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Neurotoxicology May 2024Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a significant health concern characterized by recurrent upper airway blockages during sleep, causing various health issues. There's... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a significant health concern characterized by recurrent upper airway blockages during sleep, causing various health issues. There's growing evidence of a link between air pollution and OSA, though research results have been inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to consolidate and examine data on the relationship between air pollution and OSA's risk and severity.
METHODS
A literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science was conducted until January 10, 2024. The selection criteria targeted studies involving OSA participants or those at risk, with quantitative air pollution assessments. The Nested Knowledge software facilitated screening and data extraction, while the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. Meta-analyses, utilizing random-effects models, computed pooled odds ratios (ORs) for the OSA risk associated with PM2.5 and NO2 exposure, analyzed using R software version 4.3.
RESULTS
The systematic review included twelve studies, four of which were analyzed in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed diverse results on the association of PM2.5 and NO2 with OSA risk. PM2.5 exposure showed a pooled OR of 0.987 (95 % CI: 0.836-1.138), indicating no substantial overall impact on OSA risk. Conversely, NO2 exposure was linked to a pooled OR of 1.095 (95 % CI: 0.920-1.270), a non-significant increase in risk. Many studies found a relationship between air pollution exposure and elevated Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) levels, indicating a relationship between air pollution and OSA severity.
CONCLUSION
The findings suggest air pollutants, especially NO2, might play a role in worsening OSA risk and severity, but the evidence isn't definitive. This highlights the variability of different pollutants' effects and the necessity for more research. Understanding these links is vital for shaping public health policies and clinical approaches to address OSA amidst high air pollution.
Topics: Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Humans; Air Pollution; Particulate Matter; Air Pollutants; Severity of Illness Index; Risk Factors; Nitrogen Dioxide; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 38636605
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.04.005 -
BMJ Open Apr 2024We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of colchicine treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of colchicine treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, medRxiv and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to January 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy of colchicine treatment in patients with COVID-19 as compared with placebo or standard of care were included. There were no language restrictions. Studies that used colchicine prophylactically were excluded.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
We extracted all information relating to the study characteristics, such as author names, location, study population, details of intervention and comparator groups, and our outcomes of interest. We conducted our meta-analysis by using RevMan V.5.4 with risk ratio (RR) and mean difference as the effect measures.
RESULTS
We included 23 RCTs (28 249 participants) in this systematic review. Colchicine did not decrease the risk of mortality (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.05; I=0%; 20 RCTs, 25 824 participants), with the results being consistent among both hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients. There were no significant differences between the colchicine and control groups in other relevant clinical outcomes, including the incidence of mechanical ventilation (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.48 to 1.18; p=0.22; I=40%; 8 RCTs, 13 262 participants), intensive care unit admission (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.49 to 1.22; p=0.27; I=0%; 6 RCTs, 961 participants) and hospital admission (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.48 to 1.16; p=0.19; I=70%; 3 RCTs, 8572 participants).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this meta-analysis do not support the use of colchicine as a treatment for reducing the risk of mortality or improving other relevant clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. However, RCTs investigating early treatment with colchicine (within 5 days of symptom onset or in patients with early-stage disease) are needed to fully elucidate the potential benefits of colchicine in this patient population.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022369850.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Colchicine; Hospitalization; Respiration, Artificial; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38631824
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074373 -
BMC Palliative Care Apr 2024Breathlessness is a prevalent symptom affecting the quality of life (QOL) of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients. This systematic review explored the...
BACKGROUND
Breathlessness is a prevalent symptom affecting the quality of life (QOL) of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients. This systematic review explored the interventions for controlling breathlessness in ALS patients, emphasizing palliative care (PALC), non-invasive ventilation (NIV), opioids, and non-pharmacological strategies.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Eligibility criteria encompassed adults with ALS or motor neuron disease experiencing breathlessness. Outcomes included QOL and symptom control. Study designs comprised qualitative studies, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included, most exhibiting low bias risk, comprising one randomized controlled trial, three cohort studies, two comparative retrospective studies, and two qualitative studies (interviews). Most studies originated from Europe, with one from the United States of America. The participants totaled 3423, with ALS patients constituting 95.6%. PALC consultations significantly improved symptom assessment, advance care planning, and discussions about goals of care. NIV demonstrated efficacy in managing breathlessness, with considerations for device limitations. Opioids were effective, though predominantly studied in non-ALS patients. Non-pharmacological strategies varied in efficacy among patients.
CONCLUSION
The findings underscore the need for individualized approaches in managing breathlessness in ALS. PALC, NIV, opioids, and non-pharmacological strategies each play a role, with unique considerations. Further research, especially ALS-specific self-management studies, is warranted.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Motor Neuron Disease; Noninvasive Ventilation; Dyspnea
PubMed: 38622643
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01429-z -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Apr 2024This review provides an overview of home-based respiratory support modalities for patients with chronic lung diseases. It discusses the increasing use of long-term... (Review)
Review
This review provides an overview of home-based respiratory support modalities for patients with chronic lung diseases. It discusses the increasing use of long-term high-flow nasal cannula (LT-HFNC) and long-term non-invasive ventilation (LT-NIV) and their potential to enhance patient quality of life. This review addresses various types of respiratory failure and their respective treatments, emphasising the significance of monitoring and telemedicine in home care. This comprehensive review underscores the clinical relevance of these interventions in the management of chronic lung diseases.
Topics: Humans; Cannula; Lung Diseases; Noninvasive Ventilation; Quality of Life; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Insufficiency
PubMed: 38606701
DOI: 10.61409/V09230613 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Jul 2024Preoxygenation is universally recommended before induction of general anaesthesia to prolong safe apnoea time. The optimal technique for preoxygenation is unclear. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Preoxygenation is universally recommended before induction of general anaesthesia to prolong safe apnoea time. The optimal technique for preoxygenation is unclear. We conducted a systematic review to determine the preoxygenation technique associated with the greatest effectiveness in adult patients having general anaesthesia.
METHODS
We searched six databases for randomised controlled trials of patients aged ≥16 yr, receiving general anaesthesia in any setting and comparing different preoxygenation techniques and methods. Our primary effectiveness outcome was safe apnoea time, and secondary outcomes included incidence of arterial oxygen desaturation; lowest SpO during airway management; time to end-tidal oxygen concentration of 90%; and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at the end of preoxygenation. We assessed the quality of evidence according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) recommendations.
RESULTS
We included 52 studies of 3914 patients. High-flow nasal oxygen with patients in a head-up position was most likely to be associated with a prolonged safe apnoea time when compared with other strategies, with a mean difference (95% credible interval) of 291 (138-456) s and 203 (79-343) s compared with preoxygenation with a facemask in the supine and head-up positions, respectively. Subgroup analysis of studies without apnoeic oxygenation also showed high-flow nasal oxygen in the head-up position as the highest ranked technique, with a statistically significantly delayed mean difference (95% credible interval) safe apnoea time compared with facemask in supine and head-up positions of 222 (63-378) s and 139 (15-262) s, respectively. High-flow nasal oxygen was also the highest ranked technique for increased [Formula: see text] at the end of preoxygenation. However, the incidence of arterial desaturation was less likely to occur when a facemask with pressure support was used compared with other techniques, and [Formula: see text] was most likely to be lowest when preoxygenation took place with patients deep breathing in a supine position.
CONCLUSIONS
Preoxygenation of adults before induction of general anaesthesia was most effective in terms of safe apnoea time when performed with high-flow nasal oxygen with patients in the head-up position in comparison with facemask alone. Also, high-flow nasal oxygen in the head-up position is likely to be the most effective technique to prolong safe apnoea time among those evaluated. Clinicians should consider this technique and patient position in routine practice.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL
PROSPERO CRD42022326046.
Topics: Humans; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Apnea; Network Meta-Analysis; Anesthesia, General; Oxygen; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Oxygen Saturation
PubMed: 38599916
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.02.028 -
Critical Care Science 2024To systematically review the effect of the prone position on endotracheal intubation and mortality in nonintubated COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the effect of the prone position on endotracheal intubation and mortality in nonintubated COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
METHODS
We registered the protocol (CRD42021286711) and searched for four databases and gray literature from inception to December 31, 2022. We included observational studies and clinical trials. There was no limit by date or the language of publication. We excluded case reports, case series, studies not available in full text, and those studies that included children < 18-years-old.
RESULTS
We included ten observational studies, eight clinical trials, 3,969 patients, 1,120 endotracheal intubation events, and 843 deaths. All of the studies had a low risk of bias (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Risk of Bias 2 tools). We found that the conscious prone position decreased the odds of endotracheal intubation by 44% (OR 0.56; 95%CI 0.40 - 0.78) and mortality by 43% (OR 0.57; 95%CI 0.39 - 0.84) in nonintubated COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. This protective effect on endotracheal intubation and mortality was more robust in those who spent > 8 hours/day in the conscious prone position (OR 0.43; 95%CI 0.26 - 0.72 and OR 0.38; 95%CI 0.24 - 0.60, respectively). The certainty of the evidence according to the GRADE criteria was moderate.
CONCLUSION
The conscious prone position decreased the odds of endotracheal intubation and mortality, especially when patients spent over 8 hours/day in the conscious prone position and treatment in the intensive care unit. However, our results should be cautiously interpreted due to limitations in evaluating randomized clinical trials, nonrandomized clinical trials and observational studies. However, despite systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials, we must keep in mind that these studies remain heterogeneous from a clinical and methodological point of view.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Intensive Care Units; Intubation, Intratracheal; Prone Position; Respiratory Distress Syndrome
PubMed: 38597483
DOI: 10.62675/2965-2774.20240176-en -
PloS One 2024Mechanical ventilation is commonly used for managing respiratory failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, but weaning patients off ventilator...
High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy versus Non-Invasive Ventilation in patients at very high risk for extubating failure: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Mechanical ventilation is commonly used for managing respiratory failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, but weaning patients off ventilator support can be challenging and associated with complications. While many patients respond well to Non-invasive ventilation (NIV), a significant proportion may not respond as favourably. We aimed to assess whether high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is equally effective as NIV in reducing extubation failure among previously intubated COPD patients.
METHODS
This systematic review was carried out in line with PRISMA guidelines We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library from inception until February 15, 2023. Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) of adults at high risk for extubating failure were included. We examined the use of HFNC as the intervention and NIV as the comparator. Our outcome of interest included, reintubation rate, length of hospital or intensive care unit (ICU) stay, adverse events, and time to reintubation. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used for randomized trials to assess risk of bias.
RESULTS
We identified 348 citations, 11 of which were included, representing 2,666 patients. The trials indicate that HFNC is comparable to NIV in preventing reintubation after extubating in COPD patients. In comparison to NIV, HFNC also produced improved tolerance, comfort, and less complications such as airway care interventions. NIV with active humification may be more effective that HFNC in avoiding reintubation in patients who are at extremely high risk for extubating failure.
CONCLUSION
The inconclusive nature of emerging evidence highlights the need for additional studies to establish the efficacy and suitability of HFNC as an alternative to NIV for previously intubated COPD patients. Clinicians should consider the available options and individualize their approach based on patient characteristics. Future research should focus on addressing these gaps in knowledge to guide clinical decision-making and optimize outcomes for this patient population.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Noninvasive Ventilation; Respiration, Artificial; Cannula; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Respiratory Insufficiency; Oxygen
PubMed: 38568930
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299693 -
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine Apr 2024Prehospital pediatric intubation is a potentially life-saving procedure in which paramedics are relied upon. However, due to the anatomical nature of pediatrics and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Prehospital pediatric intubation is a potentially life-saving procedure in which paramedics are relied upon. However, due to the anatomical nature of pediatrics and associated adverse events, it is more challenging compared to adult intubation. In this study, the knowledge and attitude of paramedics was assessed by measuring their overall success rate and associated complications.
METHODS
An online search using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted using relevant keywords to include studies that assess success rates and associated complications. Studies for eligibility were screened. Data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled as risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Thirty-eight studies involving 14,207 pediatrics undergoing intubation by paramedics were included in this study. The prevalence of success rate was 82.5% (95% CI, 0.745-0.832) for overall trials and 77.2% (95% CI, 0.713-0.832) success rate after the first attempt. By subgrouping the patients according to using muscle relaxants during intubation, the group that used muscle relaxants showed a high overall successful rate of 92.5% (95% CI, 0.877-0.973) and 79.9% (95% CI, 0.715-0.994) success rate after the first attempt, more than the group without muscle relaxant which represent 78.9% (95% CI, 0.745-0.832) overall success rate and 73.3% (95% CI, 0.616-0.950) success rate after first attempt.
CONCLUSION
Paramedics have a good overall successful rate of pediatric intubation with a lower complication rate, especially when using muscle relaxants.
Topics: Child; Humans; Allied Health Personnel; Clinical Competence; Emergency Medical Services; Emergency Medical Technicians; Intubation, Intratracheal; Paramedics; Pediatrics
PubMed: 38531631
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X24000244 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Mar 2024We aim to systematically review the literature addressing perioperative practices for optimal use of the CO laser in laryngeal transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), with... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
We aim to systematically review the literature addressing perioperative practices for optimal use of the CO laser in laryngeal transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), with a focus on safety.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic review of publications indexed in Medline, Embase, and EBM reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials which evaluated perioperative strategies for the use of CO laser in laryngeal TOLMS was conducted.
REVIEW METHODS
Records obtained from the search strategy were assessed for eligibility in a 2-step process by 2 independent researchers using the Covidence software.
RESULTS
Among 2143 identified records, 103 were included in this study. The majority of studies (n = 25) focused on the use of the CO laser in oncologic resection, while 20 addressed the treatment of vocal cord paralysis, 16 discussed the treatment of pediatric or congenital pathologies, 11 detailed the management of benign lesions, and 31 studies tackled other surgical indications. Strategies for safe CO TOLMS were highly heterogeneous across studies and included preoperative measures (ie, related to the environment, staff preparation, patient protection, and ventilation), intraoperative precautions (ie, protection of nontarget structures, technical considerations, topical and systemic medications), and postoperative strategies (ie, related to airway protection, oral intake, vocal rest, hospitalization duration, drug regimen, and consultant follow-up).
CONCLUSION
The results provided in this study can be used as a framework to guide the creation of laser safety protocols across institutions, guide quality improvement initiatives, the development of simulation training activities, and as a tool to facilitate resident teaching and skill assessment.
PubMed: 38529664
DOI: 10.1002/ohn.734 -
The Journal of Hospital Infection May 2024Bacteria commonly adhere to surfaces and produce polymeric material to encase the attached cells to form communities called biofilms. Within these biofilms, bacteria can... (Review)
Review
Bacteria commonly adhere to surfaces and produce polymeric material to encase the attached cells to form communities called biofilms. Within these biofilms, bacteria can appear to be many times more resistant to antibiotics or disinfectants. This systematic review explores the prevalence and microbial profile associated with biofilm production of bacteria isolated from endotracheal tubes and its associations with antimicrobial resistance. A comprehensive search was performed on databases PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2022. The relevant articles were exported to Mendeley Desktop 1.19.8 and screened by title and abstract, followed by full text screening based on the eligibility criteria of the study. Quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) customized for cross-sectional studies. Furthermore, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in biofilm-producers isolated from endotracheal tube specimens was investigated. Twenty studies encompassing 981 endotracheal tubes met the eligibility criteria. Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. were predominant isolates among the biofilm producers. These biofilms provided strong resistance against commonly used antibiotics. The highest resistance rate observed in Pseudomonas spp. was against fluoroquinolones whereas the least resistance was seen against piperacillin-tazobactam. A similar trend of susceptibility was observed in Acinetobacter spp. with a very high resistance rate against fluoroquinolones, third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems. In conclusion, endotracheal tubes were associated with colonization by biofilm forming bacteria with varying levels of antimicrobial resistance. Biofilms may promote the occurrence of recalcitrant infections in endotracheal tubes which need to be managed with appropriate protocols and antimicrobial stewardship. Research focus should shift towards meticulous exploration of biofilm-associated infections to improve detection and management.
Topics: Biofilms; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria
PubMed: 38522561
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.03.004