-
Infectious Diseases and Therapy Dec 2021Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) is the second most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection (STI), leading to serious health problems in men, women and newborns. While... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) is the second most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection (STI), leading to serious health problems in men, women and newborns. While early antibiotic treatment is effective, infections are increasingly antibiotic-resistant. No systematic reviews present health problems associated with Ng infections or their likelihood of occurrence. The objective, therefore, was to conduct a systematic literature review to address these gaps.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted of all studies with an English abstract published since 1950 (Pubmed)/1966 (Embase). The search included patients with a history of/current sexually transmitted Ng infection. Expected outcomes were defined from published reviews of gonorrhoea health problems. Observational studies with a control group were included. A decision tree determined the best quality studies for each outcome, prioritising generalisable populations, laboratory-confirmed diagnosis, clearly defined outcomes, no STI co-infections, adjusted analyses and risk estimates. Where feasible, a meta-analysis was performed; otherwise, the best quality study estimates were identified.
FINDINGS
In total, 46 studies were included, and 22 health problems were identified. Of these problems, Ng infection was statistically significantly associated with preterm premature ruptures of membranes, preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, infant death, neonatal ophthalmia, schizophrenia in offspring, pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequent tubal infertility, human immunodeficiency virus and prostate cancer/problems. High-quality evidence was generally lacking, with high heterogeneity across studies, and limited or inconclusive data on other health problems.
CONCLUSION
Ng infection is associated with severe health problems in women, men and newborns. More high-quality comparative studies are needed to address the limitations in current knowledge.
PubMed: 34279817
DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00481-z -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Feb 2021Pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m are at an increased risk of requiring planned- and unplanned cesarean deliveries (CD). The aim of this systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m are at an increased risk of requiring planned- and unplanned cesarean deliveries (CD). The aim of this systematic review is to compare outcomes in women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m based on planned and actual mode of birth.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Five databases were searched for English and French-language publications until February 2019, and all studies reporting on delivery outcomes in women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m , stratified by planned and actual mode of birth, were included. Risk-of-bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Ten observational studies were included. Anticipated vaginal birth vs planned CD (5 studies, n = 2216) was associated with higher risk for postpartum hemorrhage (13.0% vs 4.1%, P < .001, numbers needed to harm (NNH = 11), I = 0%) but lower risk for wound complications (7.6% vs 14.5%, P < .001, numbers needed to treat (NNT = 15), I = 58.3%). Planned trial of labor vs repeat CD (3 studies, n = 4144) was associated with higher risk for uterine dehiscence (0.94% vs 0.42%, P = .04, NNH = 200, I = 0%), endometritis (5.1% vs 2.2%, P < .001, NNH = 35, I = 0%), prolonged hospitalization (one study, 30.3% vs 26.0%, P = .003, NNH = 23), low five-minute Apgar scores (4.9% vs 1.7%, RR 2.95 (2.03, 4.28), NNH = 30, I = 0%) and birth trauma (1.1% vs 0.2%, P < .001, NNH = 111, I = 0%). Successful vaginal birth vs intrapartum CD (n = 3625) was associated with lower risk of postpartum hemorrhage (15.1% vs 70%, P < .001, NNT = 2, I = 0%), wound complications (one study, 0% vs 4.4%, P = .007, NNT = 23), prolonged hospitalization (one study, 1.9% vs 6.7%, 0.04, NNT = 21) and low five-minute Apgar scores (one study, 1.0% vs 5.6%, P = .03, NNT = 22), but more birth trauma (5.9% vs 0.6%, P = .005, NNH = 19, I = 0%). Compared groups had dissimilar demographic characteristics. Although studies scored 6-7/9 on risk-of-bias assessment, they were at high-risk for confounding by indication.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence from observational studies suggests clinical equipoise regarding the optimal mode of delivery in women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m and no prior CD. This question is best answered by a randomized trial. Based on an unplanned subgroup analysis, for women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m and prior CD, repeat CD may be associated with better clinical outcomes.
Topics: Apgar Score; Birth Injuries; Body Mass Index; Cesarean Section; Delivery, Obstetric; Endometritis; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Length of Stay; Obesity, Maternal; Obesity, Morbid; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Surgical Wound Dehiscence
PubMed: 32997801
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14011 -
Mediators of Inflammation 2022The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the available data on the role of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting adnexal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the available data on the role of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting adnexal torsion (AT), to help guide clinical decision-making and outcomes.
METHODS
We used Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus to conduct a systematic search for relevant publications published before June 26, 2022. We reported standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Because a significant level of heterogeneity was found, we used the random-effects model to calculate pooled effects. We used the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) too for quality assessment.
RESULTS
Overall, 15 articles were included in the analysis. A random-effects model revealed that patients with AT had elevated levels of NLR compared to those with other adnexal masses (SMD = 1.06, 95%CI = 0.67 to 1.45, < 0.001). So, NLR had diagnostic value. In the subgroup analysis according to ethnicity, we found that Caucasian patients with AT had elevated levels of NLR compared to patients who were operated due to adnexal mass and reported as having a benign ovarian cyst, without torsion (SMD = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.71 to 1.54, < 0.001). However, in the case of East Asian patients, there was no difference between cases and controls (SMD = 0.86, 95%CI = -0.21 to 1.94, = 0.11). The pooled sensitivity of NLR was 0.79 (95%CI = 0.72-0.85), and the pooled specificity was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74-0.91).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there has been an interest in the use of NLR as a diagnostic marker for AT.
Topics: Female; Humans; Neutrophils; Ovarian Torsion; Lymphocytes
PubMed: 36387932
DOI: 10.1155/2022/9680591 -
Dermatology Research and Practice 2020Large epidemiological studies on patterns of skin diseases in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to gather... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Large epidemiological studies on patterns of skin diseases in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to gather available epidemiologic data describing the pattern of skin diseases in different geographical areas in Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search of articles was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science through October 2019. We included all published cross-sectional studies that provided data on relevant incidence or prevalence of skin disease in Saudi Arabia. The risk of bias within the included cross-sectional studies was assessed using the Hoy tool for the prevalence studies. All statistical analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis software.
RESULTS
The present meta-analysis included 14 studies that reported the frequency of the skin disease patterns in different regions in Saudi Arabia with a total sample size of 30436 patients with an overall low risk of bias. The diseases of skin appendages and dermatitis were the most commonly reported skin diseases in Saudi Arabia (24.8% (95% CI, 24.3-25.3) and 24% (95% CI, 23.6%-24.6%), respectively). Skin infection represented about 18.5% (95% CI, 18.1%-19%), while the papulosquamous disorders represented 5.3% (95% CI, 5%-5.6%) of the skin diseases in Saudi Arabia. Skin cancers were pooled from only two studies. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the most common malignant neoplasm in Saudi Arabia (51.4% and 22.5% of the malignant neoplasm, respectively), while malignant melanoma represents only 3.8% of the malignant skin cancer.
CONCLUSION
Adnexal disorders and dermatitis are the most common skin disease in Saudi Arabia, followed by skin infection and pigmentary disorders. While skin cancer is more frequent than other countries, awareness campaigns should be initiated to increase knowledge about the harmful effect of long-term sun exposure.
PubMed: 33193756
DOI: 10.1155/2020/5281957 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2021The aim of the research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety associated with Fuke Qianjin tablet combined with conventional therapy in the treatment of pelvic...
PURPOSE
The aim of the research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety associated with Fuke Qianjin tablet combined with conventional therapy in the treatment of pelvic inflammatory diseases and associated complications (endometritis) using a meta-analysis approach. . We searched 8 electronic databases up to December 31, 2019, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and SinoMed. Eligible studies were clinical trials of Fuke Qianjin tablet combined with conventional therapy used in the treatment of acute pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometritis. The meta-analysis was performed using STATA15 software.
RESULTS
A total of 125 RCTs ( = 14,494) were shortlisted for the meta-analysis, which included 23 trials for acute pelvic inflammatory disease, 69 trials for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, and 33 trials for endometritis. The overall analysis illustrated Fuke Qianjin tablet combined with conventional therapy was significantly more efficacious than conventional therapy alone across all types of antibiotics treatment for acute pelvic inflammatory disease (OR = 5.57, 95% CI 4.09-7.58, = 10.90, =0.001), chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (OR = 4.70, 95% CI 4.07-5.42, = 21.21, =0.001) and endometritis (OR = 5.09, 95% CI 4.03-6.43; = 13.63, =0.001) in both primary endpoints and secondary endpoints. There is also a trend that Fuke Qianjin tablet combined with conventional therapy has lower adverse reaction rates than conventional therapy alone.
CONCLUSION
Fuke Qianjin tablet combined with conventional therapy showed better clinical efficacy in the treatment of acute pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometritis. There were no obvious drug-related adverse reactions. Fuke Qianjin tablet presented advantages in shortening the remission time of clinical symptoms, reducing the concentration of serum inflammatory factors, improving endometrial thickness, menstruation, and reducing relapse rate.
PubMed: 33680066
DOI: 10.1155/2021/8861631 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Mar 2024Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a significant health challenge globally, with high mortality rates despite advancements in treatment. Emerging research suggests a potential... (Review)
Review
Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a significant health challenge globally, with high mortality rates despite advancements in treatment. Emerging research suggests a potential link between OC development and genital dysbiosis, implicating alterations in the microbiome composition as a contributing factor. To investigate this correlation, a meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, involving eight studies encompassing 3504 patients. Studies investigating the role of upper and inferior genital tract dysbiosis were included, with particular reference to HPV infection and/or history of pelvic inflammatory disease. The analysis revealed no significant difference in genital dysbiosis prevalence between OC patients and healthy controls. Although previous literature suggests associations between dysbiosis and gynecologic cancers, such as cervical and endometrial cancers, the findings regarding OC are inconclusive. Methodological variations and environmental factors may contribute to these discrepancies, underscoring the need for standardized methodologies and larger-scale studies. Despite the limitations, understanding the microbiome's role in OC development holds promise for informing preventive and therapeutic strategies. A holistic approach to patient care, incorporating microbiome monitoring and personalized interventions, may offer insights into mitigating OC risk and improving treatment outcomes. Further research with robust methodologies is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between dysbiosis and OC, potentially paving the way for novel preventive and therapeutic approaches.
PubMed: 38672978
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14040351 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2022Background: chemotherapy response score (CRS) is widely used to assess the response of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) to chemotherapy and is based on... (Review)
Review
Background: chemotherapy response score (CRS) is widely used to assess the response of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) to chemotherapy and is based on pathological examination of omental specimens. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of CRS assessed on the uterine adnexa. Methods: a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by searching three electronic databases from 2015 inception to September 2021. We included all studies reporting either hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for progression-free survival (PFS) or primary PFS data, for both adnexal and omental CRS in HGSC. HRs with 95% CI were extracted and pooled by using a significant p-value < 0.05. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by using Higgins’ I2. Results: six studies with 691 HGSC patients were included. Adnexal CRS3 vs. CRS1-2 significantly stratified PFS, with a HR of 0.572 (0.447−0.733; p < 0.001). Omental CRS3 vs. CRS1-2 significantly stratified PFS with a similar HR (HR = 0.542; 95% CI 0.444−0.662; p < 0.001). Statistical heterogeneity was 0% in both analyses. Conclusions: adnexal CRS significantly stratifies PFS in HGSC and might be used when omental CRS is not assessable.
PubMed: 35328186
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030633 -
Reports of Practical Oncology and... 2022The extranodal marginal-zone B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is the most common orbital and adnexal lymphomas. Radiotherapy is one of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The extranodal marginal-zone B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is the most common orbital and adnexal lymphomas. Radiotherapy is one of the most preferred treatment options for orbital lymphomas since they are localized and radiation sensitive. The objective of this study is to evaluate how radiation therapy affected the outcome of orbital MALT lymphoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PRISMA guideline was used to conduct this systematic review of electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library), then we assessed the quality of evidence of each paper.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies were finally included. 94% studies were intended for definitive therapy and almost all of the studies used external radiation sources. The total doses given to the tumor bed ranged from 4 Gy to 55 Gy and were divided into three groups: ultra-low dose (4-6 Gy), standard-dose (24-30.6 Gy), and high-dose (> 30.6 Gy). 75-90% patients showed CR and local relapse was only reported at 3.5-5%. Higher 5-year PFS was reported in the patients group with lens shielding (90.1% 82.1%) and an increase in Meiboscore after RT courses. Toxicities, including dry eye and cataract, were reported in several patients. Acute toxicities subsided gradually over a few months with artificial tears. The risk of early cataract formation increases in patients who received > 30 Gy and lower in the IMRT group.
CONCLUSION
RT is a successful primary definitive therapy for low-grade orbital MALT lymphoma, with a high survival rate, low recurrence rate, and typically acceptable toxicity.
PubMed: 36196408
DOI: 10.5603/RPOR.a2022.0065 -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Apr 2022The surgical implantation of polypropylene (PP) meshes has been linked to the occurrence of systemic autoimmune disorders. We performed a systematic review to determine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
The surgical implantation of polypropylene (PP) meshes has been linked to the occurrence of systemic autoimmune disorders. We performed a systematic review to determine whether PP implants for inguinal, ventral hernia or pelvic floor surgery are associated with the development of systemic autoimmune syndromes.
METHODS
We searched Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane library, clinicaltrialsregister.eu, clinicaltrails.gov and WHO-ICTR platform. Last search was performed on November 24th 2021. All types of studies reporting systemic inflammatory/autoimmune response in patients having a PP implant for either pelvic floor surgery, ventral or inguinal hernia repair were included. Animal studies, case reports and articles without full text were excluded. We intended to perform a meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This study was registered at Prospero (CRD42020220705).
RESULTS
Of 2137 records identified, 4 were eligible. Two retrospective matched cohort studies focused on mesh surgery for vaginal prolapse or inguinal hernia compared to hysterectomy and colonoscopy, respectively. One cohort study compared the incidence of systemic conditions in women having urinary incontinence surgery with and without mesh. These reports had a low risk of bias. A meta-analysis showed no association when comparing systemic disease between mesh and control groups. Calculated risk ratio was 0.9 (95% CI 0.82-0.98). The fourth study was a case series with a high risk of bias, with a sample of 714 patients with systemic disease, 40 of whom had PP mesh implanted.
CONCLUSION
There is no evidence to suggest a causal relationship between being implanted with a PP mesh and the occurrence of autoimmune disorders.
Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Cohort Studies; Female; Hernia, Inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Polypropylenes; Retrospective Studies; Surgical Mesh; Syndrome
PubMed: 35020091
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02553-y -
Journal of Reproductive Immunology Aug 2022The fallopian tubes (FT) play a key role in fertility by facilitating the movement of gametes to promote fertilisation and, subsequently, passage of the zygote for... (Review)
Review
The fallopian tubes (FT) play a key role in fertility by facilitating the movement of gametes to promote fertilisation and, subsequently, passage of the zygote for implantation. Histologically, the FT mucosa consists of three main cell types: secretory, ciliated and peg cells. In addition, several studies have reported the presence of immune cells. This systematic review aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the immune cell populations in the human FT, both in health and benign pathology, to promote a better understanding of tubal pathologies and their influence on infertility. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five databases and augmented with manual citation chaining. Forty-two eligible studies were selected in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Following screening, risk of bias assessments were conducted, data extracted and the findings presented thematically. T lymphocytes, predominantly CD8 T cells, represent the most abundant immune cell population within the healthy FT, with B lymphocytes, macrophages, NK cells and dendritic cells also localised to the tubal mucosa. There is evidence to suggest that lymphocyte and macrophage populations are susceptible to changes in the concentration of reproductive hormones. Tubal ectopic pregnancy, salpingitis, hydrosalpinx and endometriosis are all characterised by an increased population of macrophages in comparison to healthy FT. However, given the inconsistent evidence presented between studies, and the lack of studies examining all immune cell subtypes in tubal pathologies, only limited conclusions can be formulated on pathology-specific immune cell populations, and further research is required for validation.
Topics: CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Fallopian Tubes; Female; Humans; Mucous Membrane; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Tubal; Salpingitis
PubMed: 35644062
DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103646