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Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin Nov 2023Several vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome (VITTS) cases have been reported after the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination. The current study systematically... (Review)
Review
Several vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome (VITTS) cases have been reported after the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination. The current study systematically reviewed the reported post-ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination thrombotic thrombocytopenia cases. Their laboratory and clinical features, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic measures, were investigated. Online databases were searched until 25 August 2021. Studies reporting post-ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) were included. Overall, 167 cases (21-77 years old) from 53 publications were included showing a female dominance of 1.75 times. About 85% of the cases exhibited the primary symptoms within the first two weeks post-vaccination. Headache was the most common initial symptom (>44.2%), and hemorrhage/thrombotic problems (22.46%), as well as discoordination/weakness/numbness/ hemiparesis/cyanotic toes (19.6%), were the most prevalent uncommon initial symptoms. Prothrombin time (PT), D-dimers, and C-reactive protein were the most remarkable increased laboratory parameters in 50.6%, 99.1%, and 55.6% of cases, respectively. In comparison, platelet and fibrinogen were the most remarkable decreased laboratory parameters in 92.7% and 50.5% of cases, respectively. Most VITT cases presented with cerebral venous thrombosis/cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, supraventricular tachycardia, transverse sinus/cerebral thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and cerebral hemorrhage. Anti-PF4 antibody measurement through immunoassays and functional assays were positive in 86.2% and 73% of cases, respectively. About 31% of the cases died. Early diagnosis and proper therapeutic measures are important in ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine-induced VITTS patients. Therefore, experts are recommended to know the corresponding clinical and laboratory features, as well as diagnostic methods. Elucidation of the pathophysiologic mechanism of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine-induced TTS deserves further investigation.
PubMed: 38022808
DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.081 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Dec 2023: The hemoglobin (Hb)/red cell distribution width (RDW) ratio has emerged as an accessible, repeatable, and inexpensive prognostic factor that may predict survival in... (Review)
Review
: The hemoglobin (Hb)/red cell distribution width (RDW) ratio has emerged as an accessible, repeatable, and inexpensive prognostic factor that may predict survival in cancer patients. The focus of this systematic review is to investigate the prognostic role of the Hb/RDW ratio in cancer and the implications for clinical practice. : A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed by an independent author between 18 March and 30 March 2023 to collect relevant literature that assessed the prognostic value of the Hb/RDW ratio in cancer. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and the association of these with the Hb/RDW ratio were considered to be the main endpoints. : Thirteen retrospective studies, including 3818 cancer patients, were identified and involved in this review. It was observed that, when patients with a high vs. low Hb/RDW ratio were compared, those with a lower Hb/RDW ratio had significantly poorer outcomes ( < 0.05). In lung cancer patients, a one-unit increase in the Hb/RDW ratio reduces mortality by 1.6 times, whilst in esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma patients, a lower Hb/RDW ratio results in a 1.416-times greater risk of mortality. : A low Hb/RDW ratio was associated with poor OS and disease progression in patients with cancer. This blood parameter should be considered a standard biomarker in clinical practice for predicting OS and PFS in cancer patients. Future searches will be necessary to determine and standardize the Hb/RDW cut-off value and to assess whether the Hb/RDW ratio is optimal as an independent prognostic factor or if it requires incorporation into risk assessment models for predicting outcomes in cancer patients.
Topics: Humans; Erythrocyte Indices; Retrospective Studies; Hemoglobins; Prognosis; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 38138227
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122124 -
Heart, Lung & Circulation Nov 2023We aimed to systematically compare literature on prevalence of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for early compared to late-onset coronary heart disease (CHD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
We aimed to systematically compare literature on prevalence of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for early compared to late-onset coronary heart disease (CHD).
METHODS
PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched (review protocol registered in PROSPERO CRD42020173216). Study quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute tool for observational and case-control studies. Review Manager 5.3 was used for meta-analysis. Effect sizes were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and mean differences (MD)/standardised MD (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for categorical and continuous variables.
RESULTS
Individuals presenting with early-onset CHD (age <65 years) compared to late-onset CHD had higher mean body mass index (MD 1.07 kg/m; 95% CI 0.31-1.83), total cholesterol (SMD 0.43; 95% CI 0.23-0.62), low-density lipoprotein (SMD 0.26; 95% CI 0.15-0.36) and triglycerides (SMD 0.50; 95% CI 0.22-0.68) with lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (SMD 0.26; 95% CI -0.42--0.11). They were more likely to be smokers (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.39-2.22) and have a positive family history of CHD (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.74-2.48). They had lower mean systolic blood pressure (MD 4.07 mmHg; 95% CI -7.36--0.78) and were less likely to have hypertension (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.39-0.57), diabetes mellitus (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.51-0.61) or stroke (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.24-0.42).
CONCLUSION
A focus on weight management and smoking cessation and aggressive management of dyslipidaemia in young adults may reduce the risk of early-onset CHD.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Coronary Disease; Risk Factors; Hypertension; Smoking Cessation; Cholesterol
PubMed: 37777398
DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.07.010 -
North American Spine Society Journal Mar 2024Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a potentially devastating complication after surgery. Spine surgery is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a potentially devastating complication after surgery. Spine surgery is associated with an increased risk of postoperative bleeding, such as spinal epidural hematomas (SEH), which complicates the use of anticoagulation. Despite this dilemma, there is a lack of consensus around perioperative VTE prophylaxis. This systematic review investigates the relationship between chemoprophylaxis and the incidence rates of VTE and SEH in the elective spine surgical population.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify studies published after 2,000 that compared VTE chemoprophylaxis use in elective spine surgery. Studies involving patients aged < 18 years or with known trauma, cancer, or spinal cord injuries were excluded. Pooled incidence rates of VTE and SEH were calculated for all eligible studies, and meta-analyses were performed to assess the relationship between chemoprophylaxis and the incidences of VTE and SEH.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies met our eligibility criteria, comprising a total of 220,932 patients. The overall pooled incidence of VTE was 3.2%, including 3.3% for DVT and 0.4% for PE. A comparison of VTE incidence between patients that did and did not receive chemoprophylaxis was not statistically significant (OR 0.97, p=.95, 95% CI 0.43-2.19). The overall pooled incidence of SEH was 0.4%, and there was also no significant difference between patients that did and did not receive chemoprophylaxis (OR 1.57, p=.06, 95% CI 0.99-2.50).
CONCLUSIONS
The use of perioperative chemoprophylaxis may not significantly alter rates of VTE or SEH in the elective spine surgery population. This review highlights the need for additional randomized controlled trials to better define the risks and benefits of specific chemoprophylactic protocols in various subpopulations of elective spine surgery.
PubMed: 38204918
DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100295 -
Cureus Dec 2023Preterm birth causes constant challenges, with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) being a major concern. Immediately after birth, it takes time to establish feeding... (Review)
Review
Preterm birth causes constant challenges, with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) being a major concern. Immediately after birth, it takes time to establish feeding between the mother and the premature baby. During this time, the telological shifting of fluid from extracellular space to intracellular space will help the baby; this transition should be smooth. Both normal physiologic changes and pathophysiologic events are capable of disrupting this delicate fluid shifting that occurs in very low-birth-weight infants during the first week of life. The immaturity of the renal system and evaporative losses complicate this process. This lack of fluid displacement can be associated with an increased amount of water in the lungs and reduced lung compliance. This can lead to the need for more ventilatory support and a higher oxygen requirement, which, in turn, leads to lung damage. The fluid restriction is also associated with complications such as severe dehydration, intracranial hemorrhage, and bilirubin toxicity. However, the administration of large amounts of fluid and salt is associated with an increased incidence of patent ductus arteriosus, BPD, necrotizing enterocolitis, and intraventricular hemorrhage. There were studies conducted in both the pre-surfactant and surfactant eras that were inconclusive regarding fluid restriction in BPD. We only included very recent studies. This systematic review attempts to summarize the current evidence, focusing on the efficacy and safety of early fluid management in preterm infants. This reduces the risk of BPD and improves outcomes for premature infants. As we know, intact survival is very important. Our review supported the early fluid restriction.
PubMed: 38249238
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50805 -
Clinical and Experimental Medicine Sep 2023Immunotherapy is the main standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Immune suppressive cells in tumor microenvironment can counteract its... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Immunotherapy is the main standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Immune suppressive cells in tumor microenvironment can counteract its efficacy. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) include two major subsets: polymorphonuclear (PMN-MDSCs) and monocytic (M-MDSCs). Many studies explored the prognostic impact of these cell populations in NSCLC patients. The aim of this systematic review is to select studies for a meta-analysis, which compares prognosis between patients with high vs low circulating MDSC levels. We collected hazard ratios (HRs) and relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). Among 139 studies retrieved from literature search, 14 eligible studies (905 NSCLC patients) met inclusion criteria. Low circulating MDSC levels favor a better PFS/RFS (HR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.28-2.65) and OS (HR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.29-2.46). The subgroup analysis based on MDSC subtypes (total-, PMN-, and M-MDSCs) obtained a statistical significance only for M-MDSCs, both in terms of PFS/RFS (HR = 2.67; 95% CI = 2.04-3.50) and OS (HR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.61-2.75). NSCLC patients bearing high M-MDSC levels in peripheral blood experience a worse prognosis than those with low levels, both in terms of PFS/RFS and OS. This finding suggests that detecting and targeting this MDSC subset could help to improve NSCLC treatment efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells; Prognosis; Lung Neoplasms; Proportional Hazards Models; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 36401744
DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00946-6 -
European Journal of Endocrinology Jan 2024Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is characterized by inadequate secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, leading to absent, partial, or arrested puberty. In males, classical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is characterized by inadequate secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, leading to absent, partial, or arrested puberty. In males, classical treatment with testosterone promotes virilization but not testicular growth or spermatogenesis. To quantify treatment practices and efficacy, we systematically reviewed all studies investigating gonadotropins for the achievement of pubertal outcomes in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic review of Medline, Embase, Global Health, and PsycINFO databases in December 2022. Risk of Bias 2.0/Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute tools for quality appraisal. Protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022381713).
RESULTS
After screening 3925 abstracts, 103 studies were identified including 5328 patients from 21 countries. The average age of participants was <25 years in 45.6% (n = 47) of studies. Studies utilized human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (n = 93, 90.3% of studies), human menopausal gonadotropin (n = 42, 40.8%), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (n = 37, 35.9%), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (28.2% n = 29). The median reported duration of treatment/follow-up was 18 months (interquartile range 10.5-24 months). Gonadotropins induced significant increases in testicular volume, penile size, and testosterone in over 98% of analyses. Spermatogenesis rates were higher with hCG + FSH (86%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 82%-91%) as compared with hCG alone (40%, 95% CI 25%-56%). However, study heterogeneity and treatment variability were high.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review provides convincing evidence of the efficacy of gonadotropins for pubertal induction. However, there remains substantial heterogeneity in treatment choice, dose, duration, and outcomes assessed. Formal guidelines and randomized studies are needed.
Topics: Humans; Male; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Gonadotropins; Hypogonadism; Klinefelter Syndrome; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Testosterone; Young Adult
PubMed: 38128110
DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad166 -
Critical Care Medicine Mar 2024Although delirium is well described in patients with sepsis, there are limited data on other neurologic complications. We aimed to systematically review the prevalence,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Although delirium is well described in patients with sepsis, there are limited data on other neurologic complications. We aimed to systematically review the prevalence, neuromonitoring tools, and neurocognitive outcomes in sepsis patients with neurologic complications.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE and six other databases (Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov ) were searched through January 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies of adult patients with sepsis reported neurologic complications, use of neuromonitoring tools, neuropathology, and cognitive outcomes.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent reviewers extracted the data. Random-effect meta-analyses were used to pool data.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Seventy-four studies ( n = 146,855) were included. Neurologic complications were reported in 38 studies ( n = 142,193) including septic encephalopathy (36%, 95% CI, 27-46%; I 2 = 99%), ischemic stroke (5%, 95% CI, 2.1-11.5; I 2 = 99%), intracranial hemorrhage (2%, 95% CI, 1.0-4.4%; I 2 = 96%), seizures (1%, 95% CI, 0.2-7%; I 2 = 96%), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (9%), and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (7%). In the meta-regression analysis, pulmonary infection, sepsis induced by a gram-positive organism, higher sequential organ failure assessment score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score at admission, and longer ICU length of stay were associated with higher risk of developing septic encephalopathy. Three studies ( n = 159) reported postmortem neuropathological findings, acute brain injury was noted in 47% of patients. Twenty-six studies ( n = 1,358) reported the use of neuromonitoring tools, electroencephalogram was the most used tool for seizure detection. Transcranial Doppler and near infrared spectroscopy were used for monitoring cerebral hemodynamic changes to detect early ischemia. Six studies reported cognitive outcomes ( n = 415) up to 12 months postdischarge and cognitive impairment (≥ one domain) was reported in 30%.
CONCLUSIONS
In-hospital neurologic complications are common in patients with sepsis. However, the mechanism and timing of those sepsis-associated complications are poorly understood and there are limited data on standardized neuromonitoring in this population.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Aftercare; Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome; Patient Discharge; Sepsis; Hospitals
PubMed: 37921513
DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000006096 -
International Journal of Chronic... 2024The effect of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) was controversial. Thus, we aimed to evaluate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
The effect of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) was controversial. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture for treating AECOPD.
METHODS
Eight databases were searched from database inception to July 30, 2023. All RCTs compared acupuncture plus conventional western medicine with conventional western medicine alone were included. Outcomes were quality of life, lung function, blood oxygen condition, exercise capacity, daily symptoms, duration of hospitalization, and adverse events. The statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 17.0, and methodological quality was measured by the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence.
RESULTS
Twelve studies including 915 patients were included. Compared with conventional western medicine alone, acupuncture combined with conventional western therapy significantly improved quality of life (CAT: MD: -3.25; 95% CI: -3.73 to -2.78, <0.001) and arterial blood gas (PaCO: MD: -1.85; 95% CI: -2.74 to -0.95, <0.001; PaO: MD: 5.15; 95% CI: 1.22 to 9.07, = 0.01). And for lung function, statistical benefits were found in FEV/FVC (MD: 4.66; 95% CI: 2.21 to 7.12, <0.001), but no difference was seen for FEV% (MD: 1.83; 95% CI: -0.17 to 3.83, = 0.073). There was no significant improvement in exercise capacity (6MWD: MD: 96.69; 95% CI: -0.60 to 193.98, = 0.051), hospitalization duration (MD: -5.70; 95% CI: -11.97 to 0.58, = 0.075), and dyspnea (mMRC: MD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.61 to 0.63, = 0.376) between two groups. Overall bias for CAT and mMRC was in "high" risk, FEV1%, FEV/FVC, PaCO, and PaO was in "some concern" and 1 RCT assessing hospitalization duration was in "low" risk. And the overall assessments were either moderate, low or very low certainty. Seven trials performed safety assessment of acupuncture, and no serious adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture might have auxiliary effects on AECOPD. However, the quality of the evidence is limited, and more high-quality RCTs are needed to be performed in the future.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Acupuncture Therapy; Dyspnea; Respiratory Function Tests
PubMed: 38495215
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S450257 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Sep 2023Peripheral blood monocyte counts have been associated with poor outcomes in interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, studies are limited by variable biomarker... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Peripheral blood monocyte counts have been associated with poor outcomes in interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, studies are limited by variable biomarker thresholds, analytic approaches and heterogenous populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis characterised the relationship between monocytes and clinical outcomes in ILD.
METHODS
Electronic database searches were performed. Two reviewers screened abstracts and extracted data. Pooled estimates (hazard ratios (HRs)) of monocyte count thresholds were calculated for their association with mortality using ≥0.6×10 and >0.9×10 cells·L for unadjusted models and ≥0.95×10 cells·L for adjusted models, using random effects, with heterogeneity and bias assessed. Disease progression associated with monocytes >0.9×10cells·L was also calculated.
RESULTS
Of 3279 abstracts, 13 were included in the systematic review and eight in the meta-analysis. The pooled unadjusted HR for mortality for monocyte counts ≥0.6×10 cells·L was 1.71 (95% CI 1.34-2.19, p<0.001, I=0%) and for monocyte counts >0.90×10 cells·L it was 2.44 (95% CI 1.53-3.87, p=0.0002, I=52%). The pooled adjusted HR for mortality for monocyte counts ≥0.95×10 cells·L was 1.93 (95% CI 1.24-3.01, p=0.0038 I=69%). The pooled HR for disease progression associated with increased monocyte counts was 1.83 (95% CI 1.40-2.39, p<0.0001, I=28%).
CONCLUSIONS
Peripheral blood monocyte counts were associated with an increased risk of mortality and disease progression in patients with ILD.
Topics: Humans; Monocytes; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Patients; Disease Progression
PubMed: 37673424
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0072-2023