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Critical Care (London, England) Jul 2023Iatrogenic cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) caused by invasive medical procedures may be treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Previous studies suggested... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Early hyperbaric oxygen therapy is associated with favorable outcome in patients with iatrogenic cerebral arterial gas embolism: systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of observational studies.
BACKGROUND
Iatrogenic cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) caused by invasive medical procedures may be treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Previous studies suggested that initiation of HBOT within 6-8 h is associated with higher probability of favorable outcome, when compared to time-to-HBOT beyond 8 h. We performed a group level and individual patient level meta-analysis of observational studies, to evaluate the relationship between time-to-HBOT and outcome after iatrogenic CAGE.
METHODS
We systematically searched for studies reporting on time-to-HBOT and outcome in patients with iatrogenic CAGE. On group level, we meta-analyzed the differences between median time-to-HBOT in patients with favorable versus unfavorable outcome. On individual patient level, we analyzed the relationship between time-to-HBOT and probability of favorable outcome in a generalized linear mixed effects model.
RESULTS
Group level meta-analysis (ten studies, 263 patients) shows that patients with favorable outcome were treated with HBOT 2.4 h (95% CI 0.6-9.7) earlier than patients with unfavorable outcome. The generalized linear mixed effects model (eight studies, 126 patients) shows a significant relationship between time-to-HBOT and probability of favorable outcome (p = 0.013) that remains significant after correcting for severity of manifestations (p = 0.041). Probability of favorable outcome decreases from approximately 65% when HBOT is started immediately, to 30% when HBOT is delayed for 15 h.
CONCLUSIONS
Increased time-to-HBOT is associated with decreased probability of favorable outcome in iatrogenic CAGE. This suggests that early initiation of HBOT in iatrogenic CAGE is of vital importance.
Topics: Humans; Cognition; Embolism, Air; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Iatrogenic Disease; Linear Models; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37434172
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04563-x -
Journal of Thoracic Disease Nov 2021Systemic arterial gas embolism (SAGE) is a rare yet serious and underrecognized complication of bronchoscopic procedures. A recent case of presumed SAGE after... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Systemic arterial gas embolism (SAGE) is a rare yet serious and underrecognized complication of bronchoscopic procedures. A recent case of presumed SAGE after transbronchial needle aspiration prompted a systematic literature review of SAGE after biopsy procedures during flexible bronchoscopy.
METHODS
We performed a systematic database search for case reports and case series pertaining to SAGE after bronchoscopic lung biopsy; reports or series involving only bronchoscopic laser therapy or argon plasma coagulation (APC) were excluded. Patient data were extracted directly from published reports.
RESULTS
A total of 29 unique patient reports were assessed for patient demographics, specifics of the procedure, clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, and clinical outcomes. Cases of SAGE occurred after multiple types of bronchoscopic biopsy and under both positive and negative pressure ventilation. The most common clinical findings were neurologic, followed by cardiac manifestations; temporal patterns included acute onset of cardiac or neurologic emergencies immediately after biopsy, or delayed awakening post-procedure. There was a high mortality rate among cases (28%), with residual neurologic deficits also common (24%).
DISCUSSION
SAGE is an underrecognized but severe adverse effect of bronchoscopic lung biopsy, which often presents with acute coronary or cerebral ischemia or delayed awakening from sedation. It is important for all physicians who perform bronchoscopic biopsies to be aware of the clinical manifestations and therapeutic management of SAGE in order to mitigate morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing these procedures.
PubMed: 34992823
DOI: 10.21037/jtd-21-717 -
PloS One 2020Air-pollution and weather exposure beyond certain thresholds have serious effects on public health. Yet, there is lack of information on wider aspects including the role...
BACKGROUND
Air-pollution and weather exposure beyond certain thresholds have serious effects on public health. Yet, there is lack of information on wider aspects including the role of some effect modifiers and the interaction between air-pollution and weather. This article aims at a comprehensive review and narrative summary of literature on the association of air-pollution and weather with mortality and hospital admissions; and to highlight literature gaps that require further research.
METHODS
We conducted a scoping literature review. The search on two databases (PubMed and Web-of-Science) from 2012 to 2020 using three conceptual categories of "environmental factors", "health outcomes", and "Geographical region" revealed a total of 951 records. The narrative synthesis included all original studies with time-series, cohort, or case cross-over design; with ambient air-pollution and/or weather exposure; and mortality and/or hospital admission outcomes.
RESULTS
The final review included 112 articles from which 70 involved mortality, 30 hospital admission, and 12 studies included both outcomes. Air-pollution was shown to act consistently as risk factor for all-causes, cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular and cancer mortality and hospital admissions. Hot and cold temperature was a risk factor for wide range of cardiovascular, respiratory, and psychiatric illness; yet, in few studies, the increase in temperature reduced the risk of hospital admissions for pulmonary embolism, angina pectoris, chest, and ischemic heart diseases. The role of effect modification in the included studies was investigated in terms of gender, age, and season but not in terms of ethnicity.
CONCLUSION
Air-pollution and weather exposure beyond certain thresholds affect human health negatively. Effect modification of important socio-demographics such as ethnicity and the interaction between air-pollution and weather is often missed in the literature. Our findings highlight the need of further research in the area of health behaviour and mortality in relation to air-pollution and weather, to guide effective environmental health precautionary measures planning.
Topics: Air Pollution; Humans; Mortality; Patient Admission; Weather
PubMed: 33119678
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241415 -
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... Dec 2019Air embolism is an extremely rare complication that can follow gastrointestinal endoscopy. The most accepted treatment of cerebral air embolism (CAE) is hyperbaric...
BACKGROUND
Air embolism is an extremely rare complication that can follow gastrointestinal endoscopy. The most accepted treatment of cerebral air embolism (CAE) is hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Limited evidence suggests that lidocaine may have a neuroprotective effect. The exact mechanism does not appear to be well elucidated.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search using multiple combinations of keywords from PubMed and Ovid Medline databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. We included articles with cases of air embolism caused by an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We excluded cases related to other procedures e.g. colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, cholangioscopy, Kasai procedure, bronchoscopy, laparoscopy or thoracoscopy. We were able to identify 30 cases of CAE associated with EGD. We included our experience in treating one patient with CAE after elective EGD.
RESULTS
Given the results of our literature search and this patient's characteristics, we chose to treat our patient with HBO and lidocaine infusion. Our case series consists of 31 patients of post EGD CAE, the mean age was 63.7 ± 11.14 years, 38.7% of the patients were women (n = 12). 38.7% of the cases underwent esophageal dilatation (n = 12), while 19.35% had EGD biopsy (n = 6), 9.6% had variceal ligation (n = 3), and 3.22% had variceal banding (n = 1). In 20 out of 31 cases, echocardiography has been documented, 20% of those patients (n = 4) had patent foramen ovale. HBO was used in treatment of 48% of cases (n = 15), among the included patients, 61% survived (n = 19). Our patient showed significant neurological improvement.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the rare incidence of CAE during or after EGD, physicians should be aware of this potential complication. In patients who develop sudden acute neurological symptoms, early diagnosis and intervention may prevent devastating neurological injury and death. The most accepted emergent treatment for CAE includes HBO, consideration of lidocaine, and work-up of source of the air embolism.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Embolism, Air; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Female; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Incidence; Infusions, Parenteral; Intracranial Embolism; Lidocaine; Male; Middle Aged; Neuroprotective Agents; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31563566
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104403 -
Stroke Research and Treatment 2017The inadvertent or purposeful introduction of foreign bodies or substances can lead to cerebral infarction if they embolize to the brain. Individual reports of these... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The inadvertent or purposeful introduction of foreign bodies or substances can lead to cerebral infarction if they embolize to the brain. Individual reports of these events are uncommon but may increase with the increased occurrences of their risk factors, for example, intra-arterial procedures.
METHOD
We searched EMBASE and MEDLINE for articles on embolic stroke of nontissue origin. 1889 articles were identified and screened and 216 articles were ultimately reviewed in full text and included in qualitative analysis. Articles deemed relevant were assessed by a second reviewer to confirm compatibility with the inclusion criteria. References of included articles were reviewed for relevant publications. We categorized the pathology of the emboli into the following groups: air embolism (141 reports), other arterial gas embolisms (49 reports), missiles and foreign bodies (16 reports), and others, including drug embolism, cotton wool, and vascular sclerosant agents.
CONCLUSION
Air and gaseous embolism are becoming more common with increased use of interventional medical procedures and increased popularity of sports such as diving. There is increasing evidence for the use of hyperbaric oxygen for such events. Causes of solid emboli are diverse. More commonly reported causes include bullets, missiles, and substances used in medical procedures.
PubMed: 29123937
DOI: 10.1155/2017/7565702 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Jul 2022Incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) contribute to venous pathology and are surgically treated based on hemodynamic measurements, size, and the CEAP (Clinical,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) contribute to venous pathology and are surgically treated based on hemodynamic measurements, size, and the CEAP (Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological) classification. The objective of the present study was to systematically review and synthesize the current literature regarding the surgical management of IPVs, including open ligation, subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS), endovascular laser ablation, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation.
METHODS
English-language literature reported before November 2021 was reviewed from the PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases for primary studies reporting safety and efficacy outcomes in the surgical treatment of IPVs. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for comparative studies and a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for noncomparative studies. A random effects model was used to pool the effect sizes for efficacy outcomes of wound healing and freedom from wound recurrence.
RESULTS
A total of 81 studies were included for qualitative synthesis, representing 7010 patients, with a mean age of 54.7 years. The overall evidence quality was low to intermediate, with a moderate to high risk of bias in the comparative studies. An 11.3% complication rate was found across the interventions, with no reported incidence of stroke or air embolism. Regarding efficacy, the pooled estimates for short-term (≤1 year) wound healing were 99.9% for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81%-1%), 72.2% for open ligation (95% CI, 0.04%-0.94%), and 96.0% for SEPS (95% CI, 0.79%-0.99%). For short-term freedom from wound recurrence, the pooled estimate for SEPS was 91.0% (95% CI, 0.3%-0.99%).
CONCLUSIONS
The current evidence regarding the treatment of IPVs is limited owing to the low adherence to reporting standards in the observational studies and the lack of randomization, blinding, and allocation concealment in the comparative studies. Additional comparative studies are needed to guide clinical decision-making regarding the invasive treatment options for IPVs.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Sclerotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Veins; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Veins; Venous Insufficiency
PubMed: 35217217
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.12.088 -
Jornal Vascular Brasileiro May 2021The increase in duration and frequency of flights has led to an increase in the prevalence of venous thromboembolism among airline passengers. This study assesses the... (Review)
Review
Graduated compression stockings as a prophylactic measure in venous thromboembolism and edema of lower limbs triggered by air travel: a systematic review of clinical trials.
The increase in duration and frequency of flights has led to an increase in the prevalence of venous thromboembolism among airline passengers. This study assesses the efficacy of graduated compression stockings for prevention of venous thromboembolism triggered by flights lasting more than 3 hours. The design is a systematic review of clinical trials. The methodological quality of studies and the level of scientific evidence were evaluated using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation standards. A total of 34 articles were identified, but only eight met the eligibility criteria. The outcomes incidence of venous thromboembolism and edema were assessed in 2,022 and 1,311 passengers, respectively. The studies presented high quality evidence demonstrating prevention of edema and moderate quality evidence of reduced incidence of venous thromboembolism associated with wearing graduated compression stockings during flights.
PubMed: 34093689
DOI: 10.1590/1677-5449.200164 -
Perfusion Oct 2023Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is one of the newest treatment options for submassive pulmonary embolism (sPE). This study will compare the efficacy and safety of...
A comparison of the efficacy and safety between anticoagulation alone and combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis for treatment of pulmonary embolism on outcome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is one of the newest treatment options for submassive pulmonary embolism (sPE). This study will compare the efficacy and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) combine with anticoagulation versus anticoagulation alone (AC) in patients with PE.
METHODS
A database search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov for trials that compared CDT with AC in patients with pulmonary embolism. The primary outcomes was1-year mortality. The secondary outcomes were in-hospital, 30 days, 90 days mortality, in-hospital major and minor bleeding (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) classification), length of hospital stay (LOS), reduction of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and RV/LV diameter ratio.
RESULTS
A total of 16 articles (3 RCTs and 13 non-RCTs) and 10595 patients were included in this study. 2237 patients were in the CDT group and 8358 patients were in the AC group. CDT group was associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality (2.1% vs 6.2%,OR:0.36, 95%CI:0.26-0.51, < .00001,I = 0%), 30 days mortality (3.1% vs 8.6%,OR:0.39,95%CI:0.23-0.66, = .0005, I = 0%), 90 days mortality (3.8% vs 7.7%,OR:0.49,95%CI:0.29-0.80, = .005,I = 7%), 1-year mortality (6.1% vs 11%, OR:0.51, 95%CI:0.35-0.76, = .0008,I = 36%) compared to AC group, especially in ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT) subgroup. There were no differences on major bleeding between two groups (1.8% vs 2.2%, OR:1.10, 95%CI:0.61-1.98, = .75, I = 0%). Minor bleeding was significantly higher in CDT group than AC group (6.2% vs 3.8%, OR:1.93,95%CI:1.27-2.94.66, = .002, I = 1%). CDT group significantly reduced PASP (WMD:11.90,95%CI:6.45-17.35, < .0001, I = 72%) and RV/LV (WMD:0.17,95%CI:0.04-0.30, = .009, I = 69%) rapidly than AC group after treatment. LOS was similar between two groups (WMD:0.02,95%CI: -0.68-0.73, = .95, I = 51%).
CONCLUSION
Results thus confirmed that CDT reduced in-hospital, 30 days, 90 days and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with sPE compared to AC, particularly in USAT subgroup. Nonetheless, CDT group was associated with a higher risk of minor bleeding.
PubMed: 37902217
DOI: 10.1177/02676591231211753 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia May 2009We have conducted a systematic review of air embolism complications of neurosurgery in the sitting position and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. It assesses the risk... (Review)
Review
We have conducted a systematic review of air embolism complications of neurosurgery in the sitting position and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. It assesses the risk and benefit of PFO closure before neurosurgery in the sitting position. The databases Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Controlled Trial Register were systematically searched from inception to November 2007 for keywords in both topics separately. In total, 4806 patients were considered for neurosurgery in sitting position and 5416 patients underwent percutaneous PFO closure. The overall rate of venous air embolism during neurosurgery in sitting position was 39% for posterior fossa surgery and 12% for cervical surgery. The rate of clinical and transoesophageal echocardiography detected paradoxical air embolism was reported between 0% and 14%. The overall success rate for PFO closure using new and the most common closure devices was reported 99%, whereas the average risk of major complications is <1%. On the basis of our systematic review, we recommend screening for PFO and considering closure in cases in which the sitting position is the preferred neurosurgical approach. Our proposed management including the time of PFO closure according to available data is presented. However, the conclusions from our systematic review may be limited due to the lack of level A evidence and from using data from observational cohort studies. Thus, definite evidence-based recommendations require prospective evaluation of the issue in well-designed studies.
Topics: Embolism, Air; Embolism, Paradoxical; Foramen Ovale, Patent; Humans; Intraoperative Care; Neurosurgical Procedures; Posture
PubMed: 19346525
DOI: 10.1093/bja/aep063 -
Neuro-Chirurgie 2015The sitting position for pineal tumour removal remains controversial as regards the number of potential complications despite good surgical conditions. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The sitting position for pineal tumour removal remains controversial as regards the number of potential complications despite good surgical conditions.
METHOD
A systematic review of the literature was conducted in order to record the most frequent complications observed in this position, their incidence and prevention.
RESULTS
Venous air embolism, hypotension, pneumocephalus, macroglossia, quadriplegia and nerve injuries are the most frequent complications observed. Their incidence can be dramatically decreased with an accurate anesthesiological and neurosurgical management.
CONCLUSION
In training teams, the sitting position remains the gold standard for pineal tumour removal.
Topics: Anesthetics; Embolism, Air; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Neurosurgical Procedures; Pineal Gland
PubMed: 25676910
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2014.10.110