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Zeitschrift Fur Rheumatologie Mar 2024Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a major driver of premature mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Detection of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a major driver of premature mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Detection of RA-ILD is crucial but requires awareness among the treating physicians. To date, however, there is no international recommendation concerning screening for ILD in RA patients.
METHODS
After a systematic literature review, the modified Delphi technique in combination with the nominal group technique was used to provide a Delphi consensus statement elaborated by an expert panel of pneumonologists, rheumatologists, and a radiologist. Based on the available evidence, several clusters of questions were defined and discussed until consent was reached.
RESULTS
A screening algorithm for ILD in patients with RA based on clinical signs, respiratory symptoms, and risk factors has been developed. Further, the recommendations address diagnostic tools for RA-ILD and the follow-up of RA patients qualifying for ILD screening.
Topics: Humans; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38240817
DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01464-w -
Journal of Orthopaedics and... Jan 2024Several clinical investigations have compared different pharmacologic agents for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, no consensus has been reached.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Several clinical investigations have compared different pharmacologic agents for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, no consensus has been reached. The present investigation compared enoxaparin, fondaparinux, aspirin and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) commonly used as prophylaxis following total hip arthroplasty (THA). A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed, setting as outcomes of interest the rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and major and minor haemorrhages.
METHODS
This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension statement for reporting systematic reviews incorporating network meta-analyses of healthcare interventions. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing two or more drugs used for the prophylaxis of VTE following THA were accessed. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were accessed in March 2023 with no time constraint.
RESULTS
Data from 31,705 patients were extracted. Of these, 62% (19,824) were women, with age, sex ratio, and body mass index (BMI) being comparable at baseline. Apixaban 5 mg, fondaparinux, and rivaroxaban 60 mg were the most effective in reducing the rate of DVT. Dabigatran 220 mg, apixaban 5 mg, and aspirin 100 mg were the most effective in reducing the rate of PE. Apixaban 5 mg, ximelagatran 2 mg and aspirin 100 mg were associated with the lowest rate of major haemorrhages, while rivaroxaban 2.5 mg, apixaban 5 mg and enoxaparin 40 mg were associated with the lowest rate of minor haemorrhages.
CONCLUSION
Administration of apixaban 5 mg demonstrated the best balance between VTE prevention and haemorrhage control following THA. Level of evidence Level I, network meta-analysis of RCTs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Aspirin; Enoxaparin; Fibrinolytic Agents; Fondaparinux; Hemorrhage; Network Meta-Analysis; Rivaroxaban; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 38194191
DOI: 10.1186/s10195-023-00742-2 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (ELE/TEZ/IVA) is believed to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF), but the exact efficacy and safety...
Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (ELE/TEZ/IVA) is believed to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF), but the exact efficacy and safety profile are still unknown. This study aimed to clarify the extent of functional restoration when patients are given with triple combination treatment and demonstrate the prevalence of adverse events, to evaluate the overall profile of ELE/TEZ/IVA on CF. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Random effects single-arm meta-analysis was performed to decipher the basal characteristics of CF, the improvement and safety profile after ELE/TEZ/IVA treatment. A total 53 studies were included in this analysis. For all the patients in included studies. 4 weeks after ELE/TEZ/IVA treatment, the increasement of percentage of predicted Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (ppFEV) was 9.23% (95%CI, 7.77%-10.70%), the change of percentage of predicted Forced Vital Capacity (ppFVC) was 7.67% (95%CI, 2.15%-13.20%), and the absolute change of Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) score was 21.46 points (95%CI, 18.26-24.67 points). The Sweat chloride (SwCl) was significantly decreased with the absolute change of -41.82 mmol/L (95%CI, -44.38 to -39.25 mmol/L). 24 weeks after treatment, the increasement of ppFEV was 12.57% (95%CI, 11.24%-13.90%), the increasement of ppFVC was 10.44% (95%CI, 7.26%-13.63%), and the absolute change of CFQ-R score was 19.29 points (95%CI, 17.19-21.39 points). The SwCl was significantly decreased with the absolute change of -51.53 mmol/L (95%CI, -56.12 to -46.94 mmol/L). The lung clearance index (LCI) was also decreased by 1.74 units (95%CI, -2.42 to -1.07 units). The body mass index increased by 1.23 kg/m (95%CI, 0.89-1.57 kg/m). As for adverse events, 0.824 (95%CI, 0.769-0.879) occurred during ELE/TEZ/IVA period, while the incidence of severe adverse events was 0.066 (95%CI, 0.028-0.104). ELE/TEZ/IVA is a highly effective strategy and relatively safe for CF patients and needs to be sustained to achieve better efficacy. Identifier: CRD42023441840.
PubMed: 38186649
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1275470 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects, among others, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Interventions for its treatment focus on sustained weight...
INTRODUCTION
Obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects, among others, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Interventions for its treatment focus on sustained weight reduction and general health improvement, leaving respiratory management aside. Our objective was to determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients with obesity.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in Embase, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), CINAHL, Web of Science, and PubMed/MEDLINE on June 26, 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and quasi-randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of IMT in people with obesity were included. Selected studies were screened by two independent reviewers who extracted data and assessed the quality of the evidence.
RESULTS
The initial search returned 705 potential studies were included. Ultimately, eight studies met the criteria for eligibility and were included in the review. IMT improves physical capacity [6-minute walk test (6MWT): 44.5 m, 95% CI: 30.5 to 58.5; < 0.0001] and the strength of the inspiratory muscles [maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP): -28.4 cm HO, 95% CI: -41.9 to -14.8; < 0.0001] compared to the controls, without differences in the pulmonary function, body mass index (BMI) and metabolic parameters.
CONCLUSION
Inspiratory muscle training improves physical capacity and inspiratory muscle strength without significant changes in lung function, BMI, and metabolic parameters. PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023439625, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023439625.
PubMed: 38089877
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1284689 -
Diagnostic and Prognostic Research Dec 2023For people at high risk of lung cancer, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is proposed as a method to reduce mortality.
Do we know enough about the effect of low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer on mortality to act? An updated systematic review, meta-analysis and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials 2017 to 2021.
BACKGROUND
For people at high risk of lung cancer, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is proposed as a method to reduce mortality.
METHODS
Our objective was to estimate the effect of LDCT lung cancer screening on mortality in high-risk populations. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LDCT screening programmes with usual care (no screening) or other imaging screening programme (such as chest X-ray (CXR)) was conducted. RCTs of CXR screening were additionally included in the network meta-analyses. Bibliographic sources including MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched to January 2017, and then further extended to November 2021. All key review steps were done by two persons. Quality assessment used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Nine RCTs, with up to 12.3 years of follow-up from randomisation, were included in the direct meta-analysis, which showed that LDCT screening was associated with a statistically significant decrease in lung cancer mortality (pooled relative risk (RR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77 to 0.96). There was a statistically non-significant decrease in all-cause mortality (pooled RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.01). The statistical heterogeneity for both outcomes was minimal. Network meta-analysis including the nine RCTs in the direct meta-analysis plus two further RCTs comparing CXR with usual care confirmed the size of the effect of LDCT on lung cancer mortality and that this was very similar irrespective of whether the comparator was usual care or CXR screening.
CONCLUSIONS
LDCT screening is effective in reducing lung cancer mortality in high-risk populations. The uncertainty of its effect on lung cancer mortality observed in 2018 has been much reduced with new trial results and updates to existing trials, emphasising the importance of updating systematic reviews. Although there are still a number of RCTs unreported or in progress, we predict that further evolution of summary mortality estimates is unlikely. The focus for debate now moves to resolving uncertainty about the cost-effectiveness of LDCT screening taking into account the balance between benefits and harms which occur in all screening programmes.
PubMed: 38072977
DOI: 10.1186/s41512-023-00162-0 -
Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases Jan 2024Patients with cancer are at significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), due both to the impact of malignant disease itself and to the impact of certain... (Review)
Review
Patients with cancer are at significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), due both to the impact of malignant disease itself and to the impact of certain anticancer drugs on haemostasis. This is true both for first episode venous thromboembolism and recurrence. The diagnosis and management of VTE recurrence in patients with cancer poses particular challenges, and these are reviewed in the present article, based on a systematic review of the relevant scientific literature published over the last decade. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether diagnostic algorithms for venous thromboembolism, validated principally in untreated non-cancer patients, are also valid in anticoagulated cancer patients: the available data suggests that clinical decision rules and D-dimer testing perform less well in this clinical setting. In patients with cancer, computed tomography pulmonary angiography and venous ultrasound appear to be the most reliable diagnostic tools for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis respectively. Options for treatment of venous thromboembolism include low molecular weight heparins (at a therapeutic dose or an increased dose), fondaparinux or oral direct factor Xa inhibitors. The choice of treatment should take into account the nature (pulmonary embolism or VTE) and severity of the recurrent event, the associated bleeding risk, the current anticoagulant treatment (type, dose, adherence and possible drug-drug interactions) and cancer progression.
Topics: Humans; Venous Thromboembolism; Anticoagulants; Pulmonary Embolism; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Neoplasms; Recurrence
PubMed: 38065753
DOI: 10.1016/j.acvd.2023.11.006 -
Brain & Spine 2023To date, the available guidance on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in elective lumbar fusion surgery is largely open to surgeon interpretation and preference... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
To date, the available guidance on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in elective lumbar fusion surgery is largely open to surgeon interpretation and preference without any specific suggested chemoprophylactic regimen.
RESEARCH QUESTION
This study aimed to comparatively analyze the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) with the use of commonly employed chemoprophylactic agents such as unfractionated heparin (UH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in lumbar fusion surgery.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
An independent systematic review of four scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science) was performed to identify relevant articles as per the preferred reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies reporting on DVT/PE outcomes of lumbar fusion surgery in adult patients with UH or LMWH chemoprophylaxis were included for analysis. Analysis was performed using the Stata software.
RESULTS
Twelve studies with 8495 patients were included in the analysis. A single-arm meta-analysis of the included studies found a DVT incidence of 14% (95%CI [8%-20%]) and 1% (95%CI [-6% - 8%]) with LMWH and UH respectively. Both the chemoprophylaxis agents prevented PE with a noted incidence of 0% (95%CI [0%-0.1%]) and 0% (95%CI [0%-1%]) with LMWH and UH respectively. The risk of bleeding-related complications with the usage of LMWH and UH was 0% (95% CI [0.0%-0.30%]) and 3% (95% CI [0.3%-5%]) respectively.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Both LMWH and UH reduces the overall incidence of DVT/PE, but there is a paucity of evidence analyzing the comparative effectiveness of the chemoprophylaxis regimens in lumbar fusion procedures. The heterogeneity in data prevents any conclusions, as there remains an evidence gap. We recommend future high-quality randomized controlled trials to investigate in this regard to help develop recommendations on thromboprophylaxis usage.
PubMed: 38021015
DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2023.102711 -
Respiratory Medicine Jan 2024Asthma treatments based solely on diagnostic label do not benefit patients equally. To identify patient traits that may be associated with improved treatment response to...
Systematic literature review of traits and outcomes reported in randomised controlled trials of asthma with regular dosing of inhaled corticosteroids with short-acting β-agonist reliever, as-needed ICS/formoterol, or ICS/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy.
INTRODUCTION
Asthma treatments based solely on diagnostic label do not benefit patients equally. To identify patient traits that may be associated with improved treatment response to regular inhaled corticosteroid (ICSs) dosing with short-acting β-agonist reliever or ICS/formoterol-containing therapy, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted.
METHODS
Searches of databases including MEDLINE and Embase identified randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with asthma, aged ≥12 years, published 1998-2022, containing ≥1 regular ICS dosing or ICS/formoterol-containing treatment arm, and reporting patient traits and outcomes of interest. Relevant data was extracted and underwent a feasibility assessment to determine suitability for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The SLR identified 39 RCTs of 72,740 patients and 90 treatment arms, reporting 11 traits and 11 outcomes. Five patient traits (age, body mass index, FEV, smoking history, asthma control) and five outcomes (exacerbation rate, lung function, asthma control, adherence, time to first exacerbation) were deemed feasible for inclusion in meta-analyses due to sufficient comparable reporting. Subgroups of clinical outcomes stratified by levels of patient traits were reported in 16 RCTs.
CONCLUSION
A systematic review of studies of regular ICS dosing with SABA or ICS/formoterol-containing treatment strategies in asthma identified consistent reporting of five traits and outcomes, allowing exploration of associations with treatment response. Conversely, many other traits and outcomes, although being potentially relevant, were inconsistently reported and limited subgroup reporting meant analyses of treatment response for subgroups of traits was not possible. We recommend more consistent measurement and reporting of clinically relevant patient traits and outcomes in respiratory RCTs.
Topics: Humans; Administration, Inhalation; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Bronchodilator Agents; Budesonide; Drug Therapy, Combination; Formoterol Fumarate; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Meta-Analysis as Topic
PubMed: 38008385
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107478 -
Nutrients Nov 2023Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a reliable, non-invasive, objective, and cost-effective body composition assessment method, with high reproducibility. This... (Review)
Review
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a reliable, non-invasive, objective, and cost-effective body composition assessment method, with high reproducibility. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current scientific and clinical evidence on BIA for body composition assessment in oncology patients, under active treatment. Literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA-ScR Guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting the use of BIA for body composition evaluation in adults with cancer diagnosis. Studies including non-cancer pathology or only assessing nutritional status were excluded. This scoping review comprised a total of 36 studies: 25 were original studies including 18 prospective studies, six cross-sectional studies and one retrospective study and 11 were systematic reviews. Population size for the included original articles ranged from 18 to 1217 participants, comprising a total of 3015 patients with cancer with a mean baseline Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 20.3 to 30.0 kg/m and mean age ranging between 47 and 70 years. Review articles included a total of 273 studies, with a total of 78,350 participants. The current review considered studies reporting patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) ( = 8), breast cancer (BC) ( = 4), esophageal cancer (EC) ( = 2), liver cancer ( = 2), pancreatic cancer (PC) ( = 3), gastric cancer (GC) ( = 3), colorectal cancer (CRC) ( = 8), lung cancer (LC) ( = 1), skin cancer (SK) ( = 1) and multiple cancer types ( = 6). BIA is a suitable and valid method for the assessment of body composition in oncology. BIA-derived measures have shown good potential and relevant clinical value in preoperative risk evaluation, in the reduction of postoperative complications and hospital stay and as an important prognostic indicator in persons with cancer. Future research on the diagnostic value and clinical applications of BIA and BIA-derived phase angle (PhA) should be conducted in order to predict its impact on patient survival and other clinical outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Electric Impedance; Reproducibility of Results; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Body Composition; Head and Neck Neoplasms
PubMed: 38004186
DOI: 10.3390/nu15224792 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023As the number of patients with complex lung disease is significantly increasing worldwide, several studies have focused on the prognostic factors associated with the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
As the number of patients with complex lung disease is significantly increasing worldwide, several studies have focused on the prognostic factors associated with the disease. This systematic review investigated the factors associated with mortality among patients with complex lung disease.
METHODS
Two investigators independently identified studies that were designed to determine risk factors for mortality in patients with complex lung disease from PubMed, the Cochrane Register of Control Trial database, and EMBASE (accessed on 25 November 2022).
RESULTS
Of the 1133 titles and abstracts screened, 54 full texts were selected for review, and 15 studies were finally included in this systematic review. The most commonly studied risk factors were advanced age and low body mass index (11 studies for each), followed by male sex (8 studies), hypoalbuminemia (5 studies), and cavity (5 studies). In each study, these factors were mostly associated with increased all-cause mortality among patients with complex lung disease as confirmed via multivariate analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Advanced age, male sex, low body mass index, hypoalbuminemia, and cavity are likely to be the common risk factors for all-cause mortality among patients with complex lung disease, suggesting that patients with these factors need to be carefully monitored.
PubMed: 38003795
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111331