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Journal of the Formosan Medical... May 2024This review aimed to investigate the effect of crew ratios of on-scene advanced life support (ALS)-trained personnel on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
This review aimed to investigate the effect of crew ratios of on-scene advanced life support (ALS)-trained personnel on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from the inception date until September 30, 2022, for eligible studies. Two reviewers independently screened the studies for relevance, extracted data, and quality. We compared the effect of the ratio of on-scene ALS-trained personnel >50 % to those with a ratio ≤50 % among prehospital personnel on the clinical outcomes of OHCA patients. The primary outcome was survival-to-discharge and secondary outcomes were any return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), sustained ROSC (≥2 h), and favourable neurological outcome at discharge (cerebral performance category scores: 1 or 2). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, and the certainty of evidence was assessed.
RESULTS
From 10,864 references, we identified four non-randomised studies, including 16,475 patients. Two studies were performed in Japan and two in Taiwan. There were significant differences in survival-to-discharge (OR: 1.24, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.44, I: 7 %), any ROSC (OR:1.22, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.43, I: 74 %) and sustained ROSC (OR: 1.39, 95 % CI: 1.16-1.65, I: 40 %), but insignificant differences in favourable neurological outcome at discharge. The overall certainty of evidence was rated as very low for all outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Prehospital ALS care with a ratio of on-scene ALS-trained personnel >50 % could improve OHCA patient outcomes than crew ratios ≤50 %. Further studies are required to reach a robust conclusion.
Topics: Humans; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest; Emergency Medical Services; Advanced Cardiac Life Support; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Taiwan; Return of Spontaneous Circulation; Japan
PubMed: 37838538
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.10.008 -
Resuscitation Plus Dec 2023The benefit of rapid transport from the scene to definitive in-hospital care versus extended on-scene resuscitation in out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is uncertain. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The benefit of rapid transport from the scene to definitive in-hospital care versus extended on-scene resuscitation in out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is uncertain.
AIM
To assess the use of expedited transport from the scene of OHCA compared with more extended on-scene resuscitation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in adults.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and SCOPUS. Randomised control trials (RCTs) and observational studies were included. Studies reporting transport timing for OHCA patients with outcome data on survival were identified and reviewed. Two investigators assessed studies identified by screening for relevance and assessed bias using the ROBINS-I tool. Studies with non-dichotomous timing data or an absence of comparator group(s) were excluded. Outcomes of interest included survival and favourable neurological outcome. Survival to discharge and favourable neurological outcome were meta-analysed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Nine studies (eight cohort studies, one RCT) met eligibility criteria and were considered suitable for meta-analysis On pooled analysis, expedited (or earlier) transfer was not predictive of survival to discharge (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53 to 2.53, I = 99%, = 0. 65) or favorable neurological outcome (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.48 to 2.37, I = 99%, = 0.85). The certainty of evidence across studies was assessed as very low with a moderate risk of bias. Region of publication was noted to be a major contributor to the significant heterogeneity observed amongst included studies.
CONCLUSIONS
There is inconclusive evidence to support or refute the use of expedited transport of refractory OHCA.
PubMed: 37822456
DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2023.100482 -
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory... 2023The readmission rate following hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is surprisingly high, and frequent readmissions represent a higher risk... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
All-cause readmission rate and risk factors of 30- and 90-day after discharge in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The readmission rate following hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is surprisingly high, and frequent readmissions represent a higher risk of mortality and a heavy economic burden. However, information on all-cause readmissions in patients with COPD is limited.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to systematically summarize all-cause COPD readmission rates within 30 and 90 days after discharge and their underlying risk factors.
METHODS
Eight electronic databases were searched to identify relevant observational studies about COPD readmission from inception to 1 August 2022. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for methodological quality assessment. We adopt a random effects model or a fixed effects model to estimate pooled all-cause COPD readmission rates and potential risk factors.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies were included, of which 27 and 8 studies summarized 30- and 90-day all-cause readmissions, respectively. The pooled all-cause COPD readmission rates within 30 and 90 days were 18% and 31%, respectively. The World Health Organization region was initially considered to be the source of heterogeneity. We identified alcohol use, discharge destination, two or more hospitalizations in the previous year, and comorbidities such as heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, anemia, cancer, or tumor as potential risk factors for all-cause readmission, whereas female and obesity were protective factors.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with COPD had a high all-cause readmission rate, and we also identified some potential risk factors. Therefore, it is urgent to strengthen early follow-up and targeted interventions, and adjust or avoid risk factors after discharge, so as to reduce the major health economic burden caused by frequent readmissions.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42022369894).
Topics: Female; Humans; Patient Discharge; Patient Readmission; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Male
PubMed: 37822218
DOI: 10.1177/17534666231202742 -
Scandinavian Journal of Pain Jan 2024Opioids are important for postoperative analgesia but their use can be associated with numerous side effects. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
High-frequency, high-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation compared with opioids for pain relief after gynecological surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
Opioids are important for postoperative analgesia but their use can be associated with numerous side effects. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used for acute pain treatment and has dose-dependent analgesic effects, and therefore presents an alternative to intravenous (iv) opioids for postoperative pain relief. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare high-frequency, high-intensity (HFHI or intense) TENS to iv opioids with regard to postoperative pain intensity, recovery time in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and opioid consumption after elective gynecological surgery.
METHODS
We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Amed and Cinahl for RCTs and quasi-experimental studies (2010-2022), and WHO and ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing/unpublished studies. Meta-analysis and subsequent Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) was performed for all stated outcomes. Quality of evidence was assessed according to GRADE.
RESULTS
Only three RCTs met the inclusion criteria (362 participants). The surgical procedures involved surgical abortion, gynecologic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. The applied TENS frequency was 80 Hz and intensity 40-60 mA. There was no difference in pain intensity according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at discharge from PACU between the TENS and opioid group (MD VAS -0.15, 95 % CI -0.38 to 0.09) (moderate level of evidence). Time in PACU was significantly shorter in the TENS group (MD -15.2, 95 % -22.75 to -7.67), and this finding was manifested by TSA (high-level of evidence). Opioid consumption in PACU was lower in the TENS group (MD Morphine equivalents per patient mg -3.42, 95 % -4.67 to -2.17) (high-level of evidence).
CONCLUSIONS
There was no detectable difference in postoperative pain relief between HFHI TENS and iv opioids after gynecological surgery. Moreover, HFHI TENS decreases recovery time and opioid consumption in PACU. HFHI TENS may be considered an opioid-sparing alternative for postoperative pain relief after gynecological surgery.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021231048.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Analgesics, Opioid; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Morphine; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 37819201
DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2023-0068 -
PloS One 2023Communities of practice (CoPs) are defined as "groups of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or a passion about a topic, and who deepen their knowledge and...
Communities of practice (CoPs) are defined as "groups of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or a passion about a topic, and who deepen their knowledge and expertise by interacting on an ongoing basis". They are an effective form of knowledge management that have been successfully used in the business sector and increasingly so in healthcare. In May 2023 the electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for primary research studies on CoPs published between 1st January 1950 and 31st December 2022. PRISMA guidelines were followed. The following search terms were used: community/communities of practice AND (healthcare OR medicine OR patient/s). The database search picked up 2009 studies for screening. Of these, 50 papers met the inclusion criteria. The most common aim of CoPs was to directly improve a clinical outcome, with 19 studies aiming to achieve this. In terms of outcomes, qualitative outcomes were the most common measure used in 21 studies. Only 11 of the studies with a quantitative element had the appropriate statistical methodology to report significance. Of the 9 studies that showed a statistically significant effect, 5 showed improvements in hospital-based provision of services such as discharge planning or rehabilitation services. 2 of the studies showed improvements in primary-care, such as management of hepatitis C, and 2 studies showed improvements in direct clinical outcomes, such as central line infections. CoPs in healthcare are aimed at improving clinical outcomes and have been shown to be effective. There is still progress to be made and a need for further studies with more rigorous methodologies, such as RCTs, to provide further support of the causality of CoPs on outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Hospitals; Patient Discharge; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 37815986
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292343 -
The Lancet. Psychiatry Oct 2023Although structured tools have been widely used to predict violence risk in specialist mental health settings, there is uncertainty about the extent and quality of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although structured tools have been widely used to predict violence risk in specialist mental health settings, there is uncertainty about the extent and quality of evidence of their predictive performance. We aimed to systematically review the predictive performance of tools used to assess violence risk in forensic mental health, where they are routinely administered.
METHODS
In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we followed PRISMA guidelines and searched four databases (PsycINFO, Embase, Medline, and Global Health) from database inception to Nov 1, 2022, to identify studies examining the predictive performance of risk assessment tools in people discharged from forensic (secure) mental health hospitals. Systematic and narrative reviews were excluded from the review. Performance measures and descriptive statistics were extracted from published reports. A quality assessment was performed for each study using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Meta-analysis was conducted on the performance of instruments that were independently externally validated with a sample size greater than 100. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022304716.
FINDINGS
We conducted a systematic review of 50 eligible publications, assessing the predictive performance of 36 tools, providing data for 10 460 participants (88% men, 12% women; median age [from 47 studies] was 35 years, IQR 33-38) from 12 different countries. Post-discharge interpersonal violence and crime was most often measured by new criminal offences or recidivism (47 [94%] of 50 studies); only three studies used informant or self-report data on physical aggression or violent behaviour. Overall, the predictive performance of risk assessment tools was mixed. Most studies reported one discrimination metric, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC); other key performance measures such as calibration, sensitivity, and specificity were not presented. Most studies had a high risk of bias (49 [98%] of 50), partly due to poor analytical approaches. A meta-analysis was conducted for violent recidivism on 29 independent external validations from 19 studies with at least 100 patients. Pooled AUCs for predicting violent outcomes ranged from 0·72 (0·65-0·79; I=0%) for H10, to 0·69 for the Historical Clinical Risk Management-20 version 2 (95% CI 0·65-0·72; I=0%) and Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (0·63-0·75; I=0%), to 0·64 for the Static-99 (0·53-0·73; I=45%).
INTERPRETATION
Current violence risk assessment tools in forensic mental health have mixed evidence of predictive performance. Forensic mental health services should review their use of current risk assessment tools and consider implementing those with higher-quality evidence in support.
FUNDING
Wellcome Trust.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Adult; Aftercare; Patient Discharge; Violence; Risk Assessment; Hospitals, Psychiatric
PubMed: 37739584
DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00256-0 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Aug 2023Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) manifests as hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis. However, euglycemic DKA (eu-DKA) conceals severe DKA with glucose levels below...
BACKGROUND
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) manifests as hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis. However, euglycemic DKA (eu-DKA) conceals severe DKA with glucose levels below 200 mg/dL. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors can induce eu-DKA in diabetic patients. Notably, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) -infected individuals with diabetes using SGLT2 inhibitors face an augmented risk of eu-DKA due to the direct toxic impact of the virus on pancreatic islets. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and eu-DKA in COVID-19 patients through meticulous case report analysis. Additionally, we endeavor to examine the outcomes and treatment approaches for COVID-19-infected diabetics receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, providing indispensable insights for healthcare professionals managing this specific patient population.
AIM
To investigate the connection between SGLT2 inhibitors and euglycemic DKA in COVID-19 patients through a meticulous analysis of case reports.
METHODS
We conducted an exhaustive search across prominent electronic databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This search encompassed the period from December 2019 to May 2022, incorporating published studies and pre-prints. The search terms employed encompassed "SGLT2 inhibitors", "euglycemic DKA", "COVID-19", and related variations. By incorporating these diverse sources, our objective was to ensure a thorough exploration of the existing literature on this subject, thereby augmenting the validity and robustness of our findings.
RESULTS
Our search yielded a total of seven case reports and one case series, collectively comprising a cohort of twelve patients. These reports detailed instances of eu-DKA in individuals with COVID-19. Crucially, all twelve patients were utilizing SGLT2 as their primary anti-diabetic medication. Upon admission, all oral medications were promptly discontinued, and the patients were initiated on intravenous insulin therapy to effectively manage the DKA. Encouragingly, eleven patients demonstrated a favorable outcome, while regrettably, one patient succumbed to the condition. Subsequently, SGLT2 were discontinued for all patients upon their discharge from the hospital. These findings provide valuable insights into the clinical management and outcomes of eu-DKA cases associated with COVID-19 and SGLT2, underscoring the critical importance of prompt intervention and vigilant medication adjustments.
CONCLUSION
Our study sheds light on the possibility of diabetic patients developing both drug-related and unrelated DKA, as well as encountering adverse outcomes in the context of COVID-19, despite maintaining satisfactory glycemic control. The relationship between glycemic control and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 remains ambiguous. Consequently, this systematic review proposes that COVID-19-infected diabetic patients using SGLT2 should contemplate alternative treatment protocols until their recovery from the disease.
PubMed: 37727728
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i24.5700 -
JAMA Network Open Sep 2023Adult trauma centers (ATCs) have been shown to decrease injury mortality and morbidity in major trauma, but a synthesis of evidence for pediatric trauma centers (PTCs)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Adult trauma centers (ATCs) have been shown to decrease injury mortality and morbidity in major trauma, but a synthesis of evidence for pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) is lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of PTCs compared with ATCs, combined trauma centers (CTCs), or nondesignated hospitals in reducing mortality and morbidity among children admitted to hospitals following trauma.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science through March 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies comparing PTCs with ATCs, CTCs, or nondesignated hospitals for pediatric trauma populations (aged ≤19 years).
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Pairs of reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated risk of bias using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool. A meta-analysis was conducted if more than 2 studies evaluated the same intervention-comparator-outcome and controlled minimally for age and injury severity. Subgroup analyses were planned for age, injury type and severity, trauma center designation level and verification body, country, and year of conduct. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess certainty of evidence.
MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S)
Primary outcomes were mortality, complications, functional status, discharge destination, and quality of life. Secondary outcomes were resource use and processes of care, including computed tomography (CT) and operative management of blunt solid organ injury (SOI).
RESULTS
A total of 56 studies with 286 051 participants were included overall, and 34 were included in the meta-analysis. When compared with ATCs, PTCs were associated with a 41% lower risk of mortality (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.46-0.76), a 52% lower risk of CT use (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26-0.89) and a 64% lower risk of operative management for blunt SOI (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.23-0.57). The OR for complications was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.41-1.56). There was no association for mortality for older children (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.47-1.06), and the association was closer to the null when PTCs were compared with CTCs (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53-0.99). Results remained similar for other subgroup analyses. GRADE certainty of evidence was very low for all outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, results suggested that PTCs were associated with lower odds of mortality, CT use, and operative management for SOI than ATCs for children admitted to hospitals following trauma, but certainty of evidence was very low. Future studies should strive to address selection and confounding biases.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Adolescent; Trauma Centers; Quality of Life; Hospitalization; Hospitals; Patient Discharge; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37721752
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.34266 -
International Wound Journal Jan 2024Caesarean section (C-section) is a prevalent obstetric surgical procedure, with the choice of analgesic agents playing a pivotal role in postoperative recovery. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Caesarean section (C-section) is a prevalent obstetric surgical procedure, with the choice of analgesic agents playing a pivotal role in postoperative recovery. This systematic meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of sufentanil (ST) and remifentanil (RT) on postoperative wound healing in caesarean section primiparas undergoing epidural anaesthesia. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, yielding eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for inclusion. The primary outcome was wound healing assessment using the REEDA (redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, approximation) scale on the third, fifth and tenth postoperative days. The meta-analysis encompassed 691 primiparas. A significant difference in wound healing was observed between ST and RT on the third (I = 99%; Random: SMD: 6.75, 95% CIs: 3.11-10.39, p < 0.01) and fifth days (I = 99%; Random: SMD: 3.63, 95% CIs: 1.56-5.70, p < 0.01) postcaesarean section. However, no significant difference was noted on the tenth day (I = 5%; Random: SMD: 0.00, 95% CIs: -0.45-0.45, p = 0.35). Sufentanil and remifentanil exhibit differential effects on early postoperative wound healing in caesarean section primiparas undergoing epidural anaesthesia. While both opioids are effective analgesics, sufentanil demonstrates a more pronounced impact on wound healing during the immediate postoperative days. Clinicians should consider these findings when selecting an opioid for pain management in this patient population.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Analgesics, Opioid; Anesthesia, Epidural; Cesarean Section; Remifentanil; Sufentanil; Wound Healing; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37697689
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14377 -
International Journal of Surgery... Dec 2023Surgeons have historically used age as a preoperative predictor of postoperative outcomes. Sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass due to disease or biological age,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Surgeons have historically used age as a preoperative predictor of postoperative outcomes. Sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass due to disease or biological age, has been proposed as a more accurate risk predictor. The prognostic value of sarcopenia assessment in surgical patients remains poorly understood. Therefore, the authors aimed to synthesize the available literature and investigate the impact of sarcopenia on perioperative and postoperative outcomes across all surgical specialties.
METHODS
The authors systematically assessed the prognostic value of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searching the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to 1st October 2022. Their primary outcomes were complication occurrence, mortality, length of operation and hospital stay, discharge to home, and postdischarge survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years. Subgroup analysis was performed by stratifying complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Sensitivity analysis was performed by focusing on studies with an oncological, cardiovascular, emergency, or transplant surgery population and on those of higher quality or prospective study design.
RESULTS
A total of 294 studies comprising 97 643 patients, of which 33 070 had sarcopenia, were included in our analysis. Sarcopenia was associated with significantly poorer postoperative outcomes, including greater mortality, complication occurrence, length of hospital stay, and lower rates of discharge to home (all P <0.00001). A significantly lower survival rate in patients with sarcopenia was noted at 1, 3, and 5 years (all P <0.00001) after surgery. Subgroup analysis confirmed higher rates of complications and mortality in oncological (both P <0.00001), cardiovascular (both P <0.00001), and emergency ( P =0.03 and P =0.04, respectively) patients with sarcopenia. In the transplant surgery cohort, mortality was significantly higher in patients with sarcopenia ( P <0.00001). Among all patients undergoing surgery for inflammatory bowel disease, the frequency of complications was significantly increased among sarcopenic patients ( P =0.007). Sensitivity analysis based on higher quality studies and prospective studies showed that sarcopenia remained a significant predictor of mortality and complication occurrence (all P <0.00001).
CONCLUSION
Sarcopenia is a significant predictor of poorer outcomes in surgical patients. Preoperative assessment of sarcopenia can help surgeons identify patients at risk, critically balance eligibility, and refine perioperative management. Large-scale studies are required to further validate the importance of sarcopenia as a prognostic indicator of perioperative risk, especially in surgical subspecialties.
Topics: Humans; Aftercare; Patient Discharge; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Sarcopenia
PubMed: 37696253
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000688