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The Journal of International Medical... May 2024The efficacy of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) in alleviating postoperative pain remains unclear. This meta-analysis was performed to determine the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) in alleviating postoperative pain remains unclear. This meta-analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided SGB in relieving acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing surgery with general anesthesia.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on randomized controlled trials comparing SGB with control or placebo. The primary outcome was the pain score at 24 hours after surgery. A random-effects model was used to calculate the mean difference (MD) or risk ratio with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%.
RESULTS
Eight studies involving 470 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that ultrasound-guided SGB was significantly associated with a lower pain score at 24 hours after surgery (MD = -0.74; 95% CI = -1.39, -0.08; I = 86%; low evidence) and at 8 hours after surgery (MD = -0.65; 95% CI = -1.03, -0.28; I = 29%; moderate evidence).
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound-guided SGB is effective in alleviating acute postoperative pain. However, considering the limited number of trials performed to date, more large-scale and high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.
Topics: Humans; Stellate Ganglion; Pain, Postoperative; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Autonomic Nerve Block; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Acute Pain; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 38759220
DOI: 10.1177/03000605241252237 -
Medicine May 2024Herpes zoster (HZ) is mainly characterized by intense pain and severe skin lesions, particularly during the acute phase, which seriously affects the patient's quality of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Herpes zoster (HZ) is mainly characterized by intense pain and severe skin lesions, particularly during the acute phase, which seriously affects the patient's quality of life. Acupuncture is a widely used and effective treatment for HZ. However, there are many types of acupuncture, which have different curative efficacy. This study employed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess and rank the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture therapies.
METHODS
The database of Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese BioMedical Database, VIP Database, and Wanfang Database were searched from inception to December 31, 2022 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture related therapies in the treatment of acute HZ. The outcome indicators measured were visual analogue scale (VAS), date of cessation of herpes increase (DCHI), effective rate (ER), postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and adverse events (AEs). Bayesian network meta-analyses were performed using the GeMTC package (version 1.0-1) and R software (version 4.2.3).
RESULTS
A total of 59 RCTs with 3930 patients were included. The results of this NMA were as follows: compared with pharmacotherapy, electroacupuncture (EA) + pricking and cupping (PC) shown the best efficacy to improve VAS score and reduce DCHI. In terms of ER, EA + fire needle (FN) had the highest results of probability ranking. PC was more effective in reducing the incidence of PHN. Furthermore, this study shown that the incidence of AEs associated with acupuncture-related therapies was acceptable.
CONCLUSIONS
This study indicated that therapies related to acupuncture were both effective and safe in treating acute HZ, and could significantly reduce patients' symptoms such as pain and skin lesions with fewer adverse events. Clinically, the selection of the appropriate therapy should be based on practical considerations. However, due to the limitations of this study, more high-quality trials are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-related therapy for the treatment of acute HZ.
Topics: Humans; Herpes Zoster; Acupuncture Therapy; Network Meta-Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Acute Disease
PubMed: 38758864
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038006 -
Ulusal Travma Ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi =... May 2024Magnet ingestion in children can lead to serious complications, both acutely and chronically. This case report discusses the treatment approach for a case involving... (Review)
Review
Magnet ingestion in children can lead to serious complications, both acutely and chronically. This case report discusses the treatment approach for a case involving multiple magnet ingestions, which resulted in a jejuno-colonic fistula, segmental intestinal volvulus, hepa-tosteatosis, and renal calculus detected at a late stage. Additionally, we conducted a literature review to explore the characteristics of intestinal fistulas caused by magnet ingestion. A six-year-old girl was admitted to the Pediatric Gastroenterology Department pre-senting with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea persisting for two years. Initial differential diagnoses included celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and tuberculosis, yet the etiology remained elusive. The Pediatric Surgery team was consulted after a jejuno-colonic fistula was suspected based on magnetic resonance imaging findings. The physical examination revealed no signs of acute abdomen but showed mild abdominal distension. Subsequent upper gastrointestinal series and contrast enema graphy confirmed a jejuno-colonic fistula and segmental volvulus. The family later reported that the child had swallowed a magnet two years prior, and medical follow-up had stopped after the spontaneous expulsion of the magnets within one to two weeks. Surgical intervention was necessary to correct the volvulus and repair the large jejuno-colonic fistula. To identify relevant studies, we conducted a detailed literature search on magnet ingestion and gastrointestinal fistulas according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We identified 44 articles encompassing 55 cases where symptoms did not manifest in the acute phase and acute abdomen was not observed. In 29 cases, the time of magnet ingestion was unknown. Among the 26 cases with a known ingestion time, the average duration until fistula detection was 22.8 days (range: 1-90 days). Fistula repairs were performed via laparotomy in 47 cases.
Topics: Humans; Female; Intestinal Fistula; Child; Foreign Bodies; Magnets; Malabsorption Syndromes; Jejunal Diseases; Intestinal Volvulus; Colonic Diseases
PubMed: 38738679
DOI: 10.14744/tjtes.2024.50845 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jul 2024Evidence on the importance of rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS) in processing emotions is accumulating. The focus of this systematic review is the outcomes of experimental... (Review)
Review
Evidence on the importance of rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS) in processing emotions is accumulating. The focus of this systematic review is the outcomes of experimental REMS deprivation (REMSD), which is the most common method in animal models and human studies on REMSD. This review revealed that variations in the applied REMSD methods were substantial. Animal models used longer deprivation protocols compared with studies in humans, which mostly reported acute deprivation effects after one night. Studies on animal models showed that REMSD causes aggressive behavior, increased pain sensitivity, reduced sexual behavior, and compromised consolidation of fear memories. Animal models also revealed that REMSD during critical developmental periods elicits lasting consequences on affective-related behavior. The few human studies revealed increases in pain sensitivity and suggest stronger consolidation of emotional memories after REMSD. As pharmacological interventions (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]) may suppress REMS for long periods, there is a clear gap in knowledge regarding the effects and mechanisms of chronic REMS suppression in humans.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Sleep Deprivation; Sleep, REM; Emotions; Affect
PubMed: 38729279
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105714 -
BMJ Open May 2024To characterise sex and gender-based analysis (SGBA) and diversity metric reporting, representation of female/women participants in acute care trials and temporal...
OBJECTIVE
To characterise sex and gender-based analysis (SGBA) and diversity metric reporting, representation of female/women participants in acute care trials and temporal changes in reporting before and after publication of the 2016 Sex and Gender Equity in Research guideline.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
We searched MEDLINE for trials published in five leading medical journals in 2014, 2018 and 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
Trials that enrolled acutely ill adults, compared two or more interventions and reported at least one clinical outcome.
DATA ABSTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
4 reviewers screened citations and 22 reviewers abstracted data, in duplicate. We compared reporting differences between intensive care unit (ICU) and cardiology trials.
RESULTS
We included 88 trials (75 (85.2%) ICU and 13 (14.8%) cardiology) (n=111 428; 38 140 (34.2%) females/women). Of 23 (26.1%) trials that reported an SGBA, most used a forest plot (22 (95.7%)), were prespecified (21 (91.3%)) and reported a sex-by-intervention interaction with a significance test (19 (82.6%)). Discordant sex and gender terminology were found between headings and subheadings within baseline characteristics tables (17/32 (53.1%)) and between baseline characteristics tables and SGBA (4/23 (17.4%)). Only 25 acute care trials (28.4%) reported race or ethnicity. Participants were predominantly white (78.8%) and male/men (65.8%). No trial reported gendered-social factors. SGBA reporting and female/women representation did not improve temporally. Compared with ICU trials, cardiology trials reported significantly more SGBA (15/75 (20%) vs 8/13 (61.5%) p=0.005).
CONCLUSIONS
Acute care trials in leading medical journals infrequently included SGBA, female/women and non-white trial participants, reported race or ethnicity and never reported gender-related factors. Substantial opportunity exists to improve SGBA and diversity metric reporting and recruitment of female/women participants in acute care trials.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022282565.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Critical Care; Periodicals as Topic; Sex Factors; Journal Impact Factor; Clinical Trials as Topic; Gender Equity; Cardiology
PubMed: 38719297
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081118 -
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia Sep 2024The suitability of ambulatory surgery for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The suitability of ambulatory surgery for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the odds of perioperative adverse events in patients with OSA undergoing ambulatory surgery, compared to patients without OSA.
METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched for studies published between January 1, 2011 and July 11, 2023. The inclusion criteria were: adult patients with diagnosed or high-risk of OSA undergoing ambulatory surgery; perioperative adverse events; control group included; general and/or regional anesthesia; and publication on/after February 1, 2011. We calculated effect sizes as odds ratios using a random effects model, and additional sensitivity analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies (375,389 patients) were included. OSA was associated with an increased odds of same-day admission amongst all surgery types (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.46-2.59, I:79%, P < 0.00001, 11 studies, n = 347,342), as well as when only orthopedic surgery was considered (OR 2.68, 95% CI 2.05-3.48, I:41%, P < 0.00001, 6 studies, n = 132,473). Three studies reported that OSA was strongly associated with prolonged post anesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay (LOS), while one study reported that the association was not statistically significant. In addition, four studies reported that OSA was associated with postoperative respiratory depression/hypoxia, with one large study on shoulder arthroscopy reporting an almost 5-fold increased odds of pulmonary compromise, 5-fold of myocardial infarction, 3-fold of acute renal failure, and 5-fold of intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
CONCLUSIONS
Ambulatory surgical patients with OSA had almost two-fold higher odds of same-day admission compared to non-OSA patients. Multiple large studies also reported an association of OSA with prolonged PACU LOS, respiratory complications, and/or ICU admission. Clinicians should screen preoperatively for OSA, optimize comorbidities, adhere to clinical algorithm-based management perioperatively, and maintain a high degree of vigilance in the postoperative period.
Topics: Humans; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Length of Stay; Adult; Anesthesia Recovery Period; Anesthesia, General
PubMed: 38718686
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2024.111464 -
Critical Care Research and Practice 2024A noninvasive and accurate method of identifying fluid responsiveness in hemodynamically unstable patients has long been sought by physicians. Carotid ultrasound (US) is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A noninvasive and accurate method of identifying fluid responsiveness in hemodynamically unstable patients has long been sought by physicians. Carotid ultrasound (US) is one such modality previously canvassed for this purpose. The aim of this novel systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate whether critically unwell patients who are requiring intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation (fluid responders) can be identified accurately with carotid US.
METHODS
The protocol was registered with PROSPERO on the 30/11/2022 (ID number: CRD42022380284). Studies investigating carotid ultrasound accuracy in assessing fluid responsiveness in hemodynamically unstable patients were included. Studies were identified through searches of six databases, all run on 4 November 2022, Medline, Embase, Emcare, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines. Results were pooled, meta-analysis was conducted where amenable, and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic models were established to compare carotid ultrasound measures.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies were included ( = 842), with 1048 fluid challenges. 441 (42.1%) were fluid responsive. Four different carotid US measures were investigated, including change in carotid doppler peak velocity (∆CDPV), carotid blood flow (CBF), change in carotid artery velocity time integral (∆CAVTI), and carotid flow time (CFT). Pooled carotid US had a pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 0.73 (0.66-0.78), 0.82 (0.72-0.90), and 0.81 (0.78-0.85), respectively. ∆CDPV had sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC with 95% CI of 0.72 (0.64-0.80), 0.87 (0.73-0.94), and 0.82 (0.78-0.85), respectively. CBF had sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC with 95% CI of 0.70 (0.56-0.80), 0.80 (0.50-0.94), and 0.77 (0.78-0.85), respectively. Risk of bias and assessment was undertaken using the QUADAS-2 and GRADE tools. The QUADAS-2 found that studies generally had an unclear or high risk of bias but with low applicability concerns. The GRADE assessment showed that ∆CDPV and CBF had low accuracy for sensitivity and specificity.
CONCLUSION
It appears that carotid US has a limited ability to predict fluid responsiveness in critically unwell patients. ∆CDPV demonstrates the greatest accuracy of all measures analyzed. Further high-quality studies using consistent study design would help confirm this.
PubMed: 38716052
DOI: 10.1155/2024/9102961 -
BMC Public Health May 2024A notable research gap exists in the systematic review and meta-analysis concerning the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
A notable research gap exists in the systematic review and meta-analysis concerning the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F vaccine.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov to retrieve articles related to the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of RSV prefusion F vaccines, published through September 8, 2023. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
RESULTS
A total of 22 randomized controlled trials involving 78,990 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The RSV prefusion F vaccine exhibited a vaccine effectiveness of 68% (95% CI: 59-75%) against RSV-associated acute respiratory illness, 70% (95% CI: 60-77%) against medically attended RSV-associated lower respiratory tract illness, and 87% (95% CI: 71-94%) against medically attended severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract illness. Common reported local adverse reactions following RSV prefusion F vaccination include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, and systemic reactions such as fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, nausea, and chills.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis suggests that vaccines using the RSV prefusion F protein as antigen exhibit appears broadly acceptable efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety in the population. In particular, it provides high protective efficiency against severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease.
Topics: Humans; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines; Vaccine Efficacy; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Immunogenicity, Vaccine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38711074
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18748-8 -
BMC Anesthesiology May 2024Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has the potential to benefit graft function following kidney transplantation by reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has the potential to benefit graft function following kidney transplantation by reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, the current clinical evidence is inconclusive. This meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) aimed to determine whether RIC improves graft function after kidney transplantation.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases until June 20, 2023, to identify all randomized controlled trials that examined the impact of RIC on graft function after kidney transplantation. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) post-kidney transplantation. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of acute rejection, graft loss, 3- and 12-month estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), and the length of hospital stay. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on RIC procedures (preconditioning, perconditioning, or postconditioning), implementation sites (upper or lower extremity), and graft source (living or deceased donor).
RESULTS
Our meta-analysis included eight trials involving 1038 patients. Compared with the control, RIC did not significantly reduce the incidence of DGF (8.8% vs. 15.3%; risk ratio = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-1.21, P = 0.25, I = 16%), and TSA results showed that the required information size was not reached. However, the RIC group had a significantly increased eGFR at 3 months after transplantation (mean difference = 2.74 ml/min/1.73 m, 95% CI: 1.44-4.05 ml/min/1.73 m, P < 0.0001, I = 0%), with a sufficient evidence suggested by TSA. The secondary outcomes were comparable between the other secondary outcomes. The treatment effect of RIC did not differ between the subgroup analyses.
CONCLUSION
In this meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis, RIC did not lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of DGF after kidney transplantation. Nonetheless, RIC demonstrated a positive correlation with 3-month eGFR. Given the limited number of patients included in this study, well-designed clinical trials with large sample sizes are required to validate the renoprotective benefits of RIC.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Number CRD42023464447).
Topics: Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Ischemic Preconditioning; Delayed Graft Function; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Graft Rejection
PubMed: 38702625
DOI: 10.1186/s12871-024-02549-y -
BJGP Open May 2024Acute abdominal pain is a common complaint, caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from acutely life-threatening to benign and self-limiting with symptom overlap...
BACKGROUND
Acute abdominal pain is a common complaint, caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from acutely life-threatening to benign and self-limiting with symptom overlap complicating diagnosis. Signs and symptoms may be valuable when assessing a patient to guide clinical work.
AIM
Summarising evidence on the accuracy of signs and symptoms for diagnosing serious illness in adults with acute abdominal pain in an ambulatory care setting.
DESIGN & SETTING
We performed a systematic review, searching for prospective diagnostic accuracy studies who included adults presenting with acute abdominal pain to an ambulatory care setting.
METHOD
Six databases and guideline registers were searched, using a comprehensive search strategy. We assessed the risk of bias, calculated descriptive statistics and measures of diagnostic accuracy. Results were pooled when at least four studies were available.
RESULTS
Out of 18,923 unique studies, 16 studies with moderate to high-risk bias were included. Fourteen clinical features met our criteria, including systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg (LR +7.01), shock index >0.85, uterine cervical motion tenderness (LR +5.62 and LR- 8.60) and a self-assessment questionnaire score >70 (LR +12.20) or <25 (LR- 0.19). Clinical diagnosis made by the clinician had the best rule-in ability (LR +24.6).
CONCLUSIONS
We identified 14 signs and symptoms that can influence the likelihood of a serious illness, including pain characteristics, systemic signs, gynaecological signs and clinician's overall assessment. The risk of bias was moderate to high, leading to uncertainty, preventing us from making firm conclusions. This highlights the need for better research in this setting.
PubMed: 38697663
DOI: 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0245