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Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Most pancreatic insulinomas can be treated by minimally invasive modalities. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the clinical outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Most pancreatic insulinomas can be treated by minimally invasive modalities. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the clinical outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ablation and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the treatment of pancreatic insulinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Online databases were searched for relevant studies. The primary aim was to compare the rates of adverse events (AEs) and the secondary aims were to compare the clinical and technical success rates, length of hospital stays, and symptom recurrence rates between EUS and MIS approaches.
RESULTS
Eight studies with 150 patients were identified that reported EUS-guided ablation outcomes, forming the EUS group, and 9 studies with 236 patients reported MIS outcomes, forming the MIS group. The pooled median age of the included patients in the EUS group was greater than that of the MIS group (64.06 vs. 44.98 years old, < 0.001). Also, the technical success rate was significantly higher in the EUS group (100% vs. 96.6%, 0.025), while the clinical success was significantly higher (6%) in the MIS group (94% vs. 98.7%, 0.021). The AE rates (18.7% vs. 31.1%, 0.012) and severe AE rates (1.3% vs. 7.9%, 0.011) were significantly lower in the EUS group. The median length of hospital stay in the EUS group (2.68 days, 95% CI: 1.88-3.48, I60.3%) was significantly shorter than in the MIS group (7.40 days, 95% CI: 6.22-8.58, I42.2%, < 0.001). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the EUS group (15.3% vs. 1.3%, < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
EUS-guided ablation is associated with a lower AE rate and a shorter length of hospital stay, but a higher recurrence rate for the treatment of insulinoma compared with MIS. The EUS approach may be an alternative, even first-line, treatment for poor surgery candidates.
Topics: Humans; Insulinoma; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Endosonography; Treatment Outcome; Length of Stay
PubMed: 38645424
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1367068 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Previous studies have established that diabetes mellitus (DM) markedly raises the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite extensive investigations, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have established that diabetes mellitus (DM) markedly raises the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite extensive investigations, the risk factors associated with ED in diabetic men have yet to be unequivocally determined, owing to incongruent and inconclusive results reported in various studies.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the risk factors for ED in men with DM.
METHODS
A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, encompassing studies published in the PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases up to August 24th, 2023. All studies examining the risk factors of ED in patients with DM were included in the analysis. To identify significant variations among the risk factors, odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS) for longitudinal studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Scale(AHRQ) for cross-sectional studies.
RESULTS
A total of 58 studies, including a substantial participant pool of 66,925 individuals diagnosed with DM, both with or without ED, were included in the meta-analysis. Mean age (OR: 1.31, 95% CI=1.24-1.37), smoking status (OR: 1.32, 95% CI=1.18-1.47), HbA1C (OR: 1.44, 95% CI=1.28-1.62), duration of DM (OR: 1.39, 95% CI=1.29-1.50), diabetic neuropathy (OR: 3.47, 95% CI=2.16-5.56), diabetic retinopathy (OR: 3.01, 95% CI=2.02-4.48), diabetic foot (OR: 3.96, 95% CI=2.87-5.47), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.92, 95% CI=1.71-2.16), hypertension (OR: 1.74, 95% CI=1.52-2.00), microvascular disease (OR: 2.14, 95% CI=1.61-2.85), vascular disease (OR: 2.75, 95% CI=2.35-3.21), nephropathy (OR: 2.67, 95% CI=2.06-3.46), depression (OR: 1.82, 95% CI=1.04-3.20), metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.22, 95% CI=1.98-2.49), and diuretic treatment (OR: 2.42, 95% CI=1.38-4.22) were associated with increased risk factors of ED in men with DM.
CONCLUSION
Our study indicates that in men with DM, several risk factors for ED have been identified, including mean age, HbA1C, duration of DM, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, microvascular disease, vascular disease, nephropathy, depression, metabolic syndrome, and diuretic treatment. By clarifying the connection between these risk factors and ED, clinicians and scientific experts can intervene and address these risk factors, ultimately reducing the occurrence of ED and improving patient management.
Topics: Humans; Male; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Foot; Diabetic Neuropathies; Diabetic Retinopathy; Diuretics; Erectile Dysfunction; Glycated Hemoglobin; Hypertension; Metabolic Syndrome; Risk Factors; United States
PubMed: 38638136
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1368079 -
Infectious Diseases & Clinical... Sep 2023This study aimed to determine the effect of prophylactic use of carbapenems for acute pancreatitis on clinical outcomes. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the effect of prophylactic use of carbapenems for acute pancreatitis on clinical outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It was conducted according to the preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines by using the keywords "Pancrea AND carbapenem OR imipenem OR ertapenem OR meropenem OR doripenem." Primer outcomes were mortality, surgical intervention, and pancreatic and non-pancreatic infection. Subgroup analyses were also performed to reduce the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Ten studies with 4038 patients were included in the meta-analyses. While eight of ten were randomized controlled trials, two were observational studies. The prophylactic use of carbapenems had no statistically significant effect on mortality (OR=0.82, 95% CI=0.65-1.04, I²=0%) and surgical intervention. (OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.57-1.17, I²=0%). However, the real impact of prophylaxis on reducing the incidence of mortality and surgical intervention was uncertain due to the insufficient sample size. The prophylactic use of carbapenems was significantly associated with a lower risk of peripancreatic (OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.25-0.55, I²=61%) and non-pancreatic infection risk (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.46-0.78, I²=65%). The definitions of infection in the articles were not clear, and the diagnostic approach to infection was based on subjective criteria. In addition, there was inadequate collateral damage and safety assessments. In high-quality studies with a low risk of bias, prophylactic carbapenems had no effect on peripancreatic infection (RR=1.54, 95% CI=0.65-3.47, I²=0%) and non-pancreatic infection (RR=0.72, 95% CI=0.48-1.07, I²=0%).
CONCLUSION
Although there is a reduction in the infection risk, routine carbapenem use in acute pancreatitis cases should not be recommended based on current evidence. Cooperation with Infectious Disease specialists and developing diagnostic algorithms are required instead of routine prophylaxis to prevent infection, especially non-pancreatic infection.
PubMed: 38633556
DOI: 10.36519/idcm.2023.239 -
Urologic Oncology Jul 2024Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare disease with limited availability of representative incidence and clinical data. Although, the prevalence is accounting for less than 1%... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare disease with limited availability of representative incidence and clinical data. Although, the prevalence is accounting for less than 1% of bladder tumors, the 5-year survival rate is around only 50% for patients with resectable tumors, and even worse for patients with metastatic disease. Due to the lack of comprehensive prospective studies, our current knowledge of UrC is still limited.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to summarize the available registry-based studies with unselected UrC patients to evaluate its incidence and clinicopathological characteristics.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search of registry-based UrC publications on the 15th of May 2023 in 5 databases, which identified 4,748 publications. After duplicate removal and selection by 2 independent investigators, 6 publications proved to be appropriate for the final meta-analysis. Estimated incidence and clinicopathological parameters were extracted.
RESULTS
Estimated incidence ranged between 0.022 and 0.060/ 100.000 person-years, with the highest occurrence in Japan and the lowest in Canada, while the random effect model calculated an overall incidence rate of 0.04 (95%CI: 0.03-0.05) 100.000 person-years. The median age at first diagnosis was 60 years (range: 58-64). The female to male ratio was 2:3. Lymph node or distant metastases were present in 9% and 14% of patients. The predominant tumour type was adenocarcinoma (86%) followed by urothelial carcinoma (12%) and squamous cell carcinoma (2%). The 5-year survival rate was 51.0% with 95%CI: 45.2-57.4.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study provides an up-to-date comparison of estimated incidence rates between 6 countries of 3 continents based on rigorously selected registry-based studies. The results suggest low incidence rates for UrC with considerable geographic differences. The present meta-analysis provides unbiased registry-based data on the incidence, clinicopathological parameters and survival of UrC.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Registries; Incidence; Male
PubMed: 38627107
DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.03.011 -
BMC Pediatrics Apr 2024Cystic fibrosis is a chronic genetic disease that can affect the function of the respiratory system. Previous reviews of the effects of respiratory muscle training in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic genetic disease that can affect the function of the respiratory system. Previous reviews of the effects of respiratory muscle training in people with cystic fibrosis are uncertain and do not consider the effect of age on disease progression. This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training in the clinical outcomes of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.
METHODS
Up to July 2023, electronic databases and clinical trial registries were searched. Controlled clinical trials comparing respiratory muscle training with sham intervention or no intervention in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The primary outcomes were respiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, lung function, and cough. Secondary outcomes included exercise capacity, quality of life and adverse events. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. The certainty of the evidence was assessed according to the GRADE approach. Meta-analyses where possible; otherwise, take a qualitative approach.
RESULTS
Six studies with a total of 151 participants met the inclusion criteria for this review. Two of the six included studies were published in abstract form only, limiting the available information. Four studies were parallel studies and two were cross-over designs. There were significant differences in the methods and quality of the methodology included in the studies. The pooled data showed no difference in respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and exercise capacity between the treatment and control groups. However, subgroup analyses suggest that inspiratory muscle training is beneficial in increasing maximal inspiratory pressure, and qualitative analyses suggest that respiratory muscle training may benefit respiratory muscle endurance without any adverse effects.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that although the level of evidence indicating the benefits of respiratory muscle training is low, its clinical significance suggests that we further study the methodological quality to determine the effectiveness of training.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The protocol for this review was recorded in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42023441829.
Topics: Child; Adolescent; Humans; Cystic Fibrosis; Quality of Life; Breathing Exercises; Chronic Disease; Respiratory Muscles
PubMed: 38622583
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04726-x -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2024Neoadjuvant therapy is an essential modality for reducing the clinical stage of esophageal cancer; however, the superiority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Neoadjuvant therapy is an essential modality for reducing the clinical stage of esophageal cancer; however, the superiority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is unclear. Therefore, a discussion of these two modalities is necessary.
AIM
To investigate the benefits and complications of neoadjuvant modalities.
METHODS
To address this concern, predefined criteria were established using the PICO protocol. Two independent authors performed comprehensive searches using predetermined keywords. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences between groups. Potential publication bias was visualized using funnel plots. The quality of the data was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Tool 2 (RoB2) and the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
Ten articles, including 1928 patients, were included for the analysis. Significant difference was detected in pathological complete response (pCR) [ < 0.001; odds ratio (OR): 0.27; 95%CI: 0.16-0.46], 30-d mortality ( = 0.015; OR: 0.4; 95%CI: 0.22-0.71) favoring the nCRT, and renal failure ( = 0.039; OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 0.66-1.64) favoring the nCT. No significant differences were observed in terms of survival, local or distal recurrence, or other clinical or surgical complications. The result of RoB2 was moderate, and that of the GRADE approach was low or very low in almost all cases.
CONCLUSION
Although nCRT may have a higher pCR rate, it does not translate to greater long-term survival. Moreover, nCRT is associated with higher 30-d mortality, although the specific cause for postoperative complications could not be identified. In the case of nCT, toxic side effects are suspected, which can reduce the quality of life. Given the quality of available studies, further randomized trials are required.
Topics: Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Quality of Life; Adenocarcinoma; Chemoradiotherapy; Esophageal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38617451
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i11.1621 -
Cancers Mar 2024(1) Background: The relationship between periodontitis and systemic pathologies continues to grow. Recently, the presence of periodontal pathogens has been linked to an... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: The relationship between periodontitis and systemic pathologies continues to grow. Recently, the presence of periodontal pathogens has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer (PC) and its mortality. Thus, a systematic review is needed to identify whether an association between the two diseases can be established. The objective of this review is to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for this association. (2) Methods: A systematic review was carried out using three databases (PubMed, Embase and Scopus) with the following keywords "Periodontitis AND pancreatic cancer". A total of 653 articles were retrieved; before selection and screening, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined, resulting in a total of 13 articles being included in the review. (3) Results: The increase in low-grade systemic inflammation, pH changes, and the cytotoxicity of certain periodontopathogenic bacteria were found in the scientific literature reviewed as mechanisms linking periodontitis with the risk of PC. (4) Conclusions: Through this systematic review, we have seen how periodontitis can be related to PC and how it worsens its prognosis. Knowing the behavior of periodontopathogenic bacteria and the influence they have on our immune and inflammatory system may help to achieve an interdisciplinary approach to both pathologies.
PubMed: 38610935
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071257 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2024: Glucocorticoids may grant a protective effect against postoperative complications. The evidence on their efficacy, however, has been inconclusive thus far. We... (Review)
Review
The Effect of Preoperative Administration of Glucocorticoids on the Postoperative Complication Rate in Liver Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
: Glucocorticoids may grant a protective effect against postoperative complications. The evidence on their efficacy, however, has been inconclusive thus far. We investigated the effects of preoperatively administered glucocorticoids on the overall postoperative complication rate, and on liver function recovery in patients undergoing major liver surgery. We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL in October 2021, and repeated the search in April 2023. Pre-study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021284559). Studies investigating patients undergoing liver resections or transplantation who were administered glucocorticoids preoperatively and reported postoperative complications were eligible. Meta-analyses were performed using META and DMETAR packages in R with a random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB2. The selection yielded 11 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 964 patients. Data from nine RCTs ( = 837) revealed a tendency toward a lower overall complication rate with glucocorticoid administration (odds ratio: 0.71; 95% confidence interval: 0.38-1.31, = 0.23), but it was not statistically significant. Data pooled from seven RCTs showed a significant reduction in wound infections with glucocorticoid administration [odds ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.92 = 0.02]. Due to limited data availability, meta-analysis of liver function recovery parameters was not possible. : The preoperative administration of glucocorticoids did not significantly reduce the overall postoperative complication rate. Future clinical trials should investigate homogenous patient populations with a specific focus on postoperative liver recovery.
PubMed: 38610862
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072097 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2024: Children with CP show deficits in executive function compared to their typically developing peers, based on the majority of the available evidence. However, the... (Review)
Review
: Children with CP show deficits in executive function compared to their typically developing peers, based on the majority of the available evidence. However, the magnitude of these deficits, as well as the proportions of the shortfalls in the three main components, have not yet been examined. This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize evidence on the magnitude of differences between patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing populations in different components of executive function skills (working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility), and thus makes recommendations on which areas of executive functioning are in greatest need of intervention. : We conducted a systematic literature search of four databases for studies that measured executive functions in these two groups until 31 August 2023. We calculated the standardized mean difference (Hedges' g), an average effect size overall, and for the three components of executive function skills separately, we used several moderator analyses, including methodological differences between the primary studies. : Fifteen articles were included in the meta-analysis. The average mean difference in executive functioning overall was large (g+ = -0.82). Furthermore, large significant differences were found in working memory (g+ = -0.92) and inhibitory control (g+ = -0.82) and a moderate difference was identified in cognitive flexibility (g+ = -0.57). In addition, results of moderator analyses reveal the importance of a rigorous matching of control group participants and CP patients. : The results demonstrate a severe impairment in all executive functions among CP patients compared to typically developing peers, which do not decrease over time.
PubMed: 38610632
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071867 -
Alzheimer's Research & Therapy Apr 2024Measurement of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) levels offers the potential for early detection of neurocognitive impairment. Still, the probability of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Measurement of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) levels offers the potential for early detection of neurocognitive impairment. Still, the probability of developing a clinical syndrome in the presence of these protein changes (A+ and T+) remains unclear. By performing a systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia in the non-demented population with A+ and A- alone and in combination with T+ and T- as confirmed by PET or cerebrospinal fluid examination.
METHODS
A systematic search of prospective and retrospective studies investigating the association of Aβ and p-tau with cognitive decline was performed in three databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) on January 9, 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane QUIPS tool. Odds ratios (OR) and Hazard Ratios (HR) were pooled using a random-effects model. The effect of neurodegeneration was not studied due to its non-specific nature.
RESULTS
A total of 18,162 records were found, and at the end of the selection process, data from 36 cohorts were pooled (n= 7,793). Compared to the unexposed group, the odds ratio (OR) for conversion to dementia in A+ MCI patients was 5.18 [95% CI 3.93; 6.81]. In A+ CU subjects, the OR for conversion to MCI or dementia was 5.79 [95% CI 2.88; 11.64]. Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42 or Aβ42/40 analysis and amyloid PET imaging showed consistent results. The OR for conversion in A+T+ MCI subjects (11.60 [95% CI 7.96; 16.91]) was significantly higher than in A+T- subjects (2.73 [95% CI 1.65; 4.52]). The OR for A-T+ MCI subjects was non-significant (1.47 [95% CI 0.55; 3.92]). CU subjects with A+T+ status had a significantly higher OR for conversion (13.46 [95% CI 3.69; 49.11]) than A+T- subjects (2.04 [95% CI 0.70; 5.97]). Meta-regression showed that the ORs for Aβ exposure decreased with age in MCI. (beta = -0.04 [95% CI -0.03 to -0.083]).
CONCLUSIONS
Identifying Aβ-positive individuals, irrespective of the measurement technique employed (CSF or PET), enables the detection of the most at-risk population before disease onset, or at least at a mild stage. The inclusion of tau status in addition to Aβ, especially in A+T+ cases, further refines the risk assessment. Notably, the higher odds ratio associated with Aβ decreases with age.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021288100).
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Amyloidogenic Proteins; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia
PubMed: 38610055
DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01455-2