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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2016Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) occurs in approximately one in 1000 adults every year, and has an annual mortality of 14.6%. In particular, iliofemoral DVT can lead to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) occurs in approximately one in 1000 adults every year, and has an annual mortality of 14.6%. In particular, iliofemoral DVT can lead to recurrent thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), a painful condition which can lead to chronic venous insufficiency, oedema, and ulceration. It causes significant disability, impaired quality of life, and economic burden. Early thrombus removal techniques have been advocated in patients with an iliofemoral DVT in order to improve vein patency, prevent valvular dysfunction, and reduce future complications, such as post-thrombotic syndrome and venous ulceration. One such technique is pharmacomechanical thrombectomy, a combination of catheter-based thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy versus anticoagulation (alone or with compression stockings), mechanical thrombectomy, thrombolysis, or other endovascular techniques in the management of people with acute DVT of the iliofemoral vein.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Specialised Register (last searched December 2015) and the Cochrane Register of Studies (last searched December 2015). We searched clinical trials databases for details of ongoing or unpublished studies and the reference lists of relevant articles retrieved by electronic searches for additional citations.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials in which patients with an iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis were allocated to receive pharmacomechanical thrombectomy versus anticoagulation, mechanical thrombectomy, thrombolysis (systemic or catheter directed thrombolysis), or other endovascular techniques for the treatment of iliofemoral DVT.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two review authors independently assessed studies identified for potential inclusion.
MAIN RESULTS
We found no randomised controlled trials that met the eligibility criteria for this review. We identified one ongoing study.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There were no randomised controlled trials that assessed the effects of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy versus anticoagulation (alone or with compression stockings), mechanical thrombectomy, thrombolysis, or other endovascular techniques in the management of people with acute DVT of the iliofemoral vein that met the eligibility criteria for this review. Further high quality randomised controlled trials are needed.
Topics: Adult; Catheterization, Peripheral; Endovascular Procedures; Femoral Vein; Humans; Iliac Vein; Thrombectomy; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 27814432
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011536.pub2 -
The Journal of Rheumatology. Supplement Mar 2011To perform a systematic literature review of the diagnostic and prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) in patients with... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic literature review of the diagnostic and prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) in patients with undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis (UPIA), and to assess if MRI and US should be done at baseline and repeated, and if so, at what interval.
METHODS
Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and abstracts presented at the 2007 and 2008 meetings of the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism meetings were searched for diagnostic and prognostic studies of any duration examining the ability of MRI/US to predict outcome of patients with UPIA. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and positive/negative likelihood ratios (LR+/LR-) were calculated. When available, odds ratios were extracted. Quality was appraised using validated scales.
RESULTS
Regarding MRI, 11 out of 2595 screened references were included: 2 described pure undifferentiated arthritis (UA) populations and 9, mixed populations. Bone edema (LR+ 4.5) and combination of a distinct MRI synovitis and erosion pattern (LR+ 4.8) increased probability of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Absence of MRI synovitis (LR- 0.2) and absence of a distinct synovitis pattern (LR- 0) decreased probability of developing RA. Regarding US, 2 out of 2111 references were included, both mixed populations; no data could be extrapolated for UPIA.
CONCLUSION
MRI bone edema and combined synovitis and erosion pattern seem useful in predicting development of RA from UPIA. The value of US in UPIA remains to be determined. The absence of MRI synovitis seems useful in excluding development of RA. No data were found about the value of repeating MRI/US. Studies evaluating MRI/US in UPIA are scarce, but current knowledge strongly encourages further testing in UA.
Topics: Arthritis; Databases, Factual; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 21364054
DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.101072 -
The role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and its inhibitor TIMP-1 in burn injury: a systematic review.International Journal of Burns and... 2021Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its endogenous inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), are key mediators of acute inflammation and regulators... (Review)
Review
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its endogenous inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), are key mediators of acute inflammation and regulators of the wound healing process. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the local and systemic involvement of the MMP-9/TIMP-1 system following burn injury. Two databases (Scopus and MEDLINE) were searched for all studies reporting MMP-9 and/or TIMP-1 after burn injury. Based on our eligibility criteria, we reviewed 24 studies involving 508 burns patients in 11 clinical studies and 367 animals in 13 preclinical studies. Local, systemic, and peripheral gene expression, protein levels and activity of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were assessed. Increased MMP-9 was reported at the site of injury early after burn trauma in all studies, and remained elevated in non-healing wounds. Increased TIMP-1 expression in burn wounds occurred later than MMP-9, and was persistent in hypertrophic burn scars. Similar to local expression, systemic MMP-9 and TIMP-1 concentrations were significantly elevated after burn injury in response to upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. While no association was found between systemic MMP-9 concentration and extent of injury or outcome, serum or plasma TIMP-1 showed good correlation with survival and burn severity. This review also found evidence of the MMP-9/TIMP-1 system contributing to secondary tissue damage distant from the burn site, including burn-associated musculoskeletal damage and acute lung injury. In addition, increased MMP-9 synthesis and activity in the brain after peripheral burn may lead to blood-brain barrier dysfunction and cerebral edema, a significant contributor to mortality. This systematic review provides an overview of the available evidence of the role of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in burn injury pathophysiology and finds that TIMP-1 may be a promising biomarker in outcome prognostication of burns patients. Large-scale studies of both pediatric and adult burns patients with increased female representation and repeated sampling are recommended to validate the reliability of TIMP-1 as a prognostic marker following burn injury.
PubMed: 34557330
DOI: No ID Found -
Minerva Anestesiologica Apr 2022The aim of this study was to revise the etiologic features about Tapia's Syndrome (TS), a condition to particularly consider in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study was to revise the etiologic features about Tapia's Syndrome (TS), a condition to particularly consider in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA criteria. The Medline and Embase databases were searched from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2020. Initially the search yielded 399 manuscripts, which were reduced to 50, upon the application of inclusion criteria.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
A total of 65 patients were included in the present review. Mean age was 44±17.5 (DS) years (15-95); M:F ratio was 2.3:1. TS involved mainly the left side (3:2) and was rarely bilateral. Only 2 TS reported cases were due to central causes. Peripheral causes were mainly due to postintubation edema (77%), extrinsic compression (15%), vascular disease (3%), other/not defined (5%).
CONCLUSIONS
TS is a rare syndrome that has been related to a combined cranial nerve palsy; while TS due to central causes is very rare, it is mainly related to peripheral causes. A particular attention to TS should be given during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, either since the correlation between Tapia's syndrome, airway management and anesthetic procedures, since the possible implication of the viral infection itself.
Topics: Adult; Airway Management; COVID-19; Humans; Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases; Middle Aged; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35410105
DOI: 10.23736/S0375-9393.21.16037-7 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2014Many palliative care patients have reduced oral intake during their illness. The management of this can include the provision of medically assisted hydration with the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Many palliative care patients have reduced oral intake during their illness. The management of this can include the provision of medically assisted hydration with the aim of prolonging the life of a patient, improving their quality of life, or both. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 2, 2008, and updated in February 2011.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of medically assisted hydration in palliative care patients on their quality and length of life.
SEARCH METHODS
We identified studies by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CANCERLIT, Caresearch, Dissertation abstracts, SCIENCE CITATION INDEX and the reference lists of all eligible studies, key textbooks and previous systematic reviews. The date of the latest search conducted on CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE was March 2014.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective controlled studies of medically assisted hydration in palliative care patients.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We identified six relevant studies for this update. These included three RCTs (222 participants), and three prospective controlled trials (360 participants). Two review authors independently assessed the studies for quality and validity. The small number of studies and the heterogeneity of the data meant that a quantitative analysis was not possible, so we included a description of the main findings.
MAIN RESULTS
One study found that sedation and myoclonus (involuntary contractions of muscles) scores were improved more in the intervention group. Another study found that dehydration was significantly higher in the non-hydration group, but that some fluid retention symptoms (pleural effusion, peripheral oedema and ascites) were significantly higher in the hydration group. The other four studies (including the three RCTs) did not show significant differences in outcomes between the two groups. The only study that had survival as an outcome found no difference in survival between the hydration and control arms.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Since the last version of this review, we found one new study. The studies published do not show a significant benefit in the use of medically assisted hydration in palliative care patients; however, there are insufficient good-quality studies to inform definitive recommendations for practice with regard to the use of medically assisted hydration in palliative care patients.
Topics: Adult; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; Dehydration; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Longevity; Myoclonus; Observational Studies as Topic; Palliative Care; Quality of Life; Terminally Ill
PubMed: 24760678
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006273.pub3 -
International Ophthalmology Jan 2022The pandemic of COVID-19 has been caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Apart from respiratory malfunction, COVID-19 causes a... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The pandemic of COVID-19 has been caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Apart from respiratory malfunction, COVID-19 causes a system-wide thromboembolic state, leading to serious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular manifestations. However, our knowledge regarding retinal manifestations due to systemic COVID-19 is minimal. This systematic review has comprehensively summarized all retinal manifestations secondary to COVID-19 disease recorded till date since the beginning of the pandemic.
METHODS
All studies published till November 27, 2020, which have reported retinal manifestations in COVID-19 patients were systematically reviewed using the PRISMA statement.
RESULTS
We included 15 articles: 11 case reports and four cross-sectional case series. The most commonly reported manifestations which did not affect visual acuity were retinal hemorrhages and cotton wool spots. The most common vision threatening manifestation was retinal vein occlusion with associated macular edema. Rarely, patients may also present with retinal arterial occlusions and ocular inflammation. These manifestations may occur from as soon as within a week after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms to more than 6 weeks after.
CONCLUSION
Mostly causing milder disease, COVID-19 may however lead to severe life-threatening thromboembolic complications, and systemic antithrombotic therapy has been suggested as a prophylactic and therapeutic management strategy for patients affected with serious systemic disease. However, both sick and apparently healthy patients may suffer from various retinal complications which may lead to loss of vision as well. No consensus regarding management of retinal complications with anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory medications have been proposed; however, they may be tackled on individual basis.
Topics: COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Pandemics; Retina; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34379290
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01996-7 -
Respiratory Research Jan 2010Previous meta-analyses of treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have not shown mortality benefit from any individual class of medication. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Previous meta-analyses of treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have not shown mortality benefit from any individual class of medication.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception through November 2009 for randomized trials that evaluated any pharmacotherapy in the treatment of PAH. Reference lists from included articles and recent review articles were also searched. Analysis included randomized placebo controlled trials of at least eight weeks duration and studies comparing intravenous medication to an unblinded control group.
RESULTS
1541 unique studies were identified and twenty-four articles with 3758 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Studies were reviewed and data extracted regarding study characteristics and outcomes. Data was pooled for three classes of medication: prostanoids, endothelin-receptor antagonists (ERAs), and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for mortality, 6-minute walk distance, dyspnea scores, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse effects. Mortality in the control arms was a combined 4.2% over the mean study length of 14.9 weeks. There was significant mortality benefit with prostanoid treatment (RR 0.49, CI 0.29 to 0.82), particularly comparing intravenous agents to control (RR 0.30, CI 0.14 to 0.63). Mortality benefit was not observed for ERAs (RR 0.58, CI 0.21 to 1.60) or PDE5 inhibitors (RR 0.30, CI 0.08 to 1.08). All three classes of medication improved other clinical and hemodynamic endpoints. Adverse effects that were increased in treatment arms include jaw pain, diarrhea, peripheral edema, headache, and nausea in prostanoids; and visual disturbance, dyspepsia, flushing, headache, and limb pain in PDE5 inhibitors. No adverse events were significantly associated with ERA treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of PAH with prostanoids reduces mortality and improves multiple other clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. ERAs and PDE5 inhibitors improve clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, but have no proven effect on mortality. The long-term effects of all PAH treatment requires further study.
Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; Prevalence; Prostaglandins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Registries; Survival Analysis; Survival Rate; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 20113497
DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-11-12 -
High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular... Nov 2022Hypertension represent the commonest cause of death in 2017. Hypertension is classified into two types which are primary or essential hypertension and secondary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Hypertension represent the commonest cause of death in 2017. Hypertension is classified into two types which are primary or essential hypertension and secondary hypertension. The perindopril-amlodipine combination showed a significant effect in reduction of the elevated BP and the cardiovascular complications.
AIM
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed-dose single-pill combination of perindopril-amlodipine in hypertensive patients.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science for relevant clinical trials. Quality appraisal was evaluated according to GRADE and we assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. We included the following outcomes: systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean blood pressure, heart rate, cough, dizziness, headache, and peripheral edema. We performed the analysis of homogeneous data under the fixed-effects model, while analysis of heterogeneous data was analyzed under the random-effects model. We conducted a meta-regression according to the dose.
RESULTS
We included ten clinical trials. The pooled analysis showed that there was a significant reduction of the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse plessure, mean blood pressure, and heart rate after the the perindopril-amlodipine combination (MD = 18.96 [14.32, 23.60], P < 0.0001), (MD = 11.90 [8.45, 15.35], P < 0.0001), (MD = 8.44 [6.91, 9.97], P = 0.0001), (MD = 13.07 [5.86, 20.29], P = 0.0004), and (MD = 2.93 [0.89, 4.96], P = 0.005), respectively. The results of the meta-regression revealed that the efficacy is increased by increasing the dose (P < 0.001) CONCLUSION: The use of the perindopril-amlodipine combination had a significant effect on the reduction of SBP, DBP, mean blood pressure, pulse pressure, and HR.
Topics: Humans; Perindopril; Amlodipine; Antihypertensive Agents; Drug Combinations; Hypertension; Blood Pressure; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36287359
DOI: 10.1007/s40292-022-00544-3 -
Annals of Internal Medicine Nov 2014Multiple treatments for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy are available. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple treatments for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy are available.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of oral and topical analgesics for diabetic neuropathy.
DATA SOURCES
Multiple electronic databases between January 2007 and April 2014, without language restriction.
STUDY SELECTION
Parallel or crossover randomized, controlled trials that evaluated pharmacologic treatments for adults with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
DATA EXTRACTION
Duplicate extraction of study data and assessment of risk of bias.
DATA SYNTHESIS
65 randomized, controlled trials involving 12 632 patients evaluated 27 pharmacologic interventions. Approximately one half of these studies had high or unclear risk of bias. Nine head-to-head trials showed greater pain reduction associated with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) than anticonvulsants (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.34 [95% credible interval {CrI}, -0.63 to -0.05]) and with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) than topical capsaicin 0.075%. Network meta-analysis showed that SNRIs (SMD, -1.36 [CrI, -1.77 to -0.95]), topical capsaicin (SMD, -0.91 [CrI, -1.18 to -0.08]), TCAs (SMD, -0.78 [CrI, -1.24 to -0.33]), and anticonvulsants (SMD, -0.67 [CrI, -0.97 to -0.37]) were better than placebo for short-term pain control. Specifically, carbamazepine (SMD, -1.57 [CrI, -2.83 to -0.31]), venlafaxine (SMD, -1.53 [CrI, -2.41 to -0.65]), duloxetine (SMD, -1.33 [CrI, -1.82 to -0.86]), and amitriptyline (SMD, -0.72 [CrI, -1.35 to -0.08]) were more effective than placebo. Adverse effects included somnolence and dizziness with TCAs, SNRIs, and anticonvulsants; xerostomia with TCAs; and peripheral edema and burning sensation with pregabalin and capsaicin.
LIMITATION
Confidence in findings was limited because most evidence came from indirect comparisons of trials with short (≤3 months) follow-up and unclear or high risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
Several medications may be effective for short-term management of painful diabetic neuropathy, although their comparative effectiveness is unclear.
PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Anticonvulsants; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Bias; Capsaicin; Diabetic Neuropathies; Humans; Pain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
PubMed: 25364885
DOI: 10.7326/M14-0511 -
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Aug 2022Synthetic benzimidazole opioids (BOs) are highly potent µ-opioid receptor agonists with heroin-like effects. Isotonitazene was first available in 2019 in the drug...
BACKGROUND
Synthetic benzimidazole opioids (BOs) are highly potent µ-opioid receptor agonists with heroin-like effects. Isotonitazene was first available in 2019 in the drug market, although new analogs have multiplied recently. The authors aimed to identify BO use trends and gather toxicological data from BO-related cases to assist in clinical and forensic investigations.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Scopus databases were accessed in October 2021 to identify scientific reports of BO-related intoxication and fatalities. Publication dates, case descriptions, symptoms, autopsy findings, and concentrations of BOs and metabolites in biological matrices were compiled.
RESULTS
Data from 8 case reports with 93 fatalities involving isotonitazene ( n = 65), metonitazene ( n = 20), etonitazepyne ( N -pyrrolidino etonitazene) ( n = 8), flunitazene ( n = 4), and/or butonitazene ( n = 1), and 1 acute intoxication involving etonitazepyne were collected. Autopsy findings included pulmonary congestion/high lung weight (66%), cardiomegaly/high cardiac weight (39%), cerebral edema (22%), gastric contents in the airways (22%), and organ congestion (22%). Median peripheral blood concentrations were 1.7 ng/mL for isotonitazene (0.4-9.5 ng/mL, n = 13), 5.4 ng/mL for metonitazene (0.52-33 ng/mL, n = 17), 5.4 ng/mL for etonitazepyne (2.4-8.3 ng/mL, n = 2), 1.3 ng/mL for flunitazene (0.58-2.1 ng/mL, n = 2), and 3.2 ng/mL for butonitazene ( n = 1). Central nervous system depressants were almost always coadministered.
CONCLUSIONS
Isotonitazene was predominant in cases from 2019 to mid-2020 and was replaced by metonitazene after scheduling in the United States. Typical findings on opioid overdoses have been reported. Peripheral blood concentrations were consistent with a potency similar to that of fentanyl. These results must be interpreted carefully, considering the scarcity of reports on BO-related cases and drug co-exposures.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Benzimidazoles; Cause of Death; Fentanyl; Heroin; Humans
PubMed: 35149665
DOI: 10.1097/FTD.0000000000000970