomarker to predict mortality among patients with severe infection. The objective of the study... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Discriminative performance of pancreatic stone protein in predicting ICU mortality and infection severity in adult patients with infection: a systematic review and individual patient level meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Several studies suggested pancreatic stone protein (PSP) as a promising biomarker to predict mortality among patients with severe infection. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of PSP in predicting intensive care unit (ICU) mortality and infection severity among critically ill adults admitted to the hospital for infection.
METHODS
A systematic search across Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE databases (1966 to February 2022) for studies on PSP published in English using 'pancreatic stone protein', 'PSP', 'regenerative protein', 'lithostatin' combined with 'infection' and 'sepsis' found 46 records. The search was restricted to the five trials that measured PSP using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). We used Bayesian hierarchical regression models for pooled estimates and to predict mortality or disease severity using PSP, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) as main predictor. We used statistical discriminative measures, such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and classification plots.
RESULTS
Among the 678 patients included, the pooled ICU mortality was 17.8% (95% prediction interval 4.1% to 54.6%) with a between-study heterogeneity (I-squared 87%). PSP was strongly associated with ICU mortality (OR = 2.7, 95% credible interval (CrI) [1.3-6.0] per one standard deviation increase; age, gender and sepsis severity adjusted OR = 1.5, 95% CrI [0.98-2.8]). The AUC was 0.69 for PSP 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.64-0.74], 0.61 [0.56-0.66] for PCT and 0.52 [0.47-0.57] for CRP. The sensitivity was 0.96, 0.52, 0.30 for risk thresholds 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3; respective false positive rate values were 0.84, 0.25, 0.10.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that PSP showed a very good discriminative ability for both investigated study endpoints ICU mortality and infection severity; better in comparison to CRP, similar to PCT. Combinations of biomarkers did not improve their predictive ability.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Calcitonin; Lithostathine; Bayes Theorem; Prospective Studies; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Sepsis; Intensive Care Units; Procalcitonin; ROC Curve; Prognosis
PubMed: 37707744
DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02093-w -
American Journal of Translational... 2024This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the correlation between plasma biomarkers, such as albumin and fibrinogen, and their ratio with postoperative delirium (POD) in... (Review)
Review
Correlation analysis between plasma biomarkers albumin, fibrinogen, and their ratio with postoperative delirium in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the correlation between plasma biomarkers, such as albumin and fibrinogen, and their ratio with postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
METHODS
Relevant observational cohort studies were systematically searched in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases as of March 2023. This meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 and Stata 15.0 software. For continuous variables with non-uniform units, the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used; otherwise, the mean difference (MD) and 95% CIs were employed. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied to assess the quality of included literature.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies encompassing 7,011 patients were included. The meta-analysis revealed significantly lower albumin levels (sixteen studies, 5,813 patients, SMD = -0.45, 95% CI = -0.64 to -0.26, < 0.00001, I = 80%) and albumin-fibrinogen ratio (AFR) (four studies, 824 patients, MD = -0.62, 95% CI = -0.76 to -0.48, = 0.56, I = 0%) in the delirious group. Conversely, higher fibrinogen concentrations (two studies, 441 patients, MD = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.24, = 0.69, I = 0%) were observed in the delirious group. Due to high heterogeneity in albumin levels ( < 0.00001, I = 80%), we conducted a subgroup and sensitivity analysis, and confirmed that the association of albumin levels was not influenced by surgery type, design or delirium evaluation instruments.
CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative albumin, fibrinogen and AFR levels were associated with POD, potentially aiding in identifying high-risk patients and playing a key role in preventing POD.
PubMed: 38463596
DOI: 10.62347/AEHR2759 -
Heliyon Nov 2023The efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have yielded inconsistent findings.
Efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and observational studies.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have yielded inconsistent findings.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, including comparative and noncomparative trials and cohort studies, to assess the efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel in advanced NSCLC. The search covered PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov until October 2022. Efficacy outcomes (OR, PR, progressive disease, OS, and PFS) and safety outcomes (neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and sensory neuropathy) were analyzed.
RESULTS
Our meta-analysis included data from 35 studies (9 RCTs, 2 cohort studies, and 24 noncomparative studies). Nab-paclitaxel significantly improved OR rate (RR 1.35 [95% CI 1.19, 1.53], I = 36.6%; RR 1.67 [95% CI 1.30, 2.14], I = 4.3%) and PR rate (RR 1.34 [95% CI 1.18, 1.53], I = 38.8%; RR 1.59 [95% CI 1.22, 2.07], I = 19.4%) compared to the control group. It further demonstrated more pronounced benefits in squamous cell carcinoma and as a second-line treatment. Pooled evidence from the RCTs also indicated improved OS (HR 0.90 [95% CI 0.81, 0.99], I = 9.2%) and PFS (HR 0.84 [95% CI 0.76, 0.93], I = 14.5%) However, evidence on the reduction of adverse events with nab-paclitaxel treatment was insufficient, and biases in study selection and detection may have influenced the results.
CONCLUSIONS
Nab-paclitaxel enhances OR, PR, PFS, and marginally improves OS in advanced NSCLC, particularly in patients with prior chemotherapy. Further research is needed to establish its safety advantages.
PubMed: 38027982
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21903 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) is associated with an increased risk of organ failure and mortality. Its early recognition and timely initiation of antibiotic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) is associated with an increased risk of organ failure and mortality. Its early recognition and timely initiation of antibiotic therapy can save patients' lives. We systematically searched three databases on 27 October 2022. In the eligible studies, the presence of infection in necrotizing pancreatitis was confirmed via a reference test, which involved either the identification of gas within the necrotic collection through computed tomography imaging or the examination of collected samples, which yielded positive results in Gram staining or culture. Laboratory biomarkers compared between sterile necrotizing pancreatitis and INP were used as the index test, and our outcome measures included sensitivity, specificity, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Within the first 72 hours (h) after admission, the AUC of C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.69 (confidence interval (CI): 0.62-0.76), for procalcitonin (PCT), it was 0.69 (CI: 0.60-0.78), and for white blood cell count, it was 0.61 (CI: 0.47-0.75). After the first 72 h, the pooled AUC of CRP showed an elevated level of 0.88 (CI: 0.75-1.00), and for PCT, it was 0.86 (CI: 0.60-1.11). The predictive value of CRP and PCT for infection is poor within 72 h after hospital admission but seems good after the first 72 h. Based on these results, infection is likely in case of persistently high CRP and PCT, and antibiotic initiation may be recommended.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing; Procalcitonin; ROC Curve
PubMed: 38279274
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021273 -
Cerebral Circulation - Cognition and... 2024The disruption of the neurovascular unit (NVU), which maintains the integrity of the blood brain barrier (BBB), has been identified as a critical mechanism in the...
BACKGROUND
The disruption of the neurovascular unit (NVU), which maintains the integrity of the blood brain barrier (BBB), has been identified as a critical mechanism in the development of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms linking NVU dysfunction to the disorders is incomplete, and reliable blood biomarkers to measure NVU dysfunction are yet to be established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify biomarkers associated with BBB dysfunction in large vessel disease, small vessel disease (SVD) and vascular cognitive disorders (VCD).
METHODS
A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and PsychINFO to identify blood biomarkers related to dysfunction of the NVU in disorders with vascular pathologies published until 20 November 2023. Studies that assayed one or more specific markers in human serum or plasma were included. Quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Effects were pooled and methodological heterogeneity examined using the random effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 112 studies were included in this review. Where study numbers allowed, biomarkers were analysed using random effect meta-analysis for VCD (1 biomarker; 5 studies) and cerebrovascular disorders, including stroke and SVD (9 biomarkers; 29 studies) while all remaining biomarkers ( = 17 biomarkers; 78 studies) were examined through qualitative analysis. Results of the meta-analysis revealed that cerebrospinal fluid/serum albumin quotient (Q-Alb) reliably differentiates VCD patients from healthy controls (MD = 2.77; 95 % CI = 1.97-3.57; < 0.0001) while commonly measured biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (VEGF, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, vWF and E-selectin) and neuronal injury (NfL) were significantly elevated in vascular pathologies. A qualitative assessment of non-meta-analysed biomarkers revealed NSE, NfL, vWF, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, lipocalin-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels to be upregulated in VCD, although these findings were not consistently replicated.
CONCLUSIONS
This review identifies several promising biomarkers of NVU dysfunction which require further validation. A panel of biomarkers representing multiple pathophysiological pathways may offer greater discriminative power in distinguishing possible disease mechanisms of VCD.
PubMed: 38510579
DOI: 10.1016/j.cccb.2024.100216 -
Clinical and Experimental Medicine Oct 2023Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that can develop multiple complications and even be life-threatening. The aim of this study is to summarize... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that can develop multiple complications and even be life-threatening. The aim of this study is to summarize current evidence of C-reactive protein's (CRP) predictive value for disease severity and survival of COVID-19 patients, focusing on curing patients and reducing the risk of death. We systematically searched related studies from four large databases: Web of Science, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Database, all published between December 2019 and June 2021. Then, we implemented meta-analysis using random-effects models through STATA 15.1 and Review Manager 5.3. We also implemented sensitivity analysis and used funnel plots to check publication bias. From the systematic search of the four databases, we were able to identify 18 studies containing a total of 3052 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that 1) CRP levels were lower in non-severe patients than in severe patients (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = - 0.87 mg/L, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = [ - 1.27, - 0.47], p < 0.001); 2) CRP levels were lower in non-intensive care unit (ICU) patients than in ICU patients (SMD = - 1.39 mg/L, 95% CI = [- 1.68, - 1.11], p < 0.001), and 3) CRP levels were lower in survivors than in non-survivors (SMD =- 1.32 mg/L, 95% CI = [- 1.95, - 0.69], p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed these results were stable. Funnel plots indicated no publication bias. The CRP level may timely reflect disease severity and predict survival of COVID-19 patients and may be worthy of further popularization and application in clinic practice.
Topics: Humans; C-Reactive Protein; COVID-19; Patient Acuity
PubMed: 36418669
DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00948-4 -
Panminerva Medica Mar 2024Sepsis-related mortality is decreasing over time after the introduction of "Surviving Sepsis Campaign" Guidelines in 2004. The last Guidelines version collects 93...
INTRODUCTION
Sepsis-related mortality is decreasing over time after the introduction of "Surviving Sepsis Campaign" Guidelines in 2004. The last Guidelines version collects 93 recommendations, but several interventions supported by randomized evidence of mortality reduction are not included.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We performed a systematic review of all randomized controlled trials reporting a statistically significant mortality reduction in septic patients and compared the identified studies to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines 2021 to highlight discrepancies.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
We identified 83 randomized controlled trials (58 interventions) influencing mortality in sepsis. Only 9/58 of these interventions were included in the Guidelines: lactate measurement and lactate-guided hemodynamic management, procalcitonin-guided antibiotics discontinuation, balanced crystalloids as first choice fluids, albumin infusion, avoidance of starches, noradrenaline as first line vasopressor, vasopressin as an adjunctive vasopressor to noradrenaline, neuromuscular blocking agents in moderate-severe sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, and corticosteroids use. Only 11/93 Guidelines recommendations were supported by randomized evidence with mortality difference. Five of the interventions with survival benefit in literature (vitamin C, terlipressin, polymyxin B, liberal transfusion strategy and immunoglobulins) were recommended to avoid in the Guidelines, while 44 interventions were not mentioned, including three interventions (esmolol, omega 3, and external warming) with at least two randomized controlled trials with a documented survival benefit.
CONCLUSIONS
Several discrepancies exist between the randomized controlled trials with mortality difference in septic patients and the latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines. This systematic review can be of help for improving future guidelines and may guide research on specific promising topics.
Topics: Humans; Shock, Septic; Sepsis; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Norepinephrine; Lactic Acid
PubMed: 38093626
DOI: 10.23736/S0031-0808.23.04986-8 -
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 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the magnitude of the effect of combined exercise training on glucose metabolism markers, adipokines, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the magnitude of the effect of combined exercise training on glucose metabolism markers, adipokines, and inflammatory cytokines in non-diabetic sedentary adults. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library electronic databases and reference lists of included studies were explored for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included physically inactive adults and provided combined training interventions (aerobic plus resistance exercise). Effects on fasting glucose and insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c, adiponectin, leptin, IL-6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in exercise vs control groups were analyzed using random effects meta-analysis. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials 2.0 (RoB 2) was used to assess the risk of bias. A total of 24 RCTs were included in the quantitative analysis. Combined exercise training significantly decrease fasting glucose (standardized mean difference, SMD: - 0.474, 95% CI [- 0.829, - 0.120], p = 0.009, 35 study arms), fasting insulin (SMD: - 1.024, 95% CI [- 1.502, - 0.545], p < 0.001, 27 study arms), HOMA-IR (SMD: - 0.946, 95% CI [- 1.450, - 0.442], p < 0.001, 23 study arms), TNF-α (SMD: - 0.972, 95% CI [- 1.361, - 0.582], p < 0.001, 10 study arms), and CRP (SMD: - 0.507, 95% CI [- 0.818, - 0.196], p = 0.001, 14 study arms). No significant effects were observed for HbA1c, adiponectin, leptin, and IL-6 levels. Random effects meta-regression models by age, sex, and intervention length were not able to explain any of the variation in the effect size of HOMA-IR. Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that combined exercise training improves some glucose metabolism markers and inflammatory parameters in sedentary adults without diabetes.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adiponectin; Glycated Hemoglobin; Interleukin-6; Leptin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Insulin; C-Reactive Protein; Exercise; Glucose
PubMed: 38253590
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51832-y -
Journal of Neurosciences in Rural... 2023This study reviews the effect of albumin-induced volume expansion therapy on symptomatic vasospasm and clinical outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This study reviews the effect of albumin-induced volume expansion therapy on symptomatic vasospasm and clinical outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Computer searches carried out from the Scopus, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Internet documents; hand searching of medical journals; and review of reference lists. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies (OSs) comparing albumin therapy in combination or alone with crystalloid therapy for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm in aSAH were included in the study. Risk-of-bias assessment was conducted using ROB2.0 and ROBINS-I tools for RCTs and Oss, respectively.
RESULTS
Out of a total of 1078 searches, one RCT (published in two articles) and one observational (retrospective) study were included for final analysis. In RCT, albumin was used for volume expansion therapy with a baseline crystalloid regime and comparison made between hypervolemic and normovolemic groups and it showed no beneficial effects on symptomatic vasospasm and clinical outcomes based on the Glasgow outcome scale. Furthermore, the use of albumin showed a tendency for sodium retention with lowering of glomerular filtration rate, limiting the amount of total fluid required for targeted central venous pressure values, and thereby avoiding fluid overload manifestations. The retrospective study results between albumin versus non-albumin groups (crystalloids only) supported improved outcomes in the former group with lower in-hospital mortality. Cardiorespiratory complications were equivocal in RCT and increased in non-albumin group in the retrospective study. Risk-of-bias assessment analyses revealed "some concerns" in RCT and "serious" limitation in OS due to its retrospective design.
CONCLUSION
Albumin-induced volume expansion therapy for cerebral vasospasm does not have substantiative evidence to improve cerebral vasospasm and clinical outcomes in aSAH. Studies with well-designed RCTs are required to compare the use of albumin for volume expansion therapy versus standard fluid management using crystalloids to mitigate the scarcity of published data.
PubMed: 38059246
DOI: 10.25259/JNRP_372_2023