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International Angiology : a Journal of... Apr 2019Endovascular treatment below-the-knee is safe and effective but limited by poor patency. Coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) may play a role in providing mechanical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Endovascular treatment below-the-knee is safe and effective but limited by poor patency. Coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) may play a role in providing mechanical scaffolding and deliver anti-proliferative drug to the site of vascular barotrauma to reduce the incidence of restenosis. Our aim was to evaluate and compare the use of contemporary DES with standard endovascular-therapies for atherosclerotic disease of infrapopliteal arteries.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing DES with conventional treatment for symptomatic peripheral artery disease (search date 30 August 2017). The primary endpoint was primary patency. Secondary endpoints were freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR), major amputation, sustained Rutherford class improvement and mortality.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
We identified 7 trials enrolling 801 randomly assigned patients (392 DES, 409 control). At the median follow-up of 12-months DES improved rates of primary patency (OR 3.49, 95%CI 2.38-5.12, I2=0%, P<0.00001), freedom from TLR (OR 2.19, 95%CI 1.30-3.69, I2=38%, P=0.003), major amputation (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.31-0.99, I2=0%, P=0.049), and Rutherford class improvement (OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.01-2.59, I2=65%, P=0.046), but not mortality (OR 1.05, 95%CI 0.68-1.62; I2 =0%, P=0.91) compared to control. Subgroup analysis of primary patency favoured DES coated in sirolimus analogues compared to paclitaxel (Test for subgroup differences, Chi2=6.51, df=1, P=0.01, I2=84.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
At midterm follow-up DES significantly improved rates of primary patency, re-intervention, Rutherford class improvement and major amputation for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of infrapopliteal arteries compared to control therapy, with no effect on patient survival. Stents coated in sirolimus analogues were more effective than paclitaxel.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Angioplasty, Balloon; Constriction, Pathologic; Drug-Eluting Stents; Humans; Limb Salvage; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Popliteal Artery; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30650949
DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.19.04049-5 -
Vibration and bubbles: a systematic review of the effects of helicopter retrieval on injured divers.Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Dec 2018Vibration from a helicopter during aeromedical retrieval of divers may increase venous gas emboli (VGE) production, evolution or distribution, potentially worsening the...
INTRODUCTION
Vibration from a helicopter during aeromedical retrieval of divers may increase venous gas emboli (VGE) production, evolution or distribution, potentially worsening the patient's condition.
AIM
To review the literature surrounding the helicopter transport of injured divers and establish if vibration contributes to increased VGE.
METHOD
A systematic literature search of key databases was conducted to identify articles investigating vibration and bubbles during helicopter retrieval of divers. Level of evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. A modified quality assessment tool for studies with diverse designs (QATSDD) was used to assess the overall quality of evidence.
RESULTS
Seven studies were included in the review. An in vitro research paper provided some evidence of bubble formation with gas supersaturation and vibration. Only one prospective intervention study was identified which examined the effect of vibration on VGE formation. Bubble duration was used to quantify VGE load with no difference found between the vibration and non-vibration time periods. This study was published in 1980 and technological advances since that time suggest cautious interpretation of the results. The remaining studies were retrospective chart reviews of helicopter retrieval of divers. Mode of transport, altitude exposure, oxygen and intravenous fluids use were examined.
CONCLUSION
There is some physical evidence that vibration leads to bubble formation although there is a paucity of research on the specific effects of helicopter vibration and VGE in divers. Technological advances have led to improved assessment of VGE in divers and will aid in further research.
Topics: Air Ambulances; Decompression Sickness; Diving; Embolism, Air; Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Vibration
PubMed: 30517957
DOI: 10.28920/dhm48.4.241-251 -
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery... Feb 2019Gunshot wounds and blast injuries constitute a major public health problem, as the increasing availability of firearms and explosives in conjunction with increasing...
Gunshot wounds and blast injuries constitute a major public health problem, as the increasing availability of firearms and explosives in conjunction with increasing violence in the city setting have brought this reality into civilian life. Extremities are most commonly involved; therefore, orthopedic surgeons should be trained to manage these types of injuries. Complete and accurate assessment of the injury itself is of great importance, as it will determine the severity and the risk of patients. High-risk injuries from missiles and injuries from explosions are associated with moderate or poor outcomes, major complications, and increased need for multiple surgical procedures. On the other hand, low-risk injuries frequently present optimal results and rather low morbidity. The role of microsurgery is essential, especially in the high- and very high-risk injuries, since complex and multiple reconstructions have to be performed, which include the utilization of free flaps, nerve grafts, and tendon transfers.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Blast Injuries; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lower Extremity; Male; Microsurgery; Reoperation; Replantation; Retrospective Studies; Trauma Severity Indices; Treatment Outcome; Upper Extremity; Wounds, Gunshot
PubMed: 30498906
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-018-2350-4 -
Journal of Critical Care Apr 2019To determine if recruitment manoeuvres (RMs) would decrease 28-day mortality of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) compared with standard care. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To determine if recruitment manoeuvres (RMs) would decrease 28-day mortality of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) compared with standard care.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published prior to April 26, 2018 were systematically searched. The primary outcome was mortality. The secondary outcomes were oxygenation, barotrauma or pneumothorax, the need for rescue therapies. Data were pooled using the random effects model. And the quality of evidence was assessed by the GRADE system.
RESULTS
Of 3180 identified studies, 15 were eligibly included in our analysis (N = 2755 participants). In the primary outcome, RMs were not associated with reducing 28-day mortality (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.74-1.09), ICU mortality (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.74-1.1), and the in-hospital mortaliy (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.93-1.12). In the secondary outcomes, RMs could improve oxygenation (MD 37.85; 95% CI 11.08-64.61), the rates of barotrauma (RR 1.42; 95% CI 0.83-2.42) and the need for rescue therapies (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.42-1.12) did not show any difference in the ARDS patients with RMs.
CONCLUSIONS
Earlier meta-analyses found decreased mortality with RMs, in the contrary, our results indicate that RMs could improve oxygenation without detrimental effects, but it does not appear to reduce mortality.
Topics: Adult; Critical Care; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury
PubMed: 30453220
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2018.10.033 -
BMC Anesthesiology Nov 2018Mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains high. These patients require mechanical ventilation strategies that include high positive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains high. These patients require mechanical ventilation strategies that include high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). It remains controversial whether high PEEP can improve outcomes for ARDS patients, especially patients who show improvement in oxygenation in response to PEEP. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the effects of high PEEP on ARDS patients.
METHODS
We electronically searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science databases from January 1990 to December 2017. Meta-analyses of the effects of PEEP on survival in adults with ARDS were conducted using the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration.
RESULTS
A total of 3612 patients from nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. There were 1794 and 1818 patients in the high and low PEEP groups, respectively. Hospital mortality showed no significant difference between the high and low PEEP groups (RR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.07; P = 0.26). Similar results were found for 28-d mortality (RR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.07; P = 0.19) and ICU mortality (RR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.07; P = 0.15). The risk of clinically objectified barotrauma was not significantly different between the high and low PEEP groups (RR = 1.24; 95% CI, 0.74 to 2.09, P = 0.41). In the subgroup of ARDS patients who responded to increased PEEP by improved oxygenation (from 6 RCTs), high PEEP significantly reduced hospital mortality (RR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.98; P = 0.03), ICU mortality (RR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.98; P = 0.04),but the 28-d mortality was not decreased(RR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.01; P = 0.07). For ARDS patients in the low PEEP group who received a PEEP level lower than 10 cmHO (from 6 RCTs), ICU mortality was lower in the high PEEP group than the low PEEP group (RR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.94; P = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS
For ARDS patients who responded to increased PEEP by improved oxygenation, high PEEP could reduce hospital mortality, ICU mortality and 28-d mortality. High PEEP does not increase the risk of clinically objectified barotrauma.
Topics: Humans; Oxygen Consumption; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30447683
DOI: 10.1186/s12871-018-0631-4 -
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance Nov 2018A review of decompression sickness (DCS) cases associated with the NASA altitude physiological training (APT) program at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) motivated us to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A review of decompression sickness (DCS) cases associated with the NASA altitude physiological training (APT) program at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) motivated us to place our findings into the larger context of DCS prevalence from other APT centers. We reviewed JSC records from 1999 to 2016 and 14 publications from 1968 to 2004 about DCS prevalence in other APT programs. We performed a meta-analysis of 15 APT profiles (488 cases / 385,116 exposures). We used meta-regression to evaluate the relation between estimated exposures and probability of DCS in a test group, accounting for the heterogeneity between studies. Our in-house review identified 6 Type I DCS (1 from an inside observer) and 1 Type II DCS. There were 6 cases in 9560 student hypobaric exposures from 3 NASA training flights; a student pooled prevalence rate of 0.44 cases / 1000 exposures compared to 1.44 cases / 1000 from 12 published APT profiles. The overall pooled DCS prevalence rate was 1.16 cases / 1000 exposures. There was substantial heterogeneity in DCS prevalence across studies. Denitrogenation time, exposure pressure, and exposure time were associated with probability of DCS in the meta-regression model. While the overall DCS prevalence rate is relatively low, there is marked heterogeneity among profiles. The pooled DCS prevalence rate estimate for the NASA profiles was lower than the overall rate. Variability in APT profile DCS prevalence could be further explained given student level and additional test-level covariates.
Topics: Aerospace Medicine; Altitude; Altitude Sickness; Decompression Sickness; Humans; Military Personnel; Physical Conditioning, Human; United States; United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
PubMed: 30352646
DOI: 10.3357/AMHP.5135.2018 -
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Sep 2018To systematically search the literature for studies evaluating the typical presentation and testing that is performed for divers with inner ear symptoms and then to...
OBJECTIVE
To systematically search the literature for studies evaluating the typical presentation and testing that is performed for divers with inner ear symptoms and then to create a tool for clinicians when evaluating a diver with inner ear symptoms.
METHODS
Nine databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE were systematically searched through 31 January 2018. The PRISMA statement was followed.
RESULTS
Three-hundred and two manuscripts were screened, 69 were downloaded and 21 met criteria to be included in this review. The articles were evaluated for symptomatic trends and initial evaluation work-up primarily focusing on inner-ear barotrauma (IEBt) and inner ear decompression sickness (inner ear DCS). The trends for IEBt were compared to typical inner ear DCS presentation based on large study inner ear DCS results consistent with the plethora of research available. Finally, the HOOYAH Tool was developed to assist the receiving provider to better determine the most likely diagnosis and thus initiate appropriate treatment. The HOOYAH Tool is comprised of the following: 1) H: hard to clear; 2) O: onset of symptoms; 3) O: otoscopic exam; 4) Y: your dive profile; 5) A: additional symptoms and 6) H: hearing. For each of these components, the typical presentation is described allowing the provider better to discern the correct diagnosis.
CONCLUSION
The diagnosis of IEBt remains difficult to define short of visualization through surgical exploration. Early treatment is defined by conservative management with a subsequent observational period to determine symptomatic resolution and need for surgery. However, a similar differential diagnosis is inner ear DCS which requires early recompression. The HOOYAH tool provides a method for assisting the provider in forming a more confident decision regarding the underlying pathology and facilitation of the appropriate treatment.
Topics: Barotrauma; Decompression Sickness; Diving; Ear, Inner; Ear, Middle; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans
PubMed: 30199891
DOI: 10.28920/dhm48.3.186-193 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2018Since the 2000s, there has been a trend towards decreasing tidal volumes for positive pressure ventilation during surgery. This an update of a review first published in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Intraoperative use of low volume ventilation to decrease postoperative mortality, mechanical ventilation, lengths of stay and lung injury in adults without acute lung injury.
BACKGROUND
Since the 2000s, there has been a trend towards decreasing tidal volumes for positive pressure ventilation during surgery. This an update of a review first published in 2015, trying to determine if lower tidal volumes are beneficial or harmful for patients.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the benefit of intraoperative use of low tidal volume ventilation (less than 10 mL/kg of predicted body weight) compared with high tidal volumes (10 mL/kg or greater) to decrease postoperative complications in adults without acute lung injury.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2017, Issue 5), MEDLINE (OvidSP) (from 1946 to 19 May 2017), Embase (OvidSP) (from 1974 to 19 May 2017) and six trial registries. We screened the reference lists of all studies retained and of recent meta-analysis related to the topic during data extraction. We also screened conference proceedings of anaesthesiology societies, published in two major anaesthesiology journals. The search was rerun 3 January 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all parallel randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of low tidal volumes (defined as less than 10 mL/kg) on any of our selected outcomes in adults undergoing any type of surgery. We did not retain studies with participants requiring one-lung ventilation.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed the quality of the retained studies with the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. We analysed data with both fixed-effect (I statistic less than 25%) or random-effects (I statistic greater than 25%) models based on the degree of heterogeneity. When there was an effect, we calculated a number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) using the odds ratio. When there was no effect, we calculated the optimum information size.
MAIN RESULTS
We included seven new RCTs (536 participants) in the update.In total, we included 19 studies in the review (776 participants in the low tidal volume group and 772 in the high volume group). There are four studies awaiting classification and three are ongoing. All included studies were at some risk of bias. Participants were scheduled for abdominal surgery, heart surgery, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, spinal surgery and knee surgery. Low tidal volumes used in the studies varied from 6 mL/kg to 8.1 mL/kg while high tidal volumes varied from 10 mL/kg to 12 mL/kg.Based on 12 studies including 1207 participants, the effects of low volume ventilation on 0- to 30-day mortality were uncertain (risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 1.53; I = 0%; low-quality evidence). Based on seven studies including 778 participants, lower tidal volumes probably reduced postoperative pneumonia (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.82; I = 0%; moderate-quality evidence; NNTB 24, 95% CI 16 to 160), and it probably reduced the need for non-invasive postoperative ventilatory support based on three studies including 506 participants (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.64; moderate-quality evidence; NNTB 13, 95% CI 11 to 24). Based on 11 studies including 957 participants, low tidal volumes during surgery probably decreased the need for postoperative invasive ventilatory support (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.77; I = 0%; NNTB 39, 95% CI 30 to 166; moderate-quality evidence). Based on five studies including 898 participants, there may be little or no difference in the intensive care unit length of stay (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.06, 95% CI -0.22 to 0.10; I = 33%; low-quality evidence). Based on 14 studies including 1297 participants, low tidal volumes may have reduced hospital length of stay by about 0.8 days (SMD -0.15, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.00; I = 27%; low-quality evidence). Based on five studies including 708 participants, the effects of low volume ventilation on barotrauma (pneumothorax) were uncertain (RR 1.77, 95% CI 0.52 to 5.99; I = 0%; very low-quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found moderate-quality evidence that low tidal volumes (defined as less than 10 mL/kg) decreases pneumonia and the need for postoperative ventilatory support (invasive and non-invasive). We found no difference in the risk of barotrauma (pneumothorax), but the number of participants included does not allow us to make definitive statement on this. The four studies in 'Studies awaiting classification' may alter the conclusions of the review once assessed.
Topics: Acute Lung Injury; Adult; Aged; Barotrauma; Body Weight; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Insufflation; Intensive Care Units; Intraoperative Care; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Noninvasive Ventilation; Pneumonia; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Postoperative Care; Pulmonary Atelectasis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tidal Volume
PubMed: 29985541
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011151.pub3 -
Journal of Intensive Care 2018Clinical benefits of recruitment maneuver in ARDS patients are controversial. A number of previous studies showed possible benefits; a large recent study reported that...
Recruitment maneuver does not provide any mortality benefit over lung protective strategy ventilation in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a meta-analysis and systematic review of the randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Clinical benefits of recruitment maneuver in ARDS patients are controversial. A number of previous studies showed possible benefits; a large recent study reported that recruitment maneuver and PEEP titration may even be harmful. This meta-analysis was designed to compare the clinical utility of recruitment maneuver with low tidal volume ventilation in adult patients with ARDS.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials comparing recruitment maneuver and lung protective ventilation strategy with lung protective strategy ventilation protocol alone in adult patients with ARDS has been included in this meta-analysis. PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to 10 November 2017 to identify potentially eligible trials. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were calculated for binary and continuous variables respectively.
RESULTS
Data of 2480 patients from 7 randomized controlled trials have been included in this meta-analysis and systemic review. Reported mortality at the longest available follow-up [RR (95% CI) 0.93 (0.80, 1.08); = 0.33], ICU mortality [RR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.76, 1.10); = 0.33] and in-hospital mortality [RR (95% CI) 0.95 (0.83, 1.08); = 0.45] were similar between recruitment maneuver group and standard lung protective ventilation group. Duration of hospital stay [SMD (95% CI) 0.00 (- 0.09, 0.10); = 0.92] and duration of ICU stays [SMD (95% CI) 0.05 (- 0.09, 0.19); = 0.49] were also similar between recruitment maneuver group and standard lung protective ventilation group. Risk of barotrauma was also similar.
CONCLUSION
Use of recruitment maneuver along with co-interventions such as PEEP titration does not provide any benefit in terms of mortality, length of ICU, and hospital stay in ARDS patients.
PubMed: 29983985
DOI: 10.1186/s40560-018-0305-9 -
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Jun 2018Rhinologic and oral maxillofacial complications from scuba diving are common, representing approximately 35% of head and neck pathology related to diving. We performed a...
Rhinologic and oral maxillofacial complications from scuba diving are common, representing approximately 35% of head and neck pathology related to diving. We performed a systematic and comprehensive literature review on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rhinologic and oral maxillofacial pathology related to diving. This included complications due to sinus barotrauma, barodontalgia, odontocrexis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, partially dentulous patients, and considerations for patients following major head and neck surgery. Of 113 papers accessed, 32 were included in the final synthesis. We created a succinct summary on each topic that should inform clinical decision making by otolaryngologists, dive medicine specialists and primary care providers when faced with pathology of these anatomic sub-sites.
Topics: Barotrauma; Diving; Ear Diseases; Humans; Paranasal Sinus Diseases; Toothache
PubMed: 29888379
DOI: 10.28920/dhm48.2.79-83