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Critical Care (London, England) Jul 2023Definitions for massive transfusion (MT) vary widely between studies, contributing to challenges in interpretation of research findings and practice evaluation. In this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Definitions for massive transfusion (MT) vary widely between studies, contributing to challenges in interpretation of research findings and practice evaluation. In this first systematic review, we aimed to identify all MT definitions used in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to date to inform the development of consensus definitions for MT.
METHODS
We systematically searched the following databases for RCTs from inception until 11 August 2022: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Transfusion Evidence Library. Ongoing trials were sought from CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to fulfil all the following three criteria: (1) be an RCT; (2) include an adult patient population with major bleeding who had received, or were anticipated to receive, an MT in any clinical setting; and (3) specify a definition for MT as an inclusion criterion or outcome measure.
RESULTS
Of the 8,458 distinct references identified, 30 trials were included for analysis (19 published, 11 ongoing). Trauma was the most common clinical setting in published trials, while for ongoing trials, it was obstetrics. A total of 15 different definitions of MT were identified across published and ongoing trials, varying greatly in cut-offs for volume transfused and time period. Almost all definitions specified the number of red blood cells (RBCs) within a set time period, with none including plasma, platelets or other haemostatic agents that are part of contemporary transfusion resuscitation. For completed trials, the most commonly used definition was transfusion of ≥ 10 RBC units in 24 h (9/19, all in trauma), while for ongoing trials it was 3-5 RBC units (n = 7), with the timing for transfusion being poorly defined, or in some trials not provided at all (n = 5).
CONCLUSIONS
Transfusion of ≥ 10 RBC units within 24 h was the most commonly used definition in published RCTs, while lower RBC volumes are being used in ongoing RCTs. Any consensus definitions should reflect the need to incorporate different blood components/products for MT and agree on whether a 'one-size-fits-all' approach should be used across different clinical settings.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Hemorrhage; Hemostatics; Blood Transfusion; Blood Platelets; Erythrocyte Transfusion
PubMed: 37407998
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04537-z -
Cureus Nov 2023Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide epidemic that is only increasing as the years progress, and as of 2019, affecting over 37 million. T2DM is a chronic... (Review)
Review
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide epidemic that is only increasing as the years progress, and as of 2019, affecting over 37 million. T2DM is a chronic condition caused by reduced insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance. Due to insulin not operating at optimal conditions, blood glucose rises and remains high, thus disturbing metabolic hemostasis. Many complications can arise from T2DM, such as coronary vascular disease, kidney damage, eye damage, and, quite significantly, dementia. It is theorized that dementia from T2DM stems from the fact that the brain is susceptible to hyperglycemic conditions, which are promoted by the increase in insulin resistance of target cells in the central nervous system. This directly affects cognitive processes and memory, which correlates to decreased temporal and front lobes volume. The risk of diabetic complications can be minimized with therapeutic interventions such as oral-antidiabetic (OAD) agents and insulin. Several OADs are on the market, but the first-line agent is metformin, a biguanide that decreases glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity. This paper aims to determine if currently prescribed OADs can help slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk and incidence of dementia as a complication of T2DM. Studies found that, for the most part, all OADs except sulfonylureas (SU) significantly slowed the decline of cognitive function and reduced the risk and incidence of dementia. SU's were shown to increase the risk of dementia in most studies. Of all the OADs, thiazolidinediones may be the most beneficial drug class for reducing the risk of dementia in T2DM patients. Future research should focus on whether early intervention with specific classes of OADs can not only improve glycemic control, leading to decreased hyperglycemia but also prevent the build-up of damaged brain tissue and help to reduce the risk and incidence of dementia in patients with T2DM.
PubMed: 38152822
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49515 -
BMC Medicine Dec 2023Short-stay joint replacement programmes are used in many countries but there has been little scrutiny of safety outcomes in the literature. We aimed to systematically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Short-stay joint replacement programmes are used in many countries but there has been little scrutiny of safety outcomes in the literature. We aimed to systematically review evidence on the safety of short-stay programmes versus usual care for total hip (THR) and knee replacement (KR), and optimal patient selection.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies including a comparator group reporting on 14 safety outcomes (hospital readmissions, reoperations, blood loss, emergency department visits, infection, mortality, neurovascular injury, other complications, periprosthetic fractures, postoperative falls, venous thromboembolism, wound complications, dislocation, stiffness) within 90 days postoperatively in adults ≥ 18 years undergoing primary THR or KR were included. Secondary outcomes were associations between patient demographics or clinical characteristics and patient outcomes. Four databases were searched between January 2000 and May 2023. Risk of bias and certainty of the evidence were assessed.
RESULTS
Forty-nine studies were included. Based upon low certainty RCT evidence, short-stay programmes may not reduce readmission (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.12-7.43); blood transfusion requirements (OR 1.75, 95% CI 0.27-11.36); neurovascular injury (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.01-7.92); other complications (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.26-1.53); or stiffness (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.53-2.05). For registry studies, there was no difference in readmission, infection, neurovascular injury, other complications, venous thromboembolism, or wound complications but there were reductions in mortality and dislocations. For interrupted time series studies, there was no difference in readmissions, reoperations, blood loss volume, emergency department visits, infection, mortality, or neurovascular injury; reduced odds of blood transfusion and other complications, but increased odds of periprosthetic fracture. For other observational studies, there was an increased risk of readmission, no difference in blood loss volume, infection, other complications, or wound complications, reduced odds of requiring blood transfusion, reduced mortality, and reduced venous thromboembolism. One study examined an outcome relevant to optimal patient selection; it reported comparable blood loss for short-stay male and female participants (p = 0.814).
CONCLUSIONS
There is low certainty evidence that short-stay programmes for THR and KR may have non-inferior 90-day safety outcomes. There is little evidence on factors informing optimal patient selection; this remains an important knowledge gap.
Topics: Male; Adult; Female; Humans; Venous Thromboembolism; Patient Selection; Hemorrhage; Interrupted Time Series Analysis
PubMed: 38129857
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03219-5 -
CJC Open Aug 2023Plasma refill rates can be estimated by combining measurements of urine output with relative blood volume profiles. Change in plasma refill rates could guide...
BACKGROUND
Plasma refill rates can be estimated by combining measurements of urine output with relative blood volume profiles. Change in plasma refill rates could guide decongestive loop diuretic therapy in acute heart failure. The objective of the study was to assess average relative blood volume profiles generated from 2 or 3 follow-up measurements obtained hours after loop diuretic administration in subjects with vs without baseline congestion.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted of articles written in English, French, Spanish, and German, using MEDLINE (1964 to 2019), Cochrane Reviews (1996 to 2019), and Embase (1974 to 2019). Search terms included the following: diuretics, hemoconcentration, plasma volume, and blood volume. We included studies of adults given a loop diuretic with at least one baseline and one follow-up measurement. A single author extracted subject- or group-level blood volume measurements, aggregated them when needed, and converted them to relative changes.
RESULTS
Across all 16 studies that met the prespecified inclusion criteria, relative blood volume maximally decreased 9.2% (6.6% to 12.0%) and returned to baseline after 3 or more hours. Compared to subjects without congestion, those with congestion experienced smaller decreases in relative blood volume across all follow-up periods ( = 0.001) and returned to baseline within the final follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS
Single doses of loop diuretics produce measurable changes in relative blood volume that follow distinct profiles for subjects with vs without congestion. Measured alongside urine output, these profiles may be used to estimate plasma refill rates-potential patient-specific targets for decongestive therapy across serial diuretic doses.
PubMed: 37720179
DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.05.003 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Despite recent advances in heart failure (HF) therapy, the risk of cardiovascular (CV) mortality, morbidity, and HF hospitalization (HFH) are major challenges in HF... (Review)
Review
Despite recent advances in heart failure (HF) therapy, the risk of cardiovascular (CV) mortality, morbidity, and HF hospitalization (HFH) are major challenges in HF treatment. We aimed to review the potential of vericiguat as a treatment option for HF. A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed database and ClinicalTrials.gov. Four randomized controlled trials were identified, which study the safety and efficacy of vericiguat in HF patients. Vericiguat activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) by binding to the beta-subunit, bypassing the requirement for NO-induced activation. The nitric oxide (NO)-sGC-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway plays an essential role in cardiovascular (CV) regulation and the protection of healthy cardiac function but is impaired in HF. Vericiguat reduced the risk of CV death and HFH in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but showed no therapeutic effect on HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The trials demonstrated a favorable safety profile with most common adverse events such as hypotension, syncope, and anemia. Therefore, vericiguat is recommended for patients with HFrEF and a minimum systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg. Treatment with vericiguat is considered when the individual patient experiences decompensation despite being on guideline-recommended medication, e.g., angiotensin-converting inhibitor/AT1 receptor antagonist, beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, spironolactone, and sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors. Furthermore, larger studies are required to investigate any potential effect of vericiguat in HFpEF patients. Despite the limitations, vericiguat can be recommended for patients with HFrEF, where standard-of-care is insufficient, and the disease worsens.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Treatment Outcome; Stroke Volume; Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase; Cardiotonic Agents; Diuretics
PubMed: 37511587
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411826 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023(1) Background: The current diagnostic algorithm for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with the overuse of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA). An additional... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: The current diagnostic algorithm for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with the overuse of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA). An additional highly specific blood test could potentially lower the proportion of patients with suspected PE that require CTPA. The aim was to summarize the literature on the diagnostic performance of biomarkers of patients admitted to an emergency department with suspected acute PE. (2) Methods: Medline and Embase databases were searched from 1995 to the present. The study selection process, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted by two reviewers. Eligibility criteria accepted all blood biomarkers except D-dimer, and CTPA was used as the reference standard. Qualitative data synthesis was performed. (3) Results: Of the 8448 identified records, only 6 were included. Eight blood biomarkers were identified, of which, three were investigated in two separate studies. Red distribution width and mean platelet volume were reported to have a specificity of ≥ 90% in one study, although these findings were not confirmed by other studies. The majority of the studies contained a high risk of selection bias. (4) Conclusions: The modest findings and the uncertain validity of the included studies suggest that none of the biomarkers identified in this systematic review have the potential to improve the current diagnostic algorithm for acute PE by reducing the overuse of CTPA.
PubMed: 37443693
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132301 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Physical exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to...
BACKGROUND
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Physical exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to promote glycaemic control in T2DM. However, the optimal exercise parameters for glycemic control in individuals with T2DM remain unclear.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical training variables - frequency, intensity, type, duration, volume, and progression - and glycemic control in individuals with T2DM.
METHODS
A rapid systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed and LILACS databases. The PICOT strategy was employed to define the inclusion criteria. Eligible studies had to assess the impact of exercise parameters (frequency, intensity, type, duration, volume, and progression) on glycemic control indicators, primarily glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included in the review. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the PEDro scale (PROSPERO - CRD 42021262614).
RESULTS
Out of 1188 papers initially identified, 18 reports met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. A total of 1,228 participants with T2DM (1086 in exercise groups) were included in the selected studies. Among these studies, 16 (88.9%) were RCTs and 2 (11.1%) were nRCTs. The age of participants ranged from 43.1 and 68.9 years, and the average intervention duration was 16.8 weeks. Data on adherence to the intervention, adverse events, detailed intervention protocol, and its impacts on glycaemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, medication, body composition, and physical fitness are reported.
CONCLUSION
The evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of physical exercises as non-pharmacological interventions for glycemic control. Aerobic, resistance and combined training interventions were associated with reductions in HbA1c and fasting glucose. The diversity of the physical exercise intervention protocols investigated in the studies included in this review is an important limitation to generalizing evidence-based practice. The call for action is mandatory to implement large-scale education programs on the prevention of diabetes and public health policies aimed to include well-planned and supervised exercise programs as an essential part of the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, identifier (CRD42021262614).
Topics: Humans; Adult; Infant; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glycated Hemoglobin; Exercise; Physical Fitness; Fasting
PubMed: 37842305
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1233906 -
Variables influencing the prediction of fluid responsiveness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Critical Care (London, England) Sep 2023Prediction of fluid responsiveness in acutely ill patients might be influenced by a number of clinical and technical factors. We aim to identify variables potentially... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Prediction of fluid responsiveness in acutely ill patients might be influenced by a number of clinical and technical factors. We aim to identify variables potentially modifying the operative performance of fluid responsiveness predictors commonly used in clinical practice.
METHODS
A sensitive strategy was conducted in the Medline and Embase databases to search for prospective studies assessing the operative performance of pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation, passive leg raising (PLR), end-expiratory occlusion test (EEOT), mini-fluid challenge, and tidal volume challenge to predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill and acutely ill surgical patients published between January 1999 and February 2023. Adjusted diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) were calculated by subgroup analyses (inverse variance method) and meta-regression (test of moderators). Variables potentially modifying the operative performance of such predictor tests were classified as technical and clinical.
RESULTS
A total of 149 studies were included in the analysis. The volume used during fluid loading, the method used to assess variations in macrovascular flow (cardiac output, stroke volume, aortic blood flow, volume‒time integral, etc.) in response to PLR/EEOT, and the apneic time selected during the EEOT were identified as technical variables modifying the operative performance of such fluid responsiveness predictor tests (p < 0.05 for all adjusted vs. unadjusted DORs). In addition, the operative performance of fluid responsiveness predictors was also influenced by clinical variables such as the positive end-expiratory pressure (in the case of EEOT) and the dose of norepinephrine used during the fluid responsiveness assessment for PLR and EEOT (for all adjusted vs. unadjusted DORs).
CONCLUSION
Prediction of fluid responsiveness in critically and acutely ill patients is strongly influenced by a number of technical and clinical aspects. Such factors should be considered for individual intervention decisions.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Aorta; Blood Pressure; Cardiac Output; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37730622
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04629-w -
Journal of Human Hypertension Feb 2024Blood pressure (BP) management reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in regulating... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Blood pressure (BP) management reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in regulating and maintaining blood volume and pressure. This analysis aimed to investigate the effect of exercise training on plasma renin, angiotensin-II and aldosterone, epinephrine, norepinephrine, urinary sodium and potassium, BP and heart rate (HR). We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library of Controlled Trials until 30 November 2022. The search strategy included RAAS key words in combination with exercise training terms and medical subject headings. Manual searching of reference lists from systematic reviews and eligible studies completed the search. A random effects meta-analysis model was used. Eighteen trials with a total of 803 participants were included. After exercise training, plasma angiotensin-II (SMD -0.71; 95% CI -1.24, -0.19; p = 0.008; n = 9 trials), aldosterone (SMD -0.37; 95% CI -0.65, -0.09; p = 0.009; n = 8 trials) and norepinephrine (SMD -0.82; 95% CI -1.18, -0.46; p < 0.001; n = 8 trials) were reduced. However, plasma renin activity, epinephrine, and 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion remained unchanged with exercise training. Systolic BP was reduced (MD -6.2 mmHg; 95% CI -9.9, -2.6; p = 0.001) as was diastolic BP (MD -4.5 mmHg; 95% CI -6.9, -2.1; p < 0.001) but not HR (MD -3.0 bpm; 95% CI -6.0, 0.4; p = 0.053). Exercise training may reduce some aspects of RAAS and sympathetic nervous system activity, and this explains some of the anti-hypertensive response.
Topics: Humans; Renin-Angiotensin System; Renin; Aldosterone; Blood Pressure; Norepinephrine; Epinephrine; Angiotensin II; Potassium; Sodium; Exercise
PubMed: 38017087
DOI: 10.1038/s41371-023-00872-4 -
Asian Journal of Surgery Aug 2023This meta-analysis aimed to assess whether administration tranexamic acid (TXA) could reduce blood loss and vascular events in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This meta-analysis aimed to assess whether administration tranexamic acid (TXA) could reduce blood loss and vascular events in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case control trials (CCT) that compared outcomes of patients who did and did not receive TXA during UKA. We searched Cochrane Central Register of including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Wan Fang data, CBM and CNKI for relevant studies. We assessed the risk of bias of the included studies and calculated pooled risk estimates. The primary outcome was operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative HCT, postoperative HB, transfusion rate, dominant blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hidden blood loss, total blood loss, postoperative ROM,postoperative VAS score, postoperative complications. Data were using fixed-effects or random-effects models with standard mean differences and risk ratios for continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively. Finally, 9 clinical studies with 744 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, TXA group could reduced transfusion rate, dominant blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hidden blood loss, and total blood loss, and increased postoperative HB with statistically significance. The main findings of this meta-analysis are that the transfusion rate, dominant blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hidden blood loss, total blood loss and postoperative HB in the tranexamic acid group were superior to those in the routine group. Additional high-quality RCTs should be conducted in the future.
Topics: Humans; Tranexamic Acid; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Postoperative Hemorrhage
PubMed: 36396576
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.10.078