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Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The issue of bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients has received increasing attention. Scant data are available on the impact of bacterial superinfection and... (Review)
Review
The issue of bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients has received increasing attention. Scant data are available on the impact of bacterial superinfection and antibiotic administration on the outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We conducted a literature review from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2024 to assess the current burden of bacterial infection and the evidence for antibiotic use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Published articles providing data on antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients were identified through computerized literature searches with the search terms [(antibiotic) AND (COVID-19)] or [(antibiotic treatment) AND (COVID-19)]. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2024. No attempt was made to obtain information about unpublished studies. English language restriction was applied. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by the tool recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Both quantitative and qualitative information were summarized by means of textual descriptions. Five hundred fifty-one studies were identified, and twenty-nine studies were included in this systematic review. Of the 29 included studies, 18 studies were on the prevalence of bacterial infection and antibiotic use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients; 4 studies reported on the efficacy of early antibiotic use in COVID-19; 4 studies were on the use of sepsis biomarkers to improve antibiotic use; 3 studies were on the efficacy of antimicrobial stewardship programs and predictive models among COVID-19-hospitalized patients. The quality of included studies was high in 35% and medium in 62%. High rates of hospital-acquired infections were reported among COVID-19 patients, ranging between 7.5 and 37.7%. A high antibiotic resistance rate was reported among COVID-19 patients developing hospital-acquired infections, with a high in-hospital mortality rate. The studies evaluating multi-faceted antimicrobial stewardship interventions reported efficacy in decreasing antibiotic consumption and lower in-hospital mortality.
PubMed: 38927211
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060545 -
Neurological Research and Practice Jun 2024This review specifically investigates ketamine's role in SRSE management. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This review specifically investigates ketamine's role in SRSE management.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to May 1st, 2023, for English-language literature. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on SRSE in humans of all ages and genders treated with ketamine.
RESULTS
In this systematic review encompassing 19 studies with 336 participants, age ranged from 9 months to 86 years. Infections, anoxia, and metabolic issues emerged as the common causes of SRSE, while some cases had unknown origins, termed as NORSE (New Onset RSE) or FIRESs (Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome). Most studies categorized SRSE cases into convulsive (N = 105) and non-convulsive (N = 197). Ketamine was used after failed antiepileptics and anesthetics in 17 studies, while in others, it was a first or second line of treatment. Dosages varied from 0.5 mg/kg (bolus) and 0.2-15 mg/kg/hour (maintenance) in adults and 1-3 mg/kg (bolus) and 0.5-3 mg/kg/hour (maintenance) in pediatrics, lasting one to 30 days. Ketamine was concurrently used with other drugs in 40-100% of cases, most frequently propofol and midazolam. Seizure resolution rate varied from 53.3 to 91% and 40-100% in larger (N = 42-68) and smaller case series (N = 5-20) respectively. Seizure resolution occurred in every case of case report except in one in which the patient died. Burst suppression in EEG was reported in 12 patients from two case series and two case reports. Recurrence was reported in 11 patients from five studies. The reported all-cause mortality varied from 38.8 to 59.5% and 0-36.4% in larger and smaller case series., unrelated directly to ketamine dosage or duration.
SIGNIFICANCE
Ketamine demonstrates safety and effectiveness in SRSE, offering advantages over GABAergic drugs by acting on NMDA receptors, providing neuroprotection, and reducing vasopressor requirement.
PubMed: 38926769
DOI: 10.1186/s42466-024-00322-7 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024While many populations struggle with health literacy, those who speak Spanish preferentially or exclusively, including Hispanic, immigrant, or migrant populations, may...
BACKGROUND
While many populations struggle with health literacy, those who speak Spanish preferentially or exclusively, including Hispanic, immigrant, or migrant populations, may face particular barriers, as they navigate a predominantly English-language healthcare system. This population also faces greater morbidity and mortality from treatable chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes. The aim of this systematic review was to describe existing health literacy interventions for patients with a Spanish-language preference and present their effectiveness.
METHODS
We carried out a systematic review where Web of Science, EMBASE, and PubMed were queried using MeSH terms to identify relevant literature. Included articles described patients with a Spanish-language preference participating in interventions to improve health literacy levels in the United States. Screening and data abstraction were conducted independently and in pairs. Risk of bias assessments were conducted using validated appraisal tools.
RESULTS
A total of 2823 studies were identified, of which 62 met our eligibility criteria. The studies took place in a variety of community and clinical settings and used varied tools for measuring health literacy. Of the interventions, 28 consisted of in-person education and 27 implemented multimedia education, with 89% of studies in each category finding significant results. The remaining seven studies featured multimodal interventions, all of which achieved significant results.
CONCLUSION
Successful strategies included the addition of liaison roles, such as promotores (Hispanic community health workers), and the use of multimedia fotonovelas (photo comics) with linguistic and cultural adaptations. In some cases, the external validity of the results was limited. Improving low health literacy in patients with a Spanish-language preference, a population with existing barriers to high quality of care, may help them better navigate health infrastructure and make informed decisions regarding their health.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (available at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021257655.t ).
Topics: Humans; Health Literacy; United States; Hispanic or Latino; Language
PubMed: 38926697
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19166-6 -
Heart (British Cardiac Society) Jun 2024Despite restoration of epicardial blood flow in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), inadequate microcirculatory perfusion is common and portends a poor...
BACKGROUND
Despite restoration of epicardial blood flow in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), inadequate microcirculatory perfusion is common and portends a poor prognosis. Intracoronary (IC) thrombolytic therapy can reduce microvascular thrombotic burden; however, contemporary studies have produced conflicting outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive IC thrombolytic therapy at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients with STEMI.
METHODS
Comprehensive literature search of six electronic databases identified relevant randomised controlled trials. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The pooled risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% CI were calculated.
RESULTS
12 studies with 1915 patients were included. IC thrombolysis was associated with a significantly lower incidence of MACE (RR=0.65, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.82, I=0%, p<0.0004) and improved left ventricular ejection fraction (WMD=1.87; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.67; I=25%; p<0.0001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in MACE for trials using non-fibrin (RR=0.39, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.78, I=0%, p=0.007) and moderately fibrin-specific thrombolytic agents (RR=0.62, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.83, I=0%, p=0.001). No significant reduction was observed in studies using highly fibrin-specific thrombolytic agents (RR=1.10, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.96, I=0%, p=0.75). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in mortality (RR=0.91; 95% CI 0.48 to 1.71; I=0%; p=0.77) or bleeding events (major bleeding, RR=1.24; 95% CI 0.47 to 3.28; I=0%; p=0.67; minor bleeding, RR=1.47; 95% CI 0.90 to 2.40; I=0%; p=0.12).
CONCLUSION
Adjunctive IC thrombolysis at the time of primary PCI in patients with STEMI improves clinical and myocardial perfusion parameters without an increased rate of bleeding. Further research is needed to optimise the selection of thrombolytic agents and treatment protocols.
PubMed: 38925881
DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2024-324078 -
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology Jun 2024Prognostic models have the potential to aid clinical decision-making after hip fracture. This systematic review aimed to identify, critically appraise and summarise...
Systematic review of multivariable prognostic models for outcomes at least 30 days after hip fracture finds 18 mortality models but no non-mortality models warranting validation.
OBJECTIVE
Prognostic models have the potential to aid clinical decision-making after hip fracture. This systematic review aimed to identify, critically appraise and summarise multivariable prediction models for mortality or other long-term recovery outcomes occurring at least 30 days after hip fracture.
STUDY DESIGN
MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases were searched up to May 2023. Studies were included that aimed to develop multivariable models to make predictions for individuals at least 30 days after hip fracture. Risk of bias (ROB) was dual-assessed using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST). Study and model details were extracted and summarised.
RESULTS
From 5,571 records, 80 eligible studies were identified. They predicted mortality in n=55 studies/ 81 models, and non-mortality outcomes (mobility, function, residence, medical and surgical complications) in n=30 studies/ 45 models. Most (n=46; 58%) studies were published since 2020. A quarter of studies (n=19; 24%) reported using 'machine-learning methods', while the remainder used logistic regression (n=54; 68%) and other statistical methods (n=11; 14%) to build models. Overall, 15 studies (19%) presented 18 low ROB models, all predicting mortality. Common concerns were sample size, missing data handling, inadequate internal validation and calibration assessment. Many studies with non-mortality outcomes, (n=11; 37%) had clear data complexities that were not correctly modelled.
CONCLUSION
This review has comprehensively summarised and appraised multivariable prediction models for long-term outcomes after hip fracture. Only 15 studies out of 55 predicting mortality were rated as low ROB, warranting further development of their models. All studies predicting non-mortality outcomes were high or unclear ROB. Careful consideration is required for both the methods used and justification for developing further non-mortality prediction models for this clinical population.
PubMed: 38925343
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111439 -
Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular and... Jun 2024Transannular patch (TAP) repair of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) relieves right ventricular tract obstruction but may lead to pulmonary regurgitation. Valve-sparing (VS)...
OBJECTIVES
Transannular patch (TAP) repair of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) relieves right ventricular tract obstruction but may lead to pulmonary regurgitation. Valve-sparing (VS) procedures can avoid this but there is potential for residual pulmonic stenosis. We aimed to evaluate clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of TAP and VS repair for ToF.
METHODS
A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Web of Science databases was carried out to identify articles comparing conventional TAP repair and VS repair for ToF. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were meta-analyzed using random-effects models.
RESULTS
40 studies were included in this meta-analysis with data on 11,723 participants (TAP: 6,171; VS: 5,045). Participants that underwent a VS procedure experienced a significantly lower cardiopulmonary bypass time (MD: -14.97; 95% CI: -22.54, -7.41), shorter ventilation duration (MD: -15.33; 95% CI: -30.20, -0.46), and shorter lengths of both ICU (MD: -0.67; 95% CI: -1.29, -0.06) and hospital stay (MD: -2.30; 95% CI: [-4.08, -0.52). There was also a lower risk of mortality (RR: 0.40; 95% CI: [0.27, 0.60]) and pulmonary regurgitation (RR: 0.35; 95% CI: [0.26, 0.46]) associated with the VS group. Most other clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were comparable in the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis confirms the well-established increased risk of pulmonary insufficiency following TAP repair, while also demonstrating that VS repairs are associated with several improved clinical outcomes. Continued research can identify the criteria for adopting a VS approach as opposed to a traditional TAP repair.
PubMed: 38924512
DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivae124 -
ESC Heart Failure Jun 2024Biomarkers are paramount for managing heart failure (HF) patients as prognostic and therapeutic efficacy index tools. Systemic levels of brain-derived neurotrophic...
AIMS
Biomarkers are paramount for managing heart failure (HF) patients as prognostic and therapeutic efficacy index tools. Systemic levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can add to the HF biomarker scenario, allowing for potentiated efficacy in diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and prediction of patient response to a given therapeutic intervention because BDNF is one of the primary rulers of myocardial function. Yet, whether BDNF is a reliable clinical biomarker awaits clinical validation. Hence, we aimed to answer this relevant question via a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies.
METHODS AND RESULTS
International databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Web of Science, were comprehensively searched for studies assessing BDNF levels in patients with HF versus non-HF controls or as a prognostic factor for HF complications. Data were extracted and analysed by random-effect meta-analysis. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to pool the results of studies. We included 11 studies in the final review, among which six underwent meta-analysis. These studies analysed 1420 HF patients, with a mean age of 65.4 ± 11.2 years. Meta-analysis revealed that patients with HF had significantly lower circulating BDNF levels than healthy controls (SMD -2.47, 95% CI -4.39 to -0.54, P-value = 0.01). Moreover, patients with higher New York Heart Association functional classification had lower levels of BDNF. Adverse clinical outcomes such as all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization were also associated with lower levels of BDNF in individual studies.
CONCLUSIONS
BDNF levels are decreased in patients with HF. Most importantly, we observed an association between lower BDNF levels and poor prognosis in patients with HF. Our study supports BDNF as an easy-to-dose diagnostic and prognostic biomarker to be implemented in clinical practice for HF. Further studies are warranted to address this ability specifically.
PubMed: 38923432
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14916 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Problem-solving therapy (PST) is a potential psychological intervention aimed at preventing and treating psychological issues in stroke patients, although its efficacy... (Review)
Review
Problem-solving therapy (PST) is a potential psychological intervention aimed at preventing and treating psychological issues in stroke patients, although its efficacy is not clearly established. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of PST in improving mental health, functioning, quality of life, and mortality in this population. Six databases were searched for literature indexed through March 2024, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, NeuroBITE, and OTseeker. This review (CRD42023483757) followed the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Library Handbook, utilizing the RoB 2 tool and GRADE system to assess the quality of the evidence. It included eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1249 patients with stroke. Among them, five RCTs showed that PST might improve depression. Additionally, individual RCTs demonstrated the efficacy of PST in addressing patient anxiety, apathy, and coping. With respect to mental health, PST might affect patient quality of life and mortality. However, the results of four RCTs demonstrated no effect of PST on patient functioning. The quality of evidence for the outcomes ranged from very low to high. PST may improve mental health, quality of life, and mortality in patients with stroke.
PubMed: 38920778
DOI: 10.3390/bs14060446 -
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Breast cancer is the fifth-ranked cancer globally. Despite early diagnosis and advances in treatment, breast cancer mortality is increasing. This meta-analysis aims to... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer is the fifth-ranked cancer globally. Despite early diagnosis and advances in treatment, breast cancer mortality is increasing. This meta-analysis aims to examine all possible prognostic factors that improve/deteriorate breast cancer-specific survival. MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Ovid, and Google Scholar were systematically searched until September 16, 2023. The retrieved studies from 1995 to 2022 accumulated 1,386,663 cases from 30 countries. A total of 13 out of 22 prognostic factors were significantly associated with breast cancer-specific survival. A random-effects model provided a pooled estimate of the top five poorest prognostic factors, including Stage 4 (HR = 12.12; 95% CI: 5.70, 25.76), followed by Stage 3 (HR = 3.42, 95% CI: 2.51, 4.67), a comorbidity index ≥ 3 (HR = 3.29; 95% CI: 4.52, 7.35), the poor differentiation of cancer cell histology (HR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.79, 3.30), and undifferentiated cancer cell histology (HR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.66, 3.01). Other survival-reducing factors include positive nodes, age, race, HER2-receptor positivity, and overweight/obesity. The top five best prognostic factors include different types of mastectomies and breast-conserving therapies (HR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.70), medullary histology (HR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.72), higher education (HR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.77), and a positive estrogen receptor status (HR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.94). Heterogeneity was observed in most studies. Data from developing countries are still scarce.
PubMed: 38920543
DOI: 10.3390/diseases12060111 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Jun 2024The oncological outcomes of fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) compared to radical surgery (RS) in patients with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remain a subject of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The oncological outcomes of fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) compared to radical surgery (RS) in patients with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remain a subject of debate. We evaluated the risk ratios (RRs) for outcomes in patients with stage I EOC who underwent FSS versus RS.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for articles published up to November 29, 2023. Studies that did not involve surgical procedures or included pregnant patients were excluded. We calculated the RRs for disease-free survival, overall survival, and recurrence rate. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. The meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024546460).
RESULTS
From the 5,529 potentially relevant articles, we identified 83 articles for initial screening and included 12 articles in the final meta-analysis, encompassing 2,906 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. There were no significant differences between the two groups in disease-free survival (RR [95% confidence interval {CI}], 0.90 [0.51, 1.58]; P = 0.71), overall survival (RR [95% CI], 0.74 [0.53, 1.03]; P = 0.07), and recurrence rate (RR [95% CI], 1.10 [0.69, 1.76]; P = 0.68). In sensitivity analyses, the significant difference was observed only for overall survival (before exclusion: RR [95% CI], 0.74 [0.53-1.03], P = 0.07; after exclusion: RR [95% CI], 0.70 [0.50-0.99]; P = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first and only individual patient data meta-analysis comparing disease-free survival, overall survival, and recurrence rate of patients with early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing FSS and RS. FSS was associated with similar disease-free survival and risk of recurrence as RS. We hypothesized that the decreased overall survival in the FSS group could not be attributed to distant metastases from epithelial ovarian cancer.
Topics: Female; Humans; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Fertility Preservation; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Staging; Organ Sparing Treatments; Ovarian Neoplasms; Prognosis; Survival Rate
PubMed: 38918840
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03440-3