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International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2021(1) Introduction: In the last two decades, telemedicine has been increasingly applied to telemonitoring (TM) of patients with pacemakers; however, presently, its growth... (Review)
Review
(1) Introduction: In the last two decades, telemedicine has been increasingly applied to telemonitoring (TM) of patients with pacemakers; however, presently, its growth has significantly accelerated because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has pushed patients and healthcare workers alike to seek new ways to stay healthy with minimal physical contact. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to update the current knowledge on the differences in the medium-and long-term effectiveness of TM and conventional monitoring (CM) in relation to costs and health outcomes. (2) Methods: Three databases and one scientific registry were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar), with no restrictions on language or year of publication. Studies published until July 2021 were included. The inclusion criteria were: (a) experimental or observational design, (b) complete economic evaluation, (c) patients with implanted pacemakers, and (d) comparison of TM with CM. Measurements of study characteristics (author, study duration, sample size, age, sex, major indication for implantation, and pacemaker used), analysis, significant results of the variables (analysis performed, primary endpoints, secondary endpoints, health outcomes, and cost outcomes), and further miscellaneous measurements (methodological quality, variables coded, instrument development, coder training, and intercoder reliability, etc.) were included. (3) Results: 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 3372 enrolled patients; 1773 (52.58%) of them were part of randomized clinical trials. The mean age was 72 years, and the atrioventricular block was established as the main indication for device implantation. TM was significantly effective in detecting the presence or absence of pacemaker problems, leading to a reduction in the number of unscheduled hospital visits (8.34-55.55%). The cost of TM was up to 87% lower than that of CM. There were no significant differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the number of cardiovascular events. (4) Conclusions: Most of the studies included in this systematic review confirm that in the TM group of patients with pacemakers, cardiovascular events are detected and treated earlier, and the number of unscheduled visits to the hospital is significantly reduced, without affecting the HRQoL of patients. In addition, with TM modality, both formal and informal costs are significantly reduced in the medium and long term.
Topics: Aged; COVID-19; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Humans; Pacemaker, Artificial; Pandemics; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34831876
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212120 -
The European Respiratory Journal May 2022Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a life-threatening condition in which clear recommendations are lacking. We aimed to systematically review the literature on cardiac... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a life-threatening condition in which clear recommendations are lacking. We aimed to systematically review the literature on cardiac sarcoidosis treated by corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents in order to update the management of CS.
METHODS
Using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, we found original articles on corticosteroid and standard immunosuppressive therapies for CS that provided at least a fair Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) overall assessment of quality and we analysed the relapse rate, major cardiac adverse events (MACEs) and adverse events. We based our methods on the PRISMA statement and checklist.
RESULTS
We retrieved 21 studies. Mean quality provided by SIGN assessment was 6.8 out of 14 (range 5-9). Corticosteroids appeared to have a positive impact on left ventricular function, atrioventricular block and ventricular arrhythmias. For corticosteroids alone, nine studies (45%, n=351) provided data on relapses, representing an incidence of 34% (n=119). Three studies (14%, n=73) provided data on MACEs (n=33), representing 45% of MACEs in patients treated by corticosteroid alone. Nine studies provided data on adjunctive immunosuppressive therapy, of which four studies (n=78) provided data on CS relapse, representing an incidence of 33% (n=26). Limitations consisted of no randomised control trial retrieved and unclear data on MACEs in patients treated by combined immunosuppressive agents and corticosteroids.
CONCLUSION
Corticosteroids should be started early after diagnosis but the exact scheme is still unclear. Studies concerning adjunctive conventional immunosuppressive therapies are lacking and benefits of adjunctive immunosuppressive therapies are unclear. Homogenous data on CS long-term outcomes under corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapies and other adjunctive therapies are lacking.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immunosuppressive Agents; Recurrence; Sarcoidosis
PubMed: 34531273
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00449-2021 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jul 2021Background As transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology expands to healthy and lower-risk populations, the burden and predictors of procedure-related... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background As transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology expands to healthy and lower-risk populations, the burden and predictors of procedure-related complications including the need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation needs to be identified. Methods and Results Digital databases were systematically searched to identify studies reporting the incidence of PPM implantation after TAVR. A random- and fixed-effects model was used to calculate unadjusted odds ratios (OR) for all predictors. A total of 78 studies, recruiting 31 261 patients were included in the final analysis. Overall, 6212 patients required a PPM, with a mean of 18.9% PPM per study and net rate ranging from 0.16% to 51%. The pooled estimates on a random-effects model indicated significantly higher odds of post-TAVR PPM implantation for men (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.28); for patients with baseline mobitz type-1 second-degree atrioventricular block (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.64-5.93), left anterior hemiblock (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09-1.86), bifascicular block (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.52-4.42), right bundle-branch block (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 2.17-2.83), and for periprocedural atriorventricular block (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 2.69-6.46). The mechanically expandable valves had 1.44 (95% CI, 1.18-1.76), while self-expandable valves had 1.93 (95% CI, 1.42-2.63) fold higher odds of PPM requirement compared with self-expandable and balloon-expandable valves, respectively. Conclusions Male sex, baseline atrioventricular conduction delays, intraprocedural atrioventricular block, and use of mechanically expandable and self-expanding prosthesis served as positive predictors of PPM implantation in patients undergoing TAVR.
Topics: Aortic Valve Stenosis; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Electrocardiography; Global Health; Heart Rate; Humans; Incidence; Pacemaker, Artificial; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
PubMed: 34259045
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.020906 -
Current Cardiology Reviews 2021The objective of this study isto assess the association between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and risk of heart conduction disorders and arrhythmia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study isto assess the association between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and risk of heart conduction disorders and arrhythmia.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for observational studies that investigated the association between AS and risk of heart conduction disorders and arrhythmia with no language or date restrictions until September 16, 2019. We used randomand fixed-effects models to pool the results of the studies. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's test. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on the study design. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software was used to perform meta-analysis.
RESULTS
After removing duplicates, we reviewed 135 articles. Finally, we included seven articles in our meta-analysis, of which four studies reported AV block and any conductive abnormality and three focused on atrial fibrillation and any arrhythmia. Based on our meta-analysis, an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (RR: 1.85, 95%CI: 1.15-2.98) and atrioventricular block (OR: 3.46, 95%- CI: 1.09-10.93) was found in AS subjects compared to the general population. In a subgroup analysis based on study design, we found a greater association between AS and atrioventricular block in cohort studies (RR: 5.14, 95%CI: 1.001-26.50) compared to cross-sectional ones. However, we did not find any association between AS and any arrhythmia (OR=3.36, 95% CI: 0.93-12.15), or conduction disorders (OR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.38-1.06). No publication bias was found.
CONCLUSION
Our results support an association between AS and a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and atrioventricular block.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Spondylitis, Ankylosing
PubMed: 33992063
DOI: 10.2174/1573403X17666210515164206 -
Journal of the American Heart... May 2021Background The 12-lead ECG plays a key role in the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome (BrS). Since the spontaneous type 1 ECG pattern was first described, several other ECG...
Background The 12-lead ECG plays a key role in the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome (BrS). Since the spontaneous type 1 ECG pattern was first described, several other ECG signs have been linked to arrhythmic risk, but results are conflicting. Methods and Results We performed a systematic review to clarify the associations of these specific ECG signs with the risk of syncope, sudden death, or equivalents in patients with BrS. The literature search identified 29 eligible articles comprising overall 5731 patients. The ECG findings associated with an incremental risk of syncope, sudden death, or equivalents (hazard ratio ranging from 1.1-39) were the following: localization of type 1 Brugada pattern (in V2 and peripheral leads), first-degree atrioventricular block, atrial fibrillation, fragmented QRS, QRS duration >120 ms, R wave in lead aVR, S wave in L1 (≥40 ms, amplitude ≥0.1 mV, area ≥1 mm), early repolarization pattern in inferolateral leads, ST-segment depression, T-wave alternans, dispersion of repolarization, and Tzou criteria. Conclusions At least 12 features of standard ECG are associated with a higher risk of sudden death in BrS. A multiparametric risk assessment approach based on ECG parameters associated with clinical and genetic findings could help improve current risk stratification scores of patients with BrS and warrants further investigation. Registration URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. Unique identifier: CRD42019123794.
Topics: Brugada Syndrome; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Electrocardiography; Global Health; Humans; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Survival Rate
PubMed: 33977759
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.020767 -
Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Jun 2021Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, and lopinavir/ritonavir are drugs that were used for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the early... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, and lopinavir/ritonavir are drugs that were used for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the early pandemic period. It is well-known that these agents can prolong the QTc interval and potentially induce Torsades de Pointes (TdP). We aim to assess the prevalence and risk of QTc prolongation and arrhythmic events in COVID-19 patients treated with these drugs.
METHODS
We searched electronic databases from inception to September 30, 2020 for studies reporting peak QTc ≥500 ms, peak QTc change ≥60 ms, peak QTc interval, peak change of QTc interval, ventricular arrhythmias, TdP, sudden cardiac death, or atrioventricular block (AVB). All meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Forty-seven studies (three case series, 35 cohorts, and nine randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) involving 13 087 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of peak QTc ≥500 ms was 9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 3%-18%) and 8% (95%CI, 3%-14%) in patients who received hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin, respectively. Likewise, the use of hydroxychloroquine (risk ratio [RR], 2.68; 95%CI, 1.56-4.60) and hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin (RR, 3.28; 95%CI, 1.16-9.30) was associated with an increased risk of QTc prolongation compared to no treatment. Ventricular arrhythmias, TdP, sudden cardiac death, and AVB were reported in <1% of patients across treatment groups. The only two studies that reported individual data of lopinavir/ritonavir found no cases of QTc prolongation.
CONCLUSIONS
COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine with or without azithromycin had a relatively high prevalence and risk of QTc prolongation. However, the prevalence of arrhythmic events was very low, probably due to underreporting. The limited information about lopinavir/ritonavir showed that it does not prolong the QTc interval.
Topics: Azithromycin; COVID-19; Chloroquine; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Long QT Syndrome; Lopinavir; Observational Studies as Topic; Ritonavir; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 33772933
DOI: 10.1002/pds.5234 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2020Ozanimod has been approved for use in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis by the United States FDA. As a novel, orally available sphingosine... (Review)
Review
Ozanimod has been approved for use in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis by the United States FDA. As a novel, orally available sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, ozanimod selectively binds to S1P1 and S1P5 receptor with high affinity, minimizing safety concerns caused by S1P receptor activation. e systematically searched PUBMED, EMBASE database, and Cochrane Library database to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to June 28, 2020. Trials were considered eligible if they 1) were randomized clinical trials (RCTs); 2) enrolled adult participants diagnosed with Relapsing-remitting MS; 3) compared ozanimod with placebo or any other approved DMDs that evaluated in phase III or phase II clinical trials; 4) enrolled over 100 participants; 5) provided any available information for predefined primary or secondary outcomes. 2917 participants from three high-quality, multi-centered randomized clinical trials were pooled in our analysis. We found that using ozanimod was significantly associated with the reduction of the annualized relapse rate during the treatment period (RR, -0.10 [95% CI, -0.15, -0.06]). Also, the decreased number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions at the end of the trial was relative to the treatment of ozanimod (ozanimod, 0.29; control, 0.65; RR, -0.20 [95% CI, -0.34, -0.06]). Compared with patients in the control group, the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions over the treatment period decreased in patients treated with ozanimod (ozanimod, 1.82; control, 3.55; RR, -1.12 [95% CI, -1.52, -0.71]). As to the safety endpoints, patients in the ozanimod group reported a lower rate of adverse events (ozanimod, 66.03%; control, 77.07%; RR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.43, 0.95]). Similar incidence of infection-related TEAEs was found across treatment groups (nasopharyngitis: ozanimod, 11.19%; control, 9.83%; RR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.77-1.57]; urinary-tract infection: ozanimod, 3.81%; control, 2.97%; RR, 1.29 [95% CI, 0.83-2.00]). No case of macular edema was noted as well as second-degree, type 2, or third-degree atrioventricular block. As for the subgroup analysis, compared with 0.5 mg ozanimod, 1 mg ozanimod is related with a significant reduction of the annualized relapse rate during the treatment period (1 mg ozanimod, 0.18; 0.5 mg ozanimod, 0.24; RR, 0.05 [95% CI, 0.01, 0.09])and a decreased number of new or enlarging T2 lesions over the treatment period (1 mg ozanimod,1.58; 0.5 mg ozanimod, 2.05; RR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.19, 0.79]). No significant difference in causing adverse events between 1 and 0.5 mg was found. Our meta-analysis found that, with favorable safety performance, the use of ozanimod as a treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in adults was associated with a significant reduction of the annualized relapse rate during the treatment period, decreased number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions at the end of the trial, and lowered number of new or enlarging T2 lesions over the treatment period. Ozanimod 1 mg outperformed 0.5 mg dose in efficacy without increasing the risk of adverse events.
PubMed: 33658933
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.589146 -
JTCVS Open Jun 2021Atrioventricular conductions disturbances, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI), represent a potential complication after transcatheter aortic valve...
OBJECTIVES
Atrioventricular conductions disturbances, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI), represent a potential complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), However, little is known about the pacemaker dependency after PPI in this patient setting. This systematic review analyses the incidence of PPI, the short-term (1-year) pacing dependency, and predictors for such a state after TAVI.
METHODS
We performed a systematic search in PUBMED, EMBASE, and MEDLINE to identify potentially relevant literature investigating PPI requirement and dependency after TAVI. Study data, patients, and procedural characteristics were extracted. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were extracted.
RESULTS
Data from 23 studies were obtained that included 18,610 patients. The crude incidence of PPI after TAVI was 17% (range, 8.8%-32%). PPI occurred at a median time of 3.2 days (range, 0-30 days). Pacing dependency at 1-year was 47.5% (range, 7%-89%). Self-expandable prosthesis (pooled OR was 2.14 [1.15-3.96]) and baseline right bundle branch block (pooled OR was 2.01 [1.06-3.83]) showed 2-fold greater risk to maintain PPI dependency at 1 year after TAVI.
CONCLUSIONS
Although PPI represents a rather frequent event after TAVI, conduction disorders have a temporary nature in almost 50% of the cases with recovery and stabilization after discharge. Preoperative conduction abnormality and type of TAVI are associated with higher PPI dependency at short term.
PubMed: 36003550
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2021.02.002 -
World Journal of Cardiology Aug 2020Treatment of congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (cc-TGA) with anatomic repair strategy has been considered superior due to restoration of the...
BACKGROUND
Treatment of congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (cc-TGA) with anatomic repair strategy has been considered superior due to restoration of the morphologic left ventricle in the systemic circulation. However, data on long term outcomes are limited to single center reports and include small sample sizes.
AIM
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for observational studies reporting outcomes on anatomic repair for cc-TGA.
METHODS
MEDLINE and Scopus databases were queried using predefined criteria for reports published till December 31, 2017. Studies reporting anatomic repair of minimum 5 cc-TGA patients with at least a 2 year follow up were included. Meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive meta-analysis v3.0 software.
RESULTS
Eight hundred and ninety-five patients underwent anatomic repair with a pooled follow-up of 5457.2 patient-years (PY). Pooled estimate for operative mortality was 8.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.0%-11.4%]. 0.2% (CI: 0.1%-0.4%) patients required mechanical circulatory support postoperatively and 1.7% (CI: 1.1%-2.4%) developed post-operative atrioventricular block requiring a pacemaker. Patients surviving initial surgery had a transplant free survival of 92.5% (CI: 89.5%-95.4%) per 100 PY and a low rate of need for pacemaker (0.3/100 PY; CI: 0.1-0.4). 84.7% patients (CI: 79.6%-89.9%) were found to be in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I or II after 100 PY follow up. Total re-intervention rate was 5.3 per 100 PY (CI: 3.8-6.8).
CONCLUSION
Operative mortality with anatomic repair strategy for cc-TGA is high. Despite that, transplant free survival after anatomic repair for cc-TGA patients is highly favorable. Majority of patients maintain NYHA I/II functional class. However, monitoring for burden of re-interventions specific for operation type is very essential.
PubMed: 32879705
DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v12.i8.427 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2020A meta-analysis was conducted on the clinical efficacy and safety of Wenxin granules and propafenone for the therapy of atrial premature beats (APBs).
OBJECTIVE
A meta-analysis was conducted on the clinical efficacy and safety of Wenxin granules and propafenone for the therapy of atrial premature beats (APBs).
METHODS
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Wenxin granules and propafenone in the therapy of APB was systematically searched until June 1, 2019. Meta-analysis was conducted with review manager (RevMan) 5.3. For the evaluation of methodological quality for randomized controlled trials, the Cochrane tool was used to assess the risk of bias. For the evaluation of the evidence quality, the online GRADEpro GDT was used.
RESULTS
Eleven RCTs with 1149 participants were included in this study. It has been identified that Wenxin granules combined with propafenone have better clinical efficacy than the use of propafenone alone in the treatment of APB (OR = 3.89, 95% CI (2.03, 7.44), < 0.0001, low-dose propafenone; OR = 4.24, 95% CI (1.32, 13.60), = 0.02, high-dose propafenone). There is no difference in clinical efficacy between the Wenxin granules alone and high-dose propafenone in the treatment of APB (OR = 1.17, 95% CI (0.65, 2.11), = 0.60), and Wenxin granules alone are superior to the low-dose propafenone in the treatment of APB (OR = 2.56, 95% CI (1.34, 4.89), = 0.004). Wenxin granules combined with propafenone can reduce the incidence of sinus bradycardia caused by propafenone (OR = 0.15, 95% CI (0.03, 0.70), = 0.02). There was no significant difference between Wenxin granules combined with propafenone and propafenone alone in causing the atrioventricular block, dizziness, xerostomia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and tongue paresthesia. There was no significant difference between Wenxin granules alone and propafenone alone in causing dizziness, xerostomia, gastrointestinal symptoms, tongue paresthesia, frequent premature ventricular contractions, and prolongation of R-R interval.
CONCLUSION
Very low-quality evidence showed that Wenxin granules may be superior to low-dose propafenone in the treatment of APB. Wenxin granules may reduce the incidence of sinus bradycardia caused by propafenone. Limited by the quality of included RCTs, the conclusions of this study still need further verification.
PubMed: 32774412
DOI: 10.1155/2020/3961091