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Journal of Infection in Developing... May 2024Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is considered to be beneficial for patients with acute viral myocarditis (AVM). In addition, trimetazidine may be also beneficial to patients with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is considered to be beneficial for patients with acute viral myocarditis (AVM). In addition, trimetazidine may be also beneficial to patients with AVM by promoting cardiac energy metabolism. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy and safety of combining trimetazidine and CoQ10 with respect to CoQ10 alone in patients suffering from AVM.
METHODOLOGY
PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). An analysis of random effects was employed to combine the results.
RESULTS
Sixteen RCTs that included 1,364 patients with AVM contributed to the meta-analysis. Overall, 687 patients received the combined treatment, while 677 received the CoQ10 alone for a duration of 2-12 weeks (mean: 5.2 weeks). In contrast to monotherapy with CoQ10, combined treatment with trimetazidine and CoQ10 significantly improved overall therapy effectiveness (risk ratio [RR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13 to 1.24, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Differences in study parameters such as the incidence of heart failure upon admission, dosage of CoQ10, or length of treatment did not significantly alter the outcomes (p for all subgroup analyses > 0.05). The combined treatment was associated with improved myocardial enzyme levels and recovery of cardiac systolic function as compared to CoQ10 alone (p all < 0.05). In addition, trimetazidine combined with CoQ10 caused no greater increase in adverse events than CoQ10 alone.
CONCLUSIONS
Trimetazidine combined with CoQ10 is an effective and safe treatment for AVM.
Topics: Trimetazidine; Humans; Myocarditis; Ubiquinone; Drug Therapy, Combination; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Acute Disease
PubMed: 38865387
DOI: 10.3855/jidc.18776 -
JAMA Cardiology Jun 2024Climate change may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes by causing direct physiologic changes, psychological distress, and disruption of health-related...
IMPORTANCE
Climate change may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes by causing direct physiologic changes, psychological distress, and disruption of health-related infrastructure. Yet, the association between numerous climate change-related environmental stressors and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events has not been systematically reviewed.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current evidence on the association between climate change-related environmental stressors and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify peer-reviewed publications from January 1, 1970, through November 15, 2023, that evaluated associations between environmental exposures and cardiovascular mortality, acute cardiovascular events, and related health care utilization. Studies that examined only nonwildfire-sourced particulate air pollution were excluded. Two investigators independently screened 20 798 articles and selected 2564 for full-text review. Study quality was assessed using the Navigation Guide framework. Findings were qualitatively synthesized as substantial differences in study design precluded quantitative meta-analysis.
FINDINGS
Of 492 observational studies that met inclusion criteria, 182 examined extreme temperature, 210 ground-level ozone, 45 wildfire smoke, and 63 extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, dust storms, and droughts. These studies presented findings from 30 high-income countries, 17 middle-income countries, and 1 low-income country. The strength of evidence was rated as sufficient for extreme temperature; ground-level ozone; tropical storms, hurricanes, and cyclones; and dust storms. Evidence was limited for wildfire smoke and inadequate for drought and mudslides. Exposure to extreme temperature was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, but the magnitude varied with temperature and duration of exposure. Ground-level ozone amplified the risk associated with higher temperatures and vice versa. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, were associated with increased cardiovascular risk that persisted for many months after the initial event. Some studies noted a small increase in cardiovascular mortality, out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, and hospitalizations for ischemic heart disease after exposure to wildfire smoke, while others found no association. Older adults, racial and ethnic minoritized populations, and lower-wealth communities were disproportionately affected.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Several environmental stressors that are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity with climate change are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but data on outcomes in low-income countries are lacking. Urgent action is needed to mitigate climate change-associated cardiovascular risk, particularly in vulnerable populations.
PubMed: 38865135
DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2024.1321 -
European Journal of Emergency Medicine... Jun 2024Multiple decision-aiding models are available to help physicians identify acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and accelerate the decision-making process in emergency...
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE
Multiple decision-aiding models are available to help physicians identify acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and accelerate the decision-making process in emergency departments (EDs).
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of the Manchester Acute Coronary Syndrome (MACS) rule and its derivations, enhancing the evidence for their clinical use.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS
Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception until October 2023 for studies including adult ED patients with suspected cardiac chest pain and inconclusive findings requiring ACS risk-stratification.
OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS
The predictive value of MACS, Troponin-only MACS (T-MACS), or History and Electrocardiogram-only MACS (HE-MACS) decision aids for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 30-day major adverse cardiac outcomes (MACEs) among patients admitted to ED with chest pain suspected of ACS. Overall sensitivity and specificity were synthesized using the 'Diagma' package in STATA statistical software. Applicability and risk of bias assessment were performed using the QUADAS-2 tool.
MAIN RESULTS
For AMI detection, MACS has a sensitivity of 99% [confidence interval (CI): 97-100], specificity of 19% (CI: 10-32), and AUC of 0.816 (CI: 0.720-0.885). T-MACS shows a sensitivity of 98% (CI: 98-99), specificity of 35% (CI: 29-42), and AUC of 0.859 (CI: 0.824-0.887). HE-MACS exhibits a sensitivity of 99% (CI: 98-100), specificity of 9% (CI: 3-21), and AUC of 0.787 (CI: 0.647-0.882). For MACE detection, MACS demonstrates a sensitivity of 98% (CI: 94-100), specificity of 22% (CI: 10-42), and AUC of 0.804 (CI: 0.659-0.897). T-MACS displays a sensitivity of 96% (CI: 94-98), specificity of 36% (CI: 30-43), and AUC of 0.792 (CI: 0.748-0.830). HE-MACS maintains a sensitivity of 99% (CI: 97-99), specificity of 10% (CI 6-16), and AUC of 0.713 (CI: 0.625-0.787).
CONCLUSION
Of all the MACS models, T-MACS displayed the highest overall accuracy due to its high sensitivity and significantly superior specificity. T-MACS exhibits very good diagnostic performance in predicting both AMI and MACE. This makes it a highly promising tool for managing patients with acute chest pain.
PubMed: 38864570
DOI: 10.1097/MEJ.0000000000001147 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Refractory (RSE) and super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) are serious neurological conditions requiring aggressive management. Beyond anesthetic agents, there is a...
BACKGROUND
Refractory (RSE) and super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) are serious neurological conditions requiring aggressive management. Beyond anesthetic agents, there is a lack of evidence guiding management in these patients. This systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA) seeks to evaluate and compare the currently available surgical techniques for the acute treatment of RSE and SRSE.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Individual Participant Data (PRISMA-IPD). Only patients who underwent surgery while in RSE and SRSE were included. Descriptive statistics were used to compare various subgroups. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictors of status epilepticus (SE) cessation, long-term overall seizure freedom, and favorable functional outcome (i.e., modified Rankin score of 0-2) at last follow-up.
RESULTS
A total of 87 studies including 161 participants were included. Resective surgery tended to achieve better SE cessation rate (93.9%) compared to non-resective techniques (83.9%), but this did not reach significance ( = 0.071). Resective techniques were also more likely to achieve seizure freedom (69.1% vs. 34.4%, = <0.0001). Older age at SE (OR = 1.384[1.046-1.832], = 0.023) was associated with increased likelihood of SE cessation, while longer duration of SE (OR = 0.603[0.362-1.003], = 0.051) and new-onset seizures (OR = 0.244[0.069-0.860], = 0.028) were associated with lower likelihood of SE cessation, but this did not reach significance for SE duration. Only shorter duration of SE prior to surgery (OR = 1.675[1.168-2.404], = 0.0060) and immediate termination of SE (OR = 3.736 [1.323-10.548], = 0.014) were independently associated with long-term seizure status. Rates of favorable functional outcomes (mRS of 0-2) were comparable between resective (44.4%) and non-resective (44.1%) techniques, and no independent predictors of outcome were identified.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that emergency neurosurgery may be a safe and effective alternative in patients with RSE/SRSE and may be considered earlier during the disease course. However, the current literature is limited exclusively to small case series and case reports with high risk of publication bias. Larger clinical trials assessing long-term seizure and functional outcomes are warranted to establish robust management guidelines.
PubMed: 38863514
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1403266 -
Journal of Acute Medicine Jun 2024Since late 2019, the global community has been gripped by the uncertainty surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In November 2021, the emergence of the Omicron variant in...
BACKGROUND
Since late 2019, the global community has been gripped by the uncertainty surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In November 2021, the emergence of the Omicron variant in South Africa added a new dimension. This study aims to assess the disease's severity and determine the extent to which vaccinations contribute to reducing mortality rates.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological implications of the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 were performed, incorporating an analysis of articles from November 2021that address mortality rates.
RESULTS
The analysis incorporated data from 3,214,869 patients infected with omicron, as presented in 270 articles. A total of 6,782 deaths from the virus were recorded (0.21%). In the analysed articles, the pooled mortality rate was 0.003 and the pooled in-house mortality rate was 0.036. Vaccination is an effective step in preventing death (odds ratio: 0.391, < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The mortality rates for the omicron variant are lower than for the preceding delta variant. mRNA vaccination affords secure and effective protection against severe disease and death from omicron.
PubMed: 38855048
DOI: 10.6705/j.jacme.202406_14(2).0001 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Jun 2024The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health issue. In COVID-19 patients, the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines lead to the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health issue. In COVID-19 patients, the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines lead to the manifestation of COVID-19 symptoms, such as lung tissue edema, lung diffusion dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), secondary infection, and ultimately mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, thus providing a potential treatment option for COVID-19. The number of clinical trials of MSCs for COVID-19 has been rising. However, the treatment protocols and therapeutic effects of MSCs for COVID-19 patients are inconsistent. This meta-analysis was performed to systematically determine the safety and efficacy of MSC infusion in COVID-19 patients.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive literature search from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to 22 November 2023 to screen for eligible randomized controlled trials. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for searched literature were formulated according to the PICOS principle, followed by the use of literature quality assessment tools to assess the risk of bias. Finally, outcome measurements including therapeutic efficacy, clinical symptoms, and adverse events of each study were extracted for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were collected. The results of enrolled studies demonstrated that patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who received MSC inoculation showed a decreased mortality compared with counterparts who received conventional treatment (RR: 0.76; 95% CI [0.60, 0.96]; p = 0.02). Reciprocally, MSC inoculation improved the clinical symptoms in patients (RR: 1.28; 95% CI [1.06, 1.55]; p = 0.009). In terms of immune biomarkers, MSC treatment inhibited inflammation responses in COVID-19 patients, as was indicated by the decreased levels of CRP and IL-6. Importantly, our results showed that no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions or serious adverse events were monitored in patients after MSC inoculation.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis demonstrated that MSC inoculation is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Without increasing the incidence of adverse events or serious adverse events, MSC treatment decreased patient mortality and inflammatory levels and improved the clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients. However, large-cohort randomized controlled trials with expanded numbers of patients are required to further confirm our results.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; SARS-CoV-2; Treatment Outcome; Mesenchymal Stem Cells
PubMed: 38851730
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05358-6 -
Research in Veterinary Science Aug 2024Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are diseases which affect the urinary tract characterized by the loss of renal function. Their therapy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are diseases which affect the urinary tract characterized by the loss of renal function. Their therapy requires different therapeutic goals. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) transplantation has spread over the years as a treatment for many diseases. In the urinary tract, studies report anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, antioxidant and angiogenic effects. This work reports the results of a meta-analysis about the effects of the MSC application in serum levels of creatinine in dogs and cats with AKI and CKD. The work followed PRISMA guidelines. Data were screened, selected, and extracted with characteristics about the studies. The kinds of injury were classified according to their identification and the risk of bias was calculated by the system SYRCLE. The results of each group were combined by the inverse variance method. The heterogeneity was evaluated by the I test. For the mean of creatinine, a meta-analysis was performed according to the study group and number of applications and separately for the control and treatment groups according to the kind of injury, dose, application route, and moment. At all, 4742 articles were found. Of these, 40 were selected for eligibility, 16 underwent qualitative analysis and 9 to the quantitative. The results denote advantage to the group treated with MSC over placebo. A statistical difference was observed both in combined analysis and in the subgroups division. However, a high heterogeneity was found, which indicates considerable variation between the studies, which indicates caution in generalize the results.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Acute Kidney Injury; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Creatinine
PubMed: 38851051
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105313 -
Cardiovascular Revascularization... Jun 2024Culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is commonly performed for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) in the...
Complete versus culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome and multivessel coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is commonly performed for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) in the elderly. Complete revascularization has been shown to benefit the general population, yet its safety and efficacy in older patients are uncertain.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing complete versus culprit-only PCI in patients ≥65 years old with ACS and MVD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction (MI), ischemia-driven revascularization (IDR), all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality. Data were pooled using a random effects model with a restricted maximum likelihood estimator to generate risk ratios (RRs).
RESULTS
Five RCTs with 4105 patients aged ≥65 years were included. Compared with culprit-only PCI, complete revascularization reduced MI (RR 0.65; 95 % CI 0.49-0.85; p < 0.01). MACE (RR 0.75; 95 % CI 0.54-1.05; p = 0.09) and IDR (RR 0.41; 95 % CI 0.16-1.04; p = 0.06) were not significantly different between both strategies among those aged ≥65. However, there was a significant reduction in MI (RR 0.69; 95 % CI 0.49-0.96; p-value = 0.03), MACE (RR 0.78; 95 % CI 0.65-0.94; p < 0.01), and IDR (RR 0.60; 95 % CI 0.41-0.89; p < 0.01) in those aged ≥75.
CONCLUSIONS
In elderly patients aged ≥65 years with ACS and MVD, a strategy of complete revascularization by PCI reduces MI compared to culprit-only PCI with no significant difference in MACE and IDR. However, complete revascularization reduced MI, MACE, and IDR in those aged ≥75 years suggesting a possible benefit in this age group.
PubMed: 38849266
DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2024.05.040 -
Cardiology in ReviewSeveral vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-have been developed since...
Several vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-have been developed since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Of these, 7 have been approved in the World Health Organization's Emergency Use Listing. However, these vaccines have been reported to have rare or serious adverse cardiovascular effects. This review presents updated information on the adverse cardiovascular effects of the approved COVID-19 vaccines-including inactivated vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, virus-like particles, nucleic acid vaccines, and viral vector vaccines-and the underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Cardiovascular Diseases; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38848534
DOI: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000508 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2024Chikungunya is a viral disease caused by a mosquito-borne alphavirus. The acute phase of the disease includes symptoms such as fever and arthralgia and lasts 7-10 days.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Chikungunya is a viral disease caused by a mosquito-borne alphavirus. The acute phase of the disease includes symptoms such as fever and arthralgia and lasts 7-10 days. However, debilitating symptoms can persist for months or years. Despite the substantial impact of this disease, a comprehensive assessment of its clinical picture is currently lacking.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review on the clinical manifestations of chikungunya, their prevalence and duration, and related hospitalization. Embase and MEDLINE were searched with no time restrictions. Subsequently, meta-analyses were conducted to quantify pooled estimates on clinical outcomes, the symptomatic rate, the mortality rate, and the hospitalization rate. The pooling of effects was conducted using the inverse-variance weighting methods and generalized linear mixed effects models, with measures of heterogeneity reported.
RESULTS
The systematic literature review identified 316 articles. Out of the 28 outcomes of interest, we were able to conduct 11 meta-analyses. The most prevalent symptoms during the acute phase included arthralgia in 90% of cases (95% CI: 83-94%), and fever in 88% of cases (95% CI: 85-90%). Upon employing broader inclusion criteria, the overall symptomatic rate was 75% (95% CI: 63-84%), the chronicity rate was 44% (95% CI: 31-57%), and the mortality rate was 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1-0.7%). The heterogeneity between subpopulations was more than 92% for most outcomes. We were not able to estimate all predefined outcomes, highlighting the existing data gap.
CONCLUSION
Chikungunya is an emerging public health concern. Consequently, a thorough understanding of the clinical burden of this disease is necessary. Our study highlighted the substantial clinical burden of chikungunya in the acute phase and a potentially long-lasting chronic phase. Understanding this enables health authorities and healthcare professionals to effectively recognize and address the associated symptoms and raise awareness in society.
Topics: Chikungunya Fever; Humans; Chikungunya virus; Arthralgia; Hospitalization; Fever; Prevalence
PubMed: 38848443
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012254