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Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Jan 2024The aetiology of gastroschisis is considered multifactorial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether the use of medications during... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
The aetiology of gastroschisis is considered multifactorial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether the use of medications during pregnancy, is associated with the risk of gastroschisis in offspring.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched from 1st January 1990 to 31st December 2020 to identify observational studies examining the association between medication use during pregnancy and the risk of gastroschisis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for the quality assessment of the individual studies. We pooled adjusted measures using a random-effect model to estimate relative risk [RR] and the 95% confidence interval [CI]. I statistic for heterogeneity and publication bias was calculated.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies providing data on 751,954 pregnancies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled RRs showed significant associations between aspirin (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.16-2.38; I = 58.3%), oral contraceptives (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.21-1.92; I = 22.0%), pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16-1.97; I = 33.2%), ibuprofen (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.26-1.60; I = 0.0%), and gastroschisis. No association was observed between paracetamol and gastroschisis (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.96-1.41; I = 39.4%).
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the exposure in the first trimester of pregnancy to over the counter medications (OTC) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine as well as to oral contraceptives, was associated with an increased risk of gastroschisis. However, these associations are significant only in particular subgroups defined by geographic location, adjustment variables and type of control. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate them as potential risk factors for gastroschisis, to assess their safety in pregnancy and to develop treatment strategies to reduce the risk of gastroschisis in offspring. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021287529.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Aspirin; Contraceptives, Oral; Gastroschisis; Ibuprofen; Phenylpropanolamine; Pseudoephedrine; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38287353
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02992-z -
Annals of Hepatology 2024Cohort studies reported controversial results regarding the long-term prognosis of patients with lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared to non-lean... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Cohort studies reported controversial results regarding the long-term prognosis of patients with lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared to non-lean NAFLD patients. This updated meta-analysis aimed to estimate the magnitude of the association between lean body mass index and all-cause mortality risk in NAFLD patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We systematically searched the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception to March 2023 to identify observational studies that reported hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality of patients with lean NAFLD versus those with non-lean, overweight, or obese NAFLD. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality were pooled using a random effects model.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies with 94,181 NAFLD patients (11.3 % with lean NAFLD) and 7,443 fatal events over a median follow-up of 8.4 years (IQR, 6.6-17.4 years) were included. Patients with lean NAFLD had a higher risk of all-cause mortality than those with non-lean NAFLD (random-effects HR 1.61, 95 % CI 1.37-1.89; I=77 %). The magnitude of this risk remained unchanged even after stratified analysis by measures of NAFLD diagnosis, study country, cohort setting, length of follow-up, adjustment with fibrosis stage/cirrhosis, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The risk was independent of age, sex, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Sensitivity analyses did not alter these findings. The funnel plot and Egger's test revealed no significant publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis revealed that lean NAFLD is associated with an approximately 1.6-fold increased mortality risk. Further studies are needed to unravel the existing but complex link between lean NAFLD and an increased risk of death.
Topics: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Humans; Body Mass Index; Cause of Death; Risk Factors; Thinness; Risk Assessment; Prognosis
PubMed: 38278181
DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101288 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2024Non-selective β blockers (NSBBs) may negatively influence renal function through decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. This study aimed to systematically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Non-selective β blockers (NSBBs) may negatively influence renal function through decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. This study aimed to systematically investigate their association.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched to identify all relevant studies evaluating the association of NSBBs with renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. Unadjusted and adjusted data were separately extracted. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled. Subgroup meta-analyses were performed according to the proportions of ascites and Child-Pugh class B/C and the mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were finally included. Based on unadjusted data, NSBBs significantly increased the risk of developing renal dysfunction (OR = 1.49; = 0.03), and this association remained significant in subgroup analyses of studies where the proportions of ascites was >70% and Child-Pugh class B/C was 100%. Based on adjusted data with propensity score matching (adjusted OR = 0.61; = 0.08) and multivariable regression modelling (adjusted HR = 0.86; = 0.713), NSBBs did not increase the risk of developing renal dysfunction, and this association remained not significant in subgroup analyses of studies where the proportions of ascites was >70% and <70%, the proportion of Child-Pugh class B/C was <100%, and the mean MELD score was <15. The quality of evidence was very low for all meta-analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
NSBBs may not be associated with the development of renal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis. However, more evidence is required to clarify their association in specific populations.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; End Stage Liver Disease; Severity of Illness Index; Liver Cirrhosis; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Kidney Diseases
PubMed: 38271554
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2305935 -
BMC Pediatrics Jan 2024Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is broadly recognized to be associated with neurobehavioral deficits, which have significant impacts on developing-aged children and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is broadly recognized to be associated with neurobehavioral deficits, which have significant impacts on developing-aged children and adolescents. Therefore, our study aimed to quantify the proportion of neurobehavioral impairments attributed to SDB in general children and adolescents by population attributable fraction (PAF).
METHODS
The study was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023388143). We collected two types of literature on the prevalence of SDB and the risk of SDB-related neurobehavioral deficits from ten electronic databases and registers, respectively. The pooled effect sizes (P, P, RR) by random-effects meta-analysis were separately substituted into Levin's formula and Miettinen's formula to calculate PAFs.
RESULTS
Three prevalence literature and 2 risk literature, all with moderate/high quality, were included in the quantitative analysis individually. The prevalence of SDB was 11% (95%CI 2%-20%) in children and adolescents (P), while the SDB prevalence was 25% (95%CI 7%-42%) in neurobehavioral patients (P). SDB diagnosis at baseline was probably associated with about threefold subsequent incidence of neurobehavioral deficits (pooled RR 3.24, 95%CI 1.25-8.41), after multi-adjustment for key confounders. Up to 19.8% or 17.3% of neurobehavioral consequences may be attributed to SDB from Levin's formula and Miettinen's formula, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
A certain number of neurobehavioral consequences may be attributable to SDB. It is essential for clinicians to identify and treat SDB timely, as well as screen for SDB in patients with neurobehavioral impairments. More longitudinal studies of SDB and neurobehavioral deficits are needed in the future to further certify the association between them.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Incidence; Prevalence; Sleep Apnea Syndromes
PubMed: 38245707
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04511-2 -
Campbell Systematic Reviews Mar 2024Healthy after-school activities such as participation in organised sport have been shown to serve as important resources for reducing school failure and other... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Healthy after-school activities such as participation in organised sport have been shown to serve as important resources for reducing school failure and other problem/high-risk behaviour. It remains to be established to what extent organised sport participation has positive impacts on young people in unstable life circumstances.
OBJECTIVES
What are the effects of organised sport on risk behaviour, personal, emotional and social skills of young people, who either have experienced or are at-risk of experiencing an adverse outcome?
SEARCH METHODS
The database searches were carried out in March 2023 and other sources were searched in May 2023. We searched to identify both published and unpublished literature.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The intervention was participation in leisure time organised sport. Young people between 6 and 18 years of age, who either have experienced or are at-risk of experiencing an adverse outcome were eligible. Primary outcomes were problem/high-risk behaviour and a secondary outcomes social and emotional outcomes. Studies that used a control group were eligible for. Studies that utilised qualitative approaches were not.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The number of potentially relevant studies was 43,716. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Only seven studies could be used in the data synthesis. Five studies were judged to have a critical risk of bias and were excluded from the meta-analysis. One study did not report data that enabled the calculation of effect sizes and standard errors. Meta-analyses were conducted on each conceptual outcome separately. All analyses were inverse variance weighted using random effects statistical models.
MAIN RESULTS
Two studies were from Canada, one from Australia, and the remaining from the USA. The timespan of the interventions was 23 years, from 1995 to 2018. The median number of participants analysed was 316, and the median number of controls was 452. A number of primary outcomes were reported but each in a single study only. Concerning secondary outcomes, two studies reported the effect on overall psychosocial adjustment at post-intervention. The standardised mean difference was 0.70 (95% CI 0.28-1.11). There was a small amount of heterogeneity. Three studies reported on depressive symptoms at 0-3 years follow-up. The standardised mean difference was 0.02 (95% CI -0.01 to 0.06). There was no heterogeneity between the three studies. In addition, a number of other secondary outcomes were reported each in a single study only.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There were too few studies included in the meta-analyses in order for us to draw any conclusion. The dominance of Northern America clearly limiting the generalisability of the findings. The majority of the studies were not considered to be of overall high quality and the process of excluding studies with critical risk of bias from the meta-analysis applied in this review left us with only 7 of a total of 13 possible studies to synthesise. Further, because too few studies reported results on the same type of outcome, at most three studies could be combined in a particular meta-analysis and no meta-analysis could be performed on any of the primary outcomes.
PubMed: 38239757
DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1381 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2024Several studies have reported an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes after long-term exposure (more than 1 year) to particulate matter with an... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Several studies have reported an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes after long-term exposure (more than 1 year) to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM). However, the conclusions remain inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to examine the association between long-term PM exposure and CKD outcomes. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, and Embase for relevant studies published until August 10, 2023. The main outcomes were incidence and prevalence of CKD as well as incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The random-effect model meta-analyses were used to estimate the risk of each outcome among studies. Twenty two studies were identified, including 14 cohort studies, and 8 cross-sectional studies, with a total of 7,967,388 participants. This meta-analysis revealed that each 10 μg/m increment in PM was significantly associated with increased risks of both incidence and prevalence of CKD [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.31 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24 to 1.40), adjusted OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.67), respectively]. In addition, the relationship with ESKD incidence is suggestive of increased risk but not conclusive (adjusted OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.36). The incidence and prevalence of CKD outcomes had a consistent association across all subgroups and adjustment variables. Our study observed an association between long-term PM exposure and the risks of CKD. However, more dedicated studies are required to show causation that warrants urgent action on PM to mitigate the global burden of CKD.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Odds Ratio; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 38200164
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51554-1 -
RMD Open Jan 2024Immune-suppressing drugs can cause liver, kidney or blood toxicity. Prognostic factors for these adverse-events are poorly understood.
Prognostic factors for liver, blood and kidney adverse events from glucocorticoid sparing immune-suppressing drugs in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: a prognostic systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Immune-suppressing drugs can cause liver, kidney or blood toxicity. Prognostic factors for these adverse-events are poorly understood.
PURPOSE
To ascertain prognostic factors associated with liver, blood or kidney adverse-events in people receiving immune-suppressing drugs.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane library (01 January 1995 to 05 January 2023), and supplementary sources.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were extracted by one reviewer using a modified CHARMS-PF checklist and validated by another. Two independent reviewers assessed risk of bias using Quality in Prognostic factor Studies tool and assessed the quality of evidence using a Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-informed framework.
RESULTS
Fifty-six studies from 58 papers were included. High-quality evidence of the following associations was identified: elevated liver enzymes (6 studies) and folate non-supplementation (3 studies) are prognostic factors for hepatotoxicity in those treated with methotrexate; that mercaptopurine (vs azathioprine) (3 studies) was a prognostic factor for hepatotoxicity in those treated with thiopurines; that mercaptopurine (vs azathioprine) (3 studies) and poor-metaboliser status (4 studies) were prognostic factors for cytopenia in those treated with thiopurines; and that baseline elevated liver enzymes (3 studies) are a prognostic factor for hepatotoxicity in those treated with anti-tumour necrosis factors. Moderate and low quality evidence for several other demographic, lifestyle, comorbidities, baseline bloods/serologic or treatment-related prognostic factors were also identified.
LIMITATIONS
Studies published before 1995, those with less than 200 participants and not published in English were excluded. Heterogeneity between studies included different cut-offs for prognostic factors, use of different outcome definitions and different adjustment factors.
CONCLUSIONS
Prognostic factors for target-organ damage were identified which may be further investigated for their potential role in targeted (risk-stratified) monitoring.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020208049.
Topics: Humans; Azathioprine; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Glucocorticoids; Kidney; Mercaptopurine; Prognosis
PubMed: 38199851
DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003588 -
Annals of Coloproctology Dec 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the outcomes of the watch-and-wait (WW) approach versus radical surgery (RS) in rectal cancers with clinical complete... (Review)
Review
Survival outcomes of salvage surgery in the watch-and-wait approach for rectal cancer with clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the outcomes of the watch-and-wait (WW) approach versus radical surgery (RS) in rectal cancers with clinical complete response (cCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
METHODS
This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. Major databases were searched to identify relevant articles. WW and RS were compared through meta-analyses of pooled proportions. Primary outcomes included overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence, and distant metastasis rates. Pooled salvage surgery rates and outcomes were also collected. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was employed to assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Eleven studies including 1,112 rectal cancer patients showing cCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation were included. Of these patients, 378 were treated nonoperatively with WW, 663 underwent RS, and 71 underwent local excision. The 2-year OS (risk ratio [RR], 0.95; P = 0.94), 5-year OS (RR, 2.59; P = 0.25), and distant metastasis rates (RR, 1.05; P = 0.80) showed no significant differences between WW and RS. Local recurrence was more frequent in the WW group (RR, 6.93; P < 0.001), and 78.4% of patients later underwent salvage surgery (R0 resection rate, 97.5%). The 2-year DFS (RR, 1.58; P = 0.05) and 5-year DFS (RR, 2.07; P = 0.02) were higher among RS cases. However, after adjustment for R0 salvage surgery, DFS showed no significant between-group difference (RR, 0.82; P = 0.41).
CONCLUSION
Local recurrence rates are higher for WW than RS, but complete salvage surgery is often possible with similar long-term outcomes. WW is a viable strategy for rectal cancer with cCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, but further research is required to improve patient selection.
PubMed: 38185947
DOI: 10.3393/ac.2022.01221.0174 -
European Review For Medical and... Dec 2023Research shows that patients with bipolar disorders (BD) may have an altered risk of cardiovascular diseases; however, the association between the two is not clear. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Research shows that patients with bipolar disorders (BD) may have an altered risk of cardiovascular diseases; however, the association between the two is not clear. In this study, we reviewed evidence on the association between BD and subsequent risk of myocardial infarction (MI).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Studies published on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were identified up to 30th August 2023. Random-effects meta-analysis was done to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR).
RESULTS
A total of six studies with 19,862,894 individuals were included. Of these, 46,627 were diagnosed with BD (0.23%). The median follow-up of the studies varied from 7.6 to 20 years. Meta-analysis of all six studies showed that BD patients do not have a higher risk of MI as compared to the general population (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.86). The overall analysis had substantial heterogeneity with I2=86%. No publication bias was noted among the studies. Results did not change during sensitivity analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence fails to show an association between BD and subsequent risk of MI. The high heterogeneity in the meta-analysis and lack of adjustment of all important confounders are significant limitations that need to be overcome by future studies.
Topics: Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Myocardial Infarction; Odds Ratio
PubMed: 38164842
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202312_34777 -
BMJ Global Health Dec 2023Despite a growing body of scholarly research on the risks of severe COVID-19 associated with diabetes, hypertension and obesity, there is a need for estimating pooled... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Despite a growing body of scholarly research on the risks of severe COVID-19 associated with diabetes, hypertension and obesity, there is a need for estimating pooled risk estimates with adjustment for confounding effects. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled adjusted risk ratios of diabetes, hypertension and obesity on COVID-19 mortality.
METHODS
We searched 16 literature databases for original studies published between 1 December 2019 and 31 December 2020. We used the adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the risk of bias. Pooled risk ratios were estimated based on the adjusted effect sizes. We applied random-effects meta-analysis to account for the uncertainty in residual heterogeneity. We used contour-funnel plots and Egger's test to assess possible publication bias.
RESULTS
We reviewed 34 830 records identified in literature search, of which 145 original studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled adjusted risk ratios were 1.43 (95% CI 1.32 to 1.54), 1.19 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.30) and 1.39 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.52) for diabetes, hypertension and obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m) on COVID-19 mortality, respectively. The pooled adjusted risk ratios appeared to be stronger in studies conducted before April 2020, Western Pacific Region, low- and middle-income countries, and countries with low Global Health Security Index scores, when compared with their counterparts.
CONCLUSIONS
Diabetes, hypertension and obesity were associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 mortality independent of other known risk factors, particularly in low-resource settings. Addressing these chronic diseases could be important for global pandemic preparedness and mortality prevention.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021204371.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Diabetes Mellitus; Hypertension; Obesity; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38097276
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012581