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Annals of Vascular Surgery Aug 2024Heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (hb-ePTFE) synthetic grafts are an alternative to autologous vein grafts (AVG) for surgical bypass interventions in lower... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (hb-ePTFE) synthetic grafts are an alternative to autologous vein grafts (AVG) for surgical bypass interventions in lower limb peripheral arterial disease (LLPAD). However, the clinical benefits of hb-ePTFE grafts have not been reviewed systematically for patients undergoing below-the-knee (BK) surgical bypass. This study aimed to meta-analyze available data on the utility of hb-ePTFE in patients undergoing BK surgical bypass.
METHODS
Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched, restricted to material in English with no date restriction. In addition, proceedings from relevant congresses were screened going back 2 years. The search was performed in December 2021. Eligible studies included prospective or retrospective comparative studies or prospective single-arm cohorts with an hb-ePTFE arm. Methodological quality was assessed with the ROBINS-I criteria. Outcomes included primary patency, amputation/limb salvage, and overall survival. Clinical outcomes were expressed as event rates. Studies were compared using meta-analysis to generate a standardized mean event rate for each outcome, with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI), using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Following deduplication, 10,263 records were identified and 261 were assessed as full texts. No prospective comparative studies were identified. The level of evidence was uniformly low. Seventeen publications describing data from 9 individual patient cohorts met the inclusion criteria. These cohorts included a total of 1,452 patients undergoing BK surgical bypass with hb-ePTFE. The primary patency rate was 78.9% [95% CI: 72.2-85.7%] at 1 year, 68.2% [95% CI: 62.8-73.6%] at 2 years, decreasing to 48.0% [95% CI: 27.3-68.7%] at 5 years. The secondary patency rate was 84.8% [95% CI: 77.0-92.5%] at 1 year and 68.9% [95% CI: 43.0-94.9%] at 3 years; the 1-year limb salvage rate was 88.3% [95% CI: 79.6-97.1%] at 1 year and 79.0% [95% CI: 56.7-100%] at 3 years.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients undergoing BK bypass surgery, hb-ePTFE synthetic grafts, compared to uncoated grafts, perform well for patency and limb salvage. However, the quality of the evidence is low, and well-performed randomized clinical trials are needed to inform clinical decision-making on the choice of synthetic graft.
Topics: Humans; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Vascular Patency; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Heparin; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Femoral Artery; Prosthesis Design; Aged; Limb Salvage; Male; Treatment Outcome; Anticoagulants; Female; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Middle Aged; Amputation, Surgical; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Risk Assessment; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38582218
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.01.022 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery Aug 2024Endovascular deep vein arteriaization (DVA) is a novel technique aimed at salvaging peripheral arterial disease unamenable to conventional surgical intervention. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Endovascular deep vein arteriaization (DVA) is a novel technique aimed at salvaging peripheral arterial disease unamenable to conventional surgical intervention. This study aims to review contemporary literature on the efficacy, safety, and durability of DVA on patients with no-option critical limb ischemia (NO-CLI).
METHODS
The study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, using predefined search terms of "percutaneous deep vein arterialization" or "percutaneous deep venous arterialization" in PubMed, Web of Sciences, OvidSP, and Embase. Only studies with 5 or more patients were included, and studies involving open or hybrid DVA were excluded. The primary outcomes included technical success and primary amputation rates. Secondary outcomes included rates of wound healing, complication, reintervention, and all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
Ten studies encompassing a total of 233 patients were included. Patients were primarily those deemed to have NO-CLI. The median follow-up period was 12 months (range 1-63 months). The technical success rate was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 96.2%-97.9%) and the major amputation rate was 21.8% (95% 21.1%-22.4%). The wound healing rate was 69.5% (95% CI 67.9-71.0%), complication rate was 13.8% (95% CI 11.7%-15.9%), reintervention rate was 37.4% (95% CI 34.9%-39.9%), and all-cause mortality rate was 15.7% (95% CI 14.1%-17.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed that endovascular DVA is safe for patients with NO-CLI. Nonetheless, studies were small with follow-up period of less than 1 year. There is currently lack of level 1 evidence to recommend routine use in patients with NO-CLI.
Topics: Humans; Treatment Outcome; Amputation, Surgical; Limb Salvage; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Endovascular Procedures; Aged; Female; Male; Veins; Middle Aged; Wound Healing; Critical Illness; Aged, 80 and over; Ischemia
PubMed: 38579910
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.01.008 -
PloS One 2024Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents the modulatory capacity of the autonomous... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents the modulatory capacity of the autonomous nervous system and influences mortality. By surveying this meta-analysis, we investigated the impact of physical activity on HRV.
METHODS
Databases, online journal libraries and clinical trial registries were searched for publications of randomized controlled and non-randomized controlled trials concerning adults with coronary artery disease (CAD)/ischemic heart disease (IHD), congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) joining an intervention group with physical activity or a control group with usual care or no intervention. Extracted time-domain and frequency-domain parameter of HRV were analyzed in a meta-analysis using a random effect model. Subgroup analyses concerning intervention type, study design and type of heart disease and sensitivity analysis were performed.
RESULTS
Significant results were obtained for RR-Interval (p = 0.05) and standard deviation of Normal-to-Normal intervals (SDNN) (p = 0.01) for short-term assessment and for the ratio of low-frequency power (LF) to high-frequency power (HF) (p = 0.05) for 24-hour assessment. Subgroup analyses also resulted significant: root-mean-square difference of successive normal R-R intervals (RMSSD) (p = 0.01), SDNN (p = 0.02) and HF (p < 0.01) concerning CHF.
CONCLUSION
We were able to demonstrate the positive impact of physical activity on HRV, especially in patients with CHF. Cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs need to be individualized to identify the most beneficial method of training for improving the prognosis of patients with CVD.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Heart Rate; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Ischemia; Heart Failure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38578755
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299793 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... May 2024Statin therapy is considered the gold standard for treating hypercholesterolemia. This updated meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparative Safety and Efficacy of Low/Moderate-Intensity Statin plus Ezetimibe Combination Therapy vs. High-Intensity Statin Monotherapy in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: An Updated Meta-Analysis.
AIM
Statin therapy is considered the gold standard for treating hypercholesterolemia. This updated meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of a low/moderate-intensity statin in combination with ezetimibe compared with high-intensity statin monotherapy in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
METHODS
A systematic search of two databases (PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL) was conducted from inception to January 2023 and a total of 21 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were identified and included in the analysis. Data were pooled using Hedges's g and a Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model to derive standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cis). The primary outcome studied was the effect of these treatments on lipid parameters and safety events.
RESULTS
The results revealed that combination therapy was more effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (SMD= - 0.41; CI - 0.63 to - 0.19; P = 0.0002). There was no significant change in the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Apo A1, or Apo B. The safety of these treatments was assessed by the following markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine phosphokinase (CK), and a significant difference was only observed in CK (SMD: - 0.81; CI - 1.52 to - 0.10; P = 0.02).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis demonstrated that the use of low/moderate-intensity statin combination therapy significantly reduced LDL-C levels compared with high-intensity statin monotherapy, making it preferable for patients with related risks. However, further trials are encouraged to evaluate potential adverse effects associated with combined therapy.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Ezetimibe; Drug Therapy, Combination; Atherosclerosis; Anticholesteremic Agents; Cholesterol, LDL; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cardiovascular Diseases; Hypercholesterolemia; Cholesterol, HDL
PubMed: 38578578
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-024-00642-8 -
Cardiovascular Diabetology Apr 2024Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) represents a novel marker in the current era of cardiovascular diseases. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the association of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) represents a novel marker in the current era of cardiovascular diseases. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the association of AIP with cardiovascular prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception through 2024. The primary outcome was major cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary outcomes included all-causes death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, revascularization, and no-reflow phenomenon. AIP was determined by taking the logarithm of the ratio of triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The data analysis was represented using the risk ratio (RR) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Sixteen studies with a total number of 20,833 patients met the eligible criteria. The pooled-analysis showed a significant increased risk of MACE in the highest AIP group compared with the lowest AIP group (RR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.44-1.85; P < 0.001). A similar result was observed when AIP was regarded as a continuous variable (RR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.30-1.83; P < 0.001). Besides, elevated AIP was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death (RR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.09-2.78; P = 0.02), MI (RR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.55-3.13; P < 0.001), revascularization (RR = 1.62; 95% CI, 1.34-1.97; P < 0.001), no-reflow phenomenon (RR = 3.12 95% CI, 1.09-8.96; P = 0.034), and stent thrombosis (RR = 13.46; 95%CI, 1.39-129.02; P = 0.025). However, AIP was not significantly associated with the risk of all-causes death and stroke among patients with CAD.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study demonstrated that increased AIP is an independent prognostic factors in patients with CAD. Further research is warranted to elucidate the potential development of targeted interventions to modify AIP levels and improve patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; No-Reflow Phenomenon; Risk Factors; Atherosclerosis; Myocardial Infarction; Stroke
PubMed: 38566139
DOI: 10.1186/s12933-024-02198-y -
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten May 2024Lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is caused by atherosclerotic plaque in the arterial supply to the lower limbs. The neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to...
Lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is caused by atherosclerotic plaque in the arterial supply to the lower limbs. The neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios (NLR, PLR) are established markers of systemic inflammation which are related to inferior outcomes in multiple clinical conditions, though remain poorly described in patients with LEAD. This review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE database was interrogated for relevant studies. Primary outcome was the prognostic effect of NLR and PLR on clinical outcomes following treatment, and secondary outcomes were the prognostic effect of NLR and PLR on disease severity and technical success following revascularisation. There were 34 studies included in the final review reporting outcomes on a total of 19870 patients. NLR was investigated in 21 studies, PLR was investigated in two studies, and both NLR & PLR were investigated in 11 studies. Relating to increased levels of systemic inflammation, 20 studies (100%) reported inferior clinical outcomes, 13 (92.9%) studies reported increased disease severity, and seven (87.5%) studies reported inferior technical results from revascularisation. The studies included in this review support the role of elevated NLR and PLR as key components influencing the clinical outcomes, severity, and success of treatment in patients with LEAD. The use of these easily accessible, cost effective and routinely available markers is supported by the present review.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Blood Platelets; Lower Extremity; Lymphocyte Count; Lymphocytes; Neutrophils; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Platelet Count; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38563057
DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a001117 -
Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism Jun 2024
Meta-Analysis
Risk of lower extremity amputation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral arterial disease receiving sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors versus other medications: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort studies.
Topics: Humans; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Amputation, Surgical; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Observational Studies as Topic; Lower Extremity; Diabetic Foot; Hypoglycemic Agents; Diabetic Angiopathies; Male
PubMed: 38558251
DOI: 10.1111/dom.15571 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Jun 2024This scoping review summarises health literacy and disease knowledge in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This scoping review summarises health literacy and disease knowledge in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the influencing factors.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, and CINAHL covering the period January 2012 to October 2022.
REVIEW METHODS
This scoping review was undertaken in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Inclusion criteria encompassed studies addressing health literacy, knowledge, perception, or awareness in patients with AAA or PAD. Two authors independently reviewed abstracts and full texts, resolving any discrepancies through discussion or by consulting a third author for consensus. All article types were included except letters, editorials, study protocols, reviews, and guidelines. No language restrictions were applied. Primary outcomes were health literacy and disease knowledge. Secondary outcomes were factors that could influence this. Quality assessment was done using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
RESULTS
The review included 32 articles involving a total of 5 268 patients. Four articles reported health literacy and the rest disease knowledge. Ten studies (31%) met all quality criteria. Twenty studies were quantitative, eight were qualitative, and four were mixed methods studies. The review revealed inadequate health literacy in the majority of patients, and disease knowledge was relatively low among patients with AAA and PAD, with disparities in measures and assessment tools across studies. Factors influencing health literacy and disease knowledge included socioeconomic status, education, income, and employment.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review revealed low health literacy and low disease knowledge in patients with AAA and PAD. Standardised health literacy assessment may contribute to improve communication strategies and decision aids to enhance patients' understanding and engagement in healthcare decisions, however further research is needed to prove its merits.
Topics: Humans; Health Literacy; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Patient Education as Topic
PubMed: 38552837
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2024.03.040 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research May 2024To investigate if there is an association between atherosclerosis and depression by using as imaging biomarker the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), a surrogate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Atherosclerosis and depression: is carotid intima-media thicker in patients with depression compared to matched control individuals? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate if there is an association between atherosclerosis and depression by using as imaging biomarker the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis.
METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were comprehensively searched to identify studies investigating the association between cIMT and depression. The results were pooled using a random-effects statistical model, appropriate for the expected high heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted where data was available.
RESULTS
Overall, 22 and 13 studies met inclusion criteria for the qualitative and the quantitative synthesis, respectively, with a total of 4466 patients and 21,635 control participants. Results showed that cIMT is significantly higher in the depression, compared to the control groups with an overall mean difference of 0.07 mm (95% CI 0.04-0.10, p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that diabetes could present as a confounding factor in patients with depression and an increased cIMT.
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms a significantly increased cIMT in patients with depression, compared with controls and suggests a possible bidirectional link between atherosclerosis and depression. An early screening of cardiovascular disease in individuals suffering with depression should be considered.
Topics: Humans; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Depression; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38552331
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.012 -
The American Journal of Cardiology Jun 2024The 2019 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines regarding low-dose aspirin in the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular... (Review)
Review
The 2019 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines regarding low-dose aspirin in the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) indicate an increased risk of bleeding without a net benefit. The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score could be used to guide aspirin therapy in high-risk patients without an increased risk of bleeding. With this systematic review, we aimed to analyze studies that have investigated the role of CAC in primary prevention with aspirin. A total of 4 relevant studies were identified and the primary outcomes of interest were bleeding events and major adverse cardiac events. The outcomes of interest were stratified into 3 groups based on CAC scoring: 0, 1 to 99, and ≥100. A study concluded from 2,191 patients that with a low bleeding risk, CAC ≥100, and ASCVD risk ≥5% aspirin confers a net benefit, whereas patients with a high bleeding risk would experience a net harm, irrespective of ASCVD risk or CAC. All other studies demonstrated net benefit in patients with CAC ≥100 with a clear benefit. CAC scores correspond to calcified plaque in coronary vessels and are associated with graded increase in adverse cardiovascular events. Our review has found that in the absence of a significant bleeding risk, increased ASCVD risk and CAC score corelate with increased benefit from aspirin. A study demonstrated a decrease in the odds of myocardial infarction from 3 to 0.56 in patients on aspirin. The major drawback of aspirin for primary prevention is the bleeding complication. At present, there is no widely validated tool to predict the bleeding risk with aspirin, which creates difficulties in accurately delineating risk. Barring some discrepancy between studies, evidence shows a net harm for the use of aspirin in low ASCVD risk (<5%), irrespective of CAC score.
Topics: Humans; Aspirin; Primary Prevention; Coronary Artery Disease; Vascular Calcification; Coronary Vessels; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Risk Assessment; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 38548012
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.03.021