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Academic Emergency Medicine : Official... Feb 2023The objective was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and nonpharmacological management options for atrial fibrillation/atrial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and nonpharmacological management options for atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter with rapid ventricular response (AFRVR) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in the acute care setting.
METHODS
This study was a systematic review of observational studies or randomized clinical trials (RCT) of adult patients with AFRVR and concomitant ADHF in the emergency department (ED), intensive care unit, or step-down unit. The primary effectiveness outcome was successful rate or rhythm control. Safety outcomes were adverse events, such as symptomatic hypotension and venous thromboembolism.
RESULTS
A total of 6577 unique articles were identified. Five studies met inclusion criteria: one RCT in the inpatient setting and four retrospective studies, two in the ED and the other three in the inpatient setting. In the RCT of diltiazem versus placebo, 22 patients (100%) in the treatment group had a therapeutic response compared to 0/15 (0%) in the placebo group, with no significant safety differences between the two groups. For three of the observational studies, data were limited. One observation study showed no difference between metoprolol and diltiazem for successful rate control, but worsening heart failure symptoms occurred more frequently in those receiving diltiazem compared to metoprolol (19 patients [33%] vs. 10 patients [15%], p = 0.019). A single study included electrical cardioversion (one patient exposed with failure to convert to sinus rhythm) as nonpharmacological management. The overall risk of bias for included studies ranged from serious to critical. Missing data and heterogeneity of definitions for effectiveness and safety outcomes precluded the combination of results for quantitative meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
High-level evidence to inform clinical decision making regarding effective and safe management of AFRVR in patients with ADHF in the acute care setting is lacking.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Flutter; Diltiazem; Metoprolol; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Heart Failure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36326565
DOI: 10.1111/acem.14618 -
Cureus Jun 2023Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common type of muscular dystrophy. This disease presents as a slowly progressive asymmetric muscle... (Review)
Review
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common type of muscular dystrophy. This disease presents as a slowly progressive asymmetric muscle weakness that involves the facial, scapular, and upper arm muscles mainly. Currently, there is no established consensus on this disease treatment in terms of medications. We assessed the response to the treatment of the drugs utilized in clinical trials by performing a systematic literature review in English using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews (PRISMA) and meta-analyses. We only used human clinical trials in patients diagnosed with FSHD that received consistent pharmacological treatment. We included 11 clinical trials that fulfilled our criteria. We concluded that albuterol had statistically significant results in three out of four clinical trials, with improved elbow flexors muscle strength. Vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc gluconate, and selenomethionine showed significant improvement in the maximal voluntary contraction and endurance limit time of quadriceps muscle. At the same time, diltiazem and MYO-029 demonstrate no improvement in function, strength, or muscle mass. Losmapimod, currently in phase I of the ReDUX4 trial, showed promising results. Peradventure, more clinical trials are still needed to address this subject. Nevertheless, this review provides a clear and concise update on the treatment for this disease.
PubMed: 37404420
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39903 -
Cureus Jun 2021Paroxysmalsupraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a common tachyarrhythmia, and an electrocardiogram is the best tool for making a diagnosis. If Valsalva maneuvers and... (Review)
Review
Paroxysmalsupraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a common tachyarrhythmia, and an electrocardiogram is the best tool for making a diagnosis. If Valsalva maneuvers and carotid sinus massage do not give positive results, then the next choice is either adenosine or calcium channel blockers. At this time, adenosine is the drug of choice of treatment. Verapamil and diltiazem are the most commonly used calcium channel blockers (CCBs). This review aimed to compare the efficacy of both drugs in the treatment of PSVT. We utilized the databases PubMed Central and Medline by using keywords: "calcium channel blockers OR adenosine AND supraventricular tachycardia." In the end, we finalized 32 studies, including observational studies, literature reviews, systematic reviews/metanalysis, and randomized control trials. We included articles only in the English language and related to humans. Two authors completed the quality assessment and evaluation of bias according to specific guidelines. Only high-quality studies were included in this systematic review based on the cut-off score of seven or above. Calcium channel blockers have a longer half-life than adenosine and were previously used as the drug of choice in the treatment of PSVT. Calcium channel blockers are safe if given slowly; however, adenosine is safer and useful when an electrocardiogram is uncertain. We compared both drugs in certain aspects and found equal efficacy. Though safer, adenosine was found to have a higher cost and a higher probability of re-initiation arrhythmia compared to calcium channel blockers.
PubMed: 34268033
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15502 -
Indian Heart Journal 2022Intravenous calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers are the preferred rate control medications for hemodynamically stable patients with atrial fibrillation with rapid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Intravenous calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers are the preferred rate control medications for hemodynamically stable patients with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate (AF-RVR) in the emergency department.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy of intravenous diltiazem and metoprolol for rate control and safety with respect to development of hypotension and bradycardia in patients with AF-RVR.
METHODS
For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane databases, and the clinicaltrials.gov registry between database inception and 30th May 2021. Articles were included if they compared efficacy and safety of diltiazem versus metoprolol in critically ill adult patients hospitalized with AF-RVR. Outcome measures were achievement of rate control, development of new hypotension, and bradycardia after drug administration.
RESULTS
Of 86 records identified, 14 were eligible, all of which had a low to moderate risk of overall bias. The meta-analysis (Mantel-Haenszel, random-effects model) showed that diltiazem use was associated with increased achievement of rate control target compared to metoprolol [14 studies, n = 1732, Odds Ratio (OR): 1.92; 95% Confidence Intervals (CI):1.26 to 2.90; I = 61%]. In the pooled analysis, no differences were seen in hypotension using diltiazem vs metoprolol [12 studies, n = 1477, OR: 0.96; 95% CI:0.61 to 1.52; I = 35%] or bradycardia [9 studies, n = 1203, OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 0.82 to 7.31; I = 48%].
CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous diltiazem is associated with increased achievement of rate control target in patients with AF-RVR compared to metoprolol, while both medications are associated with similar incidence of hypotension and bradycardia.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Diltiazem; Atrial Fibrillation; Metoprolol; Bradycardia; Hypotension; Heart Rate
PubMed: 36334652
DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2022.10.195 -
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Jan 2024There may be many predictors of anticoagulation-related gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), but until now, systematic reviews and assessments of the certainty of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/AIMS
There may be many predictors of anticoagulation-related gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), but until now, systematic reviews and assessments of the certainty of the evidence have not been published. We conducted a systematic review to identify all risk factors for anticoagulant-associated GIB to inform risk prediction in the management of anticoagulation- related GIB.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to search PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases (from inception through January 21, 2022) using the following search terms: anticoagulants, heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, DOACs, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, risk factors. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies of risk factors for anticoagulation-related GIB were identified. Risk factors for anticoagulant-associated GIB were used as the outcome index of this review.
RESULTS
We included 34 studies in our analysis. For anticoagulant-associated GIB, moderate-certainty evidence showed a probable association with older age, kidney disease, concomitant use of aspirin, concomitant use of the antiplatelet agent, heart failure, myocardial infarction, hematochezia, renal failure, coronary artery disease, helicobacter pylori infection, social risk factors, alcohol use, smoking, anemia, history of sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, international normalized ratio (INR), obesity et al. Some of these factors are not included in current GIB risk prediction models. such as anemia, co-administration of gemfibrozil, co-administration of verapamil or diltiazem, INR, heart failure, myocardial infarction, etc.
CONCLUSION
The study found that anemia, co-administration of gemfibrozil, co-administration of verapamil or diltiazem, INR, heart failure, myocardial infarction et al. were associated with anticoagulation-related GIB, and these factors were not in the existing prediction models. This study informs risk prediction for anticoagulant-associated GIB, it also informs guidelines for GIB prevention and future research.
Topics: Humans; Anemia; Anticoagulants; Diltiazem; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Gemfibrozil; Heart Failure; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Myocardial Infarction; Risk Factors; Verapamil
PubMed: 38062723
DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2023.098 -
Open Heart Jan 2023Coronary artery vasospasm is an abnormal spasm of coronary arteries that cause transient or complete occlusion without exertion. It causes stable angina to ACS. However,...
BACKGROUND
Coronary artery vasospasm is an abnormal spasm of coronary arteries that cause transient or complete occlusion without exertion. It causes stable angina to ACS. However, this can be prevented by calcium channel blockers (CCBs) which suppress Ca influx into the vascular muscle cells. Nevertheless, several CCBs adverse effects are harmful for these patients. Selecting the right CCBs would give the best clinical practice.
METHOD
The studies were obtained from four major medical databases by various keywords. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented as adult >18 years, observational study, English language and drug of interest. Duplicates were eliminated, and the remaining studies were reviewed. Final full-texts assessment was conducted independently by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Revised Cochrane.
RESULTS
The search found 1378 articles. However, six studies were selected after implementing the study criteria. Diltiazem was found to decrease angina and increase quality of life until 12th week of treatment; however, some adverse effects include atrioventricular block and recurrent angina up till 4th week were found. Meanwhile, nifedipine was found to decrease vasospastic angina (VSA) by the fourth and eighth weeks of treatment. Nevertheless, it caused excessive drop in BP and increase heart rate by eighth week. In addition, slow-release preparation of both CCBs were found to increase efficacy and compliance. Lastly amlodipine was also found to decrease VSA by 17%±140% and 33% after 6 weeks, but further studies needed.
CONCLUSION
Diltiazem, nifedipine and amlodipine are potent in decreasing VSA, however, tailoring specific CCBs adverse reactions to patient condition and the drug preparation would be substantially beneficial for the outcome.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Calcium Channel Blockers; Diltiazem; Coronary Vasospasm; Nifedipine; Calcium; Quality of Life; Amlodipine; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36634997
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2022-002179 -
Hypertension in Pregnancy Dec 2024Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disorder that represents a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disorder that represents a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
METHODS
This network meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO. We searched the PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov. and Embase databases for studies published from inception to the 31 of March 2023. RevMan5.3 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used for direct meta-analysis (DMA) statistical analysis. Funnel maps, network meta-analysis (NMA), the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) to rank the different interventions and publication bias were generated by STATA 17.0 software.
RESULTS
We included eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 1192 women with PE; two studies were of high quality and six were of moderate quality. Eight interventions were addressed in the NMA. In the DMA, we found that blood pressure in the Ketanserin group were significantly higher than those in the Nicardipine group. NMA showed that blood pressure in the Dihydralazine group was significantly higher than that in the Methyldopa, Labetalol, Nicardipine and Diltiazem groups. And the blood pressure in the Labetalol group was significantly lower than that in the Nicardipine group. SUCRA values showed that Diltiazem was more effective in lowering blood pressure than other drugs looked at in this study.
CONCLUSION
According to the eight RCTs included in this study, Diltiazem was the most effective in reducing blood pressure in PE patients; Labetalol and Nicardipine also had good effects. Diltiazem is preferred for the treatment of patients with severe PE and high blood pressure.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Antihypertensive Agents; Labetalol; Pre-Eclampsia; Diltiazem; Nicardipine; Network Meta-Analysis
PubMed: 38488570
DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2024.2329068 -
Emergency Medicine International 2023Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in the emergency department (ED) and when patients present in acute AF with rapid ventricular... (Review)
Review
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in the emergency department (ED) and when patients present in acute AF with rapid ventricular rate (RVR), it can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Primary treatment modalities are aimed at rate control with the two most common agents being intravenous metoprolol and diltiazem. Some evidence suggests that diltiazem may be more effective at controlling rate in these patients; however, the dosing strategies, pharmacologic differences, and study designs may play a role in the observation of these differences. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence for using weight-based metoprolol in the treatment of AF with RVR. The vast majority of studies comparing metoprolol and diltiazem for the treatment of acute AF with RVR compare a flat dose of metoprolol to a weight-based dose of diltiazem. Following a comprehensive review, only two studies have compared a weight-based dosing strategy of intravenous (IV) metoprolol versus IV diltiazem for this disease state. Overall, the two studies only contained 94 patients and failed to meet power. Beyond differing dosing strategies, differences in pharmacokinetics between the two medications (like the onset of action and metabolism) could have played a role in the differences observed in the studies. Further studies are warranted to provide better guidance on which agent should be used in the treatment of acute AF with RVR.
PubMed: 37096182
DOI: 10.1155/2023/3138064 -
World Journal of Surgery Feb 2023Haemorrhoidectomy is often complicated by significant post-operative pain, to which spasm of the internal anal sphincter is thought to be a contributing factor. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Haemorrhoidectomy is often complicated by significant post-operative pain, to which spasm of the internal anal sphincter is thought to be a contributing factor. This study appraises the evidence behind interventions aimed at lowering sphincter spasm to relieve post-haemorrhoidectomy pain.
METHODS
A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses compliant systematic review was conducted. Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched. All RCTs which compared interventions targeting the internal anal sphincter to relieve pain post excisional haemorrhoidectomy were included. The primary outcome measure was pain on the visual analogue scale.
RESULTS
Of the initial 10,221 search results, 39 articles were included in a qualitative synthesis, and 33 studies were included in a meta-analysis. Topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) reduced pain on day 7 (7 studies, 485 participants), with a mean difference and 95% confidence interval (MD, 95% CI) of -1.34 (-2.31; -0.37), I = 91%. Diltiazem reduced pain on day 3 on the VAS, and the MD was -2.75 (-398; -1.51) shown in five studies (n = 227). Botulinum toxin reduced pain on day 7, in four studies with 178 participants, MD -1.43 (-2.50; -0.35) I = 62%. The addition of Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy to haemorrhoidectomy reduced pain on day 2 in three studies with 275 participants, MD of -2.13 (-3.49; -0.77) I = 92%. The results were limited by high heterogeneity and risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
Evidence suggests that lateral sphincterotomy, administration of botulinum toxin and the application of topical diltiazem or GTN can reduce post-operative pain after haemorrhoidectomy. Lateral sphincterotomy should not be routinely used due to the risk of incontinence.
Topics: Humans; Hemorrhoidectomy; Diltiazem; Nitroglycerin; Pain, Postoperative; Spasm; Botulinum Toxins
PubMed: 36357803
DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06807-3 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia May 2022New onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is the most common arrhythmia affecting critically unwell patients. NOAF can lead to worsening haemodynamic compromise, heart... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
New onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is the most common arrhythmia affecting critically unwell patients. NOAF can lead to worsening haemodynamic compromise, heart failure, thromboembolic events, and increased mortality. The aim of this systematic review and narrative synthesis is to evaluate the non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies for NOAF in critically unwell patients.
METHODS
Of 1782 studies, 30 were eligible for inclusion, including 4 RCTs and 26 observational studies. Efficacy of direct current cardioversion, amiodarone, β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, magnesium, and less commonly used agents such as ibutilide are reported.
RESULTS
Cardioversion rates of 48% were reported for direct current cardioversion; however, re-initiation of NOAF was as high as 23.4%. Amiodarone was the most commonly reported intervention with cardioversion rates ranging from 18% to 96% followed by β-antagonists with cardioversion rates from 40% to 92%. Amiodarone was more effective than diltiazem (odds ratio [OR]=1.91, P=0.32) at cardioversion. Short-acting β-antagonists esmolol and landiolol were more effective compared with diltiazem for cardioversion (OR=3.55, P=0.04) and HR control (OR=3.2, P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
There was significant variation between studies with regard to the definition of successful cardioversion and heart rate control, making comparisons between studies and interventions difficult. Future RCTs comparing individual anti-arrhythmic agents, in particular magnesium, amiodarone, and β-antagonists, and studying the role of anticoagulation in critically unwell patients are required. There is also an urgent need for a core outcome dataset for studies of new onset atrial fibrillation to allow comparisons between different anti-arrhythmic strategies.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42019121739.
Topics: Adult; Amiodarone; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Diltiazem; Electric Countershock; Humans; Magnesium
PubMed: 34916053
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.11.016