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American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Jul 2024The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model is frequently used to study preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. An improved understanding of influential... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model is frequently used to study preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. An improved understanding of influential factors might improve reproducibility and reduce animal use considering the variability in RUPP phenotype. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching Medline and Embase (until 28 March, 2023) for RUPP studies in murine. Primary outcomes included maternal blood pressure (BP) or proteinuria, fetal weight or crown-rump length, fetal reabsorptions, or antiangiogenic factors. We aimed to identify influential factors by meta-regression analysis. We included 155 studies. Our meta-analysis showed that the RUPP procedure results in significantly higher BP (MD = 24.1 mmHg; [22.6; 25.7]; = 148), proteinuria (SMD = 2.3; [0.9; 3.8]; = 28), fetal reabsorptions (MD = 50.4%; [45.5; 55.2]; = 42), circulating soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) (SMD = 2.6; [1.7; 3.4]; = 34), and lower fetal weight (MD = -0.4 g; [-0.47; -0.34]; = 113. The heterogeneity (variability between studies) in primary outcomes appeared ≥90%. Our meta-regression identified influential factors in the method and time point of BP measurement, randomization in fetal weight, and type of control group in sFlt-1. The RUPP is a robust model considering the evident differences in maternal and fetal outcomes. The high heterogeneity reflects the observed variability in phenotype. Because of underreporting, we observed reporting bias and a high risk of bias. We recommend standardizing study design by optimal time point and method chosen for readout measures to limit the variability. This contributes to improved reproducibility and thereby eventually improves the translational value of the RUPP model.
Topics: Fetal Growth Retardation; Female; Pregnancy; Pre-Eclampsia; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Uterus; Blood Pressure; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; Fetal Weight
PubMed: 38758122
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00056.2024 -
Nutrition & Diabetes May 2024Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interconnected risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Taurine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interconnected risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Taurine has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for MetS. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation on MetS-related parameters.
METHODS
We conducted electronic searches through databases like Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, encompassing publications up to December 1, 2023. Our analysis focused on established MetS diagnostic criteria, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Meta-regression explored potential dose-dependent relationships based on the total taurine dose administered during the treatment period. We also assessed secondary outcomes like body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic control.
RESULTS
Our analysis included 1024 participants from 25 RCTs. The daily dosage of taurine in the studies ranged from 0.5 g/day to 6 g/day, with follow-up periods varying between 5 and 365 days. Compared to control groups, taurine supplementation demonstrated statistically significant reductions in SBP (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -3.999 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -7.293 to -0.706, p = 0.017), DBP (WMD = -1.509 mmHg, 95% CI = -2.479 to -0.539, p = 0.002), FBG (WMD: -5.882 mg/dL, 95% CI: -10.747 to -1.018, p = 0.018), TG (WMD: -18.315 mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.628 to -11.002, p < 0.001), but not in HDL-C (WMD: 0.644 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.244 to 1.532, p = 0.155). Meta-regression analysis revealed a dose-dependent reduction in DBP (coefficient = -0.0108 mmHg per g, p = 0.0297) and FBG (coefficient = -0.0445 mg/dL per g, p = 0.0273). No significant adverse effects were observed compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION
Taurine supplementation exhibits positive effects on multiple MetS-related factors, making it a potential dietary addition for individuals at risk of or already experiencing MetS. Future research may explore dose-optimization strategies and potential long-term benefits of taurine for MetS management.
Topics: Taurine; Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Dietary Supplements; Triglycerides; Cholesterol, HDL; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38755142
DOI: 10.1038/s41387-024-00289-z -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Research data suggests that ultrasound-assisted wound debridement (UAWD) can effectively promote the healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). However, existing research is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-assisted wound debridement in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
Research data suggests that ultrasound-assisted wound debridement (UAWD) can effectively promote the healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). However, existing research is not consistent with this viewpoint. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the effect of UAWD on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
METHODS
From the establishment of the database to January 2024, we searched 8 databases to study the effectiveness and safety of UAWD in the treatment of DFU. Two authors independently screened the qualifications of the articles, while two authors extracted relevant data. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and STATA 18.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 11 randomized controlled studies were included, with 6 countries and 696 participants participating. Our findings showed that UAWD was associated with a significant benefit in healing rate (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: [1.67, 4.03], P < 0.0001, I 25%), wound healing time (MD = -11.94, 95% CI: [-23.65, -0.23], P = 0.05, I 99%), percentage reduction in wound size (MD = 14.2, 95% CI: [10.8, 17.6], P = 0.47, I 32%), effectiveness of treatment (OR = 10.3, 95% CI: [4.68, 22.66], P < 0.00001, I 0%). Moreover, UAWD did not cause any significant adverse reactions. However, there was no obvious difference in wound blood perfusion (MD = 0.25, 95% CI: [-0.01, 0.52], P = 0.06, I 90%), transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure (MD = 14.34, 95% CI: [-10.03, 38.71], P = 0.25, I 98%).
CONCLUSION
UAWD can significantly improve wound healing rate, shorten wound healing time, accelerate wound area reduction, and improve clinical treatment effectiveness without significant adverse reactions. Although there is no significant difference in transcutaneous oxygen pressure and wound blood flow perfusion between UAWD and SWC. So we look forward to more scientifically blinded, placebo-controlled, high-quality studies in the future, to enable researchers to obtain more complete and accurate analytical data, in order to improve the scientific and credibility of the evidence.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024501198.
Topics: Diabetic Foot; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Wound Healing; Debridement; Ultrasonic Therapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38752180
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1393251 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024To evaluate the quality of evidence, potential biases, and validity of all available studies on dietary intervention and diabetic nephropathy (DN). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the quality of evidence, potential biases, and validity of all available studies on dietary intervention and diabetic nephropathy (DN).
METHODS
We conducted an umbrella review of existing meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that focused on the effects of dietary intervention on DN incidence. The literature was searched via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. According to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), evidence of each outcome was evaluated and graded as "high", "moderate", "low" or "very low" quality to draw conclusions. Additionally, we classified evidence of outcomes into 4 categories.
RESULTS
We identified 36 meta-analyses of RCTs and 55 clinical outcomes of DN from 395 unique articles. Moderate-quality evidence suggested that probiotic supplementation could significantly improve blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in DN patients. Low-quality evidence indicated that probiotic supplementation significantly improved the serum creatinine concentration, urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in DN patients. In addition, low-quality evidence suggested that a salt restriction diet could significantly improve the creatinine clearance rate (CrCl) in patients with DN. Low-quality evidence suggested that vitamin D supplementation could significantly improve the UACR in patients with DN. In addition, low-quality evidence has indicated that soy isoflavone supplementation could significantly improve BUN, FBG, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and LDL-C levels in patients with DN. Furthermore, low-quality evidence suggested that coenzyme Q10 supplementation could significantly improve HbA1c, TC and HDL-C in patients with DN, and dietary polyphenols also significantly improved HbA1c in patients with DN. Finally, low-quality evidence suggested that supplementation with antioxidant vitamins could significantly improve the serum creatinine concentration, systolic blood pressure, and HbA1c level in patients with DN. Given the small sample size, all significantly associated outcomes were evaluated as class IV evidence.
CONCLUSION
Moderate to low amounts of evidence suggest that supplementation with probiotics, vitamin D, soy isoflavones, coenzyme Q10, dietary polyphenols, antioxidant vitamins, or salt-restricted diets may significantly improve clinical outcomes in patients with DN.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024512670.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Nephropathies; Dietary Supplements; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Probiotics; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 38742202
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1385872 -
Surgical Neurology International 2024This study strives to provide a current and thorough assessment of the comparative efficacy and safety between equiosmolar quantities of hypertonic saline (HS) and...
BACKGROUND
This study strives to provide a current and thorough assessment of the comparative efficacy and safety between equiosmolar quantities of hypertonic saline (HS) and mannitol in facilitating brain relaxation for patients undergoing elective craniotomies.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis, following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, compared the efficacy and safety of equiosmolar concentrations of mannitol and HS in elective craniotomies. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Proquest databases were searched using keywords related to mannitol, HS, and craniotomy. Results were analyzed through a random-effects model using Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio and standard mean difference. < 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled trials encompassing 965 patients (516 in the HS group and 448 in the mannitol group) were analyzed. The quality of studies was moderate-to-high, and no significant publication bias was observed. The primary outcome, brain relaxation, favored HS over mannitol without significant heterogeneity. Mannitol was associated with increased urine output compared to HS, irrespective of dose, with high heterogeneity. HS was linked to significantly reduced fluid input, confirmed by subgroup analysis with lower heterogeneity. No significant difference was found in serum osmolality between the two agents. Serum sodium (Na) levels favored HS, whereas arterial blood Na levels also favored HS despite considerable heterogeneity. Maximum mean arterial pressure was higher with HS, but it displayed significant heterogeneity. Maximum central venous pressure showed no significant difference between the two agents, with moderate heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
HS appears more effective than mannitol in achieving brain relaxation, and it may offer advantages in fluid management and Na balance. Clinicians should consider these findings when selecting hyperosmotic agents for neurosurgical procedures. Further research is needed to address heterogeneity in certain outcomes and guide clinical practice.
PubMed: 38741989
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_994_2023 -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2024Hypertension (HTN) significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease, which are the leading causes of death and disability globally, particularly among older... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Hypertension (HTN) significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease, which are the leading causes of death and disability globally, particularly among older adults. Antihypertensive medication is a proven treatment for blood pressure control and preventing complications. However, medication adherence rates in older adults with HTN are low. In this review, we systematically identified factors influencing medication adherence in older adults with HTN.
METHODS
We applied the PRISMA guidelines and conducted systematic searches on PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar in July 2022 to identify preliminary studies reporting factors influencing medication adherence among older adults with HTN. The convergent integrated analysis framework suggested by the Joanna Briggs Institute for systematic reviews was adopted for data synthesis.
RESULTS
Initially, 448 articles were identified, and after title and abstract screening, 16 articles qualified for full-text review. During this phase, three articles were excluded for reporting on irrelevant populations or focusing on issues beyond the review's aim, leaving thirteen studies in the final review. After data synthesis, fifteen themes were extracted from the key findings of the included studies. The most prevalent themes included the number of medications used (53.9%, n=7 studies), financial status (38.5%, n=5), sex (38.5%, n=5), age (30.1%, n=4), duration of disease (23.1%, n=3), comorbidities (23.1%, n=3), and health compliance (23.1%, n=3). Other themes, such as education, health literacy, health belief, medication belief, perception of illness, patient-physician relationship, self-efficacy, and social support, were also identified.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this review highlight critical areas for developing innovative, evidence-based programs to improve medication adherence in hypertensive older adults. Insights from this review can contribute to improving medication adherence and preventing future health complications.
PubMed: 38737487
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S459678 -
European Journal of Obstetrics &... Jun 2024In the WHO eligibility criteria, there is agreement that hypertensive women taking Oral Contraceptive Hormonal Combined (OCHC) may be at increased risk of cardiovascular... (Review)
Review
Association between the use of oral contraceptives and the occurrence of systemic hypertension: A systematic review with statistical comparison between randomized clinical trial interventions.
INTRODUCTION
In the WHO eligibility criteria, there is agreement that hypertensive women taking Oral Contraceptive Hormonal Combined (OCHC) may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk-to-benefit ratio hinges on the severity of the condition. While a mild increase in blood pressure is a common occurrence in consumers of OCHC, the potential for developing high blood pressure exists during oral contraceptive use. Consequently, there is a possibility of increased cardiovascular risk, with limited available data on this issue.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the potential effects of OCHC on blood pressure through a systematic review with statistical analysis of existing randomized controlled trials.
METHOD
This systematic review with statistical comparison adheres to the recommendations outlined in the PRISMA (Principal Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. The analysis strategy involves comparing the mean difference in blood pressure change according to the type of treatment, in addition to the calculation of clinically relevant outcomes (CRO).
RESULTS
Our findings suggest a clinically relevant outcome related to the increase in blood pressure in users of ethinyl estradiol combined with gestodene in a cyclic regimen over 6 months. Conversely, a decrease in blood pressure was observed among users of ethinyl estradiol combined with chlormadinone over 24 months of usage.
CONCLUSION
While our study found minor variations in blood pressure across varying forms of oral contraceptives, these differences are not significant enough to warrant specific clinical recommendations. However, the results suggest that individuals with hypertension should exercise caution with ethinyl estradiol, particularly when administered cyclically alongside gestodene, due to the potential risk of increased blood pressure. Additionally, the use of oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol paired with chlormadinone acetate or ethinyl estradiol combined with drospirenone may be more suitable for individuals at a high risk of developing hypertension.
PubMed: 38736524
DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2024.100307 -
Nutrients Apr 2024Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This systematic review aims to provide the first synthesis of observational and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This systematic review aims to provide the first synthesis of observational and interventional studies on the relationship between diet and cardiovascular health in CCSs.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted for studies published between 1990 and July 2023 in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included observational and interventional studies examining the associations or effects of dietary factors on CVD incidence, cardiac dysfunction, or CVD risk factors in CCSs diagnosed before age 25 years.
RESULTS
Ten studies met the inclusion criteria (nine observational and one interventional). Collectively, they comprised 3485 CCSs (male, 1734; female, 1751). The outcomes examined across observational studies included characteristics of obesity, diabetes biomarkers, hypertension indicators, dyslipidaemia biomarkers, and metabolic syndrome. The evidence suggested that greater adherence to healthy diets was associated with lower body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The 12-week lifestyle intervention study in childhood leukaemia survivors found no impact on obesity indicators.
CONCLUSION
The review results indicate the potentially protective effects of healthy diets. However, the available research remains preliminary and limited, underscoring the need for more rigorous, adequately powered studies.
Topics: Humans; Cancer Survivors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Female; Male; Adolescent; Diet, Healthy; Diet; Risk Factors; Neoplasms; Adult; Young Adult
PubMed: 38732563
DOI: 10.3390/nu16091315 -
Journal of the American Heart... May 2024Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the ratio of blood pressure measured distal to a stenosis and pressure proximal to a stenosis. FFR can be estimated noninvasively using... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the ratio of blood pressure measured distal to a stenosis and pressure proximal to a stenosis. FFR can be estimated noninvasively using computed tomography (CT) although the usefulness of this technique remains controversial. This meta-analysis evaluated the agreement of FFR estimated by CT (FFR-CT) with invasively measured FFR. The study also evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of FFR-CT, defined as the ability of FFR-CT to classify lesions as hemodynamically significant (invasive FFR ≤0.8) or insignificant (invasive FFR >0.8).
METHODS AND RESULTS
Forty-three studies reporting on 7291 blood vessels from 5236 patients were included. A moderate positive linear relationship between FFR-CT and invasively measured FFR was observed (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.67). Agreement between the 2 measures increased as invasively measured FFR values approached 1. The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of FFR-CT were 82.2%, 80.9%, and 83.1%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of 90% could be demonstrated for FFR-CT values >0.90 and <0.49. The diagnostic accuracy of off-site tools was 79.4% and the diagnostic accuracy of on-site tools was 84.1%.
CONCLUSIONS
The agreement between FFR-CT and invasive FFR is moderate although agreement is highest in vessels with FFR-CT >0.9. Diagnostic accuracy varies widely with FFR-CT value but is above 90% for FFR-CT values >0.90 and <0.49. Furthermore, on-site and off-site tools have similar performance. Ultimately, FFR-CT may be a useful adjunct to CT coronary angiography as a gatekeeper for invasive coronary angiogram.
Topics: Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial; Humans; Coronary Stenosis; Coronary Angiography; Computed Tomography Angiography; Predictive Value of Tests; Cardiac Catheterization; Reproducibility of Results; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Vessels; Severity of Illness Index; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38726901
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.124.034552 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024The role of esketamine in pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy is still unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of esketamine for pediatric...
OBJECTIVE
The role of esketamine in pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy is still unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of esketamine for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy.
METHODS
Clinical trials of esketamine for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy were searched in eight common databases, up to October 2023. These clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). The risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were used as the effect sizes for dichotomous variables and continuity variables, respectively. When the heterogeneity test showed I < 50%, the fixed effects model was used for the meta-analysis and TSA; Otherwise, the random effects model was used for them.
RESULTS
In terms of efficacy endpoints, the meta-analysis showed that compared with placebo or blank, esketamine significantly decreased recovery time by 2.34 min (WMD -2.34; 95% Confidence interval [CI] -3.65, -1.02; = 0.0005) and propofol consumption by 0.70 mg/kg (WMD -0.70; 95% CI -0.98, -0.43; < 0.00001), and increased mean heart rate by 4.77 beats/min (WMD 4.77; 95% CI 2.67, 6.87; < 0.00001) and mean arterial pressure by 3.10 mmHg (WMD 3.10; 95% CI 1.52, 4.67; = 0.0001), while induction time and mean blood oxygen remained comparable. TSA indicated conclusive evidence for these benefits. In terms of safety endpoints, the meta-analysis revealed that esketamine significantly reduced involuntary movements by 59% (RR 0.41; 95% CI 0.22, 0.76; = 0.005) and choking by 51% (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.26, 0.92; = 0.03), while significantly increasing dizziness by 98% (RR 1.98; 95% CI 1.11, 3.56; = 0.02) and there were no significant differences in total adverse events, respiratory depression, and vomiting. TSA demonstrated conclusive evidence for involuntary movements and dizziness. Low-dose analysis showed that esketamine at ≤0.3 mg/kg significantly reduced recovery time, propofol consumption and involuntary movements, and significantly increasing mean heart rate, with no increase in dizziness. The Begg's test ( = 0.327) and the Egger's test ( = 0.413) indicated no significant publication bias, yet the funnel plot suggested potential publication bias.
CONCLUSION
Esketamine is an effective adjuvant anesthesia for children undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. However, the general dose of esketamine may increase the risk of dizziness, which can be avoided by administering a low dose (≤0.3 mg/kg).
PubMed: 38725661
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1379101