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Neurosurgical Focus May 2024The aim of this study was to provide a quantitative synthesis of the survival outcomes for patients with skull base chordomas, focusing on the role of 1) the extent of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to provide a quantitative synthesis of the survival outcomes for patients with skull base chordomas, focusing on the role of 1) the extent of resection (gross-total [GTR] vs non-GTR), 2) the type of surgery (primary vs revision), 3) tumor histology, and 4) the different use of adjuvant therapies (proton beam radiotherapy [PBRT], photon radiotherapy [RT], or none).
METHODS
A systematic review with a meta-analysis was conducted following the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies describing adult and pediatric patient cohorts harboring skull base chordomas were included. The primary outcome measures were represented by the 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates. The main intervention effects were represented by the extent of resection (GTR vs non-GTR), type of surgical excision (primary vs revision surgeries), tumor histology, and the different use of adjuvant therapies (PBRT, RT, or none). The pooled estimates were calculated using random forest models. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case series.
RESULTS
Six hundred forty-four studies were identified through a database and register search. After study selection, 51 studies and 3871 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall 5-year OS rate was 73%, which increased to 84% among patients undergoing GTR. The overall 5-year PFS rate was 52%, increasing to 74% for patients receiving GTR. The 5-year OS and PFS rates for patients undergoing PBRT were 86% and 71%, compared with 71% and 54% for patients receiving RT, and 55% and 25% when no adjuvant treatments were used. Patients undergoing their first surgery had 2.13-fold greater chances of being disease-free and 1.4-fold greater chances of being alive at 5 years follow-up compared with patients who received a revision surgery. Patients harboring chondroid chordomas had 1.13- and 1.9-fold greater chances of being alive at 5 years compared with patients with conventional and de-differentiated chordomas, respectively. The overall risk of bias was low in the included studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this comprehensive meta-analysis highlight the tremendous impact of GTR and adjuvant PBRT on improving OS and PFS of patients harboring skull base chordomas, with better survival rates demonstrated for patients with chondroid tumors. Even in experienced hands, the rate of surgical morbidity remains high. Proper management in high-volume centers is mandatory to reach the expected resection goal at the first surgical attempt and to reduce surgical morbidity. The introduction of the endoscopic endonasal approach was related to improved surgical and functional outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Skull Base Neoplasms; Chordoma; Observational Studies as Topic; Neurosurgical Procedures; Progression-Free Survival
PubMed: 38691853
DOI: 10.3171/2024.3.FOCUS23922 -
Global Pediatric Health 2024Commonly recommended drugs for adults and children include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), proven effective for treating peptic diseases like stomach ulcers, GERD, and... (Review)
Review
Commonly recommended drugs for adults and children include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), proven effective for treating peptic diseases like stomach ulcers, GERD, and Helicobacter pylori infections in children over 1-year-old. Yet, prolonged PPI use carries higher risks of adverse reactions, prompting this study's analysis. We have performed a systematic review of 30 articles, which include a total of 762 505 pediatric patients. Adverse effects were encountered in 6.98% of the population. The 5 most common adverse effects were respiratory tract complications, gastrointestinal complications, urinary tract infections, asthma, and ENT infections. Hence, PPIs should be prescribed only when necessary, and physicians should prioritize patient education when considering their use.
PubMed: 38685999
DOI: 10.1177/2333794X241248967 -
BMJ Open Apr 2024To compare the efficacy and safety of seven Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) combined with conventional triple/quadruple therapy (T/Q) for -positive peptic ulcers. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and safety of seven Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional triple/quadruple therapy for -positive peptic ulcers: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy and safety of seven Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) combined with conventional triple/quadruple therapy (T/Q) for -positive peptic ulcers.
DESIGN
A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP database, Wanfang database, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and PubMed were searched through 1 June 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) testing CPMs combined with T/Q for -positive peptic ulcers were included. The CPMs included Anweiyang capsule, Jianweiyuyang tablets/capsule/granule, Jinghuaweikang capsule, Kangfuxin liquid, Puyuanhewei capsule, Weifuchun tablets/capsule and Weisu granule. At least one of the following outcome indicators was recorded: complete ulcer healing rate (CUHR), effective rate (ER), eradication rate (ER), rate of peptic ulcer recurrence (RPUR) and incidence of adverse reactions (IAR).
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two researchers independently conducted the study selection and extracted data for included studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed using RevMan V.5.3. Network meta-analysis was performed using STATA/MP V.15.0. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.
RESULTS
A total of 36 RCTs involving 3620 patients were included. Compared with T/Q alone, Weisu+T/Q, Weifuchun+T/Q and Puyuanhewei+T/Q had the highest CUHR, ER and ER, respectively. Weisu+T/Q and Jianweiyuyang+T/Q had the lowest RPUR and IAR, respectively. The cluster analysis results showed Jianweiyuyang+T/Q might be the best choice concerning efficacy and safety simultaneously, followed by Kangfuxin+T/Q.
CONCLUSION
Among the combination therapies with the CPMs, Jianweiyuyang+T/Q might be the most favourable option for -positive peptic ulcers, followed by Kangfuxin+T/Q. Considering the limited quantity and quality of the included RCTs, the results should be interpreted with caution.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022327687.
Topics: Humans; Helicobacter Infections; Drug Therapy, Combination; Helicobacter pylori; Network Meta-Analysis; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Peptic Ulcer; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Anti-Ulcer Agents; Treatment Outcome; Nonprescription Drugs
PubMed: 38684278
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074188 -
Gut Apr 2024
PubMed: 38670630
DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2024-332154 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery :... Apr 2024There are no direct comparisons across different endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to evaluate the relative effects of...
BACKGROUND
There are no direct comparisons across different endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to evaluate the relative effects of different endoscopic therapies in GERD.
METHODS
Five databases were searched until August 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL), Stretta, endoscopic fundoplication (transoral incisionless fundoplication [TIF], endoscopic full-thickness plication [EFTP], and EndoCinch plication procedure [EndoCinch, CR BARD, Billerica, Mass., USA]), or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)/sham procedure for GERD. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed.
RESULTS
A total of 19 trials comprising 1181 patients were included. EBL (mean difference [MD], -7.75; 95% credible interval [CrI], -13.90 to -1.44), Stretta (MD, -9.86; 95% CrI, -19.05 to -0.58), and TIF (MD, -12.58; 95% CrI, -20.23 to -4.91) all significantly improved patients' health-related quality of life score with equivalent efficacy compared with PPIs. TIF and EBL achieved equivalent efficacy in reducing PPIs utility (risk ratio [RR], 0.66; 95% CrI, 0.40-1.05) and both were significantly superior to other endoscopic interventions (Stretta, EFTP, and EndoCinch). Besides, EBL and TIF also could significantly decrease the esophagitis incidence compared with PPIs (EBL [RR, 0.34; 95% CrI, 0.22-0.48] and TIF [RR, 0.38; 95% CrI, 0.15-0.88]). In terms of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, only TIF could significantly increase the LES pressure (MD, 6.53; 95% CrI, 3.65-9.40) to PPIs. In contrast, TIF was inferior to PPIs in decreasing esophageal acid exposure (MD, 2.57; 95% CrI, 0.77-4.36).
CONCLUSION
Combining the evidence, EBL and TIF may have comparable efficacy and both might be superior to Stretta, EFTP, or EndoCinch in GERD treatment.
PubMed: 38670431
DOI: 10.1016/j.gassur.2024.04.020 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Radiotherapy, a primary treatment for malignant cancer, presents significant clinical challenges globally due to its associated adverse effects, especially with the...
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy, a primary treatment for malignant cancer, presents significant clinical challenges globally due to its associated adverse effects, especially with the increased survival rates of cancer patients. Radiation induced heart disease (RIHD) significantly impacts the long-term survival and quality of life of cancer survivors as one of the most devastating consequences. Quite a few studies have been conducted on preclinical and clinical trials of RIHD, showing promising success to some extent. However, no researchers have performed a comprehensive bibliometric study so far.
OBJECTIVE
This study attempts to gain a deeper understanding of the focal points and patterns in RIHD research and to pinpoint prospective new research avenues using bibliometrics.
METHODS
The study group obtained related 1554 publications between 1990 and 2023 on the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) through a scientific search query. Visualization tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer were utilized to realize the visual analysis of countries, authors, journals, references and keywords, identifying the hotspots and frontiers in this research field.
RESULTS
After collecting all the data, a total of 1554 documents were categorized and analyzed using the above tools. The annual number of publications in the field of RIHD shows a continuous growth trend. In 2013, there was a significant rise in the number of linked publications, with the majority of authors being from the USA, according to the statistics. Among all the journals, published the most relevant papers. Cluster analysis of the references showed that research on RIHD has focused on breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and Hodgkin's lymphoma (also among the three main clusters), preclinical research, childhood cancer, heart dose, coronary artery disease, etc, which are also hot topics in the field. High-frequency keywords in the analysis include risk factors, cancer types, heart disease, survival, trials, proton therapy (PT), etc.
CONCLUSION
Future research on RIHD will mostly focus on thoracic cancer, whose exact cause is yet unknown, with preclinical trials playing an important role. Preventing, consistently monitoring, promptly diagnosing, and timely treating are crucial to decreasing RIHD and extending the life expectancy of cancer survivors.
PubMed: 38655134
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1362673 -
European Urology Focus Apr 2024Several bacterial immunisations have been developed to reduce the socioeconomic burden of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the use of prophylactic antibiotics in the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Several bacterial immunisations have been developed to reduce the socioeconomic burden of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the use of prophylactic antibiotics in the management of recurrent UTIs (rUTIs). This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of vaccinations in preventing rUTIs.
METHODS
Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to December 2023. Data were collected from cohort studies with a comparator arm and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating vaccination efficacy in adult rUTI patients according to predefined selection criteria (PROSPERO registration: CRD42022356662). A pooled analysis took place for RCTs, with a subgroup analysis for vaccine types and booster regimens. Other studies were synthesised narratively. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tools. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations framework evaluated the quality of evidence.
KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS
Fourteen comparative studies were selected, including 2822 patients across five vaccination types. The pooled risk ratio of eight placebo-controlled studies of the percentage of patients UTI free in the short term (6-12 mo) was 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.20) with a number needed to treat of 6.45 (95% CI 2.80-64.80). There is substantial heterogeneity and a slight risk of a publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
There is limited evidence to suggest that vaccinations are effective at reducing UTI recurrence in adult female patients in the short term. Owing to low quality of evidence, the literature requires further long-term RCTs with large sample sizes utilising standardised definitions for conclusive evidence of the long-term efficacy of vaccination in rUTI prevention.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We explored whether vaccines could help stop urinary tract infections (UTIs) from happening again. The latest information shows that these vaccines are safe and may help lower the chances of women getting UTIs again for about 6-12 mo.
PubMed: 38644097
DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2024.04.002 -
Cureus Mar 2024As the global incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is on the rise, there is a need for better diagnostic criteria, better treatment options, early and... (Review)
Review
As the global incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is on the rise, there is a need for better diagnostic criteria, better treatment options, early and appropriate diagnosis, adequate care, and a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients. This systematic review explores the role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in IPF and answers the question, "Does proton pump inhibitor improve only the prognosis of gastroesophageal associated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or for other types of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis too?" We used PubMed (PMC) and Google Scholar for data collection for this systematic review and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for conducting this review. After in-depth literature screening and quality appraisal, 12 articles were selected for this systematic review. On the one hand, the efficacy of PPI therapy is supported by research such as the CAPACITY and ASCEND trials, a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) investigating the role of omeprazole in IPF and a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, respectively. On the other hand, a systematic review and meta-analysis on antacid and antireflux surgery in IPF negate these results and show no statistical significance. Questions regarding the efficacy of PPI therapy must be dealt with in an adequately powered multicenter and double-blinded randomized control trial. The anti-inflammatory properties of antacids can serve as the cornerstone for future trials. In the following systematic review, antacid, antireflux therapy, omeprazole, and proton pump therapy are synonymous with stomach acid suppression therapy.
PubMed: 38606271
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55980 -
JAMA Oncology Jun 2024The treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) has been informed by more than 5 decades of clinical trials and other relevant literature....
IMPORTANCE
The treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) has been informed by more than 5 decades of clinical trials and other relevant literature. However, controversies remain regarding the application of various radiation and systemic therapies in commonly encountered clinical scenarios.
OBJECTIVE
To develop case-referenced consensus and evidence-based guidelines to inform clinical practice in unresectable LA-NSCLC.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
The American Radium Society (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Thoracic Committee guideline is an evidence-based consensus document assessing various clinical scenarios associated with LA-NSCLC. A systematic review of the literature with evidence ratings was conducted to inform the appropriateness of treatment recommendations by the ARS AUC Thoracic Committee for the management of unresectable LA-NSCLC.
FINDINGS
Treatment appropriateness of a variety of LA-NSCLC scenarios was assessed by a consensus-based modified Delphi approach using a range of 3 points to 9 points to denote consensus agreement. Committee recommendations were vetted by the ARS AUC Executive Committee and a 2-week public comment period before official approval and adoption. Standard of care management of good prognosis LA-NSCLC consists of combined concurrent radical (60-70 Gy) platinum-based chemoradiation followed by consolidation durvalumab immunotherapy (for patients without progression). Planning and delivery of locally advanced lung cancer radiotherapy usually should be performed using intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques. A variety of palliative and radical fractionation schedules are available to treat patients with poor performance and/or pulmonary status. The salvage therapy for a local recurrence after successful primary management is complex and likely requires both multidisciplinary input and shared decision-making with the patient.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Evidence-based guidance on the management of various unresectable LA-NSCLC scenarios is provided by the ARS AUC to optimize multidisciplinary patient care for this challenging patient population.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Consensus; Societies, Medical; United States; Chemoradiotherapy
PubMed: 38602670
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.0294 -
Helicobacter 2024Helicobacter pylori infection and its associated diseases represent a significant global health concern. Patients who cannot use amoxicillin pose a therapeutic challenge... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pylori infection and its associated diseases represent a significant global health concern. Patients who cannot use amoxicillin pose a therapeutic challenge and necessitate alternative medications. Preliminary research indicates that cefuroxime demonstrates promising potential for eradicating H. pylori infection, and there is a lack of comprehensive review articles on the use of cefuroxime.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study conducts a thorough systematic literature review and synthesis. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, and Wanfang Data up to January 13, 2024. The search strategy utilized the following keywords: (Cefuroxime) AND (Helicobacter pylori OR Helicobacter nemestrinae OR Campylobacter pylori OR Campylobacter pylori subsp. pylori OR Campylobacter pyloridis OR H. pylori OR Hp) for both English and Chinese language publications. Sixteen studies from five different countries or regions were included in final literature review.
RESULTS
Analysis results indicate that H. pylori is sensitive to cefuroxime, with resistance rates similar to amoxicillin being relatively low. Regimens containing cefuroxime have shown favorable eradication rates, which were comparable to those of the regimens containing amoxicillin. Regarding safety, the incidence of adverse reactions in cefuroxime-containing eradication regimens was comparable to that of amoxicillin-containing regimens or other bismuth quadruple regimens, with no significant increase in allergic reactions in penicillin-allergic patients. Regarding compliance, studies consistently report high compliance rates for regimens containing cefuroxime.
CONCLUSION
Cefuroxime can serve as an alternative to amoxicillin for the patients allergic to penicillin with satisfactory efficacies, safety, and compliance.
Topics: Humans; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Cefuroxime; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Amoxicillin; Bismuth; Penicillins; Treatment Outcome; Proton Pump Inhibitors
PubMed: 38601987
DOI: 10.1111/hel.13073