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BMC Oral Health Jun 2024To determine the prevalence, case-fatality rate, and associated risk-factors of Noma in children in Nigeria. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence, case-fatality rate, and associated risk-factors of Noma in children in Nigeria.
METHODS
Search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Data were extraction using a double-blind approach. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I statistics. Random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis and subgroup analysis was conducted. The study quality was evaluated using standard Critical-Appraisal-Checklist.
RESULTS
Of the 1652 articles identified, 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria included 871 cases of Noma. Two studies had high-risk of bias and were excluded in the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence of Noma was 2.95% (95%CI:2.19-3.71; Z = 7.60; p < 0.00001, I:100.0). Case fatality was reported in one study. Sex-distribution had a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. Malnutrition (88.42%, 95%CI:52.84-124.00; I:100.0), measles (40.60%; 95% CI:31.56-49.65; I:100.0) and malaria (30.75%; 95% CI:30.06-31.45; I:100.0) were the most notable associated risk-factors. Prevalence of Noma was non-significantly lower in southern (1.96%,95%CI:1.49-2.44;6 studies) than in northern (4.43%; 95%CI:-0.98-9.83; 4 studies) Nigeria. One study reported the prevalence of Noma in children younger than 5 years.
CONCLUSIONS
About every 3 in 100 children in Nigeria had Noma and the prevalence was non-significantly higher in northern than southern Nigeria. Malnutrition, measles, and malaria were major associated risk-factors. Case-fatality rate and prevalence based on different age-groups were inconclusive.
Topics: Humans; Nigeria; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Child; Noma; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38867180
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04451-y -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2024Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality due to an infectious disease, with an estimated 1.6 million deaths due to TB in 2022. Approximately 25% of the global... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality due to an infectious disease, with an estimated 1.6 million deaths due to TB in 2022. Approximately 25% of the global population has TB infection, giving rise to 10.6 million episodes of TB disease in 2022. Undernutrition is a key risk factor for TB and was linked to an estimated 2.2 million TB episodes in 2022, as outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the prognostic value of undernutrition in the general population of adults, adolescents, and children for predicting tuberculosis disease over any time period.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the literature databases MEDLINE (via PubMed) and WHO Global Index Medicus, as well as the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) on 3 May 2023 (date of last search for all databases). We placed no restrictions on the language of publication.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included retrospective and prospective cohort studies, irrespective of publication status or language. The target population comprised adults, adolescents, and children from diverse settings, encompassing outpatient and inpatient cohorts, with varying comorbidities and risk of exposure to tuberculosis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methodology and the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool to assess the risk of bias of the studies. Prognostic factors included undernutrition, defined as wasting, stunting, and underweight, with specific measures such as body mass index (BMI) less than two standard deviations below the median for children and adolescents and low BMI scores (< 18.5) for adults and adolescents. Prognostication occurred at enrolment/baseline. The primary outcome was the incidence of TB disease. The secondary outcome was recurrent TB disease. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis for the adjusted hazard ratios (HR), risk ratios (RR), or odds ratios (OR), employing the restricted maximum likelihood estimation. We rated the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 51 cohort studies with over 27 million participants from the six WHO regions. Sixteen large population-based studies were conducted in China, Singapore, South Korea, and the USA, and 25 studies focused on people living with HIV, which were mainly conducted in the African region. Most studies were in adults, four in children, and three in children and adults. Undernutrition as an exposure was usually defined according to standard criteria; however, the diagnosis of TB did not include a confirmatory culture or molecular diagnosis using a WHO-approved rapid diagnostic test in eight studies. The median follow-up time was 3.5 years, and the studies primarily reported an adjusted hazard ratio from a multivariable Cox-proportional hazard model. Hazard ratios (HR) The HR estimates represent the highest certainty of the evidence, explored through sensitivity analyses and excluding studies at high risk of bias. We present 95% confidence intervals (CI) and prediction intervals, which present between-study heterogeneity represented in a measurement of the variability of effect sizes (i.e. the interval within which the effect size of a new study would fall considering the same population of studies included in the meta-analysis). Undernutrition may increase the risk of TB disease (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.83 to 2.72; prediction interval 0.98 to 5.05; 23 studies; 2,883,266 participants). The certainty of the evidence is low due to a moderate risk of bias across studies and inconsistency. When stratified by follow-up time, the results are more consistent across < 10 years follow-up (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.74 to 2.34; prediction interval 1.20 to 3.39; 22 studies; 2,869,077 participants). This results in a moderate certainty of evidence due to a moderate risk of bias across studies. However, at 10 or more years of follow-up, we found only one study with a wider CI and higher HR (HR 12.43, 95% CI 5.74 to 26.91; 14,189 participants). The certainty of the evidence is low due to the moderate risk of bias and indirectness. Odds ratio (OR) Undernutrition may increase the odds of TB disease, but the results are uncertain (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.17; prediction interval 0.61 to 3.99; 8 studies; 173,497 participants). Stratification by follow-up was not possible as all studies had a follow-up of < 10 years. The certainty of the evidence is very low due to the high risk of bias and inconsistency. Contour-enhanced funnel plots were not reported due to the few studies included. Risk ratio (RR) Undernutrition may increase the risk of TB disease (RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.72 to 2.20; prediction interval 1.49 to 2.55; 4 studies; 1,475,867 participants). Stratification by follow-up was not possible as all studies had a follow-up of < 10 years. The certainty of the evidence is low due to the high risk of bias. Contour-enhanced funnel plots were not reported due to the few studies included.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Undernutrition probably increases the risk of TB two-fold in the short term (< 10 years) and may also increase the risk in the long term (> 10 years). Policies targeted towards the reduction of the burden of undernutrition are not only needed to alleviate human suffering due to undernutrition and its many adverse consequences, but are also an important part of the critical measures for ending the TB epidemic by 2030. Large population-based cohorts, including those derived from high-quality national registries of exposures (undernutrition) and outcomes (TB disease), are needed to provide high-certainty estimates of this risk across different settings and populations, including low and middle-income countries from different WHO regions. Moreover, studies including children and adolescents and state-of-the-art methods for diagnosing TB would provide more up-to-date information relevant to practice and policy.
FUNDING
World Health Organization (203256442).
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration: CRD42023408807 Protocol: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD015890.
Topics: Humans; Malnutrition; Risk Factors; Child; Adolescent; Tuberculosis; Adult; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 38860538
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015890.pub2 -
ESC Heart Failure Jun 2024Heart failure (HF) and malnutrition exhibit overlapping risk factors, characterized by increased levels of natriuretic peptides and an inflammatory profile. The aim of...
BACKGROUND
Heart failure (HF) and malnutrition exhibit overlapping risk factors, characterized by increased levels of natriuretic peptides and an inflammatory profile. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with HF and malnutrition versus normal nutrition.
METHODS
From inception until July 2023, the databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched. To examine the association among malnutrition [controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score ≥2; Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) score <92] with BNP, NT-proBNP and CRP in patients with HF, a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted (CRD42023445076).
RESULTS
A significant association of GNRI with increased levels of BNP were demonstrated [mean difference (MD): 204.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) (101.02, 308.96, I = 88%, P < 0.01)], albeit no statistically significant findings were shown using CONUT [MD: 158.51, 95% CI (-1.78 to 318.79, I = 92%, P = 0.05)]. GNRI [MD: 1885.14, 95% CI (1428.76-2341.52, I = 0%, P < 0.01)] and CONUT [MD: 1160.05, 95% CI (701.04-1619.07, I = 0%, P < 0.01)] were associated with significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP. Patients with normal GNRI scores had significantly lower levels of CRP [MD: 0.50, 95% CI (0.12-0.88, I = 87%, P = 0.01)] whereas significantly higher levels of CRP were observed in those with higher CONUT [MD: 0.40, 95% CI (0.08-0.72, I = 88%, P = 0.01)]. Employing meta-regression, age was deemed a potential moderator between CRP and GNRI.
CONCLUSIONS
Normal nutrition scores in patients with HF are linked to lower BNP, NT-proBNP, and CRP levels compared with malnourished counterparts. Despite the significant link between CRP and malnutrition, their relationship may be influenced in older groups considering the sensitivity of GNRI due to ageing factors.
PubMed: 38850122
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14851 -
Nutrition Journal Jun 2024This meta-analysis aims to analyze the relationship between serum vitamin D (VD) levels and Graves' disease (GD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aims to analyze the relationship between serum vitamin D (VD) levels and Graves' disease (GD).
METHODS
We conducted a search for publications on VD and GD in the English language. Our search encompassed databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, covering publications available through August 2023. A meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane RevMan 5.4 software. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for outcome calculation. We used R software to test for publication bias.
RESULTS
Twelve studies were selected, comprising 937 (22.4%) cases with GD and 3254 (77.6%) controls. The overall meta-analysis revealed that patients with GD are significantly more likely to have low VD levels (SMD = - 0.66; 95% CI: -1.05, - 0.27; p = 0.001) than those in the control group. Egger's test results indicated no publication bias (p = 0.0791). These studies exhibited a high degree of heterogeneity (chi-square = 205.86, p < 0.00001; I = 95%). Subgroup analysis was conducted based on assay method, geographic location, and mean age of the case group to explore the heterogeneity sources. Assay methods and geographic locations were identified as potential heterogeneity sources. Based on the mean age, there were no statistically significant differences found in the subgroup analysis of the included studies.
CONCLUSION
There is promising evidence that low serum VD levels may increase the risk of GD. Further rigorous and long-term trials are needed to explore the role of VD in the onset and treatment of GD.
Topics: Humans; Graves Disease; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 38849834
DOI: 10.1186/s12937-024-00960-2 -
Nutrition & Diabetes May 2024Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with several adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
BACKGROUND
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with several adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the effects of vitamin D deficiency and of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy on maternal and offspring health-related outcomes.
METHODS
Prior to conducting this umbrella review, we registered the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42022368003). We conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on vitamin D in pregnancy, from database inception to October 2, 2023. All outcomes related to vitamin D in pregnancy obtained from the systematic reviews and meta-analyses were extracted.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently chose studies and collected information on health outcomes. The quality of the included articles' methodology was assessed using AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2).
RESULTS
We identified 16 eligible systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which included 250,569 women. Our results demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of preterm birth, small-for gestational age/low birth weight infants, recurrent miscarriage, bacterial vaginosis and gestational diabetes mellitus. Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy increases birth weight, and reduces the risk of maternal pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, and vitamin D deficiency, fetal or neonatal mortality, as well as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder in childhood. In women with gestational diabetes mellitus, vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy can reduce the risk of maternal hyperbilirubinemia, polyhydramnios, macrosomia, fetal distress, and neonatal hospitalization.
CONCLUSION
Due to the association with adverse maternal and offspring health outcomes, we recommend the vitamin D status in pregnancy should be monitored, particularly in women at high risk of vitamin D deficiency. It is suggested that pregnant women take a dose of >400 IU/day of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy to prevent certain adverse outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin D; Pregnancy Complications; Dietary Supplements; Pregnancy Outcome; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Infant, Newborn; Premature Birth
PubMed: 38816412
DOI: 10.1038/s41387-024-00296-0 -
Alpha Psychiatry Mar 2024To explore the association between malnutrition and risk of depression in the elderly. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To explore the association between malnutrition and risk of depression in the elderly.
METHODS
Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase from the establishment of the database to August 17, 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. Stata16.0 software was used for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 8 observational studies were identified with 11 112 participants, of which 2771 elderly patients had depression. The meta-pooled results showed a significant correlation between nutritional status and depression risk (odds ratio (OR) = 2.03, 95% CI = (1.47, 2.81), < 0.001). Subgroup analysis found that the malnutrition scores of different study types and the diagnostic methods of depression and malnutrition were correlated with the risk of depression.
CONCLUSION
Malnutrition was associated with depression risk in the elderly. Further large-scale multicenter studies should be conducted to test and verify the results.
PubMed: 38798803
DOI: 10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2024.231336 -
BMC Pediatrics May 2024Tuberculosis is one the leading causes of death from a single infectious disease, caused by the bacillus mycobacterium tuberculosis. In Ethiopia, even though several... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Tuberculosis is one the leading causes of death from a single infectious disease, caused by the bacillus mycobacterium tuberculosis. In Ethiopia, even though several primary studies have been conducted on the incidence of tuberculosis among HIV-infected children, the pooled incidence rate of tuberculosis among HIV-infected children (aged 0-14 years) is unknown. Therefore, the main objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to estimate the pooled incidence rate of tuberculosis among HIV-infected children and its predictors in Ethiopia.
METHOD
International electronic databases such as PubMed, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched using different search engines. Quality of primary studies was checked using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. The heterogeneity of studies was tested using I-square statistics. Publication bias was tested using a funnel plot and Egger's test. Forest plots and tables were used to present the results. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled incidence of tuberculosis among children living with HIV.
RESULT
A total of 13 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of tuberculosis among HIV-infected children was 3.77 (95% CI: 2.83, 5.02) per 100-person-year observations. Advanced HIV disease (HR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.9; 3.88), didn't receive complete vaccination (HR: 4.40, 95% CI: 2.16; 8.82), stunting (HR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.64, 3.33), underweight (HR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.61; 3.22), didn't receive Isoniazid preventive therapy (HR: 3.64, 95% CI: 2.22, 5.96), anemia (HR: 3.04, 95% CI: 2.34; 3.98), fair or poor antiretroviral therapy adherence (HR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.84; 3.40) and didn't receive cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (HR: 3.20, 95% CI: 2.26; 4.40) were predictors of tuberculosis coinfection among HIV infected children.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that the overall pooled incidence rate of tuberculosis among HIV-infected children was high in Ethiopia as compared to the END TB strategy targets. Therefore, emphasis has to be given to drug adherence (ART and Isoniazid) and nutritional counseling. Moreover, early diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition and anemia are critical to reduce the risk of TB coinfection.
REGISTRATION
Registered in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42023474956.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Incidence; Child; HIV Infections; Tuberculosis; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Infant; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Risk Factors; Coinfection
PubMed: 38790006
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04819-7 -
Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism May 2024Burosumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), has been approved for the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). We... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Burosumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), has been approved for the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). We conducted a systematic review to compare the efficacy and safety of burosumab versus conventional therapy (phosphorus and calcitriol) on XLH treatment. After a comprehensive literature search on MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase, we found nine studies for inclusion in the analysis. Risk of bias was assessed, and a random-effects model was used to determine the effect size. Clinical, biochemical, and radiological parameters of disease severity before and after treatment were analyzed and expressed in standardized mean difference (SMD). Burosumab resulted in normalization of phosphate homeostasis with an increase in renal tubular phosphate reabsorption and significant resolution of skeletal lesions (change in Thacher's total rickets severity score SMD: -1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.76 to -1.17, < 0.001, improvement in deformities, and decline in serum alkaline phosphatase levels [SMD: 130.68, 95% CI: 125.26-136.1, < 0.001)]. Conventional therapy led to similar improvements in all these parameters but to a lower degree. In adults, burosumab normalized phosphorus levels (SMD: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.98-1.47, < 0.001) with resultant clinical improvement. Burosumab treatment was well tolerated, with only mild treatment-related adverse effects. The present review indicates a potential role for burosumab in improving rickets, deformities, and growth in children with XLH. Given its superior efficacy and safety profile, burosumab could be an effective therapeutic option in children. We suggest further studies comparing burosumab versus conventional therapy in children and adults with XLH.
Topics: Humans; Familial Hypophosphatemic Rickets; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Fibroblast Growth Factor-23; Treatment Outcome; Calcitriol; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Phosphorus
PubMed: 38788147
DOI: 10.20945/2359-4292-2023-0242 -
Journal of Global Health May 2024Worldwide, the climate is changing and affecting the health and well-being of children in many ways. In this review, we provided an overview of how climate... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Worldwide, the climate is changing and affecting the health and well-being of children in many ways. In this review, we provided an overview of how climate change-related events may affect child and adolescent health and well-being, including children's mental and physical health, nutrition, safety and security, learning opportunities, and family caregiving and connectedness.
METHODS
In this narrative review, we highlighted and discussed peer-reviewed evidence from 2012-23, primarily from meta-analyses and systematic reviews. The search strategy used a large and varied number of search terms across three academic databases to identify relevant literature.
RESULTS
There was consistent evidence across systematic reviews of impact on four themes. Climate-related events are associated with a) increases in posttraumatic stress and other mental health disorders in children and adolescents, b) increases in asthma, respiratory illnesses, diarrheal diseases and vector-borne diseases, c) increases in malnutrition and reduced growth and d) disruptions to responsive caregiving and family functioning, which can be linked to poor caregiver mental health, stress and loss of resources. Evidence of violence against children in climate-related disaster contexts is inconclusive. There is a lack of systematic review evidence on the associations between climate change and children's learning outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Systematic review evidence consistently points to negative associations between climate change and children's physical and mental health, well-being, and family functioning. Yet, much remains unknown about the causal pathways linking climate-change-related events and mental and physical health, responsive relationships and connectedness, nutrition, and learning in children and adolescents. This evidence is urgently needed so that adverse health and other impacts from climate change can be prevented or minimised through well-timed and appropriate action.
Topics: Humans; Climate Change; Child; Adolescent; Adolescent Health; Child Health; Mental Health
PubMed: 38781568
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04061 -
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics May 2024Frailty, a prevalent geriatric syndrome, presents challenges exacerbated by malnutrition. Nutritional Management Interventions (NMIs) offer hope in frailty reversal,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Frailty, a prevalent geriatric syndrome, presents challenges exacerbated by malnutrition. Nutritional Management Interventions (NMIs) offer hope in frailty reversal, necessitating exploration of their multi-dimensional outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
Assess NMIs' impact on frail and pre-frail older adults across diverse outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies (2012-2023) evaluated NMIs' effects on physical, dietary, psychological, and frailty aspects. Literature quality was assessed, and data analyzed with Review Manager 5.3.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies involving participants were included in the analysis. Participants numbered 968, with the intervention group averaging 77.05±0.77 years and the control group 78.75±0.8 years. Compared to control groups,NMIs significantly increased body weight (SMD = 0.26, P = 0.03) and improved gait speed (SMD = 0.18, P = 0.03). Protein intake showed significance for interventions≤12 weeks (SMD = 1.04, P < 0.001). No significant differences in energy intake (SMD = 0.20, P = 0.60), but >12 weeks NMIs reduced energy intake (SMD = -0.73, P = 0.006). No significant differences in depressive symptoms, frailty scores, BMI, TUG, Handgrip Strength, or SPPB.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis underscores NMIs' potential benefits for frail and pre-frail older adults. Personalized, multidimensional interventions are recommended despite study limitations, emphasizing extended interventions and diverse assessments for holistic care.
PubMed: 38776700
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105480