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Clinical Cardiology May 2024The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with complex hemostatic changes. Systemic anticoagulation is initiated to prevent clotting in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with complex hemostatic changes. Systemic anticoagulation is initiated to prevent clotting in the ECMO system, but this comes with an increased risk of bleeding. Evidence on the use of anti-Xa-guided monitoring to prevent bleeding during ECMO support is limited. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the association between anti-factor Xa-guided anticoagulation and hemorrhage during ECMO.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed (up to August 2023).
PROSPERO
CRD42023448888.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies comprising 2293 patients were included in the analysis, with six works being part of the meta-analysis. The mean anti-Xa values did not show a significant difference between patients with and without hemorrhage (standardized mean difference -0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.19; 0.28, p = .69). We found a positive correlation between anti-Xa levels and unfractionated heparin dose (UFH; pooled estimate of correlation coefficients 0.44; 95% CI: 0.33; 0.55, p < .001). The most frequent complications were any type of hemorrhage (pooled 36%) and thrombosis (33%). Nearly half of the critically ill patients did not survive to hospital discharge (47%).
CONCLUSIONS
The most appropriate tool for anticoagulation monitoring in ECMO patients is uncertain. Our analysis did not reveal a significant difference in anti-Xa levels in patients with and without hemorrhagic events. However, we found a moderate correlation between anti-Xa and the UFH dose, supporting its utilization in monitoring UFH anticoagulation. Given the limitations of time-guided monitoring methods, the role of anti-Xa is promising and further research is warranted.
Topics: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Humans; Hemorrhage; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Anticoagulants; Blood Coagulation; Factor Xa; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38693831
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24273 -
JAMA Network Open Mar 2024Multiple strategies integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical data have been proposed to determine the need for a prostate biopsy in men with suspected... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Multiple strategies integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical data have been proposed to determine the need for a prostate biopsy in men with suspected clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) (Gleason score ≥3 + 4). However, inconsistencies across different strategies create challenges for drawing a definitive conclusion.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the optimal prostate biopsy decision-making strategy for avoiding unnecessary biopsies and minimizing the risk of missing csPCa by combining MRI Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PI-RADS) and clinical data.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to July 1, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
English-language studies that evaluated men with suspected but not confirmed csPCa who underwent MRI PI-RADS followed by prostate biopsy were included. Each study had proposed a biopsy plan by combining PI-RADS and clinical data.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Studies were independently assessed for eligibility for inclusion. Quality of studies was appraised using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Mixed-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression models with multimodel inference were performed. Reporting of this study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Independent risk factors of csPCa were determined by performing meta-regression between the rate of csPCa and PI-RADS and clinical parameters. Yields of different biopsy strategies were assessed by performing diagnostic meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The analyses included 72 studies comprising 36 366 patients. Univariable meta-regression showed that PI-RADS 4 (β-coefficient [SE], 7.82 [3.85]; P = .045) and PI-RADS 5 (β-coefficient [SE], 23.18 [4.46]; P < .001) lesions, but not PI-RADS 3 lesions (β-coefficient [SE], -4.08 [3.06]; P = .19), were significantly associated with a higher risk of csPCa. When considered jointly in a multivariable model, prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) was the only clinical variable significantly associated with csPCa (β-coefficient [SE], 15.50 [5.14]; P < .001) besides PI-RADS 5 (β-coefficient [SE], 9.19 [3.33]; P < .001). Avoiding biopsy in patients with lesions with PI-RADS category of 3 or less and PSAD less than 0.10 (vs <0.15) ng/mL2 resulted in reducing 30% (vs 48%) of unnecessary biopsies (compared with performing biopsy in all suspected patients), with an estimated sensitivity of 97% (vs 95%) and number needed to harm of 17 (vs 15).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
These findings suggest that in patients with suspected csPCa, patient-tailored prostate biopsy decisions based on PI-RADS and PSAD could prevent unnecessary procedures while maintaining high sensitivity.
Topics: Male; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Prostatic Neoplasms; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostate; Biopsy
PubMed: 38551559
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.4258 -
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Mar 2024Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 () gene are known to be associated with susceptibility to several... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 () gene are known to be associated with susceptibility to several cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke (IS). The aims of this study was to evaluate associations between gene polymorphisms and the risk of IS. Based on previous reports linking PCSK9 SNPs to plasma lipid levels and to atherosclerosis, and to inconsistencies in the reported associations between the SNPs, plasma lipid levels and IS risk, we choose the rs505151, rs529787, and rs17111503 to performe the association analysis.
METHODS
Using multiple databases, all relevant case-control and cohort studies that matched our search criteria were collected. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Demographic and genotype data were extracted from each study, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata/MP 17.0. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed and random effects models.
RESULTS
A critical evaluation was conducted on ten case-control studies, involving a total of 2426 cases and 2424 controls. Pooled results from the allelic models indicated the rs505151 G allele (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.06-1.87, = 0.019, I2 = 53.9%) and the rs17111503 A allele (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.22-1.55, < 0.001, I2 = 43.5%) were significantly associated with IS. Study qualities ranged from moderate (n = 4) to good (n = 6). Begg's and Egger's tests results indicated there was no evidence of publication bias in the findings ( > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis demonstrated that G allele variant of rs505151 and A allele variant of rs17111503 were associated with an increased risk of IS. Based on our findings, these SNPs could serve as potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of IS. The integration of information on genetic polymorphism into IS risk prediction model may be beneficial in routine clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Ischemic Stroke; Lipids; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Proprotein Convertase 9
PubMed: 38538222
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2303062 -
World Journal of Urology Mar 2024To characterize patient outcomes following visually directed high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To characterize patient outcomes following visually directed high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of cancer-control outcomes and complication rates among men with localized prostate cancer treated with visually directed focal HIFU. Study outcomes were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model.
RESULTS
A total of 8 observational studies with 1,819 patients (median age 67 years; prostate-specific antigen 7.1 mg/ml; prostate volume 36 ml) followed over a median of 24 months were included. The mean prostate-specific antigen nadir following visually directed focal HIFU was 2.2 ng/ml (95% CI 0.9-3.5 ng/ml), achieved after a median of 6 months post-treatment. A clinically significant positive biopsy was identified in 19.8% (95% CI 12.4-28.3%) of cases. Salvage treatment rates were 16.2% (95% CI 9.7-23.8%) for focal- or whole-gland treatment, and 8.6% (95% CI 6.1-11.5%) for whole-gland treatment. Complication rates were 16.7% (95% CI 9.9-24.6%) for de novo erectile dysfunction, 6.2% (95% CI 0.0-19.0%) for urinary retention, 3.0% (95% CI 2.1-3.9%) for urinary tract infection, 1.9% (95% CI 0.1-5.3%) for urinary incontinence, and 0.1% (95% CI 0.0-1.4%) for bowel injury.
CONCLUSION
Limited evidence from eight observational studies demonstrated that visually directed HIFU for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer was associated with a relatively low risk of complications and acceptable cancer control over medium-term follow-up. Comparative, long-term safety and effectiveness results with visually directed focal HIFU are lacking.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasound, High-Intensity Focused, Transrectal; Prostatic Neoplasms; Erectile Dysfunction
PubMed: 38507093
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04840-6 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024is a widely distributed dermatophyte, which is among the main etiological agents of dermatophytosis in humans and domestic animals. This fungus invades, colonizes and... (Review)
Review
is a widely distributed dermatophyte, which is among the main etiological agents of dermatophytosis in humans and domestic animals. This fungus invades, colonizes and nourishes itself on the keratinized tissues of the host through various virulence factors. This review will bring together the known information about the mechanisms, enzymes and their associated genes relevant to the pathogenesis processes of the fungus and will provide an overview of those virulence factors that should be better studied to establish effective methods of prevention and control of the disease. Public databases using the MeSH terms "", "virulence factors" and each individual virulence factor were reviewed to enlist a series of articles, from where only original works in English and Spanish that included relevant information on the subject were selected. Out of the 147 articles obtained in the review, 46 were selected that reported virulence factors for in a period between 1988 and 2023. The rest of the articles were discarded because they did not contain information on the topic (67), some were written in different languages (3), and others were repeated in two or more databases (24) or were not original articles (7). The main virulence factors in are keratinases, fungilisins and subtilisins. However, less commonly reported are biofilms or dipeptidylpeptidases, among others, which have been little researched because they vary in expression or activity between strains and are not considered essential for the infection and survival of the fungus. Although it is known that they are truly involved in resistance, infection and metabolism, we recognize that their study could strengthen the knowledge of the pathogenesis of with the aim of achieving effective treatments, as well as the prevention and control of infection.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Virulence Factors; Microsporum; Animals, Domestic; Subtilisins
PubMed: 38473782
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052533 -
Medicine Mar 2024Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to be effective and safe in patients with stable angina and previous myocardial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to be effective and safe in patients with stable angina and previous myocardial infarction. However, evidence for initiating their use in patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to provide more clinical evidence.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, OVID, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for eligible randomized controlled trials up to March 20, 2023. The risk ratios, standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for primary and secondary outcomes. The bias risk of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 criteria.
RESULTS
About 8 randomized controlled trials involving 1255 inpatients with ACS were included. PCSK9 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD -1.28, 95% CI -1.76 to -0.8, P = .001), triglycerides (TG) (SMD -0.93, 95% CI -1.82 to -0.05, P = .03), total cholesterol (SMD -1.36, 95% CI -2.01 to -0.71, P = .001), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -1.09 to -0.52, P = .001) within approximately 1 month. PCSK9 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced the total atheroma volume (TAV) (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.07, P = .012). It also significantly increased minimum fibrous cap thickness (FCT) (SMD 0.41, 95% CI 0.22-0.59, P = .001) in long-term follow-up (>6 months). PCSK9 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced the risk of readmission for unstable angina (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.91, P = .032) in short-term follow-up (<6 months). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization or heart failure. Only nasopharyngitis (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.01-2.91, P = .047) adverse events were significantly observed in the PCSK9 inhibitor group.
CONCLUSION
Application of a PCSK9 inhibitor in hospitalized patients with ACS reduced lipid profiles and plaque burdens and was well tolerated with few adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Anticholesteremic Agents; Proprotein Convertase 9; PCSK9 Inhibitors; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cholesterol, LDL; Myocardial Infarction; Hospitals; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 38457555
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037416 -
BMC Cancer Mar 2024A consensus has not been reached on the value of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) as a predictor of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. This meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A consensus has not been reached on the value of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) as a predictor of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between PSAD and biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after primary treatment.
METHODS
Two authors systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases (up to August September 10, 2023) to identify studies that assessed the value of pretreatment PSAD in predicting biochemical recurrence after primary treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy) of prostate cancer. A random effect model was used to pool adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for biochemical recurrence.
RESULTS
Nine studies with 4963 patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. The reported prevalence of biochemical recurrence ranged from 4 to 55.1%. For patients with higher PSAD compared to those with low PSAD, the pooled HR of biochemical recurrence was 1.59 (95% CI 1.21-2.10). Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled HR of biochemical recurrence was 1.80 (95% CI 1.34-2.42) for patients who received radical prostatectomy, and 0.98 (95% CI 0.66-1.45) for patients who received radiotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated pretreatment PSAD may be an independent predictor for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. Determining PSAD could potentially improve the prediction of biochemical recurrence in patients with prostate cancer.
Topics: Male; Humans; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Neoplasms; Prostatectomy; Consensus; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38448818
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12029-8 -
PloS One 2024The effectiveness of administering argatroban as a treatment approach following antiplatelet therapy or alteplase thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute stroke is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Can the combination of antiplatelet or alteplase thrombolytic therapy with argatroban benefit patients suffering from acute stroke? a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.
BACKGROUND
The effectiveness of administering argatroban as a treatment approach following antiplatelet therapy or alteplase thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute stroke is presently uncertain. However, it is important to highlight the potential benefits of combining this medication with known thrombolytics or antiplatelet therapy. One notable advantage of argatroban is its short half-life, which helps minimize excessive anticoagulation and risk of bleeding complications in inadvertent cases of hemorrhagic stroke. By conducting a meticulous review and meta-analysis, we aim to further explore the common use of argatroban and examine the plausible advantages of combining this medication with established thrombolytic and antiplatelet therapies.
METHOD
In this study, we performed a rigorous and methodical search for both randomized controlled trials and retrospective analyses. Our main objective was to analyze the impact of argatroban on the occurrence of hemorrhagic events and the mRS scores of 0-2. We utilized a meta-analysis to assess the relative risk (RR) associated with using argatroban versus not using it.
RESULTS
In this study, we analyzed data from 11 different studies, encompassing a total of 8,635 patients. Out of these patients, 3999(46.3%) received argatroban treatment while the remaining 4636(53.7%)did not. The primary outcome of 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin scale (mRS) score≤2) showed that the risk ratio (RR) for patients using argatroban after alteplase thrombolytic therapy compared to those not using argatroban was(RR, 1.00 ([95% CI, 0.92-1.09]; P = 0.97), indicating no statistical significance. However, for patients using argatroban after antiplatelet therapy, was (RR,1.09 [95% CI, 1.04-1.14]; P = 0.0001), which was statistically significant. In terms of hemorrhagic events, the RR for patients using argatroban compared to those not using argatroban was (RR,1.08 [95% CI, 0.88-1.33]; P = 0.46), indicating no statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that further research into combination therapy with argatroban and antiplatelet agents may be warranted, however more rigorous RCTs are needed to definitively evaluate the effects of combination treatment.
Topics: Humans; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Tissue Plasminogen Activator; Retrospective Studies; Stroke; Hemorrhage; Fibrinolytic Agents; Thrombolytic Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Arginine; Pipecolic Acids; Sulfonamides
PubMed: 38412157
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298226 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Feb 2024To evaluate the efficacy of urokinase (UK) treatment for tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of urokinase (UK) treatment for tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE).
METHODS
We searched Chinese biomedical literature database, WanFang data, CNKI, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library for the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of urokinase treatment for tuberculous pleurisy from January 2000 to February 2023. Pleural tuberculosis, urokinase and randomized controlled trial were used as keywords. The eligible studies were meta-analyzed by using Revman 5.4.1: risk of bias was assessed, mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were used for continuous variables, pooled studies were conducted using random-effects or fixed-effects models, forest plots were drawn to analyze efficacy, and funnel plots were drawn to discuss publication bias.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine RCTs were included. The meta-analyzed results showed that, on the basis of routine anti-tuberculosis, comparison between the treatment group treated with urokinase and the control group treated with antituberculosis alone, the time of pleural effusion absorption [MD-5.82, 95%CI (- 7.77, - 3.87); P<0.00001] and the residual pleural thickness [MD-1.31, 95%CI (- 1.70, - 0.91); P<0.00001], pleural effusion drainage volume [MD 822.81, 95%CI (666.46,977.96); P<0.00001], FVC%pred [MD 7.95, 95%CI (4.51,11.40); P<0.00001], FEV1%pred [MD 12.67, 95%CI (10.09,15.24); P<0.00001] were significantly different.
CONCLUSION
The clinical effect of urokinase is better than that of antituberculous therapy alone: it can increase total pleural effusion, decrease residual pleural thickness, improve the pulmonary function, and shorten the time of pleural effusion absorption.
Topics: Humans; Tuberculosis, Pleural; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator; Pleural Effusion; Exudates and Transudates; Drainage
PubMed: 38402168
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-08975-0 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a generally accepted method treating for aging-related late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). However, the efficacy and safety of TRT... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a generally accepted method treating for aging-related late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). However, the efficacy and safety of TRT remain controversial. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness and security of TRT treating for LOH.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TRT for LOH were searched in the databases of Pubmed, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane from 1990 to 2023 and an updated meta-analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
The results of 28 RCTs involving 3461 patients were included and scrutinized in this analysis. Among these, 11 RCTs were of long-term duration (≥12 months), while 18 RCTs were short-term studies (<12 months) comparing TRT with a placebo. TRT modalities comprised injection, oral administration, and transdermal administration. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (Weighted Mean difference (WMD) 3.26; 95%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.654.88; P<0.0001) was obviously improved in the TRT group. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (WMD 0.00; 95% CI -0.450.45; P=1.0), Prostate Volume (PV) (WMD 0.38; 95% CI -0.641.41; P=0.46), Maximum Flow Rate (Qmax) (WMD 1.86; 95% CI -0.984.69; P=0.20), Postvoid Residual Urine Volume (PVR) (WMD 3.20; 95% CI -5.8712.28; P=0.49) and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) (WMD 0.08; 95% CI -0.000.17; P=0.06) were not significantly statistical between two groups.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis reveals that TRT could improve the IIEF score of hypogonadal men without detriment to the IPSS score, PV, Qmax, PVR and PSA regardless of the administration method or duration of treatment.The meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023413434).
Topics: Humans; Male; Erectile Dysfunction; Hypogonadism; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Testosterone; Aging
PubMed: 38344665
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1335146