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Journal of Cardiology Aug 2024Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function in aortic stenosis (AS) may improve risk stratification. However, whether the prognostic value of RV free-wall longitudinal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function in aortic stenosis (AS) may improve risk stratification. However, whether the prognostic value of RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVfwLS) is better than that of other right heart or pulmonary circulation parameters remains uncertain. This study assessed and compared the prognostic value of RVfwLS with traditional parameters in the AS population using a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
We selected studies reporting the hazard ratio (HR) of RVfwLS in patients with AS. We also collected data regarding the HR of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP), fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). To ensure comparability, we standardized the HR using within-study standard deviations. The comparison between the prognostic value of RVfwLS and other parameters was conducted as a ratio of HR.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 9 studies comprising a total of 2547 patients, with 679 events. The pooled HR of RVfwLS was 1.56 (95 % CI: 1.39-1.75, p < 0.001). When examining the ratio of HR between RVfwLS and conventional parameters, all comparisons were statistically non-significant [RVfwLS/SPAP: 1.28 (95 % CI: 0.99-1.65, p = 0.06); RVfwLS/FAC: 1.24 (95 % CI: 0.90-1.72, p = 0.14); and RVfwLS/TAPSE:1.07 (95 % CI: 0.75-1.52, p = 0.60)].
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis establishes a substantial association between RVfwLS and adverse outcomes in the AS population. However, comparative analysis between RVfwLS and SPAP, FAC, or TAPSE did not support the prognostic superiority of RVfwLS.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Prognosis; Ventricular Function, Right; Heart Ventricles; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right; Echocardiography
PubMed: 38043709
DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2023.11.008 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2020Sickle cell disease is one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders in the world, due to the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta globin) genes. Sickle cell... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Sickle cell disease is one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders in the world, due to the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta globin) genes. Sickle cell disease can cause severe pain, significant end-organ damage, pulmonary complications, and premature death. Stroke affects around 10% of children with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS). Chronic blood transfusions may reduce the risk of vaso-occlusion and stroke by diluting the proportion of sickled cells in the circulation. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2002, and last updated in 2017.
OBJECTIVES
To assess risks and benefits of chronic blood transfusion regimens in people with sickle cell disease for primary and secondary stroke prevention (excluding silent cerebral infarcts).
SEARCH METHODS
We searched for relevant trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), and ongoing trial databases; all searches current to 8 October 2019. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 19 September 2019.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing red blood cell transfusions as prophylaxis for stroke in people with sickle cell disease to alternative or standard treatment. There were no restrictions by outcomes examined, language or publication status.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and the risk of bias and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
We included five trials (660 participants) published between 1998 and 2016. Four of these trials were terminated early. The vast majority of participants had the haemoglobin (Hb)SS form of sickle cell disease. Three trials compared regular red cell transfusions to standard care in primary prevention of stroke: two in children with no previous long-term transfusions; and one in children and adolescents on long-term transfusion. Two trials compared the drug hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) and phlebotomy to long-term transfusions and iron chelation therapy: one in primary prevention (children); and one in secondary prevention (children and adolescents). The quality of the evidence was very low to moderate across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to the trials being at a high risk of bias due to lack of blinding, indirectness and imprecise outcome estimates. Red cell transfusions versus standard care Children with no previous long-term transfusions Long-term transfusions probably reduce the incidence of clinical stroke in children with a higher risk of stroke (abnormal transcranial doppler velocities or previous history of silent cerebral infarct), risk ratio 0.12 (95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.49) (two trials, 326 participants), moderate quality evidence. Long-term transfusions may: reduce the incidence of other sickle cell disease-related complications (acute chest syndrome, risk ratio 0.24 (95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.48)) (two trials, 326 participants); increase quality of life (difference estimate -0.54, 95% confidence interval -0.92 to -0.17) (one trial, 166 participants); but make little or no difference to IQ scores (least square mean: 1.7, standard error 95% confidence interval -1.1 to 4.4) (one trial, 166 participants), low quality evidence. We are very uncertain whether long-term transfusions: reduce the risk of transient ischaemic attacks, Peto odds ratio 0.13 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 2.11) (two trials, 323 participants); have any effect on all-cause mortality, no deaths reported (two trials, 326 participants); or increase the risk of alloimmunisation, risk ratio 3.16 (95% confidence interval 0.18 to 57.17) (one trial, 121 participants), very low quality evidence. Children and adolescents with previous long-term transfusions (one trial, 79 participants) We are very uncertain whether continuing long-term transfusions reduces the incidence of: stroke, risk ratio 0.22 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 4.35); or all-cause mortality, Peto odds ratio 8.00 (95% confidence interval 0.16 to 404.12), very low quality evidence. Several review outcomes were only reported in one trial arm (sickle cell disease-related complications, alloimmunisation, transient ischaemic attacks). The trial did not report neurological impairment, or quality of life. Hydroxyurea and phlebotomy versus red cell transfusions and chelation Neither trial reported on neurological impairment, alloimmunisation, or quality of life. Primary prevention, children (one trial, 121 participants) Switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy may have little or no effect on liver iron concentrations, mean difference -1.80 mg Fe/g dry-weight liver (95% confidence interval -5.16 to 1.56), low quality evidence. We are very uncertain whether switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy has any effect on: risk of stroke (no strokes); all-cause mortality (no deaths); transient ischaemic attacks, risk ratio 1.02 (95% confidence interval 0.21 to 4.84); or other sickle cell disease-related complications (acute chest syndrome, risk ratio 2.03 (95% confidence interval 0.39 to 10.69)), very low quality evidence. Secondary prevention, children and adolescents (one trial, 133 participants) Switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy may: increase the risk of sickle cell disease-related serious adverse events, risk ratio 3.10 (95% confidence interval 1.42 to 6.75); but have little or no effect on median liver iron concentrations (hydroxyurea, 17.3 mg Fe/g dry-weight liver (interquartile range 10.0 to 30.6)); transfusion 17.3 mg Fe/g dry-weight liver (interquartile range 8.8 to 30.7), low quality evidence. We are very uncertain whether switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy: increases the risk of stroke, risk ratio 14.78 (95% confidence interval 0.86 to 253.66); or has any effect on all-cause mortality, Peto odds ratio 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.06 to 15.92); or transient ischaemic attacks, risk ratio 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.25 to 1.74), very low quality evidence.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence for managing adults, or children who do not have HbSS sickle cell disease. In children who are at higher risk of stroke and have not had previous long-term transfusions, there is moderate quality evidence that long-term red cell transfusions reduce the risk of stroke, and low quality evidence they also reduce the risk of other sickle cell disease-related complications. In primary and secondary prevention of stroke there is low quality evidence that switching to hydroxyurea with phlebotomy has little or no effect on the liver iron concentration. In secondary prevention of stroke there is low-quality evidence that switching to hydroxyurea with phlebotomy increases the risk of sickle cell disease-related events. All other evidence in this review is of very low quality.
Topics: Adolescent; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Antisickling Agents; Blood Transfusion; Child; Child, Preschool; Early Termination of Clinical Trials; Erythrocyte Transfusion; Hemoglobin, Sickle; Humans; Hydroxyurea; Iron Chelating Agents; Phlebotomy; Primary Prevention; Secondary Prevention; Stroke; Young Adult
PubMed: 32716555
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003146.pub4 -
The Journal of Emergency Medicine Oct 2019Cardiac arrests are caused in most cases by thromboembolic diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and pulmonary embolism (PE). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cardiac arrests are caused in most cases by thromboembolic diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to ascertain the associations of thrombolytic therapy with potential benefits among cardiac arrest patients during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies that evaluated systemic thrombolysis in cardiac arrest patients. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge, and secondary outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 24-h survival rate, hospital admission rate, and bleeding complications.
RESULTS
Nine studies with a total of 4384 cardiac arrest patients were pooled in the meta-analysis, including 1084 patients receiving systemic thrombolysis and 3300 patients receiving traditional treatments. Compared with conventional therapies, the use of systemic thrombolysis did not significantly improve survival to hospital discharge (13.5% vs. 10.8%; risk ratio [RR] 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-1.39; p = 0.24, I = 35%), ROSC (50.9% vs. 44.3%; RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.00-1.66; p = 0.05, I = 73%), and 24-h survival (28.1% vs. 25.6%; RR 1.25; 95% CI 0.88-1.77; p = 0.22, I = 63%). We observed higher hospital admission rates for patients receiving systemic thrombolysis (43.4% vs. 30.6%; RR 1.53; 95% CI 1.04-2.24; p = 0.03, I = 87%). In addition, higher risk of bleeding was observed in the thrombolysis group (8.8% vs. 5.0%; RR 1.65; 95% CI 1.16-2.35; p = 0.005, I = 7%).
CONCLUSIONS
Systemic thrombolysis during CPR did not improve hospital discharge rate, ROSC, and 24-h survival for cardiac arrest patients. Patients receiving thrombolytic therapy have a higher risk of bleeding. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm our results.
Topics: Heart Arrest; Hemorrhage; Humans; Prognosis; Resuscitation; Survival Analysis; Thrombolytic Therapy
PubMed: 31594741
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.07.011 -
Thrombosis Research Nov 2021D-dimer is included in the diagnostic algorithm for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. However, its role in the diagnosis of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT)...
BACKGROUND
D-dimer is included in the diagnostic algorithm for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. However, its role in the diagnosis of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of D-dimer for SVT.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis (PROSPERO protocol registration number: CRD42020184300). The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to March 2021 week 4. Studies which evaluated D-dimer accuracy for SVT in any category of patients were selected. The index test was any D-dimer assay; the reference standard was any radiological imaging. The QUADAS-2 checklist was used for the risk of bias assessment. A bivariate random-effects regression model was used to calculate summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity.
RESULTS
12 studies (with a total of 1298 patients) evaluating the accuracy of D-dimer in patients at high risk of SVT (surgical patients, patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma) were included. None of the included studies was at low risk of bias. The weighted mean prevalence of SVT was 33.4% (95% CI, 22.5-45.2%, I = 94.8%). D-dimer accuracy was expressed by sensitivity 96% (95% CI, 72-100%); specificity 25% (95% CI, 5-67%); positive likelihood ratio 1.3 (95% CI, 0.9-1.9); negative likelihood ratio 0.16 (95% CI, 0.03-0.84); area under the ROC curve 0.80 (95% CI, 0.76-0.83).
CONCLUSIONS
D-dimer seems to have high sensitivity in the diagnosis of patients at high-risk for SVT. However, there is a strong need for more robust evidence on this topic.
PubMed: 34600286
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2021.09.016 -
Thrombosis and Haemostasis Jul 2020International guidelines have endorsed the use of edoxaban or rivaroxaban as an alternative to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for the treatment of acute venous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
International guidelines have endorsed the use of edoxaban or rivaroxaban as an alternative to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients. Recently, a large randomized controlled trial of apixaban versus dalteparin in patients with cancer was completed. We performed an updated meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus LMWH in patients with cancer-associated VTE.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry) were systematically searched up to March 30, 2020 for randomized controlled trials comparing DOACs versus LMWH for the treatment of VTE in patients with cancer. The two coprimary outcomes were recurrent VTE and major bleeding at 6 months. Data were pooled by the Mantel-Haenszel method and compared by relative risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Four randomized controlled studies (2,894 patients) comparing apixaban, edoxaban, or rivaroxaban with dalteparin were included in the meta-analysis. Recurrent VTE occurred in 75 of 1,446 patients (5.2%) treated with oral factor Xa inhibitors and in 119 of 1,448 patients (8.2%) treated with LMWH (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43-0.91; , 30%). Major bleeding occurred in 62 (4.3%) and 48 (3.3%) patients receiving oral factor Xa inhibitors or LMWH, respectively (RR 1.31; 95% CI 0.83-2.08; , 23%).
CONCLUSION
In patients with cancer-associated VTE, oral factor Xa inhibitors reduced the risk of recurrent VTE without a significantly higher likelihood of major bleeding at 6 months compared with LMWH.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Aged; Anticoagulants; Blood Coagulation; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Female; Hemorrhage; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 32365386
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1712098