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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Feb 2023Perceived age is defined as how old a person looks to external evaluators. It reflects the underlying biological age, which is a measure based on physical and...
INTRODUCTION
Perceived age is defined as how old a person looks to external evaluators. It reflects the underlying biological age, which is a measure based on physical and physiological parameters reflecting a person's aging process more accurately than chronological age. People with a higher biological age have shorter lives compared to those with a lower biological age with the same chronological age. Our review aims to find whether increased perceived age is a risk factor for overall mortality risk or comorbidities.
METHODS
A literature search of three databases was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines for studies analyzing perceived age or isolated facial characteristics of old age and their relationship to mortality risk or comorbidity outcomes. Data on the number of patients, type and characteristics of evaluation methods, evaluator characteristics, mean chronologic age, facial characteristics studied, measured outcomes, and study results were collected.
RESULTS
Out of 977 studies, 15 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These studies found an increase in mortality risk of 6-51% in older-looking people compared to controls (HR 1.06-1.51, p < 0.05). In addition, perceived age and some facial characteristics of old age were also associated with cardiovascular risk and myocardial infarction, cognitive function, bone mineral density, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
CONCLUSION
Perceived age promises to be a clinically useful predictor of overall mortality and cardiovascular, pulmonary, cognitive, and osseous comorbidities.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Topics: Aged; Humans; Comorbidity; Age Factors; Mortality
PubMed: 35650301
DOI: 10.1007/s00266-022-02932-5 -
PloS One 2021A systematic review was conducted in high-income country settings to analyse: (i) spina bifida neonatal and IMRs over time, and (ii) clinical and socio-demographic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
A systematic review was conducted in high-income country settings to analyse: (i) spina bifida neonatal and IMRs over time, and (ii) clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with mortality in the first year after birth in infants affected by spina bifida.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched from 1st January, 1990 to 31st August, 2020 to review evidence.
STUDY SELECTION
Population-based studies that provided data for spina bifida infant mortality and case fatality according to clinical and socio-demographical characteristics were included. Studies were excluded if they were conducted solely in tertiary centres. Spina bifida occulta or syndromal spina bifida were excluded where possible.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Independent reviewers extracted data and assessed their quality using MOOSE guideline. Pooled mortality estimates were calculated using random-effects (+/- fixed effects) models meta-analyses. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics. Meta-regression was performed to examine the impact of year of birth cohort on spina bifida infant mortality.
RESULTS
Twenty studies met the full inclusion criteria with a total study population of over 30 million liveborn infants and approximately 12,000 spina bifida-affected infants. Significant declines in spina bifida associated infant and neonatal mortality rates (e.g. 4.76% decrease in IMR per 100, 000 live births per year) and case fatality (e.g. 2.70% decrease in infant case fatality per year) were consistently observed over time. Preterm birth (RR 4.45; 2.30-8.60) and low birthweight (RR 4.77; 2.67-8.55) are the strongest risk factors associated with increased spina bifida infant case fatality.
SIGNIFICANCE
Significant declines in spina bifida associated infant/neonatal mortality and case fatality were consistently observed, advances in treatment and mandatory folic acid food fortification both likely play an important role. Particular attention is warranted from clinicians caring for preterm and low birthweight babies affected by spina bifida.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Spinal Dysraphism
PubMed: 33979363
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250098 -
BMC Public Health Jul 2013All-cause mortality in the population<65 years is 30% higher in Glasgow than in equally deprived Liverpool and Manchester. We investigated a hypothesis that low vitamin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
All-cause mortality in the population<65 years is 30% higher in Glasgow than in equally deprived Liverpool and Manchester. We investigated a hypothesis that low vitamin D in this population may be associated with premature mortality via a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and grey literature sources were searched until February 2012 for relevant studies. Summary statistics were combined in an age-stratified meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing 24,297 participants, 5,324 of whom died during follow-up. The pooled hazard ratio for low compared to high vitamin D demonstrated a significant inverse association (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12-1.27) between vitamin D levels and all-cause mortality after adjustment for available confounders. In an age-stratified meta-analysis, the hazard ratio for older participants was 1.25 (95% CI 1.14-1.36) and for younger participants 1.12 (95% CI 1.01-1.24).
CONCLUSIONS
Low vitamin D status is inversely associated with all-cause mortality but the risk is higher amongst older individuals and the relationship is prone to residual confounding. Further studies investigating the association between vitamin D deficiency and all-cause mortality in younger adults with adjustment for all important confounders (or using randomised trials of supplementation) are required to clarify this relationship.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality, Premature; United Kingdom; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 23883271
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-679 -
Critical Care Medicine May 2010Long-term outcomes from sepsis are poorly understood, and sepsis in patients may have different long-term effects on mortality and quality of life. Long-term outcome... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Long-term outcomes from sepsis are poorly understood, and sepsis in patients may have different long-term effects on mortality and quality of life. Long-term outcome studies of other critical illnesses such as acute lung injury have demonstrated incremental health effects that persist after hospital discharge. Whether patients with sepsis have similar long-term mortality and quality-of-life effects is unclear.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a systematic review of studies reporting long-term mortality and quality-of-life data (>3 months) in patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock using defined search criteria.
DESIGN
Systematic review of the literature.
INTERVENTIONS
None.
MAIN RESULTS
Patients with sepsis showed ongoing mortality up to 2 yrs and beyond after the standard 28-day inhospital mortality end point. Patients with sepsis also had decrements in quality-of-life measures after hospital discharge. Results were consistent across varying severity of illness and different patient populations in different countries, including large and small studies. In addition, these results were consistent within observational and randomized, controlled trials. Study quality was limited by inadequate control groups and poor adjustment for confounding variables.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with sepsis have ongoing mortality beyond short-term end points, and survivors consistently demonstrate impaired quality of life. The use of 28-day mortality as an end point for clinical studies may lead to inaccurate inferences. Both observational and interventional future studies should include longer-term end points to better-understand the natural history of sepsis and the effect of interventions on patient morbidities.
Topics: Comorbidity; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Quality of Life; Sepsis; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors
PubMed: 20308885
DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e3181d8cc1d -
JAMA Surgery Dec 2023Morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs) are thought to advance trainee education, quality improvement (QI), and faculty development. However, there is considerable...
IMPORTANCE
Morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs) are thought to advance trainee education, quality improvement (QI), and faculty development. However, there is considerable variability with regard to their completion.
OBJECTIVE
To compile and analyze the literature describing the format, design, and other attributes of MMCs that appear to best advance their stated objectives related to QI and practitioner education.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
For this systematic review, a literature search with terms combining conference and QI or morbidity and mortality was performed in January 2022, using the PubMed, Embase, and ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) databases with no date restrictions. Included studies were published in English and described surgical or nonsurgical MMCs with explicit reference to quality or system improvement, education, professional development, or patient outcomes; these studies were classified by design as survey based, intervention based, or other methodologies. For survey-based studies, positively and negatively regarded attributes of conference design, format, and completion were extracted. For intervention-based studies, details of the intervention and their impact on stated MMC objectives were abstracted. Principal study findings were summarized for the other group. Study quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction and analysis were completed between January 2022 and December 2022.
FINDINGS
A total of 59 studies met appropriateness for study inclusion. The mean MERSQI score for the included studies was 6.7 (range, 5.0-9.5) of a maximum possible 18, which implied that the studies were of average quality. The evidence suggested that preparation and postconference follow-up regarding QI initiatives are equally as important as both (1) succinctly presenting case details, opportunities for improvement, and educational topics and (2) creating a constructive space for accountability, engagement, and multistakeholder discussion.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
These findings suggest that the published literature on MMCs provides substantial insight into the optimal format, design, and related attributes of an effective MMC. This systematic review provides a road map for surgical departments to improve MMCs in order to align their format and design with their principal objectives related to practitioner and trainee education, error prevention, and QI.
Topics: Humans; Morbidity; Quality Improvement; Congresses as Topic; Mortality
PubMed: 37851458
DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.4672 -
International Journal of Infectious... Dec 2013To determine prognostic factors for mortality in neonates with tetanus and to assess the associations between prognostic factors and neonatal tetanus (NT) mortality. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To determine prognostic factors for mortality in neonates with tetanus and to assess the associations between prognostic factors and neonatal tetanus (NT) mortality.
METHODS
Five databases were searched for studies on prognostic factors and NT mortality published up to April 2013 to identify studies relevant to this review. Prognostic factors of interest were birth weight, age at onset of symptoms, age at presentation, delay in presentation, and duration of hospitalization. Odds ratios (ORs) for prognostic factors and mortality were estimated by random effects models and stratified analyses for all studies.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies including a total of 4535 neonates were included in the analysis: nine from Africa, five from Asia, and two from Europe. The prognostic factors identified consistently in the studies were birth weight, age at onset of symptoms, and age at presentation. Of the 16 studies, only one assessed all three prognostic factors, five studies assessed two prognostic factors, and 10 studies assessed one prognostic factor. Neonates with a low birth weight were more likely to have an increased odds of NT death (OR 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-3.37) than normal weight neonates. This mortality risk was exacerbated for low birth weight neonates with age at onset≤6 days (OR 6.80, 95% CI 2.42-19.11). Age at onset≤5-7 days was associated with an increased odds of NT death.
CONCLUSIONS
Low birth weight predicted an increased odds of death by NT. Age at onset≤5-7 days to diagnosis is crucial in determining survival among neonates with tetanus.
Topics: Age of Onset; Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Infant Mortality; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Odds Ratio; Prognosis; Publication Bias; Risk Factors; Tetanus
PubMed: 24145010
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2013.05.016 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Sep 2010To do a quantitative systematic review, including published and unpublished data, examining the associations between individual objective measures of physical capability... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To do a quantitative systematic review, including published and unpublished data, examining the associations between individual objective measures of physical capability (grip strength, walking speed, chair rising, and standing balance times) and mortality in community dwelling populations.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Relevant studies published by May 2009 identified through literature searches using Embase (from 1980) and Medline (from 1950) and manual searching of reference lists; unpublished results were obtained from study investigators.
STUDY SELECTION
Eligible observational studies were those done in community dwelling people of any age that examined the association of at least one of the specified measures of physical capability (grip strength, walking speed, chair rises, or standing balance) with mortality.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Effect estimates obtained were pooled by using random effects meta-analysis models with heterogeneity between studies investigated.
RESULTS
Although heterogeneity was detected, consistent evidence was found of associations between all four measures of physical capability and mortality; those people who performed less well in these tests were found to be at higher risk of all cause mortality. For example, the summary hazard ratio for mortality comparing the weakest with the strongest quarter of grip strength (14 studies, 53 476 participants) was 1.67 (95% confidence interval 1.45 to 1.93) after adjustment for age, sex, and body size (I(2)=84.0%, 95% confidence interval 74% to 90%; P from Q statistic <0.001). The summary hazard ratio for mortality comparing the slowest with the fastest quarter of walking speed (five studies, 14 692 participants) was 2.87 (2.22 to 3.72) (I(2)=25.2%, 0% to 70%; P=0.25) after similar adjustments. Whereas studies of the associations of walking speed, chair rising, and standing balance with mortality have only been done in older populations (average age over 70 years), the association of grip strength with mortality was also found in younger populations (five studies had an average age under 60 years).
CONCLUSIONS
Objective measures of physical capability are predictors of all cause mortality in older community dwelling populations. Such measures may therefore provide useful tools for identifying older people at higher risk of death.
Topics: Aged; Female; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality; Physical Endurance; Postural Balance; Posture; Walking
PubMed: 20829298
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.c4467 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Sep 2023To determine existing trends concerning in-hospital mortality in patients with traumatic subaxial cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) over the last four decades. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To determine existing trends concerning in-hospital mortality in patients with traumatic subaxial cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) over the last four decades.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE to assess the role of the following factors on in-hospital mortality over the last four decades: neurological deficit, age, surgical decompression, use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), use of methylprednisolone in the acute post-injury period, and study location (developing versus developed countries).
RESULTS
Among 3333 papers after deduplication, 21 studies met the eligibility criteria. The mortality rate was 17.88% [95% confidence interval (CI): 12.9-22.87%]. No significant trend in mortality rate was observed over the 42-year period (meta-regression coefficient = 0.317; p = 0.372). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant association between acute subaxial cervical SCI-related mortality when stratified by use of surgery, administration of methylprednisolone, use of MRI and CT imaging, study design (prospective versus retrospective study), and study location. The mortality rate was significantly higher in complete SCI (20.66%, p = 0.002) and American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) A (20.57%) and B (9.28%) (p = 0.028).
CONCLUSION
A very low level of evidence showed that in-hospital mortality in patients with traumatic subaxial cervical SCI did not decrease over the last four decades despite diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. The overall acute mortality rate following subaxial cervical SCI is 17.88%. We recommend reporting a stratified mortality rate according to key factors such as treatment paradigms, age, and severity of injury in future studies.
Topics: Humans; Hospital Mortality; Cervical Cord; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Neck Injuries; Spinal Cord Injuries; Methylprednisolone
PubMed: 37480505
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05720-5 -
Joint Bone Spine Jan 2013Mortality rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been reported to be higher than for the general population. Fortunately, efficient therapies have reduced... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Mortality rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been reported to be higher than for the general population. Fortunately, efficient therapies have reduced disease activity and may be able to diminish the excess mortality risk. This study was designed to investigate RA mortality over the last 50 years by systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Data to January 2010 in the Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched with the keywords "rheumatoid arthritis", "epidemiologic methods" and "mortality". Inclusion criteria were (i) longitudinal study, (ii) early RA patients, (iii) number of deaths and mean patient follow-up. Incidence mortality rates (IMR) were calculated and standardized mortality rates (SMR) were extracted when available. A meta-analysis by periods of inclusion and a Poisson regression were used to model IMR. Available SMR were computed as a meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 11 longitudinal studies starting from 1955 to 1995, representing 51,819 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Mean IMR was 2.7/100 person-years of follow-up (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2, 3.3) and ranged from 1.0 to 5.2/100 person-years. A decreasing IMR was found in the meta-analyses. Poisson regression analysis indicated a decrease in IMR of 2.3% per year (95%CI: 2.1; 2.6). SMR was available in 8 studies: the meta-SMR was 1.47 (95%CI: 1.19; 1.83) and no decrease was seen over time in the meta-regression.
CONCLUSION
Mortality has decreased among RA patients over the past decades but remained higher than in the general population as assessed by the IMR and the SMR over time.
Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality
PubMed: 22459416
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2012.02.005 -
Systematic Reviews Mar 2019Measuring and monitoring progress towards Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 and 5 required valid and reliable estimates of maternal and child mortality. In South...
BACKGROUND
Measuring and monitoring progress towards Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 and 5 required valid and reliable estimates of maternal and child mortality. In South Africa, there are conflicting reports on the estimates of maternal and neonatal mortality, derived from both direct and indirect estimation techniques. This study aimed to systematically review the estimates made of maternal and neonatal mortality in the period from 1990 to 2015 in South Africa and determine trends over this period.
METHODS
Nationally-representative studies reporting on maternal and neonatal mortality in South Africa were included for synthesis. Literature search for eligible studies was conducted in five electronic databases: Medline, Africa-Wide Information, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. Searches were restricted to articles written in English and presenting data covering the period between 1990 and 2015. Reference lists of retrieved articles were screened for additional publications, and grey literature was searched for relevant documents for the review. Three independent reviewers were involved in study selection, data extractions and achieving consensus.
RESULTS
In total, 969 studies were retrieved and 670 screened for eligibility yielding 25 studies reporting data on maternal mortality and 14 studies on neonatal mortality. Most of the studies had a low risk of bias. Estimates from the institutional reporting differed from the international metrics with wide uncertainty/confidence intervals. Moreover, modelled estimates were widely divergent from estimates obtained through empirical methods. In the last two decades, both maternal and neonatal mortality appear to have increased up to 2009, followed by a decrease, more pronounced in the care of maternal mortality.
CONCLUSION
Estimates from both global metrics and institutional reporting, although widely divergent, indicate South Africa has not achieved MDG 4a and 5a goals but made a significant progress in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. To obtain more accurate estimates, there is a need for applying additional estimation techniques which utilise available multiple data sources to correct for underreporting of these outcomes, perhaps the capture-recapture method.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42016042769.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Mortality; South Africa
PubMed: 30917874
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-0991-y