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International Journal of Surgery... Nov 2023The optimal approach for perioperative pain management in laparoscopic gynecological surgery is unclear due to a lack of comprehensive analysis, which limits the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy of nonopioid analgesics and regional techniques for perioperative pain management in laparoscopic gynecological surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The optimal approach for perioperative pain management in laparoscopic gynecological surgery is unclear due to a lack of comprehensive analysis, which limits the development of evidence-based enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis to support clinical decision-making for optimal analgesia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and CINAHL from inception to 3 December 2021, and updated on 19 August 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing the perioperative use of nonopioid analgesics and regional techniques in adults undergoing elective laparoscopic gynecological surgery under general anesthesia were included in the analysis, either alone or in combination. The co-analgesic interventions during the perioperative period for the intervention and control groups of each eligible study were also considered. We assessed the risk of bias using the Risk of Bias 2 tool and evaluated the certainty of evidence using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) approach. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to estimate the efficacy of the analgesic strategies. The primary outcomes were pain score at rest and cumulative oral morphine milligram equivalents at 24 h postoperatively.
RESULTS
Overall, 108 studies with 9582 participants and 35 different interventions were included. Compared with inert treatments, combinations of two or more interventions showed better efficacy and longer duration in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption within 24 h than monotherapies, and showed stepwise enhanced effects with increasing analgesic modes. In combination therapies, regional techniques that included peripheral nerve blocks and intraperitoneal local anesthetics, in combination with nonopioid systemic analgesics, or combining local anesthetics with adjuvant drugs, were found to be more effective. Monotherapies were found to be mostly ineffective. The most effective peripheral nerve blocks were found to be ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block with adjuvant and ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block.
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide robust evidence for the routine use of regional techniques in combination with nonopioid analgesics in perioperative pain management. However, further better quality and larger trials are needed, considering the low confidence levels for certain interventions.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Anesthetics, Local; Pain Management; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Network Meta-Analysis; Bayes Theorem; Analgesics; Analgesics, Opioid; Pain, Postoperative; Laparoscopy; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 37534670
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000630 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023Previous cohort trials have shown that skipping breakfast increases the risk of obesity or overweight in children. However, this finding remains controversial. Through a...
OBJECTIVE
Previous cohort trials have shown that skipping breakfast increases the risk of obesity or overweight in children. However, this finding remains controversial. Through a meta-analysis, this study systematically evaluated the effect of skipping breakfast on the prevalence of obesity or overweight in children.
METHODS
We performed a literature search for studies published until March 19, 2023. using the Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase databases. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, observational studies on the relationship between skipping breakfast and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents were analyzed. Three investigators independently screened the relevant literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects model was used. The odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval () was used to indicate the effect size.
RESULTS
A total of 40 retrospective studies with 323,244 children ranging in age from 2 to 20 years were included in this study. The results of this meta-analysis showed that children and adolescents who skipped breakfast had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity or overweight than those who ate breakfast (OR, 1.59; , 1.33-1.90; < 0.001). Skipping breakfast was positively associated with overweight in children and adolescents (OR, 1.37; , 1.23-1.54; < 0.001). Similarly, skipping breakfast was positively associated with obesity in children and adolescents (OR, 1.51; , 1.30-1.76; < 0.001). The effect was also different by sex, with girls being the most affected (OR, 1.47; , 1.23-1.76; < 0.001). There was also a correlation between skipping breakfast and abdominal obesity in children (OR, 0.65; , 0.55-0.77; < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggested that skipping breakfast is associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity in children and adolescents. The findings provide support for a possible protective role of breakfast against excessive weight gain in children and adolescents. However, more rigorous study designs with validated and standardized measures of relevant variables are needed.
PubMed: 37736138
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1222536 -
PloS One 2023Persistent symptoms are reported in patients who survive the initial stage of COVID-19, often referred to as "long COVID" or "post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Persistent symptoms are reported in patients who survive the initial stage of COVID-19, often referred to as "long COVID" or "post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection" (PASC); however, evidence on their incidence is still lacking, and symptoms relevant to pain are yet to be assessed.
METHODS
A literature search was performed using the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and CHINAL and preprint servers MedRχiv and BioRχiv through January 15, 2021. The primary outcome was pain-related symptoms such as headache or myalgia. Secondary outcomes were symptoms relevant to pain (depression or muscle weakness) and symptoms frequently reported (anosmia and dyspnea). Incidence rates of symptoms were pooled using inverse variance methods with a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. The source of heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression, with follow-up period, age and sex as covariates.
RESULTS
In total, 38 studies including 19,460 patients were eligible. Eight pain-related symptoms and 26 other symptoms were identified. The highest pooled incidence among pain-related symptoms was chest pain (17%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 11%-24%), followed by headache (16%, 95% CI, 9%-27%), arthralgia (13%, 95% CI, 7%-24%), neuralgia (12%, 95% CI, 3%-38%) and abdominal pain (11%, 95% CI, 7%-16%). The highest pooled incidence among other symptoms was fatigue (44%, 95% CI, 32%-57%), followed by insomnia (27%, 95% CI, 10%-55%), dyspnea (26%, 95% CI, 17%-38%), weakness (25%, 95% CI, 8%-56%) and anosmia (19%, 95% CI, 13%-27%). Substantial heterogeneity was identified (I2, 50-100%). Meta-regression analyses partially accounted for the source of heterogeneity, and yet, 53% of the symptoms remained unexplained.
CONCLUSIONS
The current meta-analysis may provide a complete picture of incidence in PASC. It remains unclear, however, whether post-COVID symptoms progress or regress over time or to what extent PASC are associated with age or sex.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Incidence; Anosmia; SARS-CoV-2; Headache; Dyspnea
PubMed: 38019841
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250909 -
JMIR Medical Informatics Feb 2024Hypoxia is an important risk factor and indicator for the declining health of inpatients. Predicting future hypoxic events using machine learning is a prospective area... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hypoxia is an important risk factor and indicator for the declining health of inpatients. Predicting future hypoxic events using machine learning is a prospective area of study to facilitate time-critical interventions to counter patient health deterioration.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to summarize and compare previous efforts to predict hypoxic events in the hospital setting using machine learning with respect to their methodology, predictive performance, and assessed population.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed using Web of Science, Ovid with Embase and MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Studies that investigated hypoxia or hypoxemia of hospitalized patients using machine learning models were considered. Risk of bias was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool.
RESULTS
After screening, a total of 12 papers were eligible for analysis, from which 32 models were extracted. The included studies showed a variety of population, methodology, and outcome definition. Comparability was further limited due to unclear or high risk of bias for most studies (10/12, 83%). The overall predictive performance ranged from moderate to high. Based on classification metrics, deep learning models performed similar to or outperformed conventional machine learning models within the same studies. Models using only prior peripheral oxygen saturation as a clinical variable showed better performance than models based on multiple variables, with most of these studies (2/3, 67%) using a long short-term memory algorithm.
CONCLUSIONS
Machine learning models provide the potential to accurately predict the occurrence of hypoxic events based on retrospective data. The heterogeneity of the studies and limited generalizability of their results highlight the need for further validation studies to assess their predictive performance.
PubMed: 38329094
DOI: 10.2196/50642 -
EClinicalMedicine Jun 2024General anaesthesia is provided to more than 300 million surgical patients worldwide, every year. It is administered either through total intravenous anaesthesia, using...
BACKGROUND
General anaesthesia is provided to more than 300 million surgical patients worldwide, every year. It is administered either through total intravenous anaesthesia, using only intravenous agents, or through inhalational anaesthesia, using volatile anaesthetic agents. The debate on how this affects postoperative patient outcome is ongoing, despite an abundance of published trials. The relevance of this topic has grown by the increasing concern about the contribution of anaesthetic gases to the environmental impact of surgery. We aimed to summarise all available evidence on relevant patient outcomes with total intravenous anaesthesia versus inhalational anaesthesia.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials for works published from January 1, 1985 to August 1, 2023 for randomised controlled trials comparing total intravenous anaesthesia using propofol versus inhalational anaesthesia using the volatile anaesthetics sevoflurane, desflurane or isoflurane. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full text articles, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Outcomes were derived from a recent series of publications on consensus definitions for Standardised Endpoints for Perioperative trials (StEP). Primary outcomes covered mortality and organ-related morbidity. Secondary outcomes were related to anaesthetic and surgical morbidity. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023430492).
FINDINGS
We included 317 randomised controlled trials, comprising 51,107 patients. No difference between total intravenous and inhalational anaesthesia was seen in the primary outcomes of in-hospital mortality (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.67-1.66, 27 trials, 3846 patients), 30-day mortality (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.70-1.36, 23 trials, 9667 patients) and one-year mortality (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.88-1.48, 13 trials, 9317 patients). Organ-related morbidity was similar between groups except for the subgroup of elderly patients, in which total intravenous anaesthesia was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.97, 11 trials, 3834 patients) and a better score on postoperative cognitive dysfunction tests (standardised mean difference 1.68, 95% CI 0.47-2.88, 9 trials, 4917 patients). In the secondary outcomes, total intravenous anaesthesia resulted in a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.56-0.67, 145 trials, 23,172 patients), less emergence delirium (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.29-0.56, 32 trials, 4203 patients) and a higher quality of recovery score (QoR-40 mean difference 6.45, 95% CI 3.64-9.25, 17 trials, 1835 patients).
INTERPRETATION
The results indicate that postoperative mortality and organ-related morbidity was similar for intravenous and inhalational anaesthesia. Total intravenous anaesthesia offered advantages in postoperative recovery.
FUNDING
Dutch Society for Anaesthesiology (NVA).
PubMed: 38774674
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102636 -
Nutrients Jul 2023Initial evidence indicates that preoperatively initiated administration of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) attenuates the postoperative inflammatory reaction. The effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
UNLABELLED
Initial evidence indicates that preoperatively initiated administration of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) attenuates the postoperative inflammatory reaction. The effects of immunonutrition containing omega-3 FAs, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the inflammatory response to abdominal surgery continues to be unclear, although improved outcomes have been reported. Therefore, we determined the effectiveness of preoperatively initiated omega-3 FAs administration on postoperative inflammation defined as CRP (C-Reactive Protein), IL-6 (Interleukin 6), and WBC (White Blood Count) and potential effects on postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) due to an improved inflammatory response.
METHODS
a literature search of Cochrane Library was conducted to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of preoperatively initiated omega-3 to standard care, placebo, or other immunonutrients excluding omega-3 FAs in patients undergoing abdominal surgery until the end of December 2022.
RESULTS
a total of 296 articles were found during the initial search. Thirteen RCTs involving 950 patients were identified that met the search criteria. These were successively analyzed and included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to inflammatory markers IL-6: -0.55 [-1.22; 0.12] = 0.10, CRP: -0.14 [-0.67; 0.40] = 0.55, WBC: -0.58 [-3.05; 1.89] 0.42, or hospital stay -0.5 [-1.43; 0.41] = 0.2.
CONCLUSION
although reduced inflammatory markers were observed, preoperative administration of omega-3 FAs immunonutrients had no significant effect on the postoperative inflammatory response in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Yet, results obtained from this study are inconclusive, likely attributed to the limited number of trials and patients included. Further studies are required to obtain a better educated verdict.
Topics: Humans; Interleukin-6; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Inflammation; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37571352
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153414 -
The Journal of Antimicrobial... Jul 2023The role of molnupiravir for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment is unclear. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The role of molnupiravir for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment is unclear.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review until 1 November 2022 searching for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving COVID-19 patients comparing molnupiravir [±standard of care (SoC)] versus SoC and/or placebo. Data were pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. Certainty of evidence was assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach.
RESULTS
Nine RCTs were identified, eight investigated outpatients (29 254 participants) and one inpatients (304 participants). Compared with placebo/SoC, molnupiravir does not reduce mortality [risk ratio (RR) 0.27, 95% CI 0.07-1.02, high-certainty evidence] and probably does not reduce the risk for 'hospitalization or death' (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.55-1.20, moderate-certainty evidence) by Day 28 in COVID-19 outpatients. We are uncertain whether molnupiravir increases symptom resolution by Day 14 (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02-1.41, very-low-certainty evidence) but it may make no difference by Day 28 (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.92-1.19, low-certainty evidence). In inpatients, molnupiravir may increase mortality by Day 28 compared with placebo (RR 3.78, 95% CI 0.50-28.82, low-certainty evidence). There is little to no difference in serious adverse and adverse events during the study period in COVID-19 inpatients/outpatients treated with molnupiravir compared with placebo/SoC (moderate- to high-certainty evidence).
CONCLUSIONS
In a predominantly immunized population of COVID-19 outpatients, molnupiravir has no effect on mortality, probably none on 'hospitalization or death' and effects on symptom resolution are uncertain. Molnupiravir was safe during the study period in outpatients although a potential increase in inpatient mortality requires careful monitoring in ongoing clinical research. Our analysis does not support routine use of molnupiravir for COVID-19 treatment in immunocompetent individuals.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 37170886
DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad132 -
Critical Care (London, England) Aug 2023Haloperidol is frequently used in critically ill patients with delirium, but evidence for its effects has been sparse and inconclusive. By including recent trials, we... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Haloperidol is frequently used in critically ill patients with delirium, but evidence for its effects has been sparse and inconclusive. By including recent trials, we updated a systematic review assessing effects of haloperidol on mortality and serious adverse events in critically ill patients with delirium.
METHODS
This is an updated systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomised clinical trials investigating haloperidol versus placebo or any comparator in critically ill patients with delirium. We adhered to the Cochrane handbook, the PRISMA guidelines and the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation statements. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and proportion of patients with one or more serious adverse events or reactions (SAEs/SARs). Secondary outcomes were days alive without delirium or coma, delirium severity, cognitive function and health-related quality of life.
RESULTS
We included 11 RCTs with 15 comparisons (n = 2200); five were placebo-controlled. The relative risk for mortality with haloperidol versus placebo was 0.89; 96.7% CI 0.77 to 1.03; I = 0% (moderate-certainty evidence) and for proportion of patients experiencing SAEs/SARs 0.94; 96.7% CI 0.81 to 1.10; I = 18% (low-certainty evidence). We found no difference in days alive without delirium or coma (moderate-certainty evidence). We found sparse data for other secondary outcomes and other comparators than placebo.
CONCLUSIONS
Haloperidol may reduce mortality and likely result in little to no change in the occurrence of SAEs/SARs compared with placebo in critically ill patients with delirium. However, the results were not statistically significant and more trial data are needed to provide higher certainty for the effects of haloperidol in these patients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
CRD42017081133, date of registration 28 November 2017.
Topics: Humans; Haloperidol; Coma; Critical Illness; Quality of Life; Delirium; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37633991
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04621-4 -
Alzheimer's Research & Therapy Apr 2024Measurement of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) levels offers the potential for early detection of neurocognitive impairment. Still, the probability of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Measurement of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) levels offers the potential for early detection of neurocognitive impairment. Still, the probability of developing a clinical syndrome in the presence of these protein changes (A+ and T+) remains unclear. By performing a systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia in the non-demented population with A+ and A- alone and in combination with T+ and T- as confirmed by PET or cerebrospinal fluid examination.
METHODS
A systematic search of prospective and retrospective studies investigating the association of Aβ and p-tau with cognitive decline was performed in three databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) on January 9, 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane QUIPS tool. Odds ratios (OR) and Hazard Ratios (HR) were pooled using a random-effects model. The effect of neurodegeneration was not studied due to its non-specific nature.
RESULTS
A total of 18,162 records were found, and at the end of the selection process, data from 36 cohorts were pooled (n= 7,793). Compared to the unexposed group, the odds ratio (OR) for conversion to dementia in A+ MCI patients was 5.18 [95% CI 3.93; 6.81]. In A+ CU subjects, the OR for conversion to MCI or dementia was 5.79 [95% CI 2.88; 11.64]. Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42 or Aβ42/40 analysis and amyloid PET imaging showed consistent results. The OR for conversion in A+T+ MCI subjects (11.60 [95% CI 7.96; 16.91]) was significantly higher than in A+T- subjects (2.73 [95% CI 1.65; 4.52]). The OR for A-T+ MCI subjects was non-significant (1.47 [95% CI 0.55; 3.92]). CU subjects with A+T+ status had a significantly higher OR for conversion (13.46 [95% CI 3.69; 49.11]) than A+T- subjects (2.04 [95% CI 0.70; 5.97]). Meta-regression showed that the ORs for Aβ exposure decreased with age in MCI. (beta = -0.04 [95% CI -0.03 to -0.083]).
CONCLUSIONS
Identifying Aβ-positive individuals, irrespective of the measurement technique employed (CSF or PET), enables the detection of the most at-risk population before disease onset, or at least at a mild stage. The inclusion of tau status in addition to Aβ, especially in A+T+ cases, further refines the risk assessment. Notably, the higher odds ratio associated with Aβ decreases with age.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021288100).
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Amyloidogenic Proteins; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia
PubMed: 38610055
DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01455-2 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2023The number of randomized controlled trials using auricular stimulation (AS) such as transauricular vagus nerve stimulation, or other auricular electrostimulation or...
BACKGROUND
The number of randomized controlled trials using auricular stimulation (AS) such as transauricular vagus nerve stimulation, or other auricular electrostimulation or auricular acupuncture or acupressure, in experimental and clinical settings, has increased markedly over the last three decades. This systematic review focusses on cardiovascular effects of auricular stimulation.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
The following databases were searched: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ISI Web of Science, and Scopus Database. RCTs were reviewed that had been published in English and European languages. Data collection and analysis was conducted by two reviewers independently. Quality and risk assessment of included studies was performed and the meta-analysis of the effect of the most frequently assessed biomarkers.
RESULTS
Altogether, 78 trials were included. 38 studies assessed heart rate (HR), 19 studies analyzed heart rate variability (HRV), 31 studies analyzed blood pressure (BP) and 7 studies were identified that measured oxygen saturation (O2), 2 studies on baroreflex sensitivity and 2 studies on skin conductance were evaluated in this review. 26 studies contained continuous data and were eligible for meta-analysis, 50 trials reported non continuous data and were evaluated descriptively. The overall quality of the studies was moderate to low. AS leads to a significant reduction of HR, the changes though were not considered an adverse reaction. Furthermore, when looking at HRV, AS was able to reduce the LF/HF ratio significantly compared to control procedures. No other cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, baroreflex sensitivity) were changed significantly. AS produced only minor side effects in all trials.
CONCLUSION
AS can lead to clinically safe reduction of HR and changes in the LF/HF ratio of the HRV, which is presumably via an increase in vagal activity. More research is needed to clarify whether AS can be used to modulate tachycardia or indications with autonomic imbalance.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=231885 PROSPERO, ID CRD42021231885.
PubMed: 37727325
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1227858