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Experimental Eye Research Sep 2023Animal models of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) are extensively used in translational studies of CNV formation and to evaluate angiostatic treatment strategies.... (Review)
Review
Animal models of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) are extensively used in translational studies of CNV formation and to evaluate angiostatic treatment strategies. However, the current paucity of large animal models compared with rodent models constitutes a knowledge gap regarding the clinical translation of findings. Ocular anatomical and physiological similarities to humans suggest the pig as a relevant model animal. Thus, a systematic survey of porcine CNV models was performed to identify pertinent model parameters and suggest avenues for model standardization and optimization. A systematic search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE on November 28, 2022 for porcine models of CNV. Following inclusion by two investigators, data from the articles were extracted according to a predefined protocol. A total of 14 articles, representing 19 independent porcine CNV models were included. The included models were almost equally divided between laser-induced (53%) and surgically-induced (47%) models. Different specified breeds of domestic pigs (71%) were most commonly used in the studies. All studies used normal animals. Female pigs were reported used in 43% of the studies, while 43% did not report on sex of the animals. Younger pigs were typically used. The surgical models reported consistent CNV induction following mechanical Bruch's membrane rupture. The laser models used variants of the infrared diode laser (40%) or the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (50%). Both lasers enabled successful CNV induction with reported induction rates ranging from 60 to 100%. Collateral damage to the neuroretina was reported for the infrared diode laser. CNV evaluation varied across studies with fluorescein angiography (50%) as the most used in vivo method and retinal sections (71%) as the most used ex vivo method. In interventional studies, quantification of lesions was in general performed between 7 and 14 days. The field of porcine CNV models is relatively small and heterogeneous and almost equally divided between surgically-induced and laser-induced models. Both methods have allowed successful modeling of CNV formation with induction rates comparable to those of non-human primates. However, the field would benefit from standardization of model parameters and reporting. This includes laser parameters and validation of CNV formation as well as methods of CNV evaluation and statistical analysis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Swine; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Choroidal Neovascularization; Retina; Bruch Membrane; Fluorescein Angiography
PubMed: 37474015
DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109590 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2023The ultimate goal of treating patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is to repair them when the risk of rupture exceeds the risk of repair. Small AAAs... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The ultimate goal of treating patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is to repair them when the risk of rupture exceeds the risk of repair. Small AAAs demonstrate a low rupture risk, and recently, large AAAs just above the threshold (5.5-6.0 cm) seem to be at low risk of rupture as well. The present review aims to investigate the outcomes of AAAs under surveillance through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register were searched (22 March 2022; PROSPERO; #CRD42022316094). The Cochrane and PRISMA statements were respected. Blinded systematic screening of the literature, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two authors. Conflicts were resolved by a third author. The meta-analysis of prevalence provided estimated proportions, 95% confidence intervals, and measures of heterogeneity (I). Based on I, the heterogeneity might be negligible (0-40%), moderate (30-60%), substantial (50-90%), and considerable (75-100%). The primary outcome was the incidence of AAA rupture. Secondary outcomes included the rate of small AAAs reaching the threshold for repair, aortic-related mortality, and all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
Fourteen publications (25,040 patients) were included in the analysis. The outcome rates of the small AAA group (<55 mm) were 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-1.0; I = 76.4%) of rupture, 0.6% (95% CI 0.0-1.9; I = 87.2%) of aortic-related mortality, and 9.6% (95% CI 2.2-21.1; I = 99.0%) of all-cause mortality. During surveillance, 21.4% (95% CI 9.0-37.2; I = 99.0%) of the initially small AAAs reached the threshold for repair. The outcome rates of the large AAA group (>55 mm) were 25.7% (95% CI 18.0-34.3; I = 72.0%) of rupture, 22.1% (95% CI 16.5-28.3; I = 25.0%) of aortic-related mortality, and 61.8% (95% CI 47.0-75.6; I = 89.1%) of all-cause mortality. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated a higher rupture rate in studies including <662 subjects, patients with a mean age > 72 years, >17% of female patients, and >44% of current smokers.
CONCLUSION
The rarity of rupture and aortic-related mortality in small AAAs supports the current conservative management of small AAAs. Surveillance seems indicated, as one-fifth reached the threshold for repair. Large aneurysms had a high incidence of rupture and aortic-related mortality. However, these data seem biased by the sparse and heterogeneous literature overrepresented by patients unfit for surgery. Specific rupture risk stratified by age, gender, and fit-for-surgery patients with large AAAs needs to be further investigated.
PubMed: 37959301
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216837 -
Cureus Sep 2023Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder (SRUB) during pregnancy is a potentially fatal event that necessitates immediate surgery. The aim of this systematic review is... (Review)
Review
Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder (SRUB) during pregnancy is a potentially fatal event that necessitates immediate surgery. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the symptoms, causes, associated factors, and prognosis of SRUB in pregnancy. We searched the literature from inception until December 2022 using the Cochrane Central Register, PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Articles not in English and those unrelated to the topic were excluded. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for case reports was employed for the risk of bias assessment. The search strategy yielded 312 citations; 29 full-text articles were evaluated for eligibility after screening. Five case reports were included in this review. The age range of the cases was 27-39 years. Four cases were in their second trimester of pregnancy, and one was in her third. Two cases had undergone previous cesarean sections, and one had an appendectomy and salpingectomy due to an ectopic pregnancy. One case reported a history of alcohol and drug abuse. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, abdominal distension, oliguria, voiding difficulty, hematuria, fever, and vomiting. The diagnosis of SRUB was primarily made via emergency laparotomy due to the patients' critical conditions. Beyond its diagnostic role, laparotomy was also the treatment method in all cases. Tear repair, antibiotic therapy, and urinary catheterization were all integral parts of the treatment. Four cases resulted in an uneventful pregnancy and a healthy, full-term baby. In one case, a hysterectomy was performed due to a combined uterus and bladder rupture. SRUB often presents with non-specific symptoms, leading to a delayed diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is essential when a pregnant woman exhibits urinary symptoms and severe abdominal pain, especially in those with a history of previous surgery. Early detection and treatment of SRUB are critical for an uneventful recovery.
PubMed: 37799223
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44643 -
Cureus Jul 2023The purpose of this systematic review is to report outcomes and complications following the reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon ruptures. Four databases (Cochrane... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this systematic review is to report outcomes and complications following the reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon ruptures. Four databases (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE) were searched from inception to July 2021. Inclusion criteria included articles that (1) analyzed outcomes and complications following chronic patellar tendon reconstruction (>4 weeks from injury to repair), (2) were written in English, (3) greater than five patients, and (4) a minimum 2-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria included (1) non-original research and (2) patellar tendon repair/reconstruction with prior total knee arthroplasty. Data on outcome metrics and complications were extracted from the included studies and reported in a qualitative manner. Nine studies (number of patients = 96) were included after screening. Seven studies analyzed autograft reconstruction, and three of those seven studies analyzed reconstructions with additional augmentation. The remaining two studies evaluated reconstruction utilizing a bone-tendon-bone (BTB) allograft. Four of the autograft studies (n=40 patients) showed a range of post-operative mean Lysholm scores of 74-94. Additionally, four studies reported a post-operative extensor lag of 0-3°. Post-operative protocol for autograft studies included delayed motion and was either contained to a bivalved cast or a hinged knee brace for six weeks. The two allograft studies reported a range of mean Lysholm scores from 62 to 67, and each immobilized the leg in full extension until six weeks. While chronic patellar tendon ruptures are a rare injury of the extensor mechanism, there are viable options for reconstruction. Overall, chronic patellar tendon ruptures reconstructed with both autograft and allograft will provide fair to good outcomes with low complication rates. Following surgery, immobilization for at least six weeks should be emphasized to protect the graft and optimize patient outcomes.
PubMed: 37575790
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41713 -
Cureus Aug 2023Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a catastrophic acute myocardial infarction (MI) complication. Despite a significant reduction in the prevalence of post-MI VSD with... (Review)
Review
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a catastrophic acute myocardial infarction (MI) complication. Despite a significant reduction in the prevalence of post-MI VSD with the advancement of surgical techniques, it is still considered fatal with a high mortality rate. The trends in the clinical outcomes of patients with post-MI VSD show discretion due to the complexity of the disease. Therefore, the present analysis aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes and associated risks in the patients of post-MI VSD. A thorough literature survey resulted in 40 studies of our interest. The pooled proportion of differential variables, including the incidence of cardiogenic shock, 30-day survival, and overall mortality, were estimated using Bayesian hierarchical models. The risk difference was estimated for the location of MI and VSD and mortality in patients with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). In addition, the heterogeneity tests for inconsistency and publication biases using Egger's and Begg's tests were also estimated. The analysis revealed a significant risk difference of 0.23 and 0.27 for the anterior vs. posterior location of MI and VSD, respectively. Further, the pooled proportion of 30-day survival and mortality was found to be 54.43% (95% credible interval (CI): 52.88-55.98%) and 48.22% (95% CI: 4-12.3%), respectively. Moreover, the heterogeneity test revealed significant inconsistencies in all the datasets with index of >90% (<0.0001). Lastly, the publication bias results suggested no evidence of asymmetry and small-study effects. Conclusively, the surgical management of post-MI VSD patients is considered beneficial; however, the outcomes signify its fatal behavior.
PubMed: 37752999
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44135 -
Cureus Aug 2023Deciduosis is an ectopic transformation of connective tissue into decidual-like cells. This is the first systematic review describing the clinical course, associated... (Review)
Review
Cervical and Vaginal Deciduosis: Insights on Management and a Systematic Review of Observational Studies on Pregnancy Complications and Management Outcomes (Including Vaginal Birth).
INTRODUCTION
Deciduosis is an ectopic transformation of connective tissue into decidual-like cells. This is the first systematic review describing the clinical course, associated pregnancy complications, and management outcomes of cervical and vaginal deciduosis.
METHODS
Our search covered worldwide observational studies published in English in five databases (PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Europe PMC, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) from inception to February 24, 2023. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and critically appraised studies using CAse REport (CARE) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Then, we extracted patient characteristics, clinical features, management-related information, and outcomes.
RESULTS
The selection process identified 15 studies describing 30 pregnancies. Macroscopic cervical and vaginal deciduosis presented as recurrent vaginal bleeding in over 16 of 24 women (57%). Differential diagnoses included miscarriages, cervical pregnancy, placenta previa, and malignancy. Significant antenatal hemorrhages, preterm rupture of membranes, and preterm birth were the most frequent pregnancy complications. Only one of 27 electively performed procedures resulted in biopsy-induced uncontrolled vaginal bleeding (0.04%), suggesting the relative safety of the interventions. Lesion resection led to the cessation of recurrent symptoms in eight of eight patients (100%) compared to eight of 15 women (53%) under observation management. All women with polypoid deciduosis over 1.5 cm entered labor and delivered without complications.
CONCLUSIONS
We described the clinical course, pregnancy complications, diagnostic-related challenges, management, and associated outcomes in women with macroscopic cervical and vaginal deciduosis. We supported the analysis with the current state of the problem and discovered gaps for prospective studies.
PubMed: 37791171
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44479 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2023Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are the most common cerebral vascular pathologies. Their rupture leads to the most dangerous subtype of stroke-aneurysmal subarachnoid... (Review)
Review
Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are the most common cerebral vascular pathologies. Their rupture leads to the most dangerous subtype of stroke-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), which may be followed by cerebral vasospasm and ischemic sequelae. Recently, an imbalance within the intestinal microbiota, referred to as dysbiosis, was suggested to play a role in the formation, progression, and rupture of IA. As no systematic review on this topic exists, considering the significance of this matter and a lack of effective prophylaxis against IA or cerebral vasospasm, we aim to sum up the current knowledge regarding their associations with intestinal microbiome, identify the gaps, and determine future prospects. Scientific databases were systematically and independently searched by two authors from inception to 1st May 2023 for original articles regarding the role of intestinal microbiota in intracranial aneurysmal growth, aSAH occurrence, as well as in cerebral vasospasm following aSAH. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist was followed in an abstraction process. The STROBE tool was applied to assess the risk of bias. This research was funded by the National Science Centre, Poland (grant number 2021/41/N/NZ2/00844). Of 302 records, four studies were included that fully met eligibility criteria. Studies reported (1) that the relative abundance of is a protective factor against aneurysm growth and rupture, resulting from the reduced inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in the cerebral arterial wall and from reduced metalloproteinase-mediated degradation of smooth muscle cells in cerebral vessels. (2) Relative abundance of is associated with aSAH. (3) No article has evaluated microbiota in relation to cerebral vasospasm following aSAH although there is an ongoing study. We concluded that intestinal microbiota might be a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic tools to improve the management of cerebral aneurysms. However, more studies of prospective design are needed.
PubMed: 37928732
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1247151 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023This meta-analysis aims to review the effect of serial transabdominal amnioinfusion (TAI) on short-term and long-term perinatal outcomes in mid-trimester preterm... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aims to review the effect of serial transabdominal amnioinfusion (TAI) on short-term and long-term perinatal outcomes in mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
METHODS
Literature searches of PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were performed from their inception to April 2022. Studies comparing conventional treatment with serial TAI in women with proven PPROM at less than 26 + 0 weeks of gestation with oligohydramnios were included. Studies that included oligohydramnios due to other reasons such as fetal growth retardation or renal anomalies were excluded. Risk of bias in observational studies was assessed using the tool of the Cochrane Review group identified as risk of bias in non-randomized studies - of interventions. The risk of bias assessments for RCTs were performed according to the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. An score was used to assess the heterogeneity of included studies. The analyses were performed by using random-effect model, and the results were expressed as relative risk (RR) or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Overall, eight relevant studies including five observational studies ( = 252; 130 women allocated to the intervention) and three RCTs ( = 183; 93 women allocated to the intervention) were eligible. The pooled latency period was 21.9 days (95% CI, 13.1-30.8) and 5.8 days (95% CI, -11.6-23.2) longer in the TAI group in the observational studies and RCTs, respectively. The perinatal mortality rate reduced in the intervention group when tested in observational studies (RR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51-0.92), but not in RCTs (RR 0.79; 95% CI, 0.56-1.13). The rate of long-term healthy survival was higher in the children whose mothers were treated with the TAI (35.7%) than those were treated with the standard management (28.6%) (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.47-3.60, "best case scenario").
CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of serial TA on early PPROM associated morbidity and mortality is not attested. Additional randomized control trials with adequate power are needed.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Oligohydramnios; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Delivery, Obstetric
PubMed: 37408113
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2230511 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023During the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, utilization of emergency care units has been reported to be reduced for obstetrical and gynaecological reasons. The aim of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
During the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, utilization of emergency care units has been reported to be reduced for obstetrical and gynaecological reasons. The aim of this systematic review is to assess if this phenomenon reduced the rate of hospitalizations for any reason and to evaluate the main reasons for seeking care in this subset of the population.
METHODS
The search was conducted using the main electronic databases from January 2020 to May 2021. The studies were identified with the use of a combination of: "emergency department" OR "A&E" OR "emergency service" OR "emergency unit" OR "maternity service" AND "COVID-19" OR "COVID-19 pandemic" OR "SARS-COV-2" and "admission" OR "hospitalization". All the studies that evaluated women going to obstetrics & gynecology emergency department (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic for any reason were included.
RESULTS
The pooled proportion (PP) of hospitalizations increased from 22.7 to 30.6% during the lockdown periods, in particular from 48.0 to 53.9% for delivery. The PP of pregnant women suffering from hypertensive disorders increased (2.6 vs 1.2%), as well as women having contractions (52 vs 43%) and rupture of membranes (12.0 vs 9.1%). Oppositely, the PP of women having pelvic pain (12.4 vs 14.4%), suspected ectopic pregnancy (1.8 vs 2.0), reduced fetal movements (3.0 vs 3.3%), vaginal bleeding both for obstetrical (11.7 vs 12.8%) and gynecological issues (7.4 vs 9.2%) slightly reduced.
CONCLUSION
During the lockdown, an increase in the proportion of hospitalizations for obstetrical and gynecological reasons has been registered, especially for labor symptoms and hypertensive disorders.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; COVID-19; Gynecology; Pandemics; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Communicable Disease Control; Emergency Medical Services; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36894183
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2187254 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023This study aimed to explore the effects of levothyroxine on pregnancy outcomes and thyroid function in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) women with subclinical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effect of levothyroxine on the pregnancy outcomes in recurrent pregnancy loss women with subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroperoxidase antibody positivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the effects of levothyroxine on pregnancy outcomes and thyroid function in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) or thyroperoxidase antibody positivity (TPOAb).
METHODS
Literature search was performed from inception to 24 June 2022. The heterogeneity for each outcome was evaluated using Cochran's test and quantified with I-squared (). Pooled effect sizes were expressed as relative risk (RR) and weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Stability of the results were assessed using the sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS
Fifteen eligible studies with 1911 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled data showed that levothyroxine decreased premature delivery rate (RR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.32, 0.72), miscarriage rate (RR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.44, 0.79), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) rate (RR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.66), and fetal growth restriction rate (RR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.12, 0.89) in RPL women with TPOAb. In RPL women with SCH, live birth rate was elevated (RR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.42) and miscarriage rate was reduced (RR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.44, 0.97) by levothyroxine. In addition, levothyroxine substantially decreased TSH level (WMD = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.31, -0.16) and TPO level (WMD = -23.48, 95%CI: -27.50, -19.47).
CONCLUSIONS
Levothyroxine improved pregnancy outcomes and thyroid function in RPL women with TPOAb or SCH, indicating that levothyroxine may be beneficial for RPL women if TPOAb or SCH occurs. Future studies are needed to verify our findings.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Thyroxine; Pregnancy Outcome; Hypothyroidism; Premature Birth; Abortion, Habitual
PubMed: 37433649
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2233039