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International Journal of Cardiology.... Jun 2024Dementia is a recognized complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy can potentially be protective against this complication. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dementia is a recognized complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy can potentially be protective against this complication.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and Embase for comparative observational studies reporting the efficacy of OAC therapy for the incidence of dementia in patients with AF was conducted from its inception until March 2023. Studies that had patients with prior use of OAC or with a previous history of dementia were excluded.
RESULTS
A total of 22 studies were included in this review involving 617,204 participants. The pooled analysis revealed that OAC therapy, including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), was associated with a reduced incidence of dementia in AF patients. Specifically, compared to non-OAC treatment, OACs demonstrated a significant reduction in dementia incidence (HR 0.68, 95 % CI [0.58, 0.80], p < 0.00001), with similar findings observed for DOACs (HR 0.69, 95 % CI [0.51, 0.94], p = 0.02) and VKAs (HR 0.73, 95 % CI [0.56, 0.95], p = 0.02). The comparison of DOAC vs VKA revealed that DOACs are associated with reduced risk of dementia (HR 0.87, 95 % CI [0.79, 0.96], p = 0.004).
CONCLUSION
Our SR and meta-analysis showed that the use of OAC therapy is associated with a reduced risk of dementia in individuals with AF. However, our results are limited by the potential influence of confounding bias and significant heterogeneity in the analyses.
PubMed: 38766665
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcrp.2024.200282 -
SAGE Open Medicine 2024Although tuberculosis is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, millions of cases remain undetected using current diagnostic methods. To address this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although tuberculosis is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, millions of cases remain undetected using current diagnostic methods. To address this problem, researchers have proposed prediction rules.
OBJECTIVE
We analyzed existing prediction rules for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and identified factors with a moderate to high strength of association with the disease.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of relevant databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Global Health for Reports, and Google Scholar) up to 14 November 2022. Studies that developed diagnostic algorithms for pulmonary tuberculosis in adults from low and middle-income countries were included. Two reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. The study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. We performed a narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Of the 26 articles selected, only half included human immune deficiency virus-positive patients. In symptomatic human immune deficiency virus patients, radiographic findings and body mass index were strong predictors of pulmonary tuberculosis, with an odds ratio of >4. However, in human immune deficiency virus-negative individuals, the biomarkers showed a moderate association with the disease. In symptomatic human immune deficiency virus patients, a C-reactive protein level ⩾10 mg/L had a sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 40%, respectively, whereas a trial of antibiotics had a specificity of 86% and a sensitivity of 43%. In smear-negative patients, anti-tuberculosis treatment showed a sensitivity of 52% and a specificity of 63%.
CONCLUSIONS
The performance of predictors and diagnostic algorithms differs among patient subgroups, such as in human immune deficiency virus-positive patients, radiographic findings, and body mass index were strong predictors of pulmonary tuberculosis. However, in human immune deficiency virus-negative individuals, the biomarkers showed a moderate association with the disease. A few models have reached the World Health Organization's recommendation. Therefore, more work should be done to strengthen the predictive models for tuberculosis screening in the future, and they should be developed rigorously, considering the heterogeneity of the population in clinical work.
PubMed: 38764538
DOI: 10.1177/20503121241243238 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Jul 2024Cancer cachexia is a clinical condition characterized by recognizable "sickness behaviors" accompanied by loss of lean body tissue. The Global Leadership on Malnutrition... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Cancer cachexia is a clinical condition characterized by recognizable "sickness behaviors" accompanied by loss of lean body tissue. The Global Leadership on Malnutrition (GLIM) has proposed phenotypic (unintentional weight loss, low body mass index and low muscle mass) and aetiologic (reduced food intake and inflammation or disease burden) diagnostic criteria. Recent work has suggested serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) might represent a 3rd aetiologic criteria. Little is known of its relationship with GLIM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of their comparative prognostic value and association was performed.
METHODS
A search of electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Ovid, Cochrane) up to February 2023 was used to identify studies that compared the prognostic value of LDH and components of the GLIM criteria in cancer. An analysis of the relationship between LDH and the components of GLIM was undertaken where this data was available. RevMan 5.4.1 was used to perform a meta-analysis for each diagnostic criteria that had 3 or more studies which reported hazard ratios with a 95 per cent confidence interval for overall survival (OS).
RESULTS
A total of 119 studies were reviewed. Advanced lung cancer was the most studied population. Included in the meta-analysis were 6 studies (n=2165) on LDH and weight loss, 17 studies (n=7540) on LDH and low BMI, 5 studies (n=758) on LDH and low muscle mass, 0 studies on LDH and food intake and 93 studies (n=32,190) on LDH and inflammation. There was a significant association between elevated serum LDH and each of low BMI (OR 1.39, 1.09 - 1.77; p=0.008), elevated NLR (OR 2.04, 1.57 - 2.65; p<0.00001) and elevated CRP (OR 2.58, 1.81 - 3.67; p<0.00001). There was no association between elevated serum LDH and low muscle mass. Only one study presented data on the association between LDH and unintentional weight loss. Elevated LDH showed a comparative OS (HR 1.86, 1.57 - 2.07; p<0.00001) to unintentional weight loss (HR 1.57, 1.23 - 1.99; p=0.0002) and had a similar OS (HR 2.00, 1.70 - 2.34; p<0.00001) to low BMI (HR 1.57, 1.29-2.90; p<0.0001). LDH also showed an OS (HR 2.25, 1.76 - 2.87; p<0.00001) congruous with low muscle mass (HR 1.93, 1.14 - 3.27; p=0.01) and again, LDH conferred as poor an OS (HR 1.77, 1.64-1.90; p<0.00001) as elevated NLR (HR 1.61, 1.48 - 1.77; p<0.00001) or CRP (HR 1.55, 1.43 - 1.69; p<0.00001).
CONCLUSION
Current literature suggests elevated serum LDH is associated with inflammation in cancer (an aetiologic GLIM criterion), however more work is required to establish the relationship between LDH and the phenotypic components of GLIM. Additionally, elevated serum LDH appears to be a comparative prognosticator of overall survival in cancer when compared to the GLIM criteria.
Topics: Humans; Body Mass Index; Cachexia; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Neoplasms; Prognosis
PubMed: 38754770
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104378 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Jun 2024Significant variation exists in the outcomes used in cancer cachexia trials, including measures of body composition, which are often selected as primary or secondary... (Review)
Review
Significant variation exists in the outcomes used in cancer cachexia trials, including measures of body composition, which are often selected as primary or secondary endpoints. To date, there has been no review of the most commonly selected measures or their potential sensitivity to detect changes resulting from the interventions being examined. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the frequency and diversity of body composition measures that have been used in cancer cachexia trials. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched between January 1990 and June 2021. Eligible trials examined adults (≥18 years) who had received an intervention aiming to treat or attenuate the effects of cancer cachexia for >14 days. Trials were also of a prospective controlled design and included body weight or at least one anthropometric, bioelectrical or radiological endpoint pertaining to body composition, irrespective of the modality of intervention (e.g., pharmacological, nutritional, physical exercise and behavioural) or comparator. Trials with a sample size of <40 patients were excluded. Data extraction used Covidence software, and reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. This review was prospectively registered (PROSPERO: CRD42022276710). A total of 84 clinical trials, comprising 13 016 patients, were eligible for inclusion. Non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer were studied most frequently. The majority of trial interventions were pharmacological (52%) or nutritional (34%) in nature. The most frequently reported endpoints were assessments of body weight (68 trials, n = 11 561) followed by bioimpedance analysis (BIA)-based estimates (23 trials, n = 3140). Sixteen trials (n = 3052) included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)-based endpoints, and computed tomography (CT) body composition was included in eight trials (n = 841). Discrepancies were evident when comparing the efficacy of interventions using BIA-based estimates of lean tissue mass against radiological assessment modalities. Body weight, BIA and DEXA-based endpoints have been most frequently used in cancer cachexia trials. Although the optimal endpoints cannot be determined from this review, body weight, alongside measurements from radiological body composition analysis, would seem appropriate. The choice of radiological modality is likely to be dependent on the trial setting, population and intervention in question. CT and magnetic resonance imaging, which have the ability to accurately discriminate tissue types, are likely to be more sensitive and provide greater detail. Endpoints are of particular importance when aligned with the intervention's mechanism of action and/or intended patient benefit.
Topics: Humans; Cachexia; Neoplasms; Body Composition; Body Weight; Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38738581
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13478 -
Advances in Respiratory Medicine Mar 2024COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Its diagnosis can be made with spirometry, which is underused due to its limited accessibility. Portable spirometry... (Review)
Review
How to Enhance the Diagnosis of Early Stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? The Role of Mobile Spirometry in COPD Screening and Diagnosis-A Systematic Review.
COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Its diagnosis can be made with spirometry, which is underused due to its limited accessibility. Portable spirometry holds promise for enhancing the efficacy of COPD diagnoses. The study aimed to estimate COPD prevalence diagnosed with a portable spirometer in high-risk patients and compare it with COPD prevalence based on data from conventional, on-site spirometry. We also evaluated the strategy of a proactive approach to identify COPD in high-risk individuals. We conducted a systematic review of original studies on COPD targeted screening and diagnosis with portable and conventional spirometers selected from 8496 publications initially found in three databases: Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase. The inclusion criteria were met by 28 studies. COPD prevalence evaluated with the use of portable spirometers reached 20.27% and was lower compared to that estimated with the use of conventional spirometers (24.67%). In 11 included studies, postbronchodilator tests were performed with portable spirometers, which enabled a bedside COPD diagnosis. Portable spirometers can be successfully used in COPD targeted screening and diagnosis and thus enhance the detection of COPD at early stages.
Topics: Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Humans; Spirometry; Mass Screening; Early Diagnosis
PubMed: 38666812
DOI: 10.3390/arm92020018 -
Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis : An... Jun 2024The article aimed to compare the efficiency and safety of aspirin with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery patients.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The article aimed to compare the efficiency and safety of aspirin with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery patients. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library database were searched for studies comparing aspirin and LMWH in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis until 25 April 2023. The outcome measures included deep venous thrombosis(DVT)/Pulmonary embolism(PE) events, major bleeding events, wound complications, wound infection and death. Six studies met the requirements of our meta-analysis, including 12 470 patients in the aspirin group and 10 857 patients in the LMWH group. The meta-analysis showed that results showed that LMWH was superior to aspirin in preventing VTE events (odds ratio (OR) 1.44, 95% CI 1.24-1.68, P < 0.00001), whereas there was no significant difference between them in bleeding events (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.86-1.05, P = 0.33), wound complication (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.28-1.17, P = 0.13), wound infection (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.86-1.47, P = 0.39) and mortality (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.70-1.55, P = 0.83). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that compared with aspirin, LMWH was more likely to reduce the incidence of DVT events in orthopaedic surgery patients (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.33-1.91, P < 0.00001), whereas there was no advantage in reducing the incidence of PE events (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.62-2.40, P = 0.56). Despite the similar safety profiles, this meta-analysis showed that LMWH was significantly superior to aspirin in thromboprophylaxis after orthopaedic surgery. LMWH was still the first-line drug for thrombosis prevention in patients who underwent major orthopaedic surgeries.
Topics: Humans; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Aspirin; Orthopedic Procedures; Venous Thromboembolism; Anticoagulants; Pulmonary Embolism; Venous Thrombosis; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38652521
DOI: 10.1097/MBC.0000000000001300 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Sarcopenia, marked by a reduction in skeletal muscle mass and function, is a condition that can manifest in elderly patients with cancer and has been recognized as a...
BACKGROUND
Sarcopenia, marked by a reduction in skeletal muscle mass and function, is a condition that can manifest in elderly patients with cancer and has been recognized as a possible adverse factor affecting the survival of individuals diagnosed with malignant tumors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the prevalence of sarcopenia in individuals with cholangiocarcinoma while concurrently investigating the potential correlations between the presence of sarcopenia and various critical factors, including survival outcomes and postoperative complications.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI, employing keywords such as sarcopenia, cholangiocarcinoma, and prognosis. This research explored the prognostic value of sarcopenia on the survival of cholangiocarcinoma. The findings of this meta-analysis were presented using forest plots and a summarized effects model. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to evaluate the quality of the studies included in the analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 33 articles from five databases were in in the quantitative analysis. A comprehensive meta-analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of sarcopenia among individuals diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma was43%. Moreover, the analysis revealed a significant and noteworthy correlation between sarcopenia and key clinical parameters such as overall survival (OS), Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS), and Disease-Free Survival (DFS) in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Subgroup analysis revealed that, when categorized by various ethnicities, diagnostic techniques, and tumor locations, sarcopenia consistently retained its status as a negative predictive factor. Furthermore, sarcopenia has emerged as a risk factor for postoperative complications. All included studies had an NOS score greater than 5, indicating a high quality of evidence.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that sarcopenia is significantly related to survival outcomes and postoperative complications in cholangiocarcinoma. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia should be implemented to improve the prognosis of individuals with cholangiocarcinoma.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023479866, identifier CRD42023479866.
PubMed: 38571501
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1363843 -
Journal of Global Health Mar 2024This study was designed to evaluate the effects of body mass index (BMI) and weight change on the risk of developing cancer overall and cancer at different sites. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of body mass index (BMI) and weight change on the risk of developing cancer overall and cancer at different sites.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and other databases up to July 2023 using the keywords related to 'risk', 'cancer', 'weight', 'overweight', and 'obesity'. We identified eligible studies, and the inclusion criteria encompassed cohort studies in English that focused on cancer diagnosis and included BMI or weight change as an exposure factor. Multiple authors performed data extraction and quality assessment, and statistical analyses were carried out using RevMan and R software. We used random- or fixed-effects models to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess study quality.
RESULTS
Analysis included 66 cohort studies. Compared to underweight or normal weight, overweight or obesity was associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, and liver cancer but a decreased risk of prostate cancer and lung cancer. Being underweight was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer and lung cancer but not that of postmenopausal breast cancer or female reproductive cancer. In addition, weight loss of more than five kg was protective against overall cancer risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Overweight and obesity increase the risk of most cancers, and weight loss of >5 kg reduces overall cancer risk. These findings provide insights for cancer prevention and help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying cancer development.
REGISTRATION
Reviewregistry1786.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Body Mass Index; Overweight; Thinness; Obesity; Cohort Studies; Breast Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38547495
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04067 -
Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen... Mar 2024BackgroundIn countries with a low TB incidence (≤ 10 cases/100,000 population), active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) mostly affects vulnerable populations with...
BackgroundIn countries with a low TB incidence (≤ 10 cases/100,000 population), active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) mostly affects vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare. Thus, passive case-finding systems may not be successful in detecting and treating cases and preventing further transmission. Active and cost-effective search strategies can overcome this problem.AimWe aimed to review the evidence on the cost-effectiveness (C-E) of active PTB screening programmes among high-risk populations in low TB incidence countries.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature search covering 2008-2023 on PubMed, Embase, Center for Reviews and Dissemination, including Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), National Health Services Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED), Global Index Medicus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).ResultsWe retrieved 6,318 articles and included nine in this review. All included studies had an active case-finding approach and used chest X-ray, tuberculin skin test, interferon-gamma release assay and a symptoms questionnaire for screening. The results indicate that screening immigrants from countries with a TB incidence > 40 cases per 100,000 population and other vulnerable populations as individuals from isolated communities, people experiencing homelessness, those accessing drug treatment services and contacts, is cost-effective in low-incidence countries.ConclusionIn low-incidence countries, targeting high-risk groups is C-E. However, due to the data heterogenicity, we were unable to compare C-E. Harmonisation of the methods for C-E analysis is needed and would facilitate comparisons. To outline comprehensive screening and its subsequent C-E analysis, researchers should consider multiple factors influencing screening methods and outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Incidence; Tuberculosis; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Mass Screening
PubMed: 38516785
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.12.2300614 -
Cureus Feb 2024The aim of this meta-analysis was to scrutinize the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in individuals with ideopathic pulmonary... (Review)
Review
The aim of this meta-analysis was to scrutinize the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in individuals with ideopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We carried out this systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Statement (PRISMA). Two independent researchers systematically searched major databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, from January 1, 2000, until December 31, 2023. We included all studies involving adult patients (age >18 years) with IPF that assessed the prevalence and characteristics of OSA in IPF patients. A total of seven studies involving a pooled sample of 411 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of OSA among individuals with IPF was found to be 70% (95% CI: 59 to 82%). Individuals with OSA exhibited a significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) compared to their counterparts. While individuals with both IPF and OSA exhibited higher scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) compared to those with IPF alone, the OSA group also showed lower oxygen saturation during sleep in comparison to non-OSA patients. In summary, OSA is a prevalent coexisting condition among individuals with IPF. This presence could worsen the nighttime oxygen saturation. Consequently, there is a need for more extensive studies involving more uniform participant groups.
PubMed: 38516439
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54562