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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders May 2024This review aims to study the clinical characteristics, diagnostic results, treatments, and outcomes in patients with heterotopic ossification following COVID-19...
BACKGROUND
This review aims to study the clinical characteristics, diagnostic results, treatments, and outcomes in patients with heterotopic ossification following COVID-19 infection.
METHODS
A literature search for eligible articles was conducted using MEDLINE/Pubmed, Global Health, and Scopus databases (January 12th, 2023), including all case reports and case series from any country and language. The criteria for inclusion in this review were cases of COVID-19 infection subsequently developing heterotopic ossification.
RESULTS
This systematic review analysed 15 reports (n = 20 patients) documenting cases of heterotopic ossification following COVID-19 infection. 80% of the patients were male, with a median age of 59 years. All patients required intensive care unit stay with an average duration of 48.5 days. Mechanical ventilation was necessary for all patients and 30% of them underwent tracheostomy. Common symptoms included stiffness and pain, most frequently affecting multiple locations (70%), with the hips and shoulders being predominantly involved. X-rays were the most commonly used imaging modality, followed by computed tomography. Although treatment was given, some of the patients continued to experience symptoms, particularly stiffness.
CONCLUSION
20 patients who developed heterotopic ossification after COVID-19 have been reported, the majority of which had at least two independent risk factors for this condition. The link between those two clinical entities is therefore uncertain, requiring further investigation. It is nonetheless important to suspect heterotopic ossification in patients with severe COVID-19 infection, prolonged immobilisation, mechanical ventilation, who develop joint pain and stiffness, as this condition can significantly impact patients' quality of life.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
CRD42023393516.
Topics: Humans; Ossification, Heterotopic; COVID-19; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Respiration, Artificial; Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Adult
PubMed: 38811925
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07537-4 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Jul 2024Plant-based dietary patterns (PBDs) might protect against COVID-19 risk and reduce severity of infection. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to examine the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Plant-based dietary patterns (PBDs) might protect against COVID-19 risk and reduce severity of infection. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between PBDs and risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and/or mortality, in adults.
METHODS
Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched for observational studies, published in English up to 3rd April 2023, comparing the highest with the lowest adherence to a specific PBD. Data were screened, extracted, and risk of bias assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, by independent reviewers.
RESULTS
Seven studies (one cross-sectional, three case-control, and three prospective cohort), reporting on 649,315 participants, were eligible. Across them, there were 8512 events of COVID-19 infection (six studies), and 206 events of COVID-19 hospitalization (four studies), in addition to one study reporting on a composite hospitalization outcome (740 events). The pooled analysis showed that PBDs are associated with a 59% (odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.23-0.59; two studies) and 18% (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.78-0.85; three studies) reduction in COVID-19 infection risk in case-control and cohort studies, respectively. The pooled analysis of one case-control and two cohort studies showed an inverse association between high adherence to a PBD and risk of COVID-19 hospitalization (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.04-0.72).
CONCLUSION
Findings suggest a protective role of PBDs against the risk of COVID-19 infection and severity. More studies are needed to establish the association between PBDs and risk of ICU admission and mortality due to COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Observational Studies as Topic; Hospitalization; Diet, Vegetarian; Adult; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; Intensive Care Units; Male; Risk Factors; Middle Aged; Female; Dietary Patterns
PubMed: 38810425
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.05.033 -
Clinical Rheumatology Jul 2024Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate (MTX), can suppress the COVID-19 vaccine response in patients with autoimmune diseases. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate (MTX), can suppress the COVID-19 vaccine response in patients with autoimmune diseases. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of MTX hold following COVID-19 vaccination on vaccine efficacy response. A systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies retrieved from Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and CENTRAL from inception until Oct 1, 2023, was conducted. Covidence was used to screen the eligible articles, and all relevant outcomes data were synthesized using risk ratios (RRs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in meta-analysis models within RevMan 5.4. PROSPERO ID: CRD42024511628. Four studies with a total of 762 patients with autoimmune inflammatory disorders were included. Holding MTX following the COVID-19 vaccination for approximately 2 weeks was associated with significantly higher antibody titer (SMD: 0.70, 95% CI [0.54, 0.87], P < 0.00001). However, the flare rate was significantly higher in the MTX hold group based on CDAI > 10 or DAS28-CRP > 1.2 either after 1st dose (RR: 2.49 with 95% CI [1.39, 4.47], P = 0.002) or 2nd dose (RR: 2.16 with 95% CI [1.37, 3.41], P = 0.0009) and self-reported disease flare (RR: 1.71 with 95% CI [1.35, 2.17], P < 0.00001). Holding MTX for 2 weeks after the COVID-19 vaccination resulted in significantly higher antibody titer but also had a higher disease flare rate, necessitating cautious clinical monitoring during this period. There is still a need to investigate safer MTX hold duration, considering patients' vulnerability to COVID-19, disease status, and demographics while adopting this strategy.
Topics: Humans; Methotrexate; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Autoimmune Diseases; Immunosuppressive Agents; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccine Efficacy
PubMed: 38802670
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-07013-3 -
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine 2024To date, it is unknown whether respiratory training interventions can benefit Long COVID-19 patients. The main objective was to analyze the effects of respiratory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
To date, it is unknown whether respiratory training interventions can benefit Long COVID-19 patients. The main objective was to analyze the effects of respiratory training on patients with Long COVID-19, concretely on respiratory muscle strength, lung function, dyspnea, and functional capacity.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review following PRISMA statement using PubMed, Scopus, and PEDro (last search November 2023). The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. We included randomized controlled trials testing the effect of respiratory training interventions in Long COVID-19 patients versus no intervention, control, or placebo intervention. The data was pooled, and a meta-analysis was complete.
RESULTS
We selected 7 studies, which included 572 patients. Meta-analysis results show significant differences in favor of respiratory training in respiratory muscle strength (MD = 13.71; 95% CI = 5.41; 22; = 0.001), dyspnea (SDM = 1.39; 95% CI = 0.33; 2.46; = 0.01) and functional capacity (SDM = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.37; 1.43; = 0.0009), but not in lung function (MD = 0.28; 95%CI = -0.27; 0.83; = 0.32).
CONCLUSION
The results of this systematic review with meta-analysis suggest that respiratory training improves respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in Long COVID-19 patients, as well as dyspnea if combined with therapeutic exercise. However, respiratory training does not improve lung function in these patients.
REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO IDENTIFIER
CRD42022371820.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Breathing Exercises; Muscle Strength; Respiratory Muscles; Dyspnea; SARS-CoV-2; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
PubMed: 38800959
DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2024.2358933 -
Viruses May 2024The emergence of new virulent genotypes and the continued genetic drift of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) implies that distinct genotypes of NDV are simultaneously... (Review)
Review
The emergence of new virulent genotypes and the continued genetic drift of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) implies that distinct genotypes of NDV are simultaneously evolving in different geographic locations across the globe, including throughout Africa, where NDV is an important veterinary pathogen. Expanding the genomic diversity of NDV increases the possibility of diagnostic and vaccine failures. In this review, we systematically analyzed the genetic diversity of NDV genotypes in Africa using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Information published between 1999 and 2022 were used to obtain the genetic background of different genotypes of NDV and their geographic distributions in Africa. The following genotypes were reported in Africa: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, XI, XIII, XIV, XVII, XVIII, XX, and XXI. A new putative genotype has been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, of 54 African countries, only 26 countries regularly report information on NDV outbreaks, suggesting that this number may be vastly underestimated. With eight different genotypes, Nigeria is the country with the greatest genotypic diversity of NDV among African countries. Genotype VII is the most prevalent group of NDV in Africa, which was reported in 15 countries. A phylogeographic analysis of NDV sequences revealed transboundary transmission of the virus in Eastern Africa, Western and Central Africa, and in Southern Africa. A regional and continental collaboration is recommended for improved NDV risk management in Africa.
Topics: Newcastle disease virus; Genotype; Genetic Variation; Newcastle Disease; Africa; Animals; Phylogeny; Genome, Viral; Vaccination; Chickens; Viral Vaccines; Poultry Diseases; Phylogeography
PubMed: 38793675
DOI: 10.3390/v16050795 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2024The COVID-19 lockdown had a profound effect on everyday life, including sleep health. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated changes in quantitative sleep... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 lockdown had a profound effect on everyday life, including sleep health. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated changes in quantitative sleep parameters during the first lockdown compared with pre-lockdown in the general population.
METHODS
A search in scientific databases was performed to identify eligible observational studies from inception to 8 February 2023. We performed a random effects meta-analysis of those studies reporting (a) means of sleep duration, time in bed (TIB), and sleep timing (bedtime and wake-up time); (b) the percentages of atypical sleep duration before and during the lockdown; (c) the percentages of change in sleep duration and sleep timing.
RESULTS
A total of 154 studies were included. A small increase in sleep duration (0.25 standardized mean difference, 95% CI 0.180-0.315) was found, with 55.0% of the individuals reporting changes, predominantly an increase (35.2%). The pooled relative risk for sleeping more than 8/9 h per night was 3.31 (95% IC 2.60-4.21). There was a moderately significant delay in sleep timing and a surge in napping.
CONCLUSION
An increase in sleep duration and napping, and delayed sleep timing were observed. High-quality studies should evaluate whether these parameters have now become chronic or have returned to pre-lockdown values.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Sleep; Quarantine; Time Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Sleep Duration
PubMed: 38791798
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050583 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2024: Participation in targeted screening reduces lung cancer mortality by 30-60%, but screening is not universally available. Therefore, the study aimed to synthesize the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
: Participation in targeted screening reduces lung cancer mortality by 30-60%, but screening is not universally available. Therefore, the study aimed to synthesize the evidence and identify facilitators and barriers to lung cancer screening participation globally. : Two reviewers screened primary studies using qualitative methods published up to February 2023. We used two-phase synthesis consistent with a meta-study methodology to create an interpretation of lung cancer screening decisions grounded in primary studies, carried out a thematic analysis of group themes as specific facilitators and barriers, systematically compared investigations for similarities and differences, and performed meta-synthesis to generate an expanded theory of lung cancer screening participation. We used the Social Ecological Model to organize and interpret the themes: individual, interpersonal, social/cultural, and organizational/structural levels. : Fifty-two articles met the final inclusion criteria. Themes identified as facilitating lung cancer screening included prioritizing patient education, quality of communication, and quality of provider-initiated encounter/coordination of care (individual patient and provider level), quality of the patient-provider relationship (interpersonal group), perception of a life's value and purpose (cultural status), quality of tools designed, and care coordination (and organizational level). Themes coded as barriers included low awareness, fear of cancer diagnosis, low perceived benefit, high perceived risk of low-dose computerized tomography, concern about cancer itself, practical obstacle, futility, stigma, lack of family support, COVID-19 fear, disruptions in cancer care due to COVID-19, inadequate knowledge of care providers, shared decision, and inadequate time (individual level), patient misunderstanding, poor rapport, provider recommendation, lack of established relationship, and confusing decision aid tools (interpersonal group), distrust in the service, fatalistic beliefs, and perception of aging (cultural level), and lack of institutional policy, lack of care coordinators, inadequate infrastructure, absence of insurance coverage, and costs (and organizational status). : This study identified critical barriers, facilitators, and implications to lung cancer screening participation. Therefore, we employed strategies for a new digital medicine (artificial intelligence) screening method to balance the cost-benefit, "workdays" lost in case of disease, and family hardship, which is essential to improve lung cancer screening uptake.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; COVID-19; Early Detection of Cancer; Qualitative Research; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38791759
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050534 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty May 2024West Nile virus (WNV), the most widely distributed flavivirus causing encephalitis globally, is a vector-borne pathogen of global importance. The changing climate is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
West Nile virus (WNV), the most widely distributed flavivirus causing encephalitis globally, is a vector-borne pathogen of global importance. The changing climate is poised to reshape the landscape of various infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne ones like WNV. Understanding the anticipated geographical and range shifts in disease transmission due to climate change, alongside effective adaptation strategies, is critical for mitigating future public health impacts. This scoping review aims to consolidate evidence on the impact of climate change on WNV and to identify a spectrum of applicable adaptation strategies.
MAIN BODY
We systematically analyzed research articles from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Our criteria included English-language research articles published between 2007 and 2023, focusing on the impacts of climate change on WNV and related adaptation strategies. We extracted data concerning study objectives, populations, geographical focus, and specific findings. Literature was categorized into two primary themes: 1) climate-WNV associations, and 2) climate change impacts on WNV transmission, providing a clear understanding. Out of 2168 articles reviewed, 120 met our criteria. Most evidence originated from North America (59.2%) and Europe (28.3%), with a primary focus on human cases (31.7%). Studies on climate-WNV correlations (n = 83) highlighted temperature (67.5%) as a pivotal climate factor. In the analysis of climate change impacts on WNV (n = 37), most evidence suggested that climate change may affect the transmission and distribution of WNV, with the extent of the impact depending on local and regional conditions. Although few studies directly addressed the implementation of adaptation strategies for climate-induced disease transmission, the proposed strategies (n = 49) fell into six categories: 1) surveillance and monitoring (38.8%), 2) predictive modeling (18.4%), 3) cross-disciplinary collaboration (16.3%), 4) environmental management (12.2%), 5) public education (8.2%), and 6) health system readiness (6.1%). Additionally, we developed an accessible online platform to summarize the evidence on climate change impacts on WNV transmission ( https://2xzl2o-neaop.shinyapps.io/WNVScopingReview/ ).
CONCLUSIONS
This review reveals that climate change may affect the transmission and distribution of WNV, but the literature reflects only a small share of the global WNV dynamics. There is an urgent need for adaptive responses to anticipate and respond to the climate-driven spread of WNV. Nevertheless, studies focusing on these adaptation responses are sparse compared to those examining the impacts of climate change. Further research on the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies for vector-borne diseases, along with more comprehensive evidence synthesis, is needed to inform effective policy responses tailored to local contexts.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Adaptation, Physiological; Climate Change; West Nile Fever; West Nile virus
PubMed: 38790027
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01207-2 -
BMC Infectious Diseases May 2024The burden of hepatitis E in Southeast Asia is substantial, influenced by its distinct socio-economic and environmental factors, as well as variations in healthcare... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The burden of hepatitis E in Southeast Asia is substantial, influenced by its distinct socio-economic and environmental factors, as well as variations in healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to assess the pooled seroprevalence of hepatitis E across countries within the Southeast Asian region by the UN division.The study analyzed 66 papers across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, encompassing data from of 44,850 individuals focusing on anti-HEV seroprevalence. The investigation spanned nine countries, excluding Brunei and East Timor due to lack of data. The pooled prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was determined to be 21.03%, with the highest prevalence observed in Myanmar (33.46%) and the lowest in Malaysia (5.93%). IgM prevalence was highest in Indonesia (12.43%) and lowest in Malaysia (0.91%). The study stratified populations into high-risk (farm workers, chronic patients) and low-risk groups (general population, blood donors, pregnant women, hospital patients). It revealed a higher IgG-28.9%, IgM-4.42% prevalence in the former group, while the latter group exhibited figures of 17.86% and 3.15%, respectively, indicating occupational and health-related vulnerabilities to HEV.A temporal analysis (1987-2023), indicated an upward trend in both IgG and IgM prevalence, suggesting an escalating HEV burden.These findings contribute to a better understanding of HEV seroprevalence in Southeast Asia, shedding light on important public health implications and suggesting directions for further research and intervention strategies.Key pointsResearch QuestionInvestigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Southeast Asian countries focusing on different patterns, timelines, and population cohorts.FindingsSporadic Transmission of IgG and IgM Prevalence:• Pooled anti-HEV IgG prevalence: 21.03%• Pooled anti-HEV IgM prevalence: 3.49%Seroprevalence among specific groups:High-risk group (farm workers and chronic patients):• anti-HEV IgG: 28.9%• anti-HEV IgM: 4.42%Low-risk group (general population, blood donors, pregnant women, hospital patients):• anti-HEV IgG: 17.86%• anti-HEV IgM: 3.15%Temporal Seroprevalence of HEV:Anti-HEV IgG prevalence increased over decades (1987-1999; 2000-2010; 2011-2023): 12.47%, 18.43%, 29.17% as an anti-HEV IgM prevalence: 1.92%, 2.44%, 5.27%ImportanceProvides a comprehensive overview of HEV seroprevalence in Southeast Asia.Highlights variation in seroprevalence among different population groups.Reveals increasing trend in HEV seroprevalence over the years.Distinguishes between sporadic and epidemic cases for a better understanding of transmission dynamics.
Topics: Hepatitis E; Humans; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Hepatitis E virus; Immunoglobulin M; Immunoglobulin G; Hepatitis Antibodies; Asia, Southeastern; Female; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Male; Pregnancy
PubMed: 38789918
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09349-2 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024Solid cancer patients, compared to their healthy counterparts, are at a greater risk of contracting and suffering from severe complications and poorer prognosis after... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Solid cancer patients, compared to their healthy counterparts, are at a greater risk of contracting and suffering from severe complications and poorer prognosis after COVID-19 infections. They also have different immune responses after doses of COVID-19 vaccination, but limited evidence is available to reveal the effectiveness and help to guide immunization programs for this subpopulation; MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, and clinicaltrials.gov were used to search literature. The pooled seroconversion rate was calculated using a random-effects model and reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI); The review includes 66 studies containing serological responses after COVID-19 vaccination in 13,050 solid cancer patients and 8550 healthy controls. The pooled seropositive rates after the first dose in patients with solid cancer and healthy controls are 55.2% (95% CI 45.9%-64.5% = 18) and 90.2% (95% CI 80.9%-96.6% = 13), respectively. The seropositive rates after the second dose in patients with solid cancer and healthy controls are 87.6% (95% CI 84.1%-90.7% = 50) and 98.9% (95% CI 97.6%-99.7% = 35), respectively. The seropositive rates after the third dose in patients with solid cancer and healthy controls are 91.4% (95% CI 85.4%-95.9% = 21) and 99.8% (95% CI 98.1%-100.0% = 4), respectively. Subgroup analysis finds that study sample size, timing of antibody testing, and vaccine type have influence on the results; Seroconversion rates after COVID-19 vaccination are significantly lower in patients with solid malignancies, especially after the first dose, then shrinking gradually after the following two vaccinations, indicating that subsequent doses or a booster dose should be considered for the effectiveness of this subpopulation.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Antibodies, Viral; Seroconversion; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination
PubMed: 38785118
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2357424