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Scientific Reports Jun 2024Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is often managed surgically. Enzymatic chemonucleolysis emerged as a non-surgical alternative. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is often managed surgically. Enzymatic chemonucleolysis emerged as a non-surgical alternative. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of chemonucleolytic enzymes for LDH. The primary objective is to evaluate efficacy through "treatment success" (i.e., pain reduction) and severe adverse events (SAEs) rates. Additionally, differences in efficacy and safety trends among chemonucleolytic enzymes are explored. Following our PROSPERO registered protocol (CRD42023451546) and PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted up to July 18, 2023. Inclusion criteria involved human LDH treatment with enzymatic chemonucleolysis reagents, assessing pain alleviation, imaging changes, and reporting on SAEs, with focus on allergic reactions. Quality assessment employed the Cochrane Source of Bias and MINORS tools. Meta-analysis utilized odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among 62 included studies (12,368 patients), chemonucleolysis demonstrated an 79% treatment success rate and significantly outperformed placebo controls (OR 3.35, 95% CI 2.41-4.65) and scored similar to surgical interventions (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.20-2.10). SAEs occurred in 1.4% of cases, with slightly higher rates in chymopapain cohorts. No significant differences in "proceeding to surgery" rates were observed between chemonucleolysis and control cohorts. Limitations include dated and heterogeneous studies, emphasizing the need for higher-quality trials. Further optimization through careful patient selection and advances in therapy implementation may further enhance outcomes. The observed benefits call for wider clinical exploration and adoption. No funding was received for this review.
Topics: Humans; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Lumbar Vertebrae; Treatment Outcome; Intervertebral Disc Chemolysis
PubMed: 38834631
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62792-8 -
Therapeutic Advances in... 2024Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) have advantages over oral antipsychotics (OAPs) in preventing relapse and hospitalization in chronically ill patients with...
Efficacy and safety of long-acting injectable oral antipsychotics in the treatment of patients with early-phase schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) have advantages over oral antipsychotics (OAPs) in preventing relapse and hospitalization in chronically ill patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSDs), but evidence in patients with first-episode/recent-onset, that is, early-phase-SSDs is less clear.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the relative medium- and long-term efficacy and safety of LAIs OAPs in the maintenance treatment of patients with early-phase SSDs.
METHOD
We searched major electronic databases for head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LAIs and OAPs for the maintenance treatment of patients with early-phase-SSDs.
DESIGN
Pairwise, random-effects meta-analysis. Relapse/hospitalization and acceptability (all-cause discontinuation) measured at study-endpoint were co-primary outcomes, calculating risk ratios (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses sought to identify factors moderating differences in efficacy or acceptability between LAIs and OAPs.
RESULTS
Across 11 head-to-head RCTs ( = 2374, median age = 25.2 years, males = 68.4%, median illness duration = 45.8 weeks) lasting 13-104 (median = 78) weeks, no significant differences emerged between LAIs and OAPs for relapse/hospitalization prevention (RR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.58-1.06, = 0.13) and acceptability (RR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.80-1.05, = 0.20). The included trials were highly heterogeneous regarding methodology and patient populations. LAIs outperformed OAPs in preventing relapse/hospitalization in studies with stable patients (RR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.45-0.92), pragmatic design (RR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.54-0.82), and strict intent-to-treat approach (RR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.52-0.80). Furthermore, LAIs were associated with better acceptability in studies with schizophrenia patients only (RR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.79-0.95), longer illness duration (RR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.80-0.97), unstable patients (RR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.81-0.99) and allowed OAP supplementation of LAIs (RR = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.81-0.99).
CONCLUSION
LAIs and OAPs did not differ significantly regarding relapse prevention/hospitalization and acceptability. However, in nine subgroup analyses, LAIs were superior to OAPs in patients with EP-SSDs with indicators of higher quality and/or pragmatic design regarding relapse/hospitalization prevention (four subgroup analyses) and/or reduced all-cause discontinuation (five subgroup analyses), without any instance of OAP superiority LAIs. More high-quality pragmatic trials comparing LAIs with OAPs in EP-SSDs are needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
CRD42023407120 (PROSPERO).
PubMed: 38831918
DOI: 10.1177/20451253241257062 -
The Journal of Hospital Infection May 2024Evidence has been mixed regarding the effect of topical vancomycin (VCM) powder in reducing surgical site infection (SSI). (Review)
Review
Effect of topical vancomycin powder on surgical site infection prevention in major orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis.
BACKGROUND
Evidence has been mixed regarding the effect of topical vancomycin (VCM) powder in reducing surgical site infection (SSI).
AIM
To clarify the effect of topical VCM powder for the prevention of SSI in major orthopaedic surgeries.
METHODS
The MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from their inception to September 25, 2023. Randomized controlled trials comparing topical VCM powder and controls for the prevention of SSI in major orthopaedic surgeries were included. Two reviewers independently screened the title and abstract and extracted relevant data, followed by the assessment of the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence. Main outcome measures were overall SSI, reoperation, and adverse events. Summary results were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed.
FINDINGS
Eight randomized controlled trials yielded data on 4307 participants. VCM powder showed no difference in reducing overall SSI. The cumulative number of patients did not exceed the required information size of 19,233 in our TSA, and the Z-curves did not cross the trial sequential monitoring or futility boundary, suggesting an inconclusive result of the meta-analysis. No difference was found for reoperation. Among SSIs, VCM powder showed a statistically significant difference in reducing Gram-positive cocci SSI. However, the certainty of this evidence was very low.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests inconclusive results regarding the effect of VCM powder in reducing SSI in major orthopaedic surgeries. Further trials using rigorous methodologies are required to elucidate the effect of this intervention.
PubMed: 38825190
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.04.028 -
BMC Primary Care Jun 2024The lack of trust between patients and physicians has a variety of negative consequences. There are several theories concerning how interpersonal trust is built, and...
BACKGROUND
The lack of trust between patients and physicians has a variety of negative consequences. There are several theories concerning how interpersonal trust is built, and different studies have investigated trust between patients and physicians that have identified single factors as contributors to trust. However, all possible contributors to a trusting patient-physician relationship remain unclear. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding patient-physician trust and integrates contributors to trust into a model.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted using the databases MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), and Eric (Ovid). We ran simultaneous searches for a combination of the phrases: patient-physician relationship (or synonyms) and trust or psychological safety. Six-hundred and twenty-five abstracts were identified and screened using pre-defined criteria and later underwent full-text article screening. We identified contributors to trust in the eligible articles and critically assessed whether they were modifiable.
RESULTS
Forty-five articles were included in the review. Patient-centered factors that contributed modifiable promoters of trust included psychological factors, levels of health education and literacy, and the social environment. Physician-centered factors that added to a trusting patient-physician relationship included competence, communication, interest in the patient, caring, the provisioning of health education, and professionalism. The patient-physician alliance, time spent together, and shared decision-making also contributed to trusting relationships between patients and physicians. External contributors included institutional factors, how payments are made, and additional healthcare services.
DISCUSSION
Our model summarized modifiable contributors to a trusting patient-physician relationship. We found that providing sufficient time during patient-physician encounters, ensuring continuity of care, and fostering health education are promising starting points for improving trust between patients and physicians. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that address multiple modifiable contributors to a trusting patient-physician relationship.
Topics: Humans; Health Literacy; Physician-Patient Relations; Trust
PubMed: 38824511
DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02435-z -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... May 2024The optimal empiric antibiotic regimen for non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is uncertain. (Review)
Review
Empiric antibiotic regimens in adults with non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
The optimal empiric antibiotic regimen for non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is uncertain.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the effectiveness and safety of alternative empiric antibiotic regimens in HAP using a network meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and CINAHL from database inception to July 06, 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
RCTs.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults with clinical suspicion of HAP.
INTERVENTIONS
Any empiric antibiotic regimen vs. another, placebo, or no treatment.
ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS
Paired reviewers independently assessed risk of bias using a modified Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials.
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS
Paired reviewers independently extracted data on trial and patient characteristics, antibiotic regimens, and outcomes of interest. We conducted frequentist random-effects network meta-analyses for treatment failure and all-cause mortality and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine RCTs proved eligible. Thirty RCTs involving 4807 participants found low certainty evidence that piperacillin-tazobactam (RR compared to all cephalosporins: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.42, 1.01) and carbapenems (RR compared to all cephalosporins: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.53, 1.11) might be among the most effective in reducing treatment failure. The findings were robust to the secondary analysis comparing piperacillin-tazobactam vs. antipseudomonal cephalosporins or antipseudomonal carbapenems vs. antipseudomonal cephalosporins. Eleven RCTs involving 2531 participants found low certainty evidence that ceftazidime and linezolid combination may not be convincingly different from cephalosporin alone in reducing all-cause mortality. Evidence on other antibiotic regimens is very uncertain. Data on other patient-important outcomes including adverse events was sparse, and we did not perform network or pairwise meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
For empiric antibiotic therapy of adults with HAP, piperacillin-tazobactam might be among the most effective in reducing treatment failure. Empiric methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus coverage may not exert additional benefit in reducing mortality.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD 42022297224).
PubMed: 38823453
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.05.017 -
BMC Pediatrics May 2024Agitation/delirium is commonly seen in children after anesthesia, and a proper dose of dexmedetomidine can prevent this complication. This study aimed to investigate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Agitation/delirium is commonly seen in children after anesthesia, and a proper dose of dexmedetomidine can prevent this complication. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on agitation/delirium and other complications in anesthetized children, providing clinical evidence for dose recommendations of DEX.
METHODS
This study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A systematic search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Two independent researchers performed literature screening, data extraction, and assessed the methodological quality. Data analysis was conducted using R and STATA 16.0.
RESULTS
In the final analysis, 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2521 children were included. The results showed that in comparison to normal saline, 1 µg/kg, 1.5 µg/kg, and 2 µg/kg intranasal DEX significantly reduced the incidence of post-anesthetic emergence agitation in children with the most effective dose being 2 µg/kg (SUCRA = 0.91). Compared with normal saline, 1 µg/kg, 1.5 µg/kg, and 2 µg/kg intranasal DEX reduced patient's need for postoperative analgesia, with the most effective dose being 1.5 µg/kg (SUCRA = 0.78). However, 1 µg/kg DEX performed the best in reducing Pediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) Scale score (SUCRA = 0.88).
CONCLUSION
Compared with normal saline, intranasal administration of 2 µg/kg DEX and 1.5 µg/kg DEX are the optimal doses to reduce the incidence of agitation and the need for postoperative pain relief in children under general anesthesia. Given effectiveness and safety, intranasal use of 1 µg/kg DEX appears to be the most effective dosage for anesthetized children.
Topics: Dexmedetomidine; Humans; Administration, Intranasal; Child; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Parents; Emergence Delirium; Psychomotor Agitation; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38822315
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04832-w -
Scientific Reports May 2024Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune neurological disease affecting patients' motor, sensory, and visual performance. Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT) is a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune neurological disease affecting patients' motor, sensory, and visual performance. Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT) is a medical intervention where a patient is infused with healthy stem cells with the purpose of resetting their immune system. SCT shows remyelinating and immunomodulatory functions in MS patients, representing a potential therapeutic option. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis that included randomized control trials (RCTs) of SCT in MS patients to investigate its clinical efficacy and safety, excluding observational and non-English studies. After systematically searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library until January 7, 2024, nine RCTs, including 422 patients, were eligible. We assessed the risk of bias (ROB) in these RCTs using Cochrane ROB Tool 1. Data were synthesized using Review Manager version 5.4 and OpenMeta Analyst software. We also conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses. SCT significantly improved patients expanded disability status scale after 2 months (N = 39, MD = - 0.57, 95% CI [- 1.08, - 0.06], p = 0.03). SCT also reduced brain lesion volume (N = 136, MD = - 7.05, 95% CI [- 10.69, - 3.4], p = 0.0002). The effect on EDSS at 6 and 12 months, timed 25-foot walk (T25-FW), and brain lesions number was nonsignificant. Significant adverse events (AEs) included local reactions at MSCs infusion site (N = 25, RR = 2.55, 95% CI [1.08, 6.03], p = 0.034) and hematological disorders in patients received immunosuppression and autologous hematopoietic SCT (AHSCT) (N = 16, RR = 2.33, 95% CI [1.23, 4.39], p = 0.009). SCT can improve the disability of MS patients and reduce their brain lesion volume. The transplantation was generally safe and tolerated, with no mortality or significant serious AEs, except for infusion site reactions after mesenchymal SCT and hematological AEs after AHSCT. However, generalizing our results is limited by the sparse number of RCTs conducted on AHSCT. Our protocol was registered on PROSPERO with a registration number: CRD42022324141.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stem Cell Transplantation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38822024
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62726-4 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research May 2024Health care organizations worldwide are faced with an increasing number of cyberattacks and threats to their critical infrastructure. These cyberattacks cause... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Health care organizations worldwide are faced with an increasing number of cyberattacks and threats to their critical infrastructure. These cyberattacks cause significant data breaches in digital health information systems, which threaten patient safety and privacy.
OBJECTIVE
From a sociotechnical perspective, this paper explores why digital health care systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks and provides sociotechnical solutions through a systematic literature review (SLR).
METHODS
An SLR using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was conducted by searching 6 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and Springer) and a journal (Management Information Systems Quarterly) for articles published between 2012 and 2022 and indexed using the following keywords: "(cybersecurity OR cybercrime OR ransomware) AND (healthcare) OR (cybersecurity in healthcare)." Reports, review articles, and industry white papers that focused on cybersecurity and health care challenges and solutions were included. Only articles published in English were selected for the review.
RESULTS
In total, 5 themes were identified: human error, lack of investment, complex network-connected end-point devices, old legacy systems, and technology advancement (digitalization). We also found that knowledge applications for solving vulnerabilities in health care systems between 2012 to 2022 were inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS
This SLR provides a clear understanding of why health care systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks and proposes interventions from a new sociotechnical perspective. These solutions can serve as a guide for health care organizations in their efforts to prevent breaches and address vulnerabilities. To bridge the gap, we recommend that health care organizations, in partnership with educational institutions, develop and implement a cybersecurity curriculum for health care and intelligence information sharing through collaborations; training; awareness campaigns; and knowledge application areas such as secure design processes, phase-out of legacy systems, and improved investment. Additional studies are needed to create a sociotechnical framework that will support cybersecurity in health care systems and connect technology, people, and processes in an integrated manner.
Topics: Computer Security; Humans; Delivery of Health Care; Patient Safety
PubMed: 38820579
DOI: 10.2196/46904 -
Clinical Hematology International 2023Asparaginase-associated pancreatitis complicates 2-10% of patients treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, causing morbidity and discontinuation of asparaginase...
Asparaginase-associated Pancreatitis Complicated by Pancreatic Fluid Collection Treated with Endoscopic Cistogastrostomy in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature.
Asparaginase-associated pancreatitis complicates 2-10% of patients treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, causing morbidity and discontinuation of asparaginase administration. Among acute complications, pancreatic fluid collections can be managed conservatively, but intervention is indicated when associated with persistent insulin therapy need and recurrent abdominal pain. Endoscopic treatment has become the standard approach in adult patients, with increasing favorable evidence in children. This work compares the characteristics of a pediatric oncology patient treated at our institution with reported literature experiences, showing feasibility, safety and effectiveness of endoscopic approach.
PubMed: 38817959
DOI: 10.46989/001c.90958 -
World Journal of Cardiology May 2024In severe cases of coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary intervention provide promising results. The stent used could be a drug-eluting stent (DES) or a...
BACKGROUND
In severe cases of coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary intervention provide promising results. The stent used could be a drug-eluting stent (DES) or a titanium-nitride-oxide coated stent (TiNOS).
AIM
To compare the 5-year effectiveness and safety of the two stent types.
METHODS
The following systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines, and PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central were searched from inception till August 2023. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death or MI, and ischemia-driven total lesion revascularization (ID-TLR).
RESULTS
Four randomized controlled trials (RCT), which analyzed a sum total of 3045 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after a median follow-up time of 5 years were included. Though statistically insignificant, an increase in the ID-TLR was observed in patients receiving TiNOSs DESs. In addition, MI, cardiac death and MI, and definite stent thrombosis (DST) were significantly decreased in the TiNOS arm. Baseline analysis revealed no significant results with meta-regression presenting non-ST elevated MI (NSTEMI) as a statistically significant covariate in the outcome of MACE.
CONCLUSION
TiNOS was found to be superior to DES in terms of MI, cardiac death or MI, and DST outcomes, however, the effect of the two stent types on ID-TLR and MACE was not significant. A greater number of studies are required to establish an accurate comparison of patient outcomes in TiNOS and DES.
PubMed: 38817643
DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v16.i5.293