-
Cureus Feb 2024Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a progressive connective tissue disease with a broad range of clinical manifestations. We sought to establish the spectrum of structural... (Review)
Review
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a progressive connective tissue disease with a broad range of clinical manifestations. We sought to establish the spectrum of structural valvular abnormalities as cardiovascular involvement has been identified as the most life-threatening aspect of the syndrome. This was a systematic review with a meta-analysis of studies indexed in Medline from the inception of the database to November 7, 2022. Using the random-effects model, separate Forest and Galbraith plots were generated for each valvular abnormality assessed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the statistics whilst funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess for publication bias. From a total of 35 studies, a random-effects meta-analysis approximated the pooled summary estimates for the prevalence of cardiac valve abnormalities as mitral valve prolapse 65% (95% CI: 57%-73%); mitral valve regurgitation 40% (95% CI: 29%-51%); aortic valve regurgitation 40% (95% CI: 28%-53%); tricuspid valve prolapse 35% (95% CI: 15%-55%); and tricuspid valve regurgitation 43% (95% CI: 8%-78%). Only one study reported on the involvement of the pulmonary valve (pulmonary valve prolapse was estimated at 5.3% (95% CI: 1.9%-11.1%) in a cohort of 114 patients with MFS). We believe this study provides a description of the structural valvular disease spectrum and may help inform providers and patients in understanding the clinical history of MFS in the current treatment era with its increased life expectancy.
PubMed: 38487153
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54141 -
Annals of Hepatology 2024Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of cirrhosis treated with various medications. We aim to evaluate terlipressin and albumin's effectiveness and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of cirrhosis treated with various medications. We aim to evaluate terlipressin and albumin's effectiveness and safety compared to albumin and noradrenaline in adult hepatorenal disease patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Clinical trials from four databases were included. Cochrane's approach for calculating bias risk was utilized. We rated the quality evaluation by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). We included the following outcomes: serum creatinine (mg/dl), urine output (ml/24 h), mean arterial pressure (mmHg), reversal rate of HRS, mortality rate, blood plasma renin activity (ng/ml/h), plasma aldosterone concentration (pg/ml), urine sodium (mEq/l), and creatinine clearance (ml/min).
RESULTS
Our analysis of nine clinical studies revealed that the noradrenaline group was associated with higher creatinine clearance (MD = 4.22 [0.40, 8.05]), (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in serum creatinine levels (MD = 0.03 [-0.07, 0.13]), urinary sodium (MD = -1.02 [-5.15, 3.11]), urine output (MD = 32.75 [-93.94, 159.44]), mean arterial pressure (MD = 1.40 [-1.17, 3.96]), plasma renin activity (MD = 1.35 [-0.17, 2.87]), plasma aldosterone concentration (MD = 55.35 [-24.59, 135.29]), reversal rate of HRS (RR = 1.15 [0.96, 1.37]), or mortality rate (RR = 0.87 [0.74, 1.01]) between the two groups (p-values > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Noradrenaline is a safe alternative medical therapy for HRS.
Topics: Humans; Terlipressin; Hepatorenal Syndrome; Norepinephrine; Albumins; Treatment Outcome; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Adult; Creatinine; Lypressin
PubMed: 38460713
DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101495 -
Archives of Public Health = Archives... Aug 2023The coronavirus disease 2019 was a global public health emergency in later years (from 2020 to early 2022), and androgens have been associated with infection and...
OBJECTIVE
The coronavirus disease 2019 was a global public health emergency in later years (from 2020 to early 2022), and androgens have been associated with infection and prognostic outcomes. However, the relationship between low serum testosterone levels and prognostic outcomes remains inconclusive. This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship between serum testosterone levels and prognostic outcomes in patients with COVID-19.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science electronic databases for all literature from January 1, 2020, to September 1, 2022. In addition, we also searched literature manually. The search terms were COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), androgens, and testosterone. There were no language restrictions for retrieval.
RESULTS
Our search identified 2285 articles, resulting in a full-text analysis of 16 studies, including 12 cohort studies and four case-control studies. Low serum testosterone levels were observed to be statistically associated with a higher probability of intensive care unit (ICU) admission in seven studies. In eight studies, higher hospital mortality was associated with lower serum testosterone levels. Six studies found that low serum testosterone levels were associated with a statistically significant difference in lung function impairment. Only four studies found that among living patients, those with lower serum testosterone levels had longer hospital stays. All but one of the included studies had a low risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on available data, low serum testosterone levels are associated with higher rates of ICU admission, hospital mortality, risk of lung failure, inflammatory markers, and longer hospital stays in patients with COVID-19 compared with those having normal serum testosterone levels.
PubMed: 37605265
DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01168-2 -
World Journal of Emergency Surgery :... Apr 2024For traumatic lower extremity artery injury, it is unclear whether it is better to perform endovascular therapy (ET) or open surgical repair (OSR). This study aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
For traumatic lower extremity artery injury, it is unclear whether it is better to perform endovascular therapy (ET) or open surgical repair (OSR). This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of ET versus OSR for traumatic lower extremity artery injury.
METHODS
The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Databases were searched for studies. Cohort studies and case series reporting outcomes of ET or OSR were eligible for inclusion. Robins-I tool and an 18-item tool were used to assess the risk of bias. The primary outcome was amputation. The secondary outcomes included fasciotomy or compartment syndrome, mortality, length of stay and lower extremity nerve injury. We used the random effects model to calculate pooled estimates.
RESULTS
A total of 32 studies with low or moderate risk of bias were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that patients who underwent ET had a significantly decreased risk of major amputation (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.85; I=34%) and fasciotomy or compartment syndrome (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.20-0.50, I = 14%) than patients who underwent OSR. No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding all-cause mortality (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.75-1.64, I = 31%). Patients with ET repair had a shorter length of stay than patients with OSR repair (MD=-5.06, 95% CI -6.76 to -3.36, I = 65%). Intraoperative nerve injury was just reported in OSR patients with a pooled incidence of 15% (95% CI 6%-27%).
CONCLUSION
Endovascular therapy may represent a better choice for patients with traumatic lower extremity arterial injury, because it can provide lower risks of amputation, fasciotomy or compartment syndrome, and nerve injury, as well as shorter length of stay.
Topics: Humans; Endovascular Procedures; Lower Extremity; Vascular System Injuries; Amputation, Surgical; Arteries; Fasciotomy; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Compartment Syndromes; Length of Stay
PubMed: 38678282
DOI: 10.1186/s13017-024-00544-9 -
Current Developments in Nutrition Jan 2024Although numerous studies have indicated the utility of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in early screening for individuals with adverse cardiometabolic health, there is...
Diagnostic Accuracy of Waist-to-Height Ratio, Waist Circumference, and Body Mass Index in Identifying Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Although numerous studies have indicated the utility of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in early screening for individuals with adverse cardiometabolic health, there is controversy on using WHtR as a one-size-fits-all approach, including in older adults.
OBJECTIVES
Our study aims to identify the pooled diagnostic accuracy of WHtR in screening for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among older adults.
METHODS
A systematic review of observational studies was performed using 4 databases. A diagnostic meta-analysis with a random effects model was conducted, and the pooled area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio (dOR) of each outcome compared with WHtR, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were calculated, with sex-stratified analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies with 74,520 participants were included. As reflected by the dOR, WHtR (7.65; 95% CI: 6.00, 9.75) performed better than BMI (5.17; 95% CI: 4.75, 5.62) and WC (5.77; 95% CI: 4.60, 7.25) in screening for MetS among older adults and was potentially better among males. For hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, the performances of WHtR, BMI, and WC were comparable.
CONCLUSION
More studies focusing on older adults are still needed to determine the cutoff values of WHtR to screen for MetS.The search strategy was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42022350379.
PubMed: 38230348
DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.102061 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Using Mesh Meta Analysis to evaluate the efficacy of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene for treating Polycystic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Using Mesh Meta Analysis to evaluate the efficacy of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene for treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), in order to provide evidence-based medical evidence for whether to recommend Acupuncture & Moxibustion or Combine western medicine to treat PCOS.
METHODS
Eight databases including The Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Date, VIP and CBM were searched by computer. The included research period is from the establishment of the database to May 2023, which concerned with randomized controlled trials involving Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene on ovulation induction and pregnancy outcome in patients with PCOS. The duration of the research paper is from 2016 to 2023.The inclusion criteria refer to the Rotterdam standards issued by the European Center for Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in January 2003, or the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by the Endocrinology Group of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. Simultaneously exclude related diseases, repetitive literature, as well as literature with incomplete abstract information and no original data provided. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias included in the study, using Stata17.0 software for a mesh meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Six randomized controlled trials were included, covering 1410 PCOS patients. Three interventions included Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene. Mesh Meta Analysis showed that in terms of improving ovulation rate, there was no statistical difference between Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A), Clomiphene (B), Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) (P>0.05).Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene (B) [MD=0.15,95% CI (-0.51,0.80)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=1.60,95% CI (0.97,2.23)], Clomiphene (B) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=1.45,95% CI (0.91,1.99)]. In terms of pregnancy outcome, the difference between the three intervention methods was statistically significant (P<0.05). Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene (B) [MD=-0.80,95% CI (-1.84,0.23)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=0.29,95% CI (-0.73,1.30)], and Clomiphene (B) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=1.09,95% CI (0.39,1.79)], The order of pregnancy rate from high to low is Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C), Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A), Clomiphene (C).In terms of influencing endometrial thickness, the difference between the three intervention methods was statistically significant (P<0.05). Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene (B) [MD=-0.84,95% CI (-1.87,0.19)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C) [MD=0.26,95% CI (-1.01,1.53)], Clomiphene (B) versus Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C) [MD=1.10,95% CI (0.36,1.84)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C) has the best effect on improving endometrial thickness. In subgroup analysis, the effect of Acupuncture & Moxibustion treatment frequency on ovulation rate and pregnancy rate was not statistically significant. The combination of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Electroacupuncture and warm Acupuncture & Moxibustion has no effect on the pregnancy rate, but the combination of Electroacupuncture and Clomiphene has the best effect on improving the ovulation rate. In the observation of adverse reactions, compared with clomiphene alone, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene can reduce the occurrence of Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS) and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), and reduce the occurrence of physical adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, headache and dermatitis.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture & Moxibustion is effective in improving the ovulation promoting effect and pregnancy outcome of PCOS patients. The ovulation promoting effect of Acupuncture & Moxibustion or combined with Clomiphene is similar to that of Clomiphene alone, but Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene has more advantages in improving the pregnancy rate of PCOS, and it also can reduce the adverse reactions of Clomiphene alone. Acupuncture & Moxibustion can be used as a recommended treatment for PCOS. More cases should also be included in the subgroup analysis to study the impact of Acupuncture & Moxibustion programs on clinical efficacy and further optimize the Acupuncture & Moxibustion treatment program.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, identifier (CRD42023433057).
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Clomiphene; Pregnancy Outcome; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Moxibustion; Acupuncture Therapy; Ovulation Induction
PubMed: 38075051
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1261016 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Sep 2023The effects of allopurinol in patients with cardiovascular disease are not well defined; therefore, the latest evidence is summarized in this study. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The effects of allopurinol in patients with cardiovascular disease are not well defined; therefore, the latest evidence is summarized in this study.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of allopurinol in patients with cardiovascular disease published up to 11 February 2023. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death.
RESULTS
We combined the results of 21 RCTs that included 22,806 patients. Compared to placebo/usual care, allopurinol treatment was not associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular death (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.33-1.11) or all-cause death (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.72-1.12). However, evidence from earlier trials and studies with small sample sizes indicated that allopurinol might confer a protective effect in decreasing cardiovascular death (RR 0.34; 95% CI 0.15-0.76) across patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or having acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In comparisons between allopurinol and febuxostat, we observed no difference in cardiovascular death (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.69-1.24) or all-cause death (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.75-1.38).
CONCLUSION
Allopurinol could not reduce cardiovascular (CV) death or major adverse CV outcomes significantly in patients with existing cardiovascular diseases. Given the limitations of the original studies, the potential advantages of allopurinol observed in patients undergoing CABG or presenting with ACS necessitate further confirmation through subsequent RCTs. In the comparisons between allopurinol and febuxostat, our analysis failed to uncover any marked superiority of allopurinol in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular incidents.
PubMed: 37754808
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10090379 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2024The underreporting of laboratory-reported cases of community-based gastrointestinal (GI) infections poses a challenge for epidemiologists understanding the burden and... (Review)
Review
The underreporting of laboratory-reported cases of community-based gastrointestinal (GI) infections poses a challenge for epidemiologists understanding the burden and seasonal patterns of GI pathogens. Syndromic surveillance has the potential to overcome the limitations of laboratory reporting through real-time data and more representative population coverage. This systematic review summarizes the utility of syndromic surveillance for early detection and surveillance of GI infections. Relevant articles were identified using the following keyword combinations: 'early warning', 'detection', 'gastrointestinal activity', 'gastrointestinal infections', 'syndrome monitoring', 'real-time monitoring', 'syndromic surveillance'. In total, 1820 studies were identified, 126 duplicates were removed, and 1694 studies were reviewed. Data extraction focused on studies reporting the routine use and effectiveness of syndromic surveillance for GI infections using relevant GI symptoms. Eligible studies ( = 29) were included in the narrative synthesis. Syndromic surveillance for GI infections has been implemented and validated for routine use in ten countries, with emergency department attendances being the most common source. Evidence suggests that syndromic surveillance can be effective in the early detection and routine monitoring of GI infections; however, 24% of the included studies did not provide conclusive findings. Further investigation is necessary to comprehensively understand the strengths and limitations associated with each type of syndromic surveillance system.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Population Surveillance; Early Diagnosis
PubMed: 38673400
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040489 -
International Journal of Surgery... Dec 2023
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Humans; Joint Diseases; Osteotomy; Wrist Joint; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies; Arthroscopy
PubMed: 37916929
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000722 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders May 2024Cerebral malperfusion (CM) is a common comorbidity in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), which is associated with high mortality and poor neurological prognosis.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Two surgical strategies (early carotid reperfusion vs. Central aortic repair-first) of acute type a aortic dissection complicated with cerebral malperfusion syndrome: a meta-analysis and systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
Cerebral malperfusion (CM) is a common comorbidity in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), which is associated with high mortality and poor neurological prognosis. This meta-analysis investigated the surgical strategy of ATAAD patients with CM, aiming to compare the difference in therapeutic effectiveness between the central repair-first and the early reperfusion-first according to clinical outcomes.
METHODS
The meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted based on studies sourced from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane literature database, in which cases of ATAAD with CM underwent surgical repair were included. Data for baseline characteristics, mortality, survival were extracted, and risk ratio (RR) values and the pooled mortality were calculated.
RESULTS
A total of 17 retrospective studies were analyzed, including 1010 cases of ATAAD with CM underwent surgical repair. The pooled early mortality in early reperfusion group was lower (8.1%; CI, 0.02 to 0.168) than that in the central repair group (16.2%; CI, 0.115 to 0.216). The pooled long-term mortality was 7.9% in the early reperfusion cohort and 17.4% the central repair-first cohort, without a statistically significant heterogeneity (I [2] = 51.271%; p = 0.056). The mean time of symptom-onset-to-the-operation-room in all the reports was 8.87 ± 12.3 h.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggested that early reperfusion-first may achieved better outcomes compared to central repair-first in ATAAD patients complicated with CM to some extent. Early operation and early restoration of cerebral perfusion may reduce the occurrence of some neurological complications.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (No. CRD CRD42023475629) on Nov. 8th, 2023.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Dissection; Treatment Outcome; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Aortic Aneurysm; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Acute Disease; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Adult; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Risk Assessment; Reperfusion; Time-to-Treatment
PubMed: 38714966
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03910-2