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Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Apr 2024To assess and quantify the association between pre-pregnancy maternal overweight and obesity, and the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring. (Review)
Review
Maternal prepregnancy weight as an independent risk factor for congenital heart defects: systematic review and meta-analysis stratified by cardiac defect subtypes and severity.
OBJECTIVES
To assess and quantify the association between pre-pregnancy maternal overweight and obesity, and the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis included searches of PubMed, Medline, Web of science, and Scopus up to April 20th, 2023. Risk estimates were abstracted or calculated for rising body mass index categories (overweight, obesity, moderate and severe obesity) compared to normal weight (reference). Fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to combine individual study risk estimates based on the degree of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to weight pooled estimates for relevant moderators, particularly diabetes prior and during pregnancy. Subgroup analyses for specific congenital heart defects were conducted if there were at least two studies with accessible data. The findings were presented in two ways: as groups of defects, categorized using severity and topographic-functional criteria, and as individual defects. The certainty of the evidence for each effect estimate was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines.
RESULTS
Twenty studies for a total of 4,861,693 patients and 86,136 CHDs cases were included. The risk for CHDs progressively increases from moderate to severe obesity (pooled odds ratio (OR), respectively: 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-1.20, and 1.39, 95% CI, 1.27-1.53). Sensitivity analysis indicated that this effect persists independently of maternal diabetes status before or during pregnancy. In subgroup analysis, obesity was associated with up to a 1.5-fold increase in the risk of severe CHDs (pooled OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.03-2.13). Specifically, severe obesity was found to be associated with an even higher risk, increasing up to 1.8 times for specific CHDs including tetralogy of Fallot (pooled OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.38-2.16), pulmonary valve stenosis (pooled OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.39-2.30), and atrial septal defects (pooled OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.48-1.97).
CONCLUSIONS
Maternal weight emerged as a crucial modifiable risk factor for preventing CHDs, particularly the severe forms. Future research is needed to investigate whether weight management prior to pregnancy might serve as a preventive measure against CHDs. Additionally, for pregnant women with obesity, fetal echocardiography ought to be a routine diagnostic procedure. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PubMed: 38629488
DOI: 10.1002/uog.27659 -
The Heart Surgery Forum May 2022This meta-analysis aimed to compare the potential effects of local anesthesia (LA) and general anesthesia (GA) for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis aimed to compare the potential effects of local anesthesia (LA) and general anesthesia (GA) for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).
MEASUREMENTS
All relevant studies were searched from Pubmed, EMbase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library (January 1, 2016, to June 1, 2021). The main outcomes of this literature meta-analysis were 30-day mortality, procedural time, new pacemaker implantation, total stay in the hospital, use of the vasoactive drug, and intra-and postoperative complications and emergencies, including conversion to open, myocardial infarction, pulmonary complication, vascular complication, renal injury/failure, stroke, transesophageal echocardiography, life-threatening/major bleeding, cardiac tamponade, and emergency PCI. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) together with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies, including 20938 patients, in the final analysis, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Intra-and postoperative complications (myocardial infarction, vascular complication, renal injury/failure, stroke, and cardiac tamponade) undergoing TAVI in severe AS patients under GA do not offer a significant difference compared with LA. No differences were observed between LA and GA for new pacemaker implantation, total stay in the hospital, transesophageal echocardiography, and emergency PCI. LA has lower mortality compared with GA (RR 0.69, P = 0.600), pulmonary complications (RR 0.54, P = 0.278), life-threatening/major bleeding (RR 0.85, P = 0.855), and lower times of conversion to open (RR 0.22, P = 0.746). LA has many advantages, including a shorter procedure duration (MD=-0.38, P = 0.000) and reduction of the use of the vasoactive drug (RR 0.57, P = 0.000).
CONCLUSIONS
For TAVI, both LA with or without sedation and GA are feasible and safe. LA appears a feasible alternative to GA for AS patients undergoing TAVI.
Topics: Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Local; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Cardiac Tamponade; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Postoperative Complications; Stroke; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
PubMed: 35787764
DOI: 10.1532/hsf.4631 -
Annals of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic... Feb 2023A systematic review was conducted in compliance with PRISMA statement standards to identify all studies reporting outcomes of laparoscopic resection of benign or... (Review)
Review
A systematic review was conducted in compliance with PRISMA statement standards to identify all studies reporting outcomes of laparoscopic resection of benign or malignant lesions located in caudate lobe of liver. Pooled outcome data were calculated using random-effects models. A total of 196 patients from 12 studies were included. Mean operative time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 225 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI], 181-269 minutes), 134 mL (95% CI, 85-184 mL), and 7 days (95% CI, 5-9 days), respectively. The pooled risk of need for intraoperative transfusion was 2% (95% CI, 0%-5%). It was 3% (95% CI, 1%-6%) for conversion to open surgery, 6% (95% CI, 0%-19%) for need for intra-abdominal drain, 1% (95% CI, 0%-3%) for postoperative mortality, 2% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for biliary leakage, 2% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for intra-abdominal abscess, 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for biliary stenosis, 1% (95% CI, 0%-3%) for postoperative bleeding, 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for pancreatic fistula, 2% (95% CI, 1%-5%) for pulmonary complications, 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for paralytic ileus, and 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for need for reoperation. Although the available evidence is limited, the findings of the current study might be utilized for hypothesis synthesis in future studies. They can be used to inform surgeons and patients about estimated risks of perioperative complications until a higher level of evidence is available.
PubMed: 36245071
DOI: 10.14701/ahbps.22-045 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022In the last decade, percutaneous treatment of valve disease has changed the approach toward the treatment of aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR). The...
OBJECTIVES
In the last decade, percutaneous treatment of valve disease has changed the approach toward the treatment of aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR). The clinical usefulness of stress echocardiography (SE) in the candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of MR remains to be established. Therefore, the key aim of this review is to assess the main applications of SE in patients undergoing TAVI or TEER.
METHODS
We searched for relevant studies to be included in the systematic review on PubMed (Medline), Cochrane library, Google Scholar, and Biomed Central databases. The literature search was conducted in February 2022. The inclusion criteria of the studies were: observational and clinical trials or meta-analysis involving patients with AS or MR evaluated with SE (excluding those in which SE was used only for screening of pseudo-severe stenosis) and treated with percutaneous procedures.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies published between 2013 and 2021 were included in the review: five regarding candidates for TEER and eight for TAVI. In TEER candidates, seeing an increase in MR grade, and stroke volume of >40% during SE performed before treatment was, respectively, related to clinical benefits ( = 0.008) and an increased quality of life. Moreover, overall, 25% of patients with moderate secondary MR at rest before TEER had the worsening of MR during SE. At the same time, in SE performed after TEER, an increase in mean transvalvular diastolic gradient and in systolic pulmonary pressure is expected, but without sign and symptoms of heart failure. Regarding TAVI, several studies showed that contractile reserve (CR) is not predictive of post-TAVI ejection fraction recovery and mortality in low-flow low-gradient AS either at 30 days or at long-term.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review shows in TEER candidates, SE has proved useful in the optimization of patient selection and treatment response, while its role in TAVI candidates is less defined. Therefore, larger trials are needed to test and confirm the utility of SE in candidates for percutaneous procedures of valve diseases.
PubMed: 36465454
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.964669 -
Heart (British Cardiac Society) Apr 2020To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal/fetal outcomes in pregnant women with moderate/severe native valvular heart disease (VHD) from medium/higher... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal/fetal outcomes in pregnant women with moderate/severe native valvular heart disease (VHD) from medium/higher Human Development Index (HDI) countries.
METHODS
OvidSP platform databases were searched (1985-January 2019) to identify studies reporting pregnancy outcomes in women with moderate/severe VHD. The primary maternal outcome was maternal mortality. The primary fetal/neonatal outcome was stillbirth and neonatal death. Pooled incidences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of maternal/fetal outcomes could only be calculated from studies involving mitral stenosis (MS) or aortic stenosis (AS).
RESULTS
Twelve studies on 646 pregnancies were included. Pregnant women with severe MS had mortality rates of 3% (95% CI, 0% to 6%), pulmonary oedema 37% (23%-51%) and new/recurrent arrhythmias 16% (1%-25%). Their stillbirth, neonatal death and preterm birth rates were 4% (1%-7%), 2% (0%-4%), and 18% (7%-29%), respectively. Women with moderate MS had mortality rates of 1%(0%-2%), pulmonary oedema 18% (2%-33%), new/recurrent arrhythmias 5% (1%-9%), stillbirth 2% (1%-4%) and preterm birth 10%(2%-17%).Pregnant women with severe AS had a risk of mortality of 2% (0%-5%), pulmonary oedema 9% (2%-15%), and new/recurrent arrhythmias 4% (0%-7%). Their stillbirth, neonatal death and preterm birth rates were 2% (0%-5%), 3% (0%-6%) and 14%(4%-24%), respectively. No maternal/neonatal deaths were reported in moderate AS, however women experienced pulmonary oedema (8%; 0%-20%), new/recurrent arrhythmias (2%; 0%-5%), and preterm birth (13%; 6%-20%).
CONCLUSIONS
Women with moderate/severe MS and AS are at risk for adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. They should receive preconception counseling and pregnancy care by teams with pregnancy and heart disease experience.
Topics: Female; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Perinatal Death; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Pregnancy Outcome; Severity of Illness Index; Stillbirth
PubMed: 32054673
DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2019-315859 -
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 -
Medicine Jul 2022Safe and effective arteriovenous fistula (AVF) puncture techniques must be used to reduce harm to hemodialysis patients. The relative benefits of buttonhole (BH)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effect of buttonhole cannulation versus rope-ladder cannulation in hemodialysis patients with vascular access: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized/clinical controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Safe and effective arteriovenous fistula (AVF) puncture techniques must be used to reduce harm to hemodialysis patients. The relative benefits of buttonhole (BH) cannulation over those of rope ladder (RL) cannulation for AVF remain unclear and inconsistent.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in June 2020 in multiple scientific databases including Cochrane library, CINAHL, PubMed/ Medline, Airiti Library, National Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations in Taiwan, Google scholar, Embase, and ProQuest. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) that explored the efficacy of BH cannulation in hemodialysis patients. These included reports published in either English or Chinese that enrolled adults aged 18 years or older who underwent hemodialysis using an autogenous AVF. Studies that showed poor design, such as use of a self-control group or no control group, were excluded from analysis. The critical appraisal skills program checklist for RCTs were used to assess the quality of the evidence and RevMan software were used to perform the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies (11 RCTs and 4 CCTs) met the inclusion criteria and were used for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that BH cannulation significantly reduced aneurysm formation (RR = 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.1, 0.32]), stenosis (RR = 0.44, 95% CI [0.25, 0.77]), thrombosis formation (RR = 0.4, 95% CI [0.2, 0.8]), and hematoma (RR = 0.63, 95% CI [0.40, 0.99]) and showed no differences in AVR infection (≦6 months, RR = 2.17, 95% CI [0.76, 6.23]; >6 months, RR = 2.7, 95% CI [0.92, 7.92]) compared to RL cannulation.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the benefits of BH, this meta-analysis found that BH cannulation should be recommended as a routine procedure for hemodialysis but that hospitals and hemodialysis clinics should strengthen staff knowledge and skills of BH cannulation to reduce the risk of AVF infection.
Topics: Adult; Arteriovenous Fistula; Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Catheterization; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Dialysis
PubMed: 35866782
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029597 -
The Journal of International Medical... May 2021Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a progressive, life-threatening disease characterized by extrinsic compression of mediastinal bronchovascular structures, and the...
Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a progressive, life-threatening disease characterized by extrinsic compression of mediastinal bronchovascular structures, and the clinical manifestations largely depend upon the affected structures. Pleural effusion is rarely reported in patients with FM. We herein describe a 70-year-old man who presented with recurrent breathlessness and refractory left pleural effusion. He was misdiagnosed with and treated for tuberculous pleurisy for several months. Thoracentesis revealed a transudative pleural effusion, and a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the thorax showed an extensive mediastinal soft tissue mass consistent with FM. Pulmonary angiography demonstrated pulmonary artery stenosis on the right side and pulmonary vein stenosis mainly on the left side. After measurement of the pulmonary arterial pressure by right heart catheterization, the patient was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension associated with FM. He underwent balloon angioplasty and stent implantation of the stenosed pulmonary vessels, which led to long-term improvement in his breathlessness and pleural effusion. Our systematic review of the literature highlights that pleural effusion can be an uncommon complication of FM and requires careful etiological differentiation.
Topics: Aged; Constriction, Pathologic; Humans; Male; Mediastinitis; Pleural Effusion; Sclerosis; Vascular Diseases
PubMed: 33947262
DOI: 10.1177/03000605211010073 -
Cardiology in Review Jan 2024Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common comorbidity in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who are candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Herein,...
Prognostic Implication of Preprocedural Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common comorbidity in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who are candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Herein, we sought to elucidate the prognostic value of preprocedural PH on the early and late mortality after TAVI. The Cochrane Library, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and ProQuest were screened using a predefined search query. We considered odds ratios (ORs) as the measure of effect. Meta-regression analysis was applied to investigate the potential impact of baseline characteristics on the outcomes. Egger's and Begg's tests were used to assess the publication bias. Thirty-three studies comprising 34 datasets representing 68,435 patients were included in the analysis. Regardless of the definition and severity of PH, pooled data analysis indicated that preprocedural PH was associated with higher cardiac and overall 30-day [OR, 1.45 (1.15-1.82) and OR, 1.75 (1.42-2.17), respectively], and 1-year mortality [OR, 1.63 (1.35-1.96) and OR, 1.59 (1.38-1.82), respectively]. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that older age, higher New York Heart Association function class, history of hypertension, diabetes, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of higher mortality rate following TAVI. Moreover, we found that preprocedural PH is significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality and 30-day acute kidney injury. Our results demonstrated that preprocedural PH is associated with higher early and late cardiac and overall mortality following TAVI; however, this finding is limited regarding the considerable inconsistency in the definition of PH and PH severity among studies.
PubMed: 38285645
DOI: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000583 -
A review of indications and comorbidities in which warfarin may be the preferred oral anticoagulant.Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and... Jun 2021Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly prescribed instead of warfarin for chronic anticoagulation for ease of dosing, fewer interactions, and less stringent...
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly prescribed instead of warfarin for chronic anticoagulation for ease of dosing, fewer interactions, and less stringent monitoring. However, it is important to consider indications and comorbidities for which warfarin is still the preferred anticoagulant. This review aims to capture these clinical scenarios in which warfarin may still be preferred over DOACs.
METHODS
We undertook a comprehensive literature search using the PubMed database. Key search terms were based on DOAC clinical trial exclusion criteria, as well as indications and conditions in which the use of DOACs for anticoagulation has suggested harm. Society guidelines and tertiary literature were used to inform expert opinion where necessary. Studies were included if they investigated the use of DOACs or warfarin in the identified indications or conditions.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Currently, evidence for the use of warfarin over DOACs for anticoagulation is strongest for patients with prosthetic valves, antiphospholipid syndrome, or a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. For several clinical situations, including mitral stenosis, obesity, altered gastrointestinal anatomy, pulmonary arterial hypertension, renal or hepatic impairment, and left ventricular thrombus, evidence is lacking but may eventually support the use of DOACs. Depending on indication and condition, appropriateness of DOAC use may vary by agent.
WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION
New evidence continues to support new indications and conditions in which DOACs may be appropriate to use for anticoagulation. There are key clinical scenarios, however, in which emerging literature continues to support warfarin as the preferred anticoagulant.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Atrial Fibrillation; Blood Coagulation; Comorbidity; Drug Interactions; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Liver Failure; Medication Adherence; Mitral Valve Stenosis; Overweight; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Renal Insufficiency; Stroke; Warfarin
PubMed: 33393699
DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13343