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Cancers Apr 2024Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) are currently recommended for the pathologic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) are currently recommended for the pathologic diagnosis of pancreatic solid lesions (PSLs). The application of contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (ECEUS) could aid the endoscopist during an FNA and/or FNB procedure. CEUS is indeed able to better differentiate the pathologic tissue from the surrounding healthy pancreatic parenchyma and to detect necrotic areas and vessels.
OBJECTIVES
Our objective was to evaluate if ECEUS could reduce the number of needle passes and side effects and increase the diagnostic efficacy of FNA and/or FNB.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search of clinical studies was performed to explore if ECEUS-FNA or FNB could increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce the number of needle passes and adverse effects compared to standard EUS-FNA or FNB. In accordance with the study protocol, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the evidence was planned.
RESULTS
The proportion of established diagnoses of ECEUS was 90.9% compared to 88.3% of EUS, with no statistically significant difference ( = 0.14). The diagnosis was made through a single step in 70.9% of ECEUS patients and in 65.3% of EUS patients, without statistical significance ( = 0.24). The incidence of adverse reactions was substantially comparable across both groups ( = 0.89).
CONCLUSION
ECEUS-FNA and FNB do not appear superior to standard EUS-FNA and FNB for the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.
PubMed: 38730610
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091658 -
Survey of Ophthalmology May 2024Advancements in diagnostic methods and surgical techniques for keratoconus (KC) have increased non-invasive treatment options. Successful surgical planning for KC... (Review)
Review
Advancements in diagnostic methods and surgical techniques for keratoconus (KC) have increased non-invasive treatment options. Successful surgical planning for KC involves a combination of clinical science, empirical evidence, and surgical expertise. Assessment of disease progression is crucial, and halting the progression should be the focus if it is progressive. While surgeons used to rely on experience alone to decide the surgical method, comparing the network of primary factors, such as visual acuity, across studies can help them choose the most appropriate treatments for each patient and achieve optimal outcomes. Meticulous tabulation methods facilitate interpretation, highlighting the importance of selecting the correct surgical and rehabilitation approach based on each patient's condition and stage of the disease. We detail the outcomes of a comprehensive network meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of various combined therapeutic refractive treatments for KC at identical stages of the disease, spanning 4 distinct follow-up intervals. Additionally, the comprehensive analysis suggests that for corneas with optimal best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) preoperatively (classified as regular), combining phakic intraocular lenses with intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) and corneal cross-linking (CXL) could offer the best therapeutic approach provided the disease stage does not exceed stage 3. For irregular corneas, although initial follow-ups show a significant difference in BCVA with surface ablation, longer-term follow-ups recommend combining surface ablation with ICRS and CXL, especially at higher stages.
PubMed: 38710236
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.04.008 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health Jun 2024We meta-analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (dipsticks) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to detect Shigella species. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
We meta-analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (dipsticks) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to detect Shigella species. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception to 2023 for studies reporting on the performance of Shigella dipstick and LAMP tests compared with culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our search identified 2618 studies, of which fourteen met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Ten studies covering 4056 tests (from twelve countries) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity were 98% (95% CI: 94-100) and 97% (95% CI: 92-99), respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of dipsticks were 95% and 98%, respectively. In contrast, LAMP showed higher pooled sensitivity (100%) and diagnostic odds ratio (431752), but similar specificity (97%). LAMP and dipstick tests exhibited promising performance, suggesting that they could be useful for assisting in the diagnosis of shigellosis.
Topics: Humans; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Shigella; Sensitivity and Specificity; Dysentery, Bacillary; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Rapid Diagnostic Tests
PubMed: 38705059
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.013 -
BMC Oral Health May 2024Successful endodontic treatment needs accurate determination of working length (WL). Electronic apex locators (EALs) were presented as an alternative to radiographic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Successful endodontic treatment needs accurate determination of working length (WL). Electronic apex locators (EALs) were presented as an alternative to radiographic methods; and since then, they have evolved and gained popularity in the determination of WL. However, there is insufficient evidence on the post-operative pain, adequacy, and accuracy of EALs in determining WL.
OBJECTIVE
The systematic review and meta-analysis aims to gather evidence regarding the effectiveness of EALs for WL determination when compared to different imaging techniques along with postoperative pain associated with WL determination, the number of radiographs taken during the procedure, the time taken, and the adverse effects.
METHODS
For the review, clinical studies with cross-over and parallel-arm randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in seven electronic databases, followed by cross-referencing of the selected studies and related research synthesis. Risk of bias (RoB) assessment was carried out with Cochrane's RoB tool and a random-effects model was used. The meta-analysis was performed with the RevMan software 5.4.1.
RESULTS
Eleven eligible RCTs were incorporated into the review and eight RCTs into the meta-analysis, of which five had high RoB and the remaining six had unclear RoB. Following meta-analysis, no significant difference in postoperative pain was found among the EAL and radiograph groups (SMD 0.00, CI .29 to .28, 354 participants; P value = 0.98). Radiograph group showed better WL accuracy (SMD 0.55, CI .11 to .99, 254 participants; P value = 0.02), while the EAL group had 10% better WL adequacy (RR 1.10, CI 1.03-1.18, 573 participants; P value = 0.006).
CONCLUSION
We found very low-certainty evidence to support the efficacy of different types of EAL compared to radiography for the outcomes tested. We were unable to reach any conclusions about the superiority of any type of EAL. Well-planned RCTs need to be conducted by standardizing the outcomes and outcome measurement methods.
Topics: Humans; Dental Pulp Cavity; Odontometry; Radiography, Dental; Tooth Apex
PubMed: 38704529
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04259-w -
Cureus Jan 2024Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an imaging modality that has become a fundamental part of clinical care provided in the emergency department (ED). The applications... (Review)
Review
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an imaging modality that has become a fundamental part of clinical care provided in the emergency department (ED). The applications of this tool in the ED have ranged from resuscitation, diagnosis, and therapeutic to procedure guidance. This review aims to summarize the evidence on the use of POCUS for diagnosis and procedure guidance. To achieve this, CrossRef, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were extensively searched for studies published between January 2000 and November 2023. Additionally, the risk of bias assessment was performed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (for studies on the diagnostic role of POCUS) and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (for studies on the use of POCUS for procedure guidance). Furthermore, diagnostic accuracy outcomes were pooled using STATA 16 software (StatCorp., College Station, TX, USA), while outcomes related to procedure guidance were pooled using the Review Manager software. The study included 81 articles (74 evaluating the diagnostic application of POCUS and seven evaluating the use of POCUS in guiding clinical procedures). In our findings sensitivities and specificities for various conditions were as follows: appendicitis, 65% and 89%; hydronephrosis, 82% and 74%; small bowel obstruction, 93% and 82%; cholecystitis, 75% and 96%; retinal detachment, 94% and 91%; abscess, 95% and 85%; foreign bodies, 67% and 97%; clavicle fractures, 93% and 94%; distal forearm fractures, 97% and 94%; metacarpal fractures, 94% and 92%; skull fractures, 91% and 97%; and pleural effusion, 91% and 97%. A subgroup analysis of data from 11 studies also showed that the two-point POCUS has a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 96%, while the three-point POCUS is 87% sensitive and 92% specific in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. In addition, the analyses showed that ultrasound guidance significantly increases the overall success rate of peripheral venous access (p = 0.02) and significantly reduces the number of skin punctures (p = 0.01) compared to conventional methods. In conclusion, POCUS can be used in the ED to diagnose a wide range of clinical conditions accurately. Furthermore, it can be used to guide peripheral venous access and central venous catheter insertion.
PubMed: 38694948
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52371 -
Neurosurgical Focus May 2024Skull base chordomas are rare, locally osseo-destructive lesions that present unique surgical challenges due to their involvement of critical neurovascular and bony...
OBJECTIVE
Skull base chordomas are rare, locally osseo-destructive lesions that present unique surgical challenges due to their involvement of critical neurovascular and bony structures at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Radical cytoreductive surgery improves survival but also carries significant morbidity, including the potential for occipitocervical (OC) destabilization requiring instrumented fusion. The published experience on OC fusion after CVJ chordoma resection is limited, and the anatomical predictors of OC instability in this context remain unclear.
METHODS
PubMed and Embase were systematically searched according to the PRISMA guidelines for studies describing skull base chordoma resection and OC fusion. The search strategy was predefined in the authors' PROSPERO protocol (CRD42024496158).
RESULTS
The systematic review identified 11 surgical case series describing 209 skull base chordoma patients and 116 (55.5%) who underwent OC instrumented fusion. Most patients underwent lateral approaches (n = 82) for chordoma resection, followed by midline (n = 48) and combined (n = 6) approaches. OC fusion was most often performed as a second-stage procedure (n = 53), followed by single-stage resection and fusion (n = 38). The degree of occipital condyle resection associated with OC fusion was described in 9 studies: total unilateral condylectomy reliably predicted OC fusion regardless of surgical approach. After lateral transcranial approaches, 4 studies cited at least 50%-70% unilateral condylectomy as necessitating OC fusion. After midline approaches-most frequently the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA)-at least 75% unilateral condylectomy (or 50% bilateral condylectomy) led to OC fusion. Additionally, resection of the medial atlantoaxial joint elements (the C1 anterior arch and tip of the dens), usually via EEA, reliably necessitated OC fusion. Two illustrative cases are subsequently presented, further exemplifying how the extent of CVJ bony elements removed via EEA to achieve complete chordoma resection predicts the need for OC fusion.
CONCLUSIONS
Unilateral total condylectomy, 50% bilateral condylectomy, and resection of the medial atlantoaxial joint elements were the most frequently described independent predictors of OC fusion in skull base chordoma resection. Additionally, consistent with the occipital condyle harboring a significantly thicker joint capsule at its posterolateral aspect, an anterior midline approach seems to tolerate a greater degree of condylar resection (75%) than a lateral transcranial approach (50%-70%) prior to generating OC instability.
Topics: Humans; Chordoma; Skull Base Neoplasms; Occipital Bone; Spinal Fusion; Cervical Vertebrae; Female; Atlanto-Occipital Joint; Male; Adult; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38691866
DOI: 10.3171/2024.3.FOCUS248 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2024It is unclear whether patients with basal ganglia calcifications (BGC) should undergo infectious disease testing as part of their diagnostic work-up. We investigated... (Review)
Review
It is unclear whether patients with basal ganglia calcifications (BGC) should undergo infectious disease testing as part of their diagnostic work-up. We investigated the occurrence of possibly associated infections in patients with BGC diagnosed with Fahr's disease or syndrome and consecutively performed a systematic review of published infectious diseases associated with BGC. In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated infections in non-immunocompromised patients aged ≥ 18 years with BGC in the Netherlands, who were diagnosed with Fahr's disease or syndrome after an extensive multidisciplinary diagnostic work-up. Pathogens that were assessed included the following: sp., cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus type 6/8, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), , rubella virus, and . Next, a systematic review was performed using MEDLINE and Embase (2002-2023). The cross-sectional study included 54 patients (median age 65 years). We did not observe any possible related infections to the BGC in this population. Prior infection with occurred in 28%, and in 94%, IgG rubella antibodies were present. The positive tests were considered to be incidental findings by the multidisciplinary team since these infections are only associated with BGC when congenitally contracted and all patients presented with adult-onset symptoms. The systematic search yielded 47 articles, including 24 narrative reviews/textbooks and 23 original studies (11 case series, 6 cross-sectional and 4 cohort studies, and 2 systematic reviews). Most studies reported congenital infections associated with BGC (cytomegalovirus, HIV, rubella virus, Zika virus). Only two studies reported acquired pathogens (chronic active Epstein-Barr virus and ). The quality of evidence was low. In our cross-sectional study and systematic review, we found no convincing evidence that acquired infections are causing BGC in adults. Therefore, we argue against routine testing for infections in non-immunocompromised adults with BGC in Western countries.
PubMed: 38673641
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082365 -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Apr 2024Increasing evidence support endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) as a potential alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Increasing evidence support endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) as a potential alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided biliary drainage (ERCP-BD) in the primary treatment of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of both techniques as the initial approach for MBO.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing both techniques and reporting at least one of the outcomes of interest. The pooled estimates were calculated using the random-effects model and I statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity.
RESULTS
We included six RCTs (577 patients). There were no significant differences between groups in stent patency (MD 8.18 days; 95% CI -22.55, 38.91), procedure time (MD -6.31 minutes; 95% CI -12.68, 0.06), and survival (MD 4.59 days; 95% CI -34.23, 43.40). Technical success (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.96, 1.13), clinical success (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.96, 1.08), overall adverse events (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.24, 1.43), and cholangitis (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.39, 3.61) were also similar between groups. However, hospital stay was significantly shorter (MD -1.03 days; 95% CI -1.53, -0.53), and risk of reintervention (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.37, 0.88), post-procedure pancreatitis (RR 0.15; 95% CI 0.03, 0.66), and tumor in/overgrowth (RR 0.28; 95% CI 0.11, 0.70) were significantly lower with EUS-BD.
CONCLUSIONS
EUS-BD and ERCP-BD had similar efficacy and safety as the initial approach for MBO. However, EUS-BD had a significantly lower risk of reintervention, post-procedure pancreatitis, tumor in/overgrowth, and reduced hospital stay.
PubMed: 38648989
DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2024.04.019 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Apr 2024To assess and quantify the association between pre-pregnancy maternal overweight and obesity, and the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring. (Review)
Review
Maternal prepregnancy weight as an independent risk factor for congenital heart defects: systematic review and meta-analysis stratified by cardiac defect subtypes and severity.
OBJECTIVES
To assess and quantify the association between pre-pregnancy maternal overweight and obesity, and the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis included searches of PubMed, Medline, Web of science, and Scopus up to April 20th, 2023. Risk estimates were abstracted or calculated for rising body mass index categories (overweight, obesity, moderate and severe obesity) compared to normal weight (reference). Fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to combine individual study risk estimates based on the degree of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to weight pooled estimates for relevant moderators, particularly diabetes prior and during pregnancy. Subgroup analyses for specific congenital heart defects were conducted if there were at least two studies with accessible data. The findings were presented in two ways: as groups of defects, categorized using severity and topographic-functional criteria, and as individual defects. The certainty of the evidence for each effect estimate was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines.
RESULTS
Twenty studies for a total of 4,861,693 patients and 86,136 CHDs cases were included. The risk for CHDs progressively increases from moderate to severe obesity (pooled odds ratio (OR), respectively: 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-1.20, and 1.39, 95% CI, 1.27-1.53). Sensitivity analysis indicated that this effect persists independently of maternal diabetes status before or during pregnancy. In subgroup analysis, obesity was associated with up to a 1.5-fold increase in the risk of severe CHDs (pooled OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.03-2.13). Specifically, severe obesity was found to be associated with an even higher risk, increasing up to 1.8 times for specific CHDs including tetralogy of Fallot (pooled OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.38-2.16), pulmonary valve stenosis (pooled OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.39-2.30), and atrial septal defects (pooled OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.48-1.97).
CONCLUSIONS
Maternal weight emerged as a crucial modifiable risk factor for preventing CHDs, particularly the severe forms. Future research is needed to investigate whether weight management prior to pregnancy might serve as a preventive measure against CHDs. Additionally, for pregnant women with obesity, fetal echocardiography ought to be a routine diagnostic procedure. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PubMed: 38629488
DOI: 10.1002/uog.27659 -
Blood Reviews Jul 2024When de-novo immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is diagnosed following an invasive procedure, clinical presentation patterns and outcomes are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
When de-novo immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is diagnosed following an invasive procedure, clinical presentation patterns and outcomes are poorly defined. Therefore, in a systematic literature review of patients diagnosed with TTP following an invasive surgical or non-surgical procedure, we identified 19 studies reporting data on 25 patients. These data suggest that 1) TTP pathogenesis likely begins prior to the invasive procedure, 2) patients experience significant diagnostic delays, and 3) there is a high incidence of renal replacement therapy. Although invasive procedures may trigger TTP, further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this association.
Topics: Humans; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic; Surgical Procedures, Operative
PubMed: 38614840
DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2024.101197