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European Journal of Trauma and... Jun 2024Our aim was to update evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations for the surgical and interventional management of blunt or penetrating injuries to the chest in... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Our aim was to update evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations for the surgical and interventional management of blunt or penetrating injuries to the chest in patients with multiple and/or severe injuries on the basis of current evidence. This guideline topic is part of the 2022 update of the German Guideline on the Treatment of Patients with Multiple and/or Severe Injuries.
METHODS
MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched to May and June 2021 respectively for the update and new questions. Further literature reports were obtained from clinical experts. Randomised controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, cross-sectional studies and comparative registry studies were included if they compared interventions for the surgical management of injuries to the chest in patients with multiple and/or severe injuries. We considered patient-relevant clinical outcomes such as mortality, length of stay, and diagnostic test accuracy. Risk of bias was assessed using NICE 2012 checklists. The evidence was synthesised narratively, and expert consensus was used to develop recommendations and determine their strength.
RESULTS
One study was identified. This study compared wedge resection, lobectomy and pneumonectomy in the management of patients with severe chest trauma that required some form of lung resection. Based on the updated evidence and expert consensus, one recommendation was modified and two additional good practice points were developed. All achieved strong consensus. The recommendation on the amount of blood loss that is used as an indication for surgical intervention in patients with chest injuries was modified to reflect new findings in trauma care and patient stabilisation. The new good clinical practice points (GPPs) on the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in patients with initial circulatory stability are also in line with current practice in patient care.
CONCLUSION
As has been shown in recent decades, the treatment of chest trauma has become less and less invasive for the patient as diagnostic and technical possibilities have expanded. Examples include interventional stenting of aortic injuries, video-assisted thoracoscopy and parenchyma-sparing treatment of lung injuries. These less invasive treatment concepts reduce morbidity and mortality in the primary surgical phase following a chest trauma.
PubMed: 38888790
DOI: 10.1007/s00068-024-02556-1 -
Cureus Mar 2024Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a preferred treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms, though it comes with complications such as endoleaks and graft infections... (Review)
Review
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a preferred treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms, though it comes with complications such as endoleaks and graft infections that may necessitate late open conversion (LOC). This systematic review and meta-analysis, drawing on studies from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, aimed to evaluate the incidence, outcomes, and factors leading to LOC after EVAR. The analysis of 11 selected studies revealed a 5.3% incidence of LOC, with a patient cohort predominantly male (79%) and an average age of 73.5 years. The interval between initial EVAR and LOC was 35.1 months on average, with the Excluder device most frequently necessitating LOC. A notable 68% of endovascular salvage attempts before LOC failed. The study highlighted rupture and type I endoleak as the primary reasons for urgent LOC, which exhibited a 10-fold higher mortality rate compared to elective LOC. Elective LOC procedures had a 30-day mortality rate similar to primary elective open aneurysm repairs. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant post-EVAR patient monitoring and suggest that the methodological quality of underlying research should be considered in interpreting these results.
PubMed: 38686244
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57271 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Mar 2024Whether angiotensin II blockade is an effective medical treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) has not been established. This systematic review and... (Review)
Review
Systematic Review Examining the Association Between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Prescription and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth and Events.
OBJECTIVE
Whether angiotensin II blockade is an effective medical treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) has not been established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) prescription and AAA growth and events.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from their inception to 4 January 2024, with no language restrictions.
REVIEW METHODS
The five databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting the association between ACEi or ARB prescription and AAA growth, repair, or rupture. The primary outcome was AAA growth, with secondary outcomes of AAA rupture, AAA repair, and AAA related events (rupture and repair combined). Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool for RCTs and with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Random effects models were used for meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Eleven studies (two RCTs, eight observational studies, and one meta-analysis of individual patient data from seven populations) involving 58 022 patients were included. ACEi prescription was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in AAA growth (standard mean difference 0.01 mm/year, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.26 - 0.28; p = .93; I = 98%) or AAA repair (odds ratio [OR] 0.73, 95% CI 0.50 - 1.09; p = .65; I = 61%), but was associated with a statistically significantly lower risk of AAA rupture (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81 - 0.93; p < .001; I = 26%) and AAA related events (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72 - 0.95; p = .006; I = 80%). ARB prescription was not associated with significantly reduced AAA growth or a lower risk of AAA related events. The two RCTs had a low risk of bias, with one observational study having low, seven moderate, and one high risk of bias. All of the findings had a very low certainty of evidence based on the GRADE analysis.
CONCLUSION
There was no association between ACEi or ARB prescription and AAA growth, but ACEi prescription was associated with a reduced risk of AAA rupture and AAA related events with very low certainty of evidence.
PubMed: 38537880
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2024.03.034 -
International Angiology : a Journal of... Apr 2024The purpose of this study is to report incidence, indications, and outcomes of early open conversions (EOC) after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), defined as surgical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to report incidence, indications, and outcomes of early open conversions (EOC) after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), defined as surgical conversion performed within 30 days from the initial EVAR.
EVIDENCE AQUISITION
A systematic review of the literature was performed (database searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library; last search April 2023). Articles reporting EOC after EVAR comprising at least five patients were included. Meta-analyses of proportions were performed using a random-effects model.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Seventeen non-randomized studies, published between 1999 and 2022, were included. A total of 35,970 patients had previously undergone EVAR, of these 438 patients underwent EOC. Estimated incidence of EOC was 1.4% (95% CI 1.1-1.4; I=81.66%). Specifically, in the works published before 2010 the incidence was 1.8% (95% CI 1.3-2.4; I=74.25) while for subsequent ones it was 0.9% (95% CI 0.6-1.1; I=69.82). Weighted mean age was 74.91 years (95% CI 72.42-77.39; I=83.11%). Estimated rate of cause determining EOC were: access issue in 27.7% of patients (95% CI 13.8-41.6; I=88.14%), incorrect placement of the endograft in 20.1% (95% CI 10.2-30.0; I=76,9%), problems with "delivery system" in 9.0% (95% CI 4.9-13.1; I=0%), aorto-iliac rupture in 8.6% (95% CI 4.5-12.6; I=0%), endoprosthesis migration in 7.9% of cases (95% CI 3.3-12.4; I=22.96%), failure in engaging the contralateral gate in 4.8% (95% CI 1.6-8; I=0%), "kinking" or "twisting" of endoprosthesis in 3.3% (95% CI 0.6-5.9; I=0%), graft thrombosis in 3.2% (95% CI 0.6-5.7; I=0%), type Ia endoleak in 2.9% (95% CI 0.4-5.4; I=0%), type III endoleak in 2.8% (95% CI 0.3-5.3; I=0%) and endograft infection in 2.7% (95% CI 0.3-5.2; I=0%). Intraoperative conversion rate was 91.1% (95% CI 85.8-96.4; I=66.01%). Early mortality rate after EOC was 14.5% (95% CI 9.1-19.9; I=48.31%). Mean length of stay (LOS) was 11.94 days (95% CI 6.718-17.172; I=92.34%).
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of EOC seems to decrease over time. Causes of EOC were mainly related to access problems and incorrect positioning of the endograft. Most of the EOC were performed intraoperatively carrying a high mortality rate.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Endovascular Procedures; Incidence; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Treatment Outcome; Conversion to Open Surgery; Risk Factors; Postoperative Complications; Time Factors
PubMed: 38502543
DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.24.05153-8 -
Intractable & Rare Diseases Research Feb 2024Situs viscerum inversus (SVI) is a very rare condition in that abdominal and thoracic organs are located reversed. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening... (Review)
Review
Situs viscerum inversus (SVI) is a very rare condition in that abdominal and thoracic organs are located reversed. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening pathology due to progressive aortic enlargement until the rupture. The association between SVI and AAA is very infrequent. The aim of this study is to identify the surgical procedures available to treat AAA in SVI. We performed a literature review of all studies about AAA in SVI patients, analyzing PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar databases. The survey includes all publications until June 2023. The outcomes include demographic findings, type of surgical procedure, intraoperative and postoperative complications, follow-up. A total of 12 studies, including 12 patients, were considered eligible for the review. AAA mean size was 70.5 mm (range: 55-90 mm); the most common localization was in the infrarenal aortic portion. 6 studies reported data on elective surgery, and 6 on emergency procedures. In one case endovascular treatment was performed. No intraoperative complications are reported; 3 postoperative complications are registered. Medium follow-up period was 13.5 months (range: 3-60). According to the available literature, the treatment of AAA in SVI is feasible and does not show an incremented morbidity compared to patients with a normal visceral configuration. This treatment seems to be effective also in case of endovascular treatment. AAA treatment in SVI should be performed (especially in elective settings) in high volume centers where it is possible to bring on collaboration across different surgical specialists.
PubMed: 38404738
DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2023.01081 -
Current Problems in Cardiology May 2024Diseases of the aorta, such as aortic aneurysm, dissection, and rupture, account for a large proportion of acute clinical emergencies. The red blood cell distribution... (Review)
Review
Diseases of the aorta, such as aortic aneurysm, dissection, and rupture, account for a large proportion of acute clinical emergencies. The red blood cell distribution width (RDW), which directly reflects anisocytosis (i.e., the heterogeneity of erythrocyte volumes), has emerged as a promising biomarker for many cardiovascular pathologies. Thus, we aimed to explore the implication of RDW in aortic pathologies. We searched Scopus and PubMed using the keywords "RDW" OR "red blood cell distribution width" AND "aortic aneurysm" OR "aortic dilatation" OR "aortic dissection" for identifying studies in which RDW values were measured in patients with these aortic diseases. Ten observational studies were finally included. In all studies, RDW value was increased in patients with aortic diseases. In the four studies in which sufficient RDW data were available for pooling, the weighted mean difference (WMD) of RDW in patients with or without complicated aortic pathologies was 0.575 (95 %CI, 0.254-0.896). RDW may be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with aortic pathologies.
Topics: Humans; Prognosis; Erythrocyte Indices; Aorta; Biomarkers; Aortic Diseases
PubMed: 38395117
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102476 -
International Journal of Surgery... Apr 2024Chronic steroid (CS) therapy was reportedly linked to increased vascular complications following percutaneous coronary intervention. However, its association with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Chronic steroid (CS) therapy was reportedly linked to increased vascular complications following percutaneous coronary intervention. However, its association with vascular complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remained uncertain, with conflicting results being reported.
OBJECTIVE
The authors aimed to compare the rate of vascular complications and outcomes between patients with and without CS use after TAVR.
METHODS
The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from their inception until 18th April 2022 for relevant studies. Endpoints were described according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 definitions. Effect sizes were pooled using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI.
RESULTS
Five studies with 6136 patients undergoing TAVR were included in the analysis. The included studies were published between 2015 and 2022. The mean ages of patients in both study groups were similar, with the CS group averaging 80 years and the nonsteroid group averaging 82 years. Notably, a higher proportion of patients in the CS group were female (56%) compared to the nonsteroid group (54%). CS use was associated with a significantly higher risk of major vascular complications (12.5 vs. 6.7%, RR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.73-3.11, P <0.001), major bleeding (16.8 vs. 13.1%, RR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.27-2.05, P <0.001), and aortic annulus rupture (2.3 vs. 0.6%, RR 4.66, 95% CI: 1.67-13.01, P <0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of minor vascular complications (RR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00-2.04, P =0.05), in-hospital mortality (2.3 vs. 1.4%, RR 1.86, 95% CI: 0.74-4.70, P =0.19), and 30-day mortality (2.9 vs. 3.1%, RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.53-2.46, P =0.74) between both groups.
CONCLUSION
Our study showed that CS therapy is associated with increased major vascular complications, major bleeding, and annulus rupture following TAVR. Further large multicenter studies or randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.
Topics: Humans; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Postoperative Complications; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Steroids; Vascular Diseases; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Male
PubMed: 38320107
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001132 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Apr 2024Large abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) present a significant mortality risk. While numerous medical interventions have been proposed, no drugs have convincingly reduced... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Large abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) present a significant mortality risk. While numerous medical interventions have been proposed, no drugs have convincingly reduced AAA progression, rupture rates, or repair risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of re-purposed drugs or dietary supplements on slowing expansion rates, reducing the risk of rupture, or minimising the risk of repair for individuals with AAA.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in five databases. Both observational studies and randomised controlled trials were included. Unpublished data from two screening trials were incorporated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were performed for each identified drug subclass and were stratified by overall risk of bias. Results were reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Of 7 484 screened studies, 39 met the inclusion criteria. No studies on dietary supplements were included. A total of 84 cohorts were derived from the included studies, and twelve distinct drug groups underwent meta-analyses. Two drug groups, metformin and statins, were statistically significant in slowing AAA growth. No low risk of bias studies were included for these two drug groups, and the results had very high heterogeneity (I > 80%). Both groups had a GRADE certainty of very low. Metformin, excluding high risk of bias studies, presented an estimated mean growth difference of AAA diameter between users and non-users of -0.73 mm/year, whilst statins had an overall estimated mean difference of -0.84 mm/year.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that metformin and statins may provide some effect in slowing AAA progression. However, no definitive evidence was found for any of the investigated drugs included in this study. Further research is needed to identify effective medical treatments for AAA progression with more robust methodology.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Metformin; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal
PubMed: 38013062
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2023.11.037 -
Minerva Surgery Apr 2024Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), often characterized by an abdominal aortic diameter over 3.0 cm, is managed through screening, surveillance, and surgical intervention....
INTRODUCTION
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), often characterized by an abdominal aortic diameter over 3.0 cm, is managed through screening, surveillance, and surgical intervention. AAA growth can be heterogeneous and rupture carries a high mortality rate, with size and certain risk factors influencing rupture risk. Research is ongoing to accurately predict individual AAA growth rates for personalized management. Machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, has shown promise in various medical fields, including endoleak detection post-EVAR. However, its application for predicting AAA growth remains insufficiently explored, thus necessitating further investigation. Subsequently, this paper aims to summarize the current status of machine learning in predicting AAA growth.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic database search of Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, PubMed and Google Scholar from inception till December 2022 was conducted of original articles that discussed the use of machine learning in predicting AAA growth using the aforementioned databases.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Overall, 2742 articles were extracted, of which seven retrospective studies involving 410 patients were included using a predetermined criteria. Six out of seven studies applied a supervised learning approach for their machine learning (ML) models, with considerable diversity observed within specific ML models. The majority of the studies concluded that machine learning models perform better in predicting AAA growth in comparison to reference models. All studies focused on predicting AAA growth over specified durations. Maximal luminal diameter was the most frequently used indicator, with alternative predictors being AAA volume, ILT (intraluminal thrombus) and flow-medicated diameter (FMD).
CONCLUSIONS
The nascent field of applying machine learning (ML) for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) expansion prediction exhibits potential to enhance predictive accuracy across diverse parameters. Future studies must emphasize evidencing clinical utility in a healthcare system context, thereby ensuring patient outcome improvement. This will necessitate addressing key ethical implications in establishing prospective studies related to this topic and collaboration among pivotal stakeholders within the AI field.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Artificial Intelligence; Prospective Studies; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Machine Learning
PubMed: 37987755
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5691.23.10130-4 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2023The ultimate goal of treating patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is to repair them when the risk of rupture exceeds the risk of repair. Small AAAs... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The ultimate goal of treating patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is to repair them when the risk of rupture exceeds the risk of repair. Small AAAs demonstrate a low rupture risk, and recently, large AAAs just above the threshold (5.5-6.0 cm) seem to be at low risk of rupture as well. The present review aims to investigate the outcomes of AAAs under surveillance through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register were searched (22 March 2022; PROSPERO; #CRD42022316094). The Cochrane and PRISMA statements were respected. Blinded systematic screening of the literature, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two authors. Conflicts were resolved by a third author. The meta-analysis of prevalence provided estimated proportions, 95% confidence intervals, and measures of heterogeneity (I). Based on I, the heterogeneity might be negligible (0-40%), moderate (30-60%), substantial (50-90%), and considerable (75-100%). The primary outcome was the incidence of AAA rupture. Secondary outcomes included the rate of small AAAs reaching the threshold for repair, aortic-related mortality, and all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
Fourteen publications (25,040 patients) were included in the analysis. The outcome rates of the small AAA group (<55 mm) were 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-1.0; I = 76.4%) of rupture, 0.6% (95% CI 0.0-1.9; I = 87.2%) of aortic-related mortality, and 9.6% (95% CI 2.2-21.1; I = 99.0%) of all-cause mortality. During surveillance, 21.4% (95% CI 9.0-37.2; I = 99.0%) of the initially small AAAs reached the threshold for repair. The outcome rates of the large AAA group (>55 mm) were 25.7% (95% CI 18.0-34.3; I = 72.0%) of rupture, 22.1% (95% CI 16.5-28.3; I = 25.0%) of aortic-related mortality, and 61.8% (95% CI 47.0-75.6; I = 89.1%) of all-cause mortality. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated a higher rupture rate in studies including <662 subjects, patients with a mean age > 72 years, >17% of female patients, and >44% of current smokers.
CONCLUSION
The rarity of rupture and aortic-related mortality in small AAAs supports the current conservative management of small AAAs. Surveillance seems indicated, as one-fifth reached the threshold for repair. Large aneurysms had a high incidence of rupture and aortic-related mortality. However, these data seem biased by the sparse and heterogeneous literature overrepresented by patients unfit for surgery. Specific rupture risk stratified by age, gender, and fit-for-surgery patients with large AAAs needs to be further investigated.
PubMed: 37959301
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216837