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EClinicalMedicine Jan 2023We aim to compare the effect of short versus long treatment duration in Gram-negative bacteremia on all-cause mortality in pre-specified sub-groups.
BACKGROUND
We aim to compare the effect of short versus long treatment duration in Gram-negative bacteremia on all-cause mortality in pre-specified sub-groups.
METHODS
Individual participant data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing short (≤7) versus longer (>7 days) antibiotic treatment for Gram-negative bacteremia. Participants were adults (≥18 years), with Gram-negative bacteremia during hospital stay. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science to identify trials conducted up to May 2022. Primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, relapse of bacteremia, length of hospital stay, readmission, local or distant infection complications, adverse events, and resistance emergence.Outcomes were assessed in pre-specified subgroups: women vs men; non-urinary vs urinary source; presence vs absence of hypotension on initial presentation; immunocompromised patients versus non-immunocompromised patients, and age (above/below 65). Fixed-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). All three trials had low risk of bias for allocation generation and concealment.
FINDINGS
Three RCTs (1186 patients) were included; 1121 with bacteremia. No significant difference in mortality was demonstrated between 7- and 14-days treatment (90-day mortality: OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.73-1.58; 30-day mortality: 1.08, 0.62-1.91). Relapse (1.00, 0.50-1.97); length of hospital stay (P = 0.78); readmission (0.96, 0.80-1.22); and infection complications (local: 1.62 0.76-3.47; distant: 2.00, 0.18-22.08), were without significant difference, and so were adverse events or resistance emergence.No significant difference in clinical outcomes between 7 and 14 days of antibiotics was demonstrated in the subgroups of gender, age, hemodynamic status, immune status, and source of infection.
INTERPRETATION
For patients hemodynamically stable and afebrile at 48 h prior to discontinuation, seven days of antibiotic therapy for bacteremia result in similar outcomes as 14 days, in terms of mortality, relapse, length of hospital stay, complications of infection, resistance emergence, and adverse events. These results apply for any adult age group, gender, source of infection, immune status, and hemodynamic status on presentation.
FUNDING
There was no funding source for this study.
PubMed: 36483269
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101750 -
BioMed Research International 2022Over the past ten years, the incidence rate of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) worldwide has been increasing rapidly year by year, with the incidence rate increasing... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Over the past ten years, the incidence rate of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) worldwide has been increasing rapidly year by year, with the incidence rate increasing 6% annually. PTC has become the malignant tumor with the highest growth rate in the world that fourteen PTC-related mutant genes have been identified. Whether the BRAF mutation related to more aggressive clinicopathologic features and worse outcome in PTC remains variable and controversial. We aim to investigate the risk factors that may predict the BRAF mutation potential of these lesions and new prevention strategies in PTC patients.
METHODS
A total of 9,908 papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with average 74.6% BRAF mutations were analyzed (RevMan 5.3 software) in this study. The PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases were systematically searched for works published through December 15, 2021.
RESULTS
The following variables were associated with an increased risk of BRAF mutation in PTC patients: age ≥ 45 years (OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.21-1.60, < 0.00001), male gender (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 0.99-1.28, = 0.06), multifocality (OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.07-1.40, = 0.004), lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 0.79-2.23, = 0.28), extrathyroidal extension + (OR = 1.61, 95%CI = 1.06-2.44, = 0.03), vascular invasion + (OR = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.32-3.15, = 0.001), and tumor node metastasis stage (OR = 1.61, 95%CI = 1.38-1.88, < 0.00001). In addition, tumor size (>1 cm) (OR = 0.51, 95%CI = 0.32-0.81, = 0.005) and distant metastasis (OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.22-2.21, = 0.54) had no association or risk with BRAF mutation in PTC patients.
CONCLUSION
Our systematic review identified the following significant risk factors of BRAF mutation in PTC patients: age (≥45 years), gender (male), multifocality, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and advanced tumor node metastasis stage (stages III and IV). Tumor size (>1 cm) and distant metastasis do not appear to be correlated with BRAF mutation in PTC patients.
Topics: Carcinoma, Papillary; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Mutation; Prognosis; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary; Thyroid Neoplasms
PubMed: 35647194
DOI: 10.1155/2022/9959649 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2018Metastatic breast cancer is not a curable disease, but women with metastatic disease are living longer. Surgery to remove the primary tumour is associated with an... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Metastatic breast cancer is not a curable disease, but women with metastatic disease are living longer. Surgery to remove the primary tumour is associated with an increased survival in other types of metastatic cancer. Breast surgery is not standard treatment for metastatic disease, however several recent retrospective studies have suggested that breast surgery could increase the women's survival. These studies have methodological limitations including selection bias. A systematic review mapping all randomised controlled trials addressing the benefits and potential harms of breast surgery is ideal to answer this question.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of breast surgery in women with metastatic breast cancer.
SEARCH METHODS
We conducted searches using the MeSH terms 'breast neoplasms', 'mastectomy', and 'analysis, survival' in the following databases: the Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE (by PubMed) and Embase (by OvidSP) on 22 February 2016. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov (22 February 2016) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (24 February 2016). We conducted an additional search in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference proceedings in July 2016 that included reference checking, citation searching, and contacting study authors to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials of women with metastatic breast cancer at initial diagnosis comparing breast surgery plus systemic therapy versus systemic therapy alone. The primary outcomes were overall survival and quality of life. Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (local and distant control), breast cancer-specific survival, and toxicity from local therapy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently conducted trial selection, data extraction, and 'Risk of bias' assessment (using Cochrane's 'Risk of bias' tool), which a third review author checked. We used the GRADE tool to assess the quality of the body of evidence. We used the risk ratio (RR) to measure the effect of treatment for dichotomous outcomes and the hazard ratio (HR) for time-to-event outcomes. We calculated 95% confidence intervals (CI) for these measures. We used the random-effects model, as we expected clinical or methodological heterogeneity, or both, among the included studies.
MAIN RESULTS
We included two trials enrolling 624 women in the review. It is uncertain whether breast surgery improves overall survival as the quality of the evidence has been assessed as very low (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.31; 2 studies; 624 women). The two studies did not report quality of life. Breast surgery may improve local progression-free survival (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.57; 2 studies; 607 women; low-quality evidence), while it probably worsened distant progression-free survival (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.86; 1 study; 350 women; moderate-quality evidence). The two included studies did not measure breast cancer-specific survival. Toxicity from local therapy was reported by 30-day mortality and did not appear to differ between the two groups (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.14 to 6.90; 1 study; 274 women; low-quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Based on existing evidence from two randomised clinical trials, it is not possible to make definitive conclusions on the benefits and risks of breast surgery associated with systemic treatment for women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Until the ongoing clinical trials are finalised, the decision to perform breast surgery in these women should be individualised and shared between the physician and the patient considering the potential risks, benefits, and costs of each intervention.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Neoplasm Metastasis; Prognosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29542106
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011276.pub2 -
Autism Research : Official Journal of... Jun 2012We provide a systematic review of epidemiological surveys of autistic disorder and pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) worldwide. A secondary aim was to consider... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
We provide a systematic review of epidemiological surveys of autistic disorder and pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) worldwide. A secondary aim was to consider the possible impact of geographic, cultural/ethnic, and socioeconomic factors on prevalence estimates and on clinical presentation of PDD. Based on the evidence reviewed, the median of prevalence estimates of autism spectrum disorders was 62/10 000. While existing estimates are variable, the evidence reviewed does not support differences in PDD prevalence by geographic region nor of a strong impact of ethnic/cultural or socioeconomic factors. However, power to detect such effects is seriously limited in existing data sets, particularly in low-income countries. While it is clear that prevalence estimates have increased over time and these vary in different neighboring and distant regions, these findings most likely represent broadening of the diagnostic concets, diagnostic switching from other developmental disabilities to PDD, service availability, and awareness of autistic spectrum disorders in both the lay and professional public. The lack of evidence from the majority of the world's population suggests a critical need for further research and capacity building in low- and middle-income countries.
Topics: Autistic Disorder; Child; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developing Countries; Global Health; Health Surveys; Humans; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 22495912
DOI: 10.1002/aur.239 -
Global Spine Journal Apr 2019Systematic review. (Review)
Review
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
OBJECTIVES
Sacral chordomas are rare, primary tumors of the spine, best treated with en bloc resection. The purpose of this study was to assess the literature for resected sacral chordoma and to quantify the prevalence of, risk factors for, and treatment outcomes of local and distant recurrence therein.
METHODS
We searched 5 online databases from January 1980 to May 2016 to find articles that report survival, recurrence outcomes, and/or prognostic factors for the resected sacral chordoma patient population. Characteristics and clinical outcomes of the pooled cohort are reported. Fisher exact tests, unpaired tests, and one-way analysis of variance were used to investigate patient- and treatment-associated prognostic factors for local and distant recurrence. Survival analyses were performed for time to local recurrence and death. The protocol's PROSPERO ID is CRD42015024384.
RESULTS
Fifty-seven studies, with 1235 unique sacral chordoma patients, were included in this review. Local and distant recurrence occurred in 42.6% and 22.4% of patients with adequate follow-up, respectively. Kaplan-Meier overall median survival for patients with and without recurrence were 98 and 209 months after surgery, respectively. Wide surgical margin was associated with a lower rate of local recurrence; and wide surgical margin, female sex, and patient age ≥65 years were associated with lower rates of distant recurrence.
CONCLUSIONS
While surgical margin remains the most significant prognostic factor for local and distant recurrence, combined surgical approach may be associated with local recurrence. Male sex and age <65 years may be associated with distant recurrence. Patients with risk factors for recurrence should undergo close monitoring to maximize survival.
PubMed: 30984500
DOI: 10.1177/2192568217741114 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022The microbiome is vital for the proper function of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the maintenance of overall wellbeing. Gut ischemia may lead to disruption of the... (Review)
Review
The microbiome is vital for the proper function of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the maintenance of overall wellbeing. Gut ischemia may lead to disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier, resulting in bacterial translocation. In this systematic review, according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, we constructed a search query using the PICOT (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time) framework. Eligible studies reported in PubMed, up to April 2021 were selected, from which, 57 publications' data were included. According to these, escape of intraluminal potentially harmful factors into the systemic circulation and their transmission to distant organs and tissues, in utero, at birth, or immediately after, can be caused by reduced blood oxygenation. Various factors are involved in this situation. The GIT is a target organ, with high sensitivity to ischemia-hypoxia, and even short periods of ischemia may cause significant local tissue damage. Fetal hypoxia and perinatal asphyxia reduce bowel motility, especially in preterm neonates. Despite the fact that microbiome arouse the interest of scientists in recent decades, the pathophysiologic patterns which mediate in perinatal hypoxia/asphyxia conditions and gut function have not yet been well understood.
PubMed: 35054381
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010214 -
BMC Psychiatry Jul 2020Broadening our knowledge of the longitudinal course of mood symptoms is cardinal to providing effective long-term treatments. Research indicates that patients with...
BACKGROUND
Broadening our knowledge of the longitudinal course of mood symptoms is cardinal to providing effective long-term treatments. Research indicates that patients with mental illness are willing to engage in the use of telemonitoring and mobile technology to assess and monitor their mood states. However, without the provision of distant support, adverse outcomes and events may be difficult to prevent and manage through self-monitoring. Understanding patient perspectives is important to achieving the best balance of self-monitoring, patient empowerment, and distant supporter involvement.
METHODS
This systematic review synthesises quantitative and qualitative evidence of the effectiveness and feasibility of daily/weekly/monthly remote mood monitoring that includes distant support in participants with mood disorders. Inclusion criteria comprised mood monitoring of mood disorder patients as main intervention, study design, method of monitoring, and presence of psychotherapy and psychoeducation. Effectiveness was defined by the change in depression and/or mania scores. Feasibility was determined on participant feedback and completion/attrition rates. Studies were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool version 2018.
RESULTS
Nine studies of acceptable quality met the inclusion criteria. Distant mood monitoring was effective in improving depression scores but not mania scores. Feasibility, as measured through compliance and completion rates and participant feedback, varied.
CONCLUSION
Distant mood monitoring with support may be a useful, acceptable, and feasible intervention for diverse groups of patients in terms of age and ethnicity. Further, it may be effective in improving symptoms of depression, increasing treatment adherence, and facilitating the prevention and management of adverse outcomes. As a task-shifting intervention, distant mood monitoring may help to alleviate the burden on mental health providers in developing countries.
Topics: Affect; Bipolar Disorder; Humans; Mental Health; Mood Disorders; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 32698802
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02782-y -
European Journal of Pain (London,... Oct 2015One in four people suffers from chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). Acupuncture points stimulation is increasingly used for pain relief for CMP. Commonly, a combination... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
One in four people suffers from chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). Acupuncture points stimulation is increasingly used for pain relief for CMP. Commonly, a combination of local and distant points is used. However, the difference between the effects of local and distant point stimulation is unknown. This systematic review aimed to determine if there was a difference in effects between stimulating local and distant points, and the combination of both when compared with either alone. English and Chinese electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials, where local or distant points were stimulated in adults with CMP. Pain intensity was the primary outcome measure. Nineteen were included in the qualitative analysis and 15 in the meta-analysis. Local and distant point stimulation was more effective than their respective controls in pain reduction immediately after treatment. Three studies directly compared the stimulation of local and distant points and found no significant difference between the two. No studies compared combined local and distant point stimulation with either alone. Subgroup analyses showed that, local tender point stimulation was more effective than local acupuncture points. Local and distant point stimulation induces similar degree of acupuncture analgesia. The benefit of combining local and distant point stimulation is unknown. However, subgroup analyses suggested that local tender points could be important in the treatment of CMP for short-term pain relief.
Topics: Acupuncture Analgesia; Acupuncture Points; Chronic Pain; Humans; Musculoskeletal Pain
PubMed: 25690699
DOI: 10.1002/ejp.671 -
Cancers Jul 2022(1) Background: Anal canal adenocarcinomas constitute 1% of all gastrointestinal tract cancers. There is a current lack of consensus and NICE guidelines in the United... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: Anal canal adenocarcinomas constitute 1% of all gastrointestinal tract cancers. There is a current lack of consensus and NICE guidelines in the United Kingdom regarding the management of this disease. The overall objective was to perform a systematic review on the multitude of practice and subsequent outcomes in this group. (2) Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE and CINAHL databases were interrogated between 2011 to 2021. PRISMA guidelines were used to select relevant studies. The primary outcome measure was 5-year overall survival (OS). Secondary outcome measures included both local recurrences (LR) and distant metastases (DM). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of studies retrieved. The study was registered on PROSPERO (338286). (3) Results: Fifteen studies were included. Overall, there were 11,967 participants who were demographically matched. There were 2090 subjects in the largest study and five subjects in the smallest study. Treatment modalities varied from neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), CRT and surgery (CRT + S), surgery then CRT (S + CRT) and surgery only (S). Five-year OS ranged from 30.2% to 91% across the literature. LR rates ranged from 22% to 29%; DM ranged from 6% to 60%. Study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. (4) Conclusions: Trimodality treatment with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by radical surgery of abdominoperineal excision of rectum (APER) appeared to be the most effective approach, giving the best survival outcomes according to the current data.
PubMed: 35954403
DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153738 -
Oral Diseases May 2024The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of head and neck Ewing sarcoma (ES) concerning patients' demographic and clinical features,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of head and neck Ewing sarcoma (ES) concerning patients' demographic and clinical features, histopathological findings, treatment, follow-up, and survival rate.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic search was undertaken in four databases. Articles describing case reports or case series were included. Outcomes were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method along with Cox regression.
RESULTS
The search yielded 186 studies describing 227 ES cases. The mean age was 22.7 years, and males were slightly more affected. Interestingly, more than half the cases were diagnosed up to 20 years. The respiratory tract was the most reported site, followed by the jawbones. Clinically, symptomatic swelling or nodules were described, with a mean duration of 4 months. Management involved multimodal treatment regimens. Local recurrence, lymph node and distant metastasis were observed in 10.7%, 12.6%, and 20.3% of cases, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that older patients with distant metastasis had a lower overall survival rate (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study provides an overall view of head and neck ES that can assist oral and maxillofacial pathologists with the diagnosis and extend the knowledge of surgeons and oncologists about this condition.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Sarcoma, Ewing; Survival Rate; Young Adult
PubMed: 37392420
DOI: 10.1111/odi.14644