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PloS One 2024To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS) used alone or in combination with D-dimer for detecting acute aortic syndrome... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS) used alone or in combination with D-dimer for detecting acute aortic syndrome (AAS) in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of AAS.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 2024. Additionally, the reference lists of included studies and other systematic reviews were thoroughly searched. All diagnostic accuracy studies that assessed the use of ADD-RS alone or with D-Dimer for diagnosing AAS compared with a reference standard test (e.g. computer tomographic angiography (CTA), ECG-gated CTA, echocardiography, magnetic resonance angiography, operation, or autopsy) were included. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data. Risk of bias was appraised using QUADAS-2 tool. Data were synthesised using hierarchical meta-analysis models.
RESULTS
We selected 13 studies from the 2017 citations identified, including six studies evaluating combinations of ADD-RS alongside D-dimer>500ng/L. Summary sensitivities and specificities (95% credible interval) were: ADD-RS>0 94.6% (90%, 97.5%) and 34.7% (20.7%, 51.2%), ADD-RS>1 43.4% (31.2%, 57.1%) and 89.3% (80.4%, 94.8%); ADD RS>0 or D-Dimer>500ng/L 99.8% (98.7%, 100%) and 21.8% (12.1%, 32.6%); ADD RS>1 or D-Dimer>500ng/L 98.3% (94.9%, 99.5%) and 51.4% (38.7%, 64.1%); ADD RS>1 or ADD RS = 1 with D-dimer>500ng/L 93.1% (87.1%, 96.3%) and 67.1% (54.4%, 77.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
Combinations of ADD-RS and D-dimer can be used to select patients with suspected AAS for imaging with a range of trade-offs between sensitivity (93.1% to 99.8%) and specificity (21.8% to 67.1%).
Topics: Humans; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Aortic Dissection; Syndrome; Sensitivity and Specificity; Acute Disease; Computed Tomography Angiography; Acute Aortic Syndrome
PubMed: 38905181
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304401 -
JBJS Reviews Jun 2024Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is often associated with significant blood loss, leading to complications such as acute anemia and increased risk of infection and... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is often associated with significant blood loss, leading to complications such as acute anemia and increased risk of infection and mortality. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has been recognized for effectively reducing blood loss during TJA. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral TXA compared with other administration routes in TJA.
METHODS
Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, focusing on randomized clinical trials involving oral TXA in TJA. The studies were assessed for quality using the Cochrane risk assessment scale. Data synthesis involved network meta-analyses, comparing outcomes including hemoglobin drop, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion rate, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rate.
RESULTS
Our comprehensive literature search incorporated 39 studies with 7,538 participants, focusing on 8 TXA administration methods in TJA. The combination of oral and intra-articular (oral + IA) TXA markedly reduced hemoglobin drop more effectively than oral, intravenous (IV), and IA alone, but the difference was not significant. Oral + IA TXA significantly reduced EBL more effectively than oral + IV, IA + IV, and oral, IV, and IA alone. Perioperative transfusion rates with oral + IA TXA was significantly lower than that of oral, IA, and IV alone. The DVT rate with oral + IA was significantly lower than that with all other routes, including oral + IV, IA + IV, and oral, IA, and IV alone.
CONCLUSION
Oral TXA, particularly in combination with IA administration, demonstrates significantly higher efficacy in reducing blood loss and transfusion rates in TJA, with a safety profile comparable with that of other administration routes. The oral route, offering lower costs and simpler administration, emerges as a viable and preferable option in TJA procedures.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Humans; Administration, Oral; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Arthroplasty, Replacement; Blood Loss, Surgical; Network Meta-Analysis; Tranexamic Acid; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38889241
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.23.00248 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2024This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in treating melasma through a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in treating melasma through a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The study focused on identifying associated adverse effects and comparing TXA's effectiveness with other melasma treatments. Following PROSPERO and PRISMA guidelines, an extensive electronic search was conducted across four databases for RCTs on TXA use in melasma. Inclusion criteria encompassed full-text English articles with specific outcome measures, while studies with high bias risk or non-English publications were excluded. Data were extracted from 22 relevant studies and analyzed using the RevMan software, with heterogeneity identified using I² statistics and forest plots. A total of 22 studies with 1280 patients were included. TXA was administered orally, topically, or via injection, with treatment durations ranging from 8 weeks to nearly 2 years. TXA significantly reduced melasma severity, evidenced by reductions in MASI, mMASI, MI, and hemi-MASI scores. Oral TXA showed the most substantial decrease in MASI scores, followed by injections and topical applications. However, studies exhibited high heterogeneity, particularly in combined treatments. Adverse effects included gastrointestinal discomfort, skin irritation, and menstrual irregularities. TXA is effective in treating melasma, either alone or combined with other treatments. Despite significant reductions in melasma severity, further research is necessary to standardize TXA administration methods and address long-term effects. The high heterogeneity observed suggests a need for more consistent treatment protocols.
Topics: Melanosis; Humans; Tranexamic Acid; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Administration, Oral; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Severity of Illness Index; Administration, Cutaneous
PubMed: 38843906
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2361106 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... May 2024This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage for postoperative rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage for postoperative rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were systematically searched from inception to May 2024.
STUDY SELECTION
Any randomized controlled trials on the use of massage for postoperative TKA rehabilitation were included.
DATA EXTRACTION
A meta-analysis of outcomes, including postoperative pain, knee range of motion (ROM), postoperative D-dimer levels, and length of hospital stay, was performed. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and the data for each included study were extracted independently by two researchers.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Eleven randomized controlled clinical trials with 940 subjects were included. The results showed that compared with the control group, the massage group experienced more significant pain relief on the 7th, 14th and 21st days after the operation. Moreover, the improvement in knee ROM was more pronounced on postoperative days 7 and 14. In addition, the massage group reported fewer adverse events. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the reduction in postoperative D-dimer levels between the patients and controls. Subgroup analysis revealed that massage shortened the length of hospital stay for postoperative patients in China but not significantly for patients in other regions. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of the studies was large.
CONCLUSIONS
Increased massage treatment was more effective at alleviating pain and improving knee ROM in early post-TKA patients. However, massage did not perform better in reducing D-dimer levels in patients after TKA. Based on the current evidence, massage can be used as an adjunctive treatment for rehabilitation after TKA.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Knee Joint; Length of Stay; Massage; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38773539
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04798-6 -
Renal Failure Dec 2024This review aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of apixaban vs. vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients on dialysis. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This review aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of apixaban vs. vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients on dialysis.
METHODS
All types of studies published on PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science up to 10 September 2023 and comparing outcomes of apixaban vs. VKA in dialysis patients were eligible.
RESULTS
Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six retrospective studies were included. Apixaban treatment was associated with significantly lower risk of major bleeding (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.77; = 50%) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.98, = 9%) compared to VKA. Meta-analysis also showed that the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.85, = 16%) and intracranial bleeding (RR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.84, = 0%) was significantly reduced with apixaban. Meta-analysis showed no difference in the risk of ischemic stroke (RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.06, 2.69, = 0%), mortality (RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.74, 2.16, = 94%) and recurrent venous thromboembolism (RR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.21, = 0%) between the two groups. Subgroup analysis of RCTs showed no difference in bleeding outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Low-quality evidence from a mix of RCTs and retrospective studies shows that apixaban may have better safety and equivalent efficacy as compared to VKA in dialysis patients. Apixaban treatment correlated with significantly reduced risk of major bleeding and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding in observational studies but not in RCTs. The predominance of retrospective data warrants caution in the interpretation of results.
Topics: Humans; Anticoagulants; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Hemorrhage; Pyrazoles; Pyridones; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Dialysis; Vitamin K
PubMed: 38770962
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2024.2349114 -
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical... 2024Since the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and their comparison with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), conflicting results have been reported regarding the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants compared with vitamin-k antagonists in the treatment of left ventricular thrombosis. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Since the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and their comparison with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), conflicting results have been reported regarding the optimal treatment for left ventricular thrombosis (LVT).
OBJECTIVES
In this meta-analysis, we intend to comprehensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of these treatments.
METHODS
All clinical trials and cohorts that compared the efficacy or safety of VKAs with DOACs in the treatment of LVTs were systematically searched until April 15, 2023.
RESULTS
The results of 32 studies with a pooled sample size of 4213 patients were extracted for meta-analysis. DOACs, especially rivaroxaban and apixaban, cause faster resolution, lower mortality, and fewer complications (SSE and bleeding events) than VKAs in the management of LVTs.
CONCLUSION
Compared with VKAs, DOACs result in significantly faster (only rivaroxaban) and safer resolution of left ventricular thrombosis.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin K; Thrombosis; Heart Ventricles; Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Rivaroxaban; Heart Diseases; Pyrazoles; Pyridones
PubMed: 38754272
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.04.019 -
BMJ Open May 2024There are no globally agreed on strategies on early detection and first response management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during and after caesarean birth. Our study...
Strategies for optimising early detection and obstetric first response management of postpartum haemorrhage at caesarean birth: a modified Delphi-based international expert consensus.
OBJECTIVE
There are no globally agreed on strategies on early detection and first response management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during and after caesarean birth. Our study aimed to develop an international expert's consensus on evidence-based approaches for early detection and obstetric first response management of PPH intraoperatively and postoperatively in caesarean birth.
DESIGN
Systematic review and three-stage modified Delphi expert consensus.
SETTING
International.
POPULATION
Panel of 22 global experts in PPH with diverse backgrounds, and gender, professional and geographic balance.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Agreement or disagreement on strategies for early detection and first response management of PPH at caesarean birth.
RESULTS
Experts agreed that the same PPH definition should apply to both vaginal and caesarean birth. For the intraoperative phase, the experts agreed that early detection should be accomplished via quantitative blood loss measurement, complemented by monitoring the woman's haemodynamic status; and that first response should be triggered once the woman loses at least 500 mL of blood with continued bleeding or when she exhibits clinical signs of haemodynamic instability, whichever occurs first. For the first response, experts agreed on immediate administration of uterotonics and tranexamic acid, examination to determine aetiology and rapid initiation of cause-specific responses. In the postoperative phase, the experts agreed that caesarean birth-related PPH should be detected primarily via frequently monitoring the woman's haemodynamic status and clinical signs and symptoms of internal bleeding, supplemented by cumulative blood loss assessment performed quantitatively or by visual estimation. Postoperative first response was determined to require an individualised approach.
CONCLUSION
These agreed on proposed approaches could help improve the detection of PPH in the intraoperative and postoperative phases of caesarean birth and the first response management of intraoperative PPH. Determining how best to implement these strategies is a critical next step.
Topics: Humans; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Female; Cesarean Section; Pregnancy; Delphi Technique; Consensus; Early Diagnosis; Tranexamic Acid
PubMed: 38719306
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079713 -
Neurosurgical Review Apr 2024Antifibrinolytics have gained increasing attention in minimizing blood loss and mitigating the risks associated with massive transfusions, including infection and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Antifibrinolytics have gained increasing attention in minimizing blood loss and mitigating the risks associated with massive transfusions, including infection and coagulopathy in pediatric patients undergoing spine surgery. Nevertheless, the selection of optimal agent is still a matter of debate. We aim to review the utility of these agents and compare the efficacy of antifibrinolytics in pediatric and adolescent spine surgeries. A comprehensive search was performed in Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases for relevant works. Studies providing quantitative data on predefined outcomes were included. Primary outcome was perioperative bleeding between the groups. Secondary outcomes included transfusion volume, rate of complications, and operation time. Twenty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis incorporating 2553 patients. The use of Tranexamic acid (RoM: 0.71, 95%CI: [0.62-0.81], p < 0.001, I = 88%), Aprotinin (RoM: 0.54, 95%CI: [0.46-0.64], p < 0.001, I = 0%), and Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (RoM: 0.71, 95%CI: [0.62-0.81], p < 0.001, I = 60%) led to a 29%, 46%, and 29% reduction in perioperative blood loss, respectively. Network meta-analysis revealed higher probability of efficacy with Tranexamic acid compared to Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (P score: 0.924 vs. 0.571). The rate of complications was not statistically different between each two antifibrinolytic agent or antifibrinolytics compared to placebo or standard of care. Our network meta-analysis suggests a superior efficacy of all antifibrinolytics compared to standard of care/placebo in reducing blood loss and transfusion rate. Further adequately-powered randomized clinical trials are recommended to reach definite conclusion on comparative performance of these agents and to also provide robust objective assessments and standardized outcome data and safety profile on antifibrinolytics in pediatric and adolescent pediatric surgeries.
Topics: Humans; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Child; Blood Loss, Surgical; Network Meta-Analysis; Spine; Tranexamic Acid; Adolescent; Blood Transfusion; Neurosurgical Procedures; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38644447
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-024-02424-x -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Apr 2024Perioperative bleeding poses a significant issue during thoracic surgery. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is one of the most commonly used antifibrinolytic agents for surgical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Perioperative bleeding poses a significant issue during thoracic surgery. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is one of the most commonly used antifibrinolytic agents for surgical patients. The purpose of the current study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TXA in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
METHODS
An extensive search of PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane Library (trials), Embase, OVID, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP electronic databases was performed to identify studies published between the inception of these databases and March 2023. The primary outcomes included perioperative blood loss and blood transfusions. Secondary outcomes of interest included the length of stay (LOS) in hospital and the incidence of thromboembolic events. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine treatment effects for continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively.
RESULTS
Five qualified studies including 307 thoracic surgical patients were included in the current study. Among them, 65 patients were randomly allocated to the group receiving TXA administration (the TXA group); the other 142 patients were assigned to the group not receiving TXA administration (the control group). TXA significantly reduced the quantity of hemorrhage in the postoperative period (postoperative 12h: WMD = -81.90 ml; 95% CI: -139.55 to -24.26; P = 0.005; postoperative 24h: WMD = -97.44 ml; 95% CI: -121.44 to -73.44; P< 0.00001); The intraoperative blood transfusion volume (WMD = -0.54 units; 95% CI: -1.06 to -0.03; P = 0.04); LOS in hospital (WMD = -0.6 days; 95% CI: -1.04 to -0.16; P = 0.008); And there was no postoperative thromboembolic event reported in the included studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study demonstrated that TXA significantly decreased blood loss within 12 and 24 hours postoperatively. A qualitative review did not identify elevated risks of safety outcomes such as thromboembolic events. It also suggested that TXA administration was associated with shorter LOS in hospital as compared to control. To validate this further, additional well-planned and adequately powered randomized studies are necessary.
Topics: Humans; Tranexamic Acid; Thoracic Surgery; Blood Loss, Surgical; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Blood Transfusion; Thromboembolism; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38594703
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02716-9 -
The Journal of the American Academy of... Jun 2024Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) represent the highest level of evidence in orthopaedic surgery literature, although the robustness of statistical findings in these...
INTRODUCTION
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) represent the highest level of evidence in orthopaedic surgery literature, although the robustness of statistical findings in these trials may be unreliable. We used the fragility index (FI), reverse fragility index (rFI), and fragility quotient (FQ) to evaluate the statistical stability of outcomes reported in RCTs that assess the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) across orthopaedic subspecialties.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were queried for RCTs (2010-present) reporting dichotomous outcomes with study groups stratified by TXA administration. The FI and rFI were defined as the number of outcome event reversals needed to alter the significance level of significant and nonsignificant outcomes, respectively. FQ was determined by dividing the FI or rFI by sample size. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on orthopaedic subspecialty.
RESULTS
Six hundred five RCTs were screened with 108 studies included for analysis comprising 192 total outcomes. The median FI of the 192 outcomes was 4 (IQR 2 to 5) with an associated FQ of 0.03 (IQR 0.019 to 0.050). 45 outcomes were reported as statistically significant with a median FI of 1 (IQR 1 to 5) and associated FQ of 0.02 (IQR 0.011 to 0.034). 147 outcomes were reported as nonsignificant with a median rFI of 4 (IQR 3 to 5) and associated FQ of 0.04 (IQR 0.023 to 0.051). The adult reconstruction, trauma, and spine subspecialties had a median FI of 4. Sports had a median FI of 3. Shoulder and elbow and foot and ankle had median FIs of 6.
DISCUSSION
Statistical outcomes reported in RCTs on the use of TXA in orthopaedic surgery are fragile. Reversal of a few outcomes is sufficient to alter statistical significance. We recommend reporting FI, rFI, and FQ metrics to aid in interpreting the outcomes reported in comparative trials.
Topics: Humans; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Blood Loss, Surgical; Orthopedic Procedures; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tranexamic Acid
PubMed: 38574390
DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-23-00503