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International Journal of Obesity (2005) Dec 2023The association of central obesity with higher rates of mortality is not well studied. This study evaluates the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), as a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The association of central obesity with higher rates of mortality is not well studied. This study evaluates the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), as a measure of central obesity, with mortality.
METHODS
Documents were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until May 2022. Data were extracted from cohort studies reporting effect size (hazard ratio (HR)) regarding the association between WHtR as a continuous (per 1 SD increment) or categorical (highest/lowest) measure and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Screening of included studies was performed independently by two authors. Moreover, the quality assessment of included studies was performed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa assessment scale. Finally, random effect meta-analysis was performed to pool the data, and the outcomes' certainty level was assess based on the GRADE criteria.
RESULTS
Of the 815 initial studies, 20 were included in the meta-analysis. Random effect meta-analysis showed that in the general population, the all-cause mortality HRs for categorical and continuous measurements of WHtR increased significantly by 23% (HR:1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.41) and 16% (HR:1.16; 95% CI: 1.07-1.25), respectively. Moreover, the hazard of cardiovascular (CVD) mortality increased significantly for categorical and continuous measurements of WHtR by 39% (HR:1.39; 95% CI: 1.18-1.59) and 19% (HR:1.19; 95% CI: 1.07-1.31). The quality assessment score of all included studies was high.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher levels of WHtR, indicating central obesity, were associated with an increased hazard of CVD and all-cause mortality. This measure can be used in the clinical setting as a simple tool for predicting mortality.
Topics: Humans; Risk Factors; Obesity, Abdominal; Waist-Height Ratio; Waist Circumference; Body Mass Index; Obesity; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 37770574
DOI: 10.1038/s41366-023-01388-0 -
The British Journal of Radiology Nov 2023The left lobe of the liver is connected to the left hemi-diaphragm by the left triangular ligament (LTL) which crosses the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the abdomen. LTL...
OBJECTIVES
The left lobe of the liver is connected to the left hemi-diaphragm by the left triangular ligament (LTL) which crosses the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the abdomen. LTL lesions are rare and can cause diagnostic confusion. We encountered a hepatocellular carcinoma in the LTL of one patient and given that the LTL has been shown to contain liver tissue in cadaveric studies, we hypothesise that LTL lesions are likely hepatic in origin. The aim of this case series and systematic review was to develop a list of pathological processes encountered at the LTL, which could impact differential diagnoses of lesions within the LUQ.
METHODS
A case series of two patients are presented. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published until September 2022. All case reports of LTL lesions were eligible for inclusion. PROSPERO registration: CRD42022368250.
RESULTS
Twelve out of 166 screened studies were included, with 14 cases in total. Seven described mass lesions of hepatic origin, of which three were initially misdiagnosed as gastric tumours leading to considerable diagnostic delay and additional procedures. Seven other cases described postoperative bile leaks from aberrant biliary ducts in the LTL.
CONCLUSIONS
All mass lesions observed in the LTL were hepatic in origin, and all iatrogenic injuries described resulted in bile leaks.
ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE
To reduce the burden of diagnostic delay and unnecessary procedures, we would suggest that these observations support the addition of hepatic lesions to the differential diagnosis of LUQ lesions.
Topics: Humans; Delayed Diagnosis; Bile Ducts; Biliary Tract Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Ligaments
PubMed: 37747273
DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20230231 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Guidelines from the World Health Organization strongly recommend the use of a high fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO) in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Guidelines from the World Health Organization strongly recommend the use of a high fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO) in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia to reduce surgical site infection (SSI). However, previous meta-analyses reported inconsistent results. We aimed to address this controversy by focusing specifically on abdominal surgery with relatively high risk of SSI. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched. Randomized trials of abdominal surgery comparing high to low perioperative FiO were included, given that the incidence of SSI was reported as an outcome. Meta-analyses of risk ratios (RR) were performed using a fixed effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were employed to explore sources of heterogeneity. We included 27 trials involving 15977 patients. The use of high FiO significantly reduced the incidence of SSI (n = 27, risk ratio (RR): 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79, 0.95; I = 49%, Z = 3.05). Trial sequential analysis (TSA) revealed that z-curve crossed the trial sequential boundary and data are sufficient. This finding held true for the subgroup of emergency operations (n = 2, RR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.84; I = 0%, Z = 2.75), procedures using air as carrier gas (n = 9, RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.91; I = 60%, Z = 3.26), and when a high level of FiO was maintained for a postoperative 6 h or more (n = 9, RR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.83; I = 46%, Z = 3.83). Meta-regression revealed no significant interaction between SSI with any covariates including age, sex, body-mass index, diabetes mellitus, duration of surgery, and smoking. Quality of evidence was assessed to be moderate to very low. Our pooled analysis revealed that the application of high FiO reduced the incidence of SSI after abdominal operations. Although TSA demonstrated sufficient data and cumulative analysis crossed the TSA boundary, our results should be interpreted cautiously given the low quality of evidence.Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero (CRD42022369212) on October 2022.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Surgical Wound Infection; Anesthesia, General; Body Mass Index; Databases, Factual; Oxygen
PubMed: 37730856
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41300-4 -
BMC Medical Imaging Sep 2023In studies of the association of adiposity with disease risk, widely used anthropometric measures of adiposity (e.g. body-mass-index [BMI], waist circumference [WC],... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Assessment of correlation between conventional anthropometric and imaging-derived measures of body fat composition: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
BACKGROUND
In studies of the association of adiposity with disease risk, widely used anthropometric measures of adiposity (e.g. body-mass-index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], waist-hip ratio [WHR]) are simple and inexpensive to implement at scale. In contrast, imaging-based techniques (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and dual x-ray absorptiometry [DXA]) are expensive and labour intensive, but can provide more accurate quantification of body fat composition. There is, however, limited evidence about the relationship between conventional and imaging-derived measures of adiposity.
METHODS
We searched Scopus and Web of Science for published reports in English of conventional versus imaging-derived measurements of adiposity. We identified 42 articles (MRI = 22; DXA = 20) that met selection criteria, involving 42,556 (MRI = 15,130; DXA = 27,426) individuals recruited from community or hospital settings. Study-specific correlation coefficients (r) were transformed using Fisher's Z transformation, and meta-analysed to yield weighted average correlations, both overall and by ancestry, sex and age, where feasible. Publication bias was investigated using funnel plots and Egger's test.
RESULTS
Overall, 98% of participants were 18 + years old, 85% male and 95% White. BMI and WC were most strongly correlated with imaging-derived total abdominal (MRI-derived: r = 0.88-; DXA-derived: 0.50-0.86) and subcutaneous abdominal fat (MRI-derived: 0.83-0.85), but were less strongly correlated with visceral abdominal fat (MRI-derived: 0.76-0.79; DXA-derived: 0.80) and with DXA-derived %body fat (0.76). WHR was, at best, strongly correlated with imaging-derived total abdominal (MRI-derived: 0.60; DXA-derived: 0.13), and visceral abdominal fat (MRI-derived: 0.67; DXA-derived: 0.65), and moderately with subcutaneous abdominal (MRI-derived: 0.54), and with DXA-derived %body fat (0.58). All conventional adiposity measures were at best moderately correlated with hepatic fat (MRI-derived: 0.36-0.43). In general, correlations were stronger in women than in men, in Whites than in non-Whites, and in those aged 18 + years.
CONCLUSIONS
In this meta-analysis, BMI and WC, but not WHR, were very strongly correlated with imaging-derived total and subcutaneous abdominal fat. By comparison, all three measures were moderately or strongly correlated with imaging-based visceral abdominal fat, with WC showing the greatest correlation. No anthropometric measure was substantially correlated with hepatic fat. Further larger studies are needed to compare these measures within the same study population, and to assess their relevance for disease risks in diverse populations.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Adolescent; Body Composition; Adipose Tissue; Anthropometry; Diagnostic Imaging; Body Mass Index; Obesity
PubMed: 37710156
DOI: 10.1186/s12880-023-01063-w -
Asian Journal of Surgery Nov 2023Mass closure with a continuous suture using large bite stitching technique has been widely accepted for midline laparotomy wound closures. However, emerging evidence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Mass closure with a continuous suture using large bite stitching technique has been widely accepted for midline laparotomy wound closures. However, emerging evidence suggests the use of small bite technique to reduce rates of incisional ventral hernia, surgical site infection (SSI) and burst abdomen. This meta-analysis aims to compare small versus large bite stitching techniques to assess complication rates in midline laparotomy wound closures. A comprehensive multi-database search (OVID EBM Reviews, OVID Medline, EMBASE, Scopus) was conducted from database inception to 11th October 2021 according to PRISMA guidelines. We included studies comparing post-operative complication rates of small bite versus large bite stitching techniques for midline laparotomy wound closure. Extracted data was pooled for meta-analysis evaluating rates of incisional ventral hernia, SSI and burst abdomen. We included five randomized controlled trials (RCT) in the meta-analysis and three prospective cohort studies for qualitative analysis. A total of 1977 participants composed of 961 small bite and 1016 large bite technique patients were included from the five RCTs. There was a significant reduction in the rates of incisional ventral hernia and SSI with the small bite stitch technique with odds ratios (OR) of 0.39 (95% CI [0.21-0.71]) and 0.68 (95% CI [0.51-0.91]) respectively, and a trend in favour of reduced incidence of burst abdomen with OR of 0.60 (95% CI [0.15-2.48]). Small bite stitch technique in midline laparotomy wound closure may be superior over conventional mass closure using the large bite stitch technique, with statistically significant lower rates of incisional ventral hernia and SSI.
Topics: Humans; Laparotomy; Suture Techniques; Abdominal Wound Closure Techniques; Incisional Hernia; Hernia, Ventral; Surgical Wound Infection
PubMed: 37652773
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.08.124 -
JACC. CardioOncology Aug 2023The risk of arterial thrombotic events (ATEs) is high among patients on systemic anticancer therapies. Despite the efficacy of anticoagulants in the prevention of...
BACKGROUND
The risk of arterial thrombotic events (ATEs) is high among patients on systemic anticancer therapies. Despite the efficacy of anticoagulants in the prevention of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism, it is unknown whether anticoagulation is effective to prevent ATEs.
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to examine the efficacy and safety of anticoagulants in ATE prevention among ambulatory cancer patients.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review using Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to May 21, 2022, and included studies comparing oral or parenteral anticoagulation with no anticoagulation among ambulatory patients receiving systemic anticancer therapy with no other indication for anticoagulation. The primary outcome was ATE (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, intra-abdominal arterial embolism, or peripheral artery occlusion). The secondary outcomes were major and nonmajor bleeding and all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
Fourteen randomized trials involving low-molecular-weight heparins, direct oral anticoagulants, and warfarin were included. ATEs were captured as coefficacy endpoints or adverse events. Anticoagulant use was not associated with a reduction in ATEs compared with placebo or standard treatment (RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.50-1.04; 0.08; = 0%). RRs of major and minor bleeding were 1.56 (95% CI: 1.12-2.17) and 2.25 (95% CI: 1.45-3.48) with anticoagulant use. In 13 trials that reported all-cause mortality, risk of death was not reduced with anticoagulants (RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.95-1.02; 0.38; = 0%).
CONCLUSIONS
Anticoagulants did not reduce ATE risk among ambulatory patients on systemic anticancer therapy and were associated with increased bleeding. Based on the current data, anticoagulants have a limited role in ATE prevention in this population as a whole.
PubMed: 37614584
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2023.04.003 -
Archives of Plastic Surgery Jul 2023The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is a reliable option for breast reconstruction. This is particularly true in patients with contraindications to abdominally based...
The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is a reliable option for breast reconstruction. This is particularly true in patients with contraindications to abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction. A systematic review of patient satisfaction and health related quality of life following LD breast reconstruction using the BREAST-Q survey was conducted. The scope of the review was to determine the degree of patient satisfaction following the procedure and to examine how patient satisfaction from the pedicled LD flap compares to other breast reconstructive procedures. A literature search on BREAST-Q in LD flap reconstruction was performed. Only articles written in English and in published peer-reviewed journals were included. Studies with less than 20 patients in their sample and those with a follow-up period of less than 1 year were excluded. Five articles representing 331 patients were reviewed, including one case-control study and four retrospective cohort studies. Level of evidence was either III (4) or IV (1). The average age was 53 with average body mass index of 25. Most reconstructions were delayed (67%) and unilateral (88%), and most patients required radiation (79%). The average length of follow-up was 36 months, and the response rate was 75%. Overall, patients who underwent LD flap reconstruction reported favorable outcomes in satisfaction domains and quality of life domains with few complications. A meta-analysis also demonstrated higher satisfaction in LD flap without implants compared with LD flap with implants. Patient-reported outcomes following LD breast reconstruction compare favorably with other techniques of breast reconstruction.
PubMed: 37564714
DOI: 10.1055/a-2045-8122 -
BJS Open Jul 2023Sarcopenia refers to the progressive age- or pathology-associated loss of skeletal muscle. When measured radiologically as reduced muscle mass, sarcopenia has been shown... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Sarcopenia refers to the progressive age- or pathology-associated loss of skeletal muscle. When measured radiologically as reduced muscle mass, sarcopenia has been shown to independently predict morbidity and mortality after elective abdominal surgery. However, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) recently updated their sarcopenia definition, emphasizing both low muscle 'strength' and 'mass'. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prognostic impact of this updated consensus definition of sarcopenia after elective abdominal surgery.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were systematically searched for studies comparing prognostic outcomes between sarcopenic versus non-sarcopenic adults after elective abdominal surgery from inception to 15 June 2022. The primary outcomes were postoperative morbidity and mortality. Sensitivity analyses adjusting for confounding patient factors were also performed. Methodological quality assessment of studies was performed independently by two authors using the QUality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool.
RESULTS
Twenty articles with 5421 patients (1059 sarcopenic and 4362 non-sarcopenic) were included. Sarcopenic patients were at significantly greater risk of incurring postoperative complications, despite adjusted multivariate analysis (adjusted OR 1.56, 95 per cent c.i. 1.39 to 1.76). Sarcopenic patients also had significantly higher rates of in-hospital (OR 7.62, 95 per cent c.i. 2.86 to 20.34), 30-day (OR 3.84, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 11.64), and 90-day (OR 3.73, 95 per cent c.i. 1.19 to 11.70) mortality. Sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for poorer overall survival in multivariate Cox regression analysis (adjusted HR 1.28, 95 per cent c.i. 1.13 to 1.44).
CONCLUSION
Consensus-defined sarcopenia provides important prognostic information after elective abdominal surgery and can be appropriately measured in the preoperative setting. Development of targeted exercise-based interventions that minimize sarcopenia may improve outcomes for patients who are undergoing elective abdominal surgery.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Aged; Sarcopenia; Consensus; Abdomen; Muscle Strength; Elective Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 37542472
DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrad065 -
BMJ Surgery, Interventions, & Health... 2023Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections occurring following 1%-3% of all surgical procedures. Their rates are the...
OBJECTIVE
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections occurring following 1%-3% of all surgical procedures. Their rates are the highest following abdominal surgery. They are still associated with increased morbidity and healthcare costs despite the advancement in the medical field. Many risk factors for SSIs following abdominal surgery have been identified. The aim of this study is to comprehensively assess these risk factors as published in peer-reviewed journals.
DESIGN
A systematic review was conducted with accordance to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines.
SETTING
The databases for search were PubMed and Cochrane Library, in addition to reference lists. Studies were retrieved and assessed for their quality. Data were extracted in a designed form, and a stratified synthesis of data was conducted to report the significant risk factors.
PARTICIPANTS
Patients undergoing general abdominal surgery.
INTERVENTION
The intervention of general abdominal surgery.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
To identify and assess the risk factors for SSI following abdominal surgery.
RESULTS
Literature search yielded 813 articles, and the final screening process identified 11 eligible studies. The total number of patients is 11 996. The rates of SSI ranged from 4.09% to 26.7%. Nine studies were assessed to be of high quality, the remaining two studies have moderate quality. Stratified synthesis of data was performed for risk factors using summary measures (OR/risk ratio, 95% CI, and p value). Male sex and increased body mass index (BMI) were identified as significant demographic risk factors, and long operative time was among the major significant procedure-related risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS
Male sex, increased BMI, diabetes, smoking, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of >2, low albumin level, low haemoglobin level, preoperative hospital stay, long operative time, emergency procedure, open surgical approach, increased wound class, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative infection, perioperative blood transfusion, and use of drains are potential independent risk factors for SSI following abdominal surgery.
PubMed: 37529828
DOI: 10.1136/bmjsit-2023-000182 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Jul 2023Pancreatic follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is an exceptionally rare and low-to-moderate malignancy, with only seven reported cases to date. Clinical diagnosis...
INTRODUCTION
Pancreatic follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is an exceptionally rare and low-to-moderate malignancy, with only seven reported cases to date. Clinical diagnosis of FDCS is challenging due to the lack of distinct biological and radiographic features.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 67-year-old woman presented to the hospital with a 4-day history of severe abdominal pain. Imaging studies (CT and MRI) revealed a large cystic mass located at the tail of the pancreas, which was suspected to be myeloid sarcoma (MS) based on EUS and CT-guided pancreatic puncture. Postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic FDCS. After the diagnosis was confirmed, the patient received postoperative chemotherapy with the CHOP regimen. At 11 months of follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence. Seven published cases have been reviewed to comprehensively summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment options of FDCS.
CONCLUSION
While imaging can be useful in detecting pancreatic FDCS, it should be interpreted with caution as it can be challenging to differentiate from other pancreatic tumors. Pathology and immunohistochemistry are considered the gold standard for diagnosis, with CD21, CD23, and CD35 being specific tumor cell markers. However, preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic FDCS remains difficult, and the pancreatic puncture may further increase the risk of misdiagnosis. The disease is highly prone to recurrence and metastasis, and surgery is the preferred method for both diagnosis and treatment of localized disease.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged; Dendritic Cell Sarcoma, Follicular; Pancreas; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Abdominal Pain; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37480085
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03115-5