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Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024The efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with acute minor ischaemic stroke (AMIS) remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with acute minor ischaemic stroke (AMIS) remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of IVT and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with AMIS.
METHODS
The Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched up to 10 October, 2023. Prospective and retrospective studies comparing the clinical outcomes of IVT and DAPT were included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for early neurological deterioration (END), excellent and favourable functional outcomes, recurrent ischaemic stroke at 3 months, mortality at 3 months, and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) were pooled using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Of the five included studies, 6,340 patients were included. In patients with AMIS, IVT was not significantly associated with excellent and favourable functional outcomes, recurrent ischaemic stroke, or all-cause mortality at 3 months compared to early DAPT. However, a higher risk of symptomatic ICH (OR, 9.31; 95% CI, 3.39-25.57) and END (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.76-4.30) were observed with IVT.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis indicated that IVT was not superior to DAPT in patients with AMIS, especially in those with nondisabling AIS. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution and have some limitations. Further, well-designed randomised controlled trials are warranted.
PubMed: 38915465
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1377475 -
The Indian Journal of Radiology &... Jul 2024Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play significant roles in assessing patients with dizziness. However, understanding the... (Review)
Review
Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy of Computed Tomography Scan versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Emergency Department for the Evaluation of Dizziness: A Systematic Review.
Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play significant roles in assessing patients with dizziness. However, understanding the comparative capabilities of these imaging methods in detecting pathological causes is crucial for determining the most suitable modality. This review aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of MRI and CT scans in managing patients with acute dizziness in the emergency department. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search in various databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, British Medical Journals, and ScienceDirect) from 2010 to 2023. We used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess bias risk, considering MRI as the reference standard and CT scan as the index test. The final analysis included six studies, with 3,993 patients (48% male, 52% female; average age: 56.7 years). Three studies were of high quality, two of medium quality, and one of low quality. Central ischemia was the predominant diagnosis for dizziness. MRI demonstrated higher diagnostic efficacy for stroke compared with CT scans, while mixed results were observed for other multiple diseases when both MRI and CT scans were used. MRI outperforms CT scans in diagnosing dizziness-related strokes. However, for other causes of dizziness, there is no significant difference between these techniques. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations associated with MRI. Consequently, to address these concerns, the selection of an imaging technique should be tailored to the individual based on factors such as their clinical presentation, comorbidities, and socioeconomic circumstances.
PubMed: 38912244
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1778726 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding...
INTRODUCTION
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Heterozygous patients have a range of symptoms, while homozygous LPL deficiency presents with severe symptoms including acute pancreatitis, xanthomas, and lipemia retinalis.
METHODS
We described the clinical characteristics of three Slovenian patients (an 8-year-old female, an 18-year-old man, and a 57-year-old female) and one Pakistani patient (a 59-year-old male) with LPL deficiency. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting all coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of the gene, and Sanger sequencing for variant confirmation. In addition, we performed a systematic literature review of all cases with three identified variants and described their clinical characteristics.
RESULTS
Two Slovenian patients with a heterozygous pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.984G>T (p.Met328Ile) were diagnosed within the first three years of life and had triglyceride (TG) values of 16 and 20 mmol/L. An asymptomatic Pakistani patient with TG values of 36.8 mmol/L until the age of 44 years, was identified as heterozygous for a pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.724G>A (p.Asp242Asn). His TG levels dropped to 12.7 mmol/L on dietary modifications and by using fibrates. A Slovenian patient who first suffered from pancreatitis at the age of 18 years with a TG value of 34 mmol/L was found to be homozygous for NM_000237.3:c.337T>C (p.Trp113Arg).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with LPL deficiency had high TG levels at diagnosis. Homozygous patients had worse outcomes. Good diet and medication compliance can reduce severity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Slovenia; Adolescent; Middle Aged; Lipoprotein Lipase; Child; Pakistan; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type I; Mutation
PubMed: 38911039
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1387419 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024In 2019, 80% of the 7.4 million global child deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Global and regional estimates of cause of hospital death and...
In 2019, 80% of the 7.4 million global child deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Global and regional estimates of cause of hospital death and admission in LMIC children are needed to guide global and local priority setting and resource allocation but are currently lacking. The study objective was to estimate global and regional prevalence for common causes of pediatric hospital mortality and admission in LMICs. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify LMIC observational studies published January 1, 2005-February 26, 2021. Eligible studies included: a general pediatric admission population, a cause of admission or death, and total admissions. We excluded studies with data before 2,000 or without a full text. Two authors independently screened and extracted data. We performed methodological assessment using domains adapted from the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Data were pooled using random-effects models where possible. We reported prevalence as a proportion of cause of death or admission per 1,000 admissions with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Our search identified 29,637 texts. After duplicate removal and screening, we analyzed 253 studies representing 21.8 million pediatric hospitalizations in 59 LMICs. All-cause pediatric hospital mortality was 4.1% [95% CI 3.4%-4.7%]. The most common causes of mortality (deaths/1,000 admissions) were infectious [12 (95% CI 9-14)]; respiratory [9 (95% CI 5-13)]; and gastrointestinal [9 (95% CI 6-11)]. Common causes of admission (cases/1,000 admissions) were respiratory [255 (95% CI 231-280)]; infectious [214 (95% CI 193-234)]; and gastrointestinal [166 (95% CI 143-190)]. We observed regional variation in estimates. Pediatric hospital mortality remains high in LMICs. Global child health efforts must include measures to reduce hospital mortality including basic emergency and critical care services tailored to the local disease burden. Resources are urgently needed to promote equity in child health research, support researchers, and collect high-quality data in LMICs to further guide priority setting and resource allocation.
PubMed: 38910960
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1397232 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2024Compartment syndrome is a well-known phenomenon that is most commonly reported in the extremities. However, paralumbar compartment syndrome is rarely described in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Compartment syndrome is a well-known phenomenon that is most commonly reported in the extremities. However, paralumbar compartment syndrome is rarely described in available literature. The authors present a case of paralumbar compartment syndrome after high intensity deadlifting.
CASE PRESENTATION
53-year-old male who presented with progressively worsening low back pain and paresthesias one day after high-intensity deadlifting. Laboratory testing found the patient to be in rhabdomyolysis; he was admitted for intravenous fluid resuscitation and pain control. Orthopedics was consulted, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed significant paravertebral edema and loss of muscle striation. Given the patient's lack of improvement with intravenous and oral pain control, clinical and radiographic findings, there was significant concern for acute paralumbar compartment syndrome. The patient subsequently underwent urgent fasciotomy of bilateral paralumbar musculature with delayed closure.
CONCLUSION
Given the paucity of literature on paralumbar compartment syndrome, the authors' goal is to promote awareness of the diagnosis, as it should be included in the differential diagnosis of intractable back pain after high exertional exercise. The current literature suggests that operative cases of paralumbar compartment syndromes have a higher rate of return to pre-operative function compared to those treated non-operatively. This case report further supports this notion. The authors recommend further study into this phenomenon, given its potential to result in persistent chronic exertional pain and irreversible tissue damage.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Compartment Syndromes; Low Back Pain; Rhabdomyolysis; Lifting
PubMed: 38909253
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04860-3 -
Journal of the American Medical... Jun 2024To examine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of "hospital at home" (HAH) for admission avoidance in adults presenting with acute physical illness to identify the use... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To examine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of "hospital at home" (HAH) for admission avoidance in adults presenting with acute physical illness to identify the use of vital sign monitoring approaches and evidence for their effectiveness.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
This review compared strategies for vital sign monitoring in admission avoidance HAH for adults presenting with acute physical illness. Vital sign monitoring can support HAH acute multidisciplinary care by contributing to safety, determining requirement of further assessment, and guiding clinical decisions. There are a wide range of systems currently available, including reliable and automated continuous remote monitoring using wearable devices.
METHODS
Eligible studies were identified through updated database and trial registries searches (March 2, 2016, to February 15, 2023), and existing systematic reviews. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool. Random effects meta-analyses were performed, and narrative summaries provided stratified by vital sign monitoring approach.
RESULTS
Twenty-one eligible RCTs (3459 participants) were identified. Two approaches to vital sign monitoring were characterized: manual and automated. Reporting was insufficient in the majority of studies for classification. For HAH compared to hospital care, 6-monthly mortality risk ratio (RR) was 0.94 (95% CI 0.78-1.12), 3-monthly readmission to hospital RR 1.02 (0.77-1.35), and length of stay mean difference 1.91 days (0.71-3.12). Readmission to hospital was reduced in the automated monitoring subgroup (RR 0.30 95% CI 0.11-0.86).
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
This review highlights gaps in the reporting and evidence base informing remote vital sign monitoring in alternatives to admission for acute illness, despite expanding implementation in clinical practice. Although continuous vital sign monitoring using wearable devices may offer added benefit, its use in existing RCTs is limited. Recommendations for the implementation and evaluation of remote monitoring in future clinical trials are proposed.
PubMed: 38908399
DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105080 -
Journal of Clinical Virology : the... Jun 2024Respiratory tract infections caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza viruses are persistent and critical. The Cobas Liat... (Review)
Review
Respiratory tract infections caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza viruses are persistent and critical. The Cobas Liat SARS-CoV-2 & influenza A/B assay (Multiplex Liat), the FDA-authorized point-of-care reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, has a turnaround time of 20 min and high accuracy. This study evaluates the pooled performance of this assay to provide practical information. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023467579). A systematic literature search was conducted within PubMed, Ovid-EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for articles evaluating the accuracy of the Multiplex Liat assay through September 2023. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled diagnostic values with real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) as a reference test. A total of 4,705 samples from eight studies were included in the primary meta-analysis. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity of Multiplex Liat were 100.0 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 96.7 %-100.0 %) and 99.7 % (95 % CI = 98.7 %-99.9 %), respectively. The presence of variants of concern or in-house rRT-PCR assays as reference standards did not significantly affect the pooled diagnostic performance of the Multiplex Liat. When 5,333 samples from nine studies were assessed for sensitivity, the pooled sensitivity was 100.0 % (95 % CI = 85.8 %-100.0 %) without a significant difference. This meta-analysis demonstrates the usefulness of Multiplex Liat for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 based on pooled diagnostic values. These practical findings may facilitate appropriate settings for the diagnosis and management of patients with respiratory tract infections.
PubMed: 38908267
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2024.105706 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Jun 2024To synthesize evidence on the effect of early post-stroke spasticity interventions. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To synthesize evidence on the effect of early post-stroke spasticity interventions.
METHODS
Systematic literature search (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) encompassing studies on spasticity reducing interventions within 3 months post stroke on outcome defined within the International Classification of Functioning (ICF).
RESULTS
In total, 27 studies were identified with = 1.658 cases. Botulinum toxin (2-12 weeks; 10 studies, = 794) showed consistent and significant reduced spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) or electromyography (EMG). Electrical muscle stimulation (1-8 weeks; 6 studies, = 335) showed lower MAS/Composite Spasticity Scale scores in 4 studies. Transcranial stimulation (3 studies; = 131), oral spasmolytics (1 study; = 38), shockwave (1 study; = 40), orthotics (3 studies; = 197 and robot-assisted therapy (3 studies; = 123) showed inconclusive results. Effects on ICF activity domain could not be established due to limited data and large outcome measures heterogeneity. One out of two studies showed significant benefit for early compared to late BoNT intervention (< 90 vs> 90 days).
CONCLUSION
This study provides evidence for early applied (<3 months) BoNT to effectively reduce spasticity and probable effectiveness of electrical stimulation. Establishing effects of interventions in the acute/hospitalization phase (<7 days) needs further work, specifically on the ICF activity domain. Standardization of outcome measures is required.
PubMed: 38907596
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2363963 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Jun 2024Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established treatment for high and intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Recent studies...
BACKGROUND
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established treatment for high and intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Recent studies have demonstrated non-inferiority of TAVI compared to surgery in low-risk patients. In the past decade, numerous literature reviews (SLRs) have assessed the use of TAVI in different risk groups. This is the first attempt to provide an overview of SRs (OoSRs) focusing on secondary studies reporting clinical outcomes/process indicators. This research aims to summarize the findings of extant literature on the performance of TAVI over time.
METHODS
A literature search took place from inception to April 2024. We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for SLRs. SLRs reporting at least one review of clinical indicators were included. Subsequently, a two-step inclusion process was conducted: [1] screening based on title and abstracts and [2] screening based on full-text papers. Relevant data were extracted and the quality of the reviews was assessed.
RESULTS
We included 33 SLRs with different risks assessed via the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score. Mortality rates were comparable between TAVI and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) groups. TAVI is associated with lower rates of major bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence, and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Vascular complications, pacemaker implantation, and residual aortic regurgitation were more frequent in TAVI patients.
CONCLUSION
This study summarizes TAVI performance findings over a decade, revealing a shift to include both high and low-risk patients since 2020. Overall, TAVI continues to evolve, emphasizing improved outcomes, broader indications, and addressing challenges.
Topics: Humans; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Risk Assessment; Aortic Valve; Postoperative Complications; Time Factors; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 38907344
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03980-2 -
PloS One 2024To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS) used alone or in combination with D-dimer for detecting acute aortic syndrome... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS) used alone or in combination with D-dimer for detecting acute aortic syndrome (AAS) in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of AAS.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 2024. Additionally, the reference lists of included studies and other systematic reviews were thoroughly searched. All diagnostic accuracy studies that assessed the use of ADD-RS alone or with D-Dimer for diagnosing AAS compared with a reference standard test (e.g. computer tomographic angiography (CTA), ECG-gated CTA, echocardiography, magnetic resonance angiography, operation, or autopsy) were included. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data. Risk of bias was appraised using QUADAS-2 tool. Data were synthesised using hierarchical meta-analysis models.
RESULTS
We selected 13 studies from the 2017 citations identified, including six studies evaluating combinations of ADD-RS alongside D-dimer>500ng/L. Summary sensitivities and specificities (95% credible interval) were: ADD-RS>0 94.6% (90%, 97.5%) and 34.7% (20.7%, 51.2%), ADD-RS>1 43.4% (31.2%, 57.1%) and 89.3% (80.4%, 94.8%); ADD RS>0 or D-Dimer>500ng/L 99.8% (98.7%, 100%) and 21.8% (12.1%, 32.6%); ADD RS>1 or D-Dimer>500ng/L 98.3% (94.9%, 99.5%) and 51.4% (38.7%, 64.1%); ADD RS>1 or ADD RS = 1 with D-dimer>500ng/L 93.1% (87.1%, 96.3%) and 67.1% (54.4%, 77.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
Combinations of ADD-RS and D-dimer can be used to select patients with suspected AAS for imaging with a range of trade-offs between sensitivity (93.1% to 99.8%) and specificity (21.8% to 67.1%).
Topics: Humans; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Aortic Dissection; Syndrome; Sensitivity and Specificity; Acute Disease; Computed Tomography Angiography; Acute Aortic Syndrome
PubMed: 38905181
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304401