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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2005Umbilical venous catheters are often used in unwell neonates. Infection related to the use of these catheters may cause significant morbidity and mortality. The use of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Umbilical venous catheters are often used in unwell neonates. Infection related to the use of these catheters may cause significant morbidity and mortality. The use of prophylactic antibiotics has been advocated for newborns with umbilical venous catheters in order to reduce the risk of colonisation and acquired infection. Countering this is the possibility that harm may outweigh benefit. Prophylactic antibiotics may be effective in preventing catheter-related blood stream infection, but may have the undesirable effect of promoting the emergence of resistant strains of micro-organisms. A policy of prophylactic antibiotic use should take into account this possibility, and has been used as a basis for arguing against its implementation.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective was to assess whether prophylactic antibiotics, in neonates with umbilical venous catheters, reduce mortality and morbidity. In separate comparisons, we planned to review two different policies regarding the prophylactic use of antibiotics in neonates with umbilical venous catheters: 1) Among neonates with umbilical venous catheters, a policy of prophylactic antibiotics for the duration of catheterisation (or other fixed duration of antibiotic treatment) versus placebo or no treatment; 2) Among neonates with umbilical venous catheters who had been started on antibiotics at the time of catheterisation, but whose initial cultures to rule out sepsis are negative, a policy of continuing versus discontinuing prophylactic antibiotics.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched MEDLINE (January 1966 to April 2005), CINAHL (1982 to April 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2005).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised trials in which newborn infants with umbilical venous catheters are randomised to receive prophylactic antibiotics versus placebo or no treatment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality.
MAIN RESULTS
One study, of poor quality, met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Twenty-nine term infants, who had umbilical venous catheters inserted specifically for transfusion procedures for hyperbilirubinaemia or polycythaemia, allocated non-randomly (quasi-randomised - alternate allocation) to treatment (n = 15) or control (n = 14) groups. Those in the treatment group received penicillin and gentamicin for three days. 5/15 infants given antibiotics and 5/14 control infants having positive blood cultures three days after catheter insertion. All positive blood cultures were considered contaminated, due to lack of corroborating clinical and haematological evidence of infection. Therefore, no infants were identified with evidence of septicaemia.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to support or refute the use of prophylactic antibiotics when umbilical venous catheters are inserted in newborn infants. There is no evidence to support or refute continuing antibiotics once initial cultures rule out infection in newborn infants with umbilical venous catheters.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Catheterization, Peripheral; Catheters, Indwelling; Cross Infection; Humans; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Umbilical Veins
PubMed: 16235397
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005251.pub2 -
Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis Jan 2022Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are classically characterized by excess production of terminal myeloid cells in the peripheral blood. They...
Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are classically characterized by excess production of terminal myeloid cells in the peripheral blood. They include polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. Among this group, primary myelofibrosis is the least common and usually carries the worst prognosis. Bone involvement in primary myelofibrosis has many forms; it affects bone marrow leading to bone marrow fibrosis, it can cause periostitis, in addition to bone and joint pain. A common radiologic finding in primary myelofibrosis is the presence of osteosclerotic lesions. However, the presence of osteolytic lesions in bone imaging was described in few reports. In this review, we searched English literature using the PRISMA guidelines looking for patients with Primary myelofibrosis who had osteolytic bone lesions to assess the impact of such findings on the disease and its effect on prognosis. We found the vast majority of lesions were painful affecting most commonly the vertebral column, pelvis, and ribs, and were detected in patients above 50 years of age with no gender preference, unfortunately they represented advanced disease stages, resulting in inadequate treatment response and poor outcome.
Topics: Bone Marrow; Humans; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Polycythemia Vera; Primary Myelofibrosis; Thrombocythemia, Essential
PubMed: 35075062
DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92i6.12350 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2011Active management of the third stage of labour involves giving a prophylactic uterotonic, early cord clamping and controlled cord traction to deliver the placenta. With... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Active management of the third stage of labour involves giving a prophylactic uterotonic, early cord clamping and controlled cord traction to deliver the placenta. With expectant management, signs of placental separation are awaited and the placenta is delivered spontaneously. Active management was introduced to try to reduce haemorrhage, a major contributor to maternal mortality in low-income countries.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the effectiveness of active versus expectant management of the third stage of labour.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (15 February 2011).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing active versus expectant management of the third stage of labour.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction.
MAIN RESULTS
We included seven studies (involving 8247 women), all undertaken in hospitals, six in high-income countries and one in a low-income country. Four studies compared active versus expectant management, and three compared active versus a mixture of managements. We used random-effects in the analyses because of clinical heterogeneity. There was an absence of high quality evidence for our primary outcomes. The evidence suggested that for women at mixed levels of risk of bleeding, active management showed a reduction in the average risk of maternal primary haemorrhage at time of birth (more than 1000 mL) (average risk ratio (RR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.87, three studies, 4636 women) and of maternal haemoglobin (Hb) less than 9 g/dL following birth (average RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.83, two studies, 1572 women). We also found no difference in the incidence in admission of infants to neonatal units (average RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.11, two studies, 3207 women) nor in the incidence of infant jaundice requiring treatment (0.96, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.68, two studies, 3142 women). There were no data on our other primary outcomes of very severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) at the time of birth (more than 2500 mL), maternal mortality, or neonatal polycythaemia needing treatment.Active management also showed a significant decrease in primary blood loss greater than 500 mL, and mean maternal blood loss at birth, maternal blood transfusion and therapeutic uterotonics during the third stage or within the first 24 hours, or both and significant increases in maternal diastolic blood pressure, vomiting after birth, after-pains, use of analgesia from birth up to discharge from the labour ward and more women returning to hospital with bleeding (outcome not pre-specified). There was also a decrease in the baby's birthweight with active management, reflecting the lower blood volume from interference with placental transfusion.In the subgroup of women at low risk of excessive bleeding, there were similar findings, except there was no significant difference identified between groups for severe haemorrhage or maternal Hb less than 9 g/dL (at 24 to 72 hours).Hypertension and interference with placental transfusion might be avoided by using modifications to the active management package, e.g. omitting ergot and deferring cord clamping, but we have no direct evidence of this here.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Although there is a lack of high quality evidence, active management of the third stage reduced the risk of haemorrhage greater than 1000 mL at the time of birth in a population of women at mixed risk of excessive bleeding, but adverse effects were identified. Women should be given information on the benefits and harms of both methods to support informed choice. Given the concerns about early cord clamping and the potential adverse effects of some uterotonics, it is critical now to look at the individual components of third-stage management. Data are also required from low-income countries.
Topics: Birth Weight; Constriction; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Placenta; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Watchful Waiting
PubMed: 22071837
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007412.pub3 -
The World Journal of Men's Health Jul 2024Hydroxyurea (HU) is a cytoreductive agent used as standard treatment option for sickle cell anaemia/disease (SCD), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and polycythaemia vera...
PURPOSE
Hydroxyurea (HU) is a cytoreductive agent used as standard treatment option for sickle cell anaemia/disease (SCD), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and polycythaemia vera (PV). Despite its overall good safety profile, its use also in relatively young patients raises an interest on its potential impact on spermatogenesis. To perform a systematic review of all published articles investigating fertility in male patients affected by SCD, ET, and PV and treated with HU. Two paradigmatic case reports of patients affected by PV and ET, respectively, have been also reported.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried for all the published studies indexed up to November 15th, 2022. A combination of the following keywords was used: "hydroxyurea," "fertility," "male," "sperm," "sickle cell anaemia," "sickle cell disease," "essential thrombocythemia," "polycythaemia vera."
RESULTS
Of 48 articles identified, 8 studies, involving 161 patients, were eligible for inclusion. Overall, the number of spermatogonia per round cross section of seminiferous tubule were decreased in patients with SCD compared to healthy males. HU treatment was always associated with a worsening of semen parameters, even up to azoospermia. Notably, treatment discontinuation was associated with an improvement of semen parameters and a trend toward normalization in the case of PV and ET, with a less clear amelioration in men with SCD. In both our patients with either PV or ET, HU discontinuation was associated with a significant improvement of spermatogenesis with successful spontaneous pregnancies.
CONCLUSIONS
Published evidence do not consistently report normalization of spermatogenesis after HU discontinuation in SCD cases. Conversely, the literature almost consistently reported an improvement of semen parameters at the discontinuation of HU therapy in PV and ET cases. Our real-life two cases confirmed those findings. The willing of fatherhood and the need for effective fertility treatment warrant further research to improve work-up management in men with hematological disorders.
PubMed: 38164027
DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230069 -
Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis Mar 2024Venous and arterial thromboembolism are major complications of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), comprising polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET),...
Venous and arterial thromboembolism are major complications of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), comprising polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Global hemostasis assays, including thrombin generation assay (TGA), rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), and thromboelastography (TEG), have been proposed as biomarkers to assess the hypercoagulability and thrombotic risk stratification in MPNs. We performed a systematic literature review on the parameters of TGA, ROTEM, and TEG and their association with thrombotic events and treatment strategies in MPNs. Thirty-two studies (all cross-sectional) were included, which collectively enrolled 1,062 controls and 1,608 MPN patients. Among the 13 studies that reported arterial or venous thrombosis, the overall thrombosis rate was 13.8% with 6 splanchnic thromboses reported. Out of the 27 TGA studies, there was substantial heterogeneity in plasma preparation and trigger reagents employed in laboratory assays. There was a trend toward increased peak height among all MPN cohorts versus controls and higher endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) between ET patients versus controls. There was an overall trend toward lower ETP between PV and PMF patients versus. controls. There were no substantial differences in ETP between JAK2-positive versus JAK2-negative MPNs, prior history versus negative history of thrombotic events, and among different treatment strategies. Of the three ROTEM studies, there was a trend toward higher maximum clot firmness and shorter clot formation times for all MPNs versus controls. The three TEG studies had mixed results. We conclude that the ability of parameters from global hemostasis assays to predict for hypercoagulability events in MPN patients is inconsistent and inconclusive. Further prospective longitudinal studies are needed to validate these biomarker tools so that thrombotic potential could be utilized as a primary endpoint of such studies.
Topics: Humans; Thrombin; Cross-Sectional Studies; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Polycythemia Vera; Thrombosis; Thrombocythemia, Essential; Hemostasis; Biomarkers; Thrombophilia; Janus Kinase 2
PubMed: 37068511
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-57010 -
Thrombosis and Haemostasis May 2013In Western countries, thrombotic risk factors for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) are very common, including factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation,... (Review)
Review
In Western countries, thrombotic risk factors for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) are very common, including factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation, myeloproliferative neoplasms, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, etc. However, the data regarding thrombotic risk factors in Chinese BCS patients are extremely limited. An observational study was conducted to examine this issue. A total of 246 BCS patients who were consecutively admitted to our department between July 1999 and December 2011 were invited to be examined for thrombotic risk factors. Of these, 169 patients were enrolled. Neither factor V Leiden mutation nor prothrombin G20210A mutation was found in any of 136 patients tested. JAK2 V617F mutation was positive in four of 169 patients tested. Neither MPL W515L/K mutation nor JAK2 exon 12 mutation was found in any of 135 patients tested. Overt myeloproliferative neoplasms were diagnosed in five patients (polycythemia vera, n=3; essential thrombocythemia, n=1; idiopathic myelofibrosis, n=1). Two of them had positive JAK2 V617F mutation. Both CD55 and CD59 deficiencies were found in one of 166 patients tested. This patient had a previous history of paroxysmal nocturnal haemo-globinuria before BCS. Anticardiolipin IgG antibodies were positive or weakly positive in six of 166 patients tested. Hyperhomocysteinaemia was found in 64 of 128 patients tested. 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation was found in 96 of 135 patients tested. In conclusion, factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria are very rare in Chinese BCS patients, suggesting that the etiological distribution of BCS might be different between Western countries and China.
Topics: Adult; Antibodies, Anticardiolipin; Asian People; Biomarkers; Budd-Chiari Syndrome; CD55 Antigens; CD59 Antigens; Chi-Square Distribution; China; DNA Mutational Analysis; Factor V; Female; Gene Frequency; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Janus Kinase 2; Male; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Mutation; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Prothrombin; Risk Factors
PubMed: 23447059
DOI: 10.1160/TH12-10-0784 -
American Journal of Hematology May 2018Patients with a Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) may harbor or develop lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), however, the clinical and molecular determinants...
Patients with a Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) may harbor or develop lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), however, the clinical and molecular determinants of MPN and LPD co-occurrence are still uncertain. To systematically pool the available knowledge, we conducted a scoping review of literature published since January 2005 and analyzed single-patient clinical data from 50 papers reporting 214 individuals harboring both MPN and LPD. Patients had been diagnosed essential thrombocythemia (44%), polycythemia vera (29%), or myelofibrosis (23%) at a median age of 67 years (26-94): half of them incurred a LPD after a median of 72 months from MPN diagnosis, while in 20% the LPD diagnosis was antecedent or synchronous. Patients mainly incurred indolent LPD, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), while aggressive lymphomas and multiple myeloma were a relevant portion of the LPDs occurring in the follow-up of MPN. CLL was preferentially diagnosed in PV patients and was associated with a very high male-to-female ratio, as well as an older age at MPN diagnosis. On converse, multiple myeloma was rarely reported in PV patients and was preferentially diagnosed in female patients not harboring the JAK2 V617F mutation. Based on the 46 cases reporting follow-up data, median survival after MPN diagnosis was 96 months. This thorough review of published evidence confirms that LPD are relevant clinical events in the history of MPN patients. Controlled studies are needed to better refine individuals at higher risk of developing LPD, to support surveillance programs and to avoid therapies possibly favoring LPD.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Janus Kinase 2; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Male; Middle Aged; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Neoplasms; Polycythemia Vera; Primary Myelofibrosis; Thrombocythemia, Essential
PubMed: 29377227
DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25049 -
Leukemia Research Jan 2009A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to compare the frequency of clinically significant outcomes between JAK2 V617F positive and wild type patients with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to compare the frequency of clinically significant outcomes between JAK2 V617F positive and wild type patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). JAK2 V617F positivity in patients with ET was associated with a clear increase in the odds of thrombosis [OR=1.83 (95% CI, 1.32-2.53), p<0.0001], and much higher odds of transformation to polycythemia vera [OR=7.67 (95% CI, 2.04-28.87), p=0.0009]. The mean difference of the white blood cell count between JAK2 positive and negative patients was associated with an increased odds ratio for thrombosis (p=0.02). The JAK2 V617F mutation in patients with ET is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes via an increase in the leukocyte count.
Topics: Cell Division; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Humans; Janus Kinase 2; Mutation; Polycythemia Vera; Retrospective Studies; Thrombocythemia, Essential
PubMed: 18632151
DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2008.06.006 -
Value in Health : the Journal of the... Jul 2020We performed a systematic review of health state utility values (HSUVs) obtained using the EQ-5D questionnaire for patients with hematologic malignancies.
OBJECTIVES
We performed a systematic review of health state utility values (HSUVs) obtained using the EQ-5D questionnaire for patients with hematologic malignancies.
METHODS
The following databases were searched up to September 2018: MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and the EQ-5D publications database on the EuroQol website. Additional references were extracted from reviewed articles. Only studies presenting EQ-Index results were incorporated. In view of the heterogeneity across the included publications, we limited ourselves to a narrative synthesis of original HSUVs found.
RESULTS
Fifty-nine studies (described in 63 articles) met the inclusion criteria. Data from 21 635 respondents provided 796 HSUV estimates for hematologic malignancy patients. EQ-Index scores ranged from -0.025 to 0.980. The most represented area was multiple myeloma (4 studies, 11 112 patients, and 249 HSUVs). In clinical areas such as chronic myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, we described over 50 health utilities in each. In contrast, we identified only 13 HSUVs (based on 4 studies and the data of 166 patients) for Hodgkin lymphoma. Areas without EQ-5D-based health utilities comprised: polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis, essential thrombocythemia, mastocytosis, myeloid sarcoma, chronic myelomonocytic, eosinophilic leukemia, and neutrophilic leukemia.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a wide range of HSUVs available for hematologic cancer patients with different indications. The review provides a catalog of utility values for use in cost-effectiveness models for hematologic malignancies.
Topics: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Health Status; Hematologic Neoplasms; Humans; Models, Economic; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 32762998
DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.04.1825 -
Medicine and Science in Sports and... Sep 2013Altitude acclimatization is associated with a rapid increase in hematocrit. The time course and the contribution of the red cell volume expansion are not clear. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Altitude acclimatization is associated with a rapid increase in hematocrit. The time course and the contribution of the red cell volume expansion are not clear. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to explore how much altitude exposure is required to induce polycythemia in healthy lowlanders.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed of 66 published articles (including 447 volunteers) identified through literature search. We performed a mixed-model random-effects meta-analysis and a Monte Carlo simulation on the extracted data.
RESULTS
The following results were obtained in this study: 1) the red cell volume expansion for a given duration of exposure is dependent on altitude (P < 0.0001), that is, that the increase in red cell volume was accelerated at higher altitudes; and 2) the extent of the erythropoietic response depends on the initial red cell volume (P < 0.0001). It seems that exposure time must exceed 2 wk at an altitude of more than 4000 m to exert a statistically significant effect. At lower altitudes, longer exposure times are needed with altitudes lower than 3000 m not yielding an increase within 4 wk.
CONCLUSIONS
Red cell volume response to hypoxia is generally slow, although it accelerates with increasing altitude. This, in combination with a dependency on initial red cell volume, suggests that, for example, athletes may need to spend more time at altitude to see an effect on red cell volume than commonly recommended.
Topics: Acclimatization; Altitude; Erythrocyte Volume; Erythrocytes; Hypoxia; Monte Carlo Method; Polycythemia; Time Factors
PubMed: 23502972
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31829047e5