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Updates in Surgery Aug 2021Correlation between blood inflammatory parameters and acute appendicitis (AA) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether platelet (PLT) indices... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Correlation between blood inflammatory parameters and acute appendicitis (AA) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether platelet (PLT) indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), PLT count, and platelet distribution width (PDW) are associated with AA. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for observational studies published from inception through April 2020 by two independent investigators. Studies reporting associations between platelet indices and AA were selected for inclusion. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for continuous outcomes using a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Of 842 records identified, 17 studies with a total of 6793 subjects met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis indicated that compared with those in healthy controls, significant decrease in MPV levels was observed in subjects with AA (SMD - 0.34; 95% CI - 0.56 to - 0.12; P = 0.003). Subgroup analyses represented a significant reduction of MPV levels in patients aged ≥ 30 years and non-complicated/non-perforated AA. Due to the small number of studies and patients included in each subgroup, these subgroup analyses need to be interpreted with caution. However, none of the levels of PLT (SMD - 0.13; 95% CI - 0.28-0.012; P = 0.071) or PDW (SMD 0.30; 95% CI - 0.22-0.83; P = 0.257) was seen decrease or increase in subjects with AA. This meta-analysis indicates a significant decrease in MPV levels in patients with AA, which makes MPV have the potential of serving as a biomarker for AA. The associations of other PLT indices with AA need to be further examined.
Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Appendicitis; Biomarkers; Humans; Mean Platelet Volume; Platelet Count
PubMed: 33439467
DOI: 10.1007/s13304-020-00928-x -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Jun 2021To evaluate comparative outcomes of incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with and without packing of the abscess cavity. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with or without cavity packing: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials.
AIMS
To evaluate comparative outcomes of incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with and without packing of the abscess cavity.
METHODS
A systematic search of multiple electronic data sources was conducted, and all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with and without packing were included. Abscess recurrence at maximum follow-up period, need for second intervention, and development of fistula in-ano were the evaluated outcome parameters for the meta-analysis A Trial Sequential Analysis was conducted to determine the robustness of the findings.
RESULTS
Eight RCTs reporting a total number of 485 patients who underwent incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with (n = 243) or without (n = 242) packing of the abscess cavity were included. There was no significant difference in the risk of recurrence (risk ratio (RR) 1.31, P = 0.56), fistula-in-ano (RR 0.63, P = 0.28), and need for second intervention (RR 0.70, P = 0.05) between two groups. The results remained unchanged on sub-group analyses for ano-rectal abscess, paediatric patients, adult patients, and the use of antibiotics. The Trial Sequential Analysis demonstrated that the meta-analysis was not conclusive, and the results for recurrence were subject to type 2 error.
CONCLUSION
Incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with or without packing have comparable outcomes. However, considering the cost and post-operative pain associated with packing, performing the procedure without packing of the abscess cavity may be more favourable. The findings of the better quality ongoing RCTs may provide stronger evidence in favour of packing or non-packing.
Topics: Abscess; Adult; Anus Diseases; Bandages; Child; Drainage; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Fistula
PubMed: 32740696
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-020-01941-9 -
PloS One 2020Although several previous studies have examined the association between the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and acute appendicitis (AA), findings have been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although several previous studies have examined the association between the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and acute appendicitis (AA), findings have been controversial. We aimed to systematically assess the available evidence to elucidate the overall relationship between the PLR and AA.
METHODS
Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for all available published literature before August, 2019 by two independent investigators for observational studies reporting the association between the PLR and AA. Random effects models were applied for all meta-analyses. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated as effect estimates.
RESULTS
Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that the level of PLR in the AA group was significantly higher than that in the control group (SMD: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.62, P<0.001). A series of subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the heterogeneity, showing a significant increase in PLV levels in adults with age ≥30 years (SMD: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.89 to 2.02),compared to those in adult <30 years(SMD: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.12 to 1.04) or in children (SMD: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.56). Compared to non-AA controls, a significant increased PLR level was also observed in non-perforated AA (SMD: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.59) and in AA patients during pregnancy (SMD: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.04), while not in perforated AA (SMD: 2.28, 95% CI: -1.72 to 6.28).
CONCLUSIONS
A significant increase in PLR level is found in patients with AA, indicating that PLR is a promising biomarker for AA. PLR provides a convenient option for emergency department to quickly screen for clinically or radiologically confirmed AA awaiting appendectomy, especially for pregnant women suspected of having AA. More high-quality evidence is needed to further confirm the diagnostic accuracy of PLR for AA.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Appendicitis; Biomarkers; Child; Female; Humans; Lymphocyte Count; Male; Platelet Count; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy
PubMed: 32442179
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233470 -
Neurourology and Urodynamics Jan 2020In childhood, the most common reason for a neurogenic bladder is related to spinal dysraphism, mostly myelodysplasia.
BACKGROUND
In childhood, the most common reason for a neurogenic bladder is related to spinal dysraphism, mostly myelodysplasia.
AIMS
Herein, we present the EAU/ESPU guidelines in respect to the diagnostics, timetable for investigations and conservative management including clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
After a systematic literature review covering the period 2000 to 2017, the ESPU/EUAU guideline for neurogenic bladder underwent an update.
RESULTS
The EAU/ESPU guideline panel advocates a proactive approach. In newborns with spina bifida, CIC should be started as soon as possible after birth. In those with intrauterine closure of the defect, urodynamic studies are recommended be performed before the patient leaves the hospital. In those with closure after birth urodynamics should be done within the next 3 months. Anticholinergic medication (oxybutynin is the only well-investigated drug in this age group-dosage 0.2-0.4 mg/kg weight per day) should be applied, if the urodynamic study confirmed detrusor overactivity. Close follow-up including ultrasound, bladder diary, urinalysis, and urodynamics are necessary within the first 6 years and after that the time intervals can be prolonged, depending on the individual risk and clinical course. In all other children with the suspicion of a neurogenic bladder due to various reasons as tethered cord, inflammation, tumors, trauma, or other reasons as well as those with anorectal malformations, urodynamics-preferable video-urodynamics, should be carried out as soon as there is a suspicion of a neurogenic bladder and conservative treatment should be started soon after confirmation of the diagnosis of neurogenic bladder. With conservative treatment the upper urinary tract is preserved in up to 90%, urinary tract infections are common, but not severe, complications of CIC are quite rare and continence can be achieved at adolescence in up to 80% without further treatment.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
The transition into adulthood is a complicated time for both patients, their caregivers and doctors, as the patient wants to become independent from caregivers and treatment compliance is reduced. Also, transition to adult clinics for patients with neurogenic bladders is often not well-established.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Conservative Treatment; Female; Humans; Intermittent Urethral Catheterization; Male; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic
PubMed: 31724222
DOI: 10.1002/nau.24211 -
Journal of the International AIDS... Aug 2019Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain prevalent and are increasing in several populations. Appropriate STI diagnosis is crucial to prevent the transmission and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain prevalent and are increasing in several populations. Appropriate STI diagnosis is crucial to prevent the transmission and sequelae of untreated infection. We reviewed the diagnostic accuracy of syndromic case management and existing point-of-care tests (POCTs), including those in the pipeline, to diagnose STIs in resource-constrained settings.
METHODS
We prioritized updating the systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of vaginal discharge from 2001 to 2015 to include studies until 2018. We calculated the absolute effects of different vaginal flowcharts and the diagnostic performance of POCTs on important outcomes. We searched the peer-reviewed literature for previously conducted systematic reviews and articles from 1990 to 2018 on the diagnostic accuracy of syndromic management of vaginal and urethral discharge, genital ulcer and anorectal infections. We conducted literature reviews from 2000 to 2018 on the existing POCTs and those in the pipeline.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The diagnostic accuracy of urethral discharge and genital ulcer disease syndromes is relatively adequate. Asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections limit the use of vaginal discharge and anorectal syndromes. The pooled diagnostic accuracy of vaginal syndromic case management for CT/NG is low, resulting in high numbers of overtreatment and missed treatment. The absolute effect of POCTs was reduced overtreatment and missed treatment. Findings of the reviews on syndromic case management underscored the need for low-cost and accurate POCTs for the identification, first, of CT/NG, and, second, of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and NG and MG resistance/susceptibility testing. Near-patient POCT molecular assays for CT/NG/TV are commercially available. The prices of these POCTs remain the barrier for uptake in resource-constrained settings. This is driving the development of lower cost solutions.
CONCLUSIONS
The WHO syndromic case management guidelines should be updated to raise the quality of STI management through the integration of laboratory tests. STI screening strategies are needed to address asymptomatic STIs. POCTs that are accurate, rapid, simple and affordable are urgently needed in resource-constrained settings to support the uptake of aetiological diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Female; Gonorrhea; HIV Infections; Health Resources; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Male; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Point-of-Care Testing; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Trichomonas vaginalis
PubMed: 31468679
DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25343 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Aug 2019There has been considerable discussion about anorectal (CT) in women, with some calling for anorectal CT screening, but little about anorectal (NG). Given that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
There has been considerable discussion about anorectal (CT) in women, with some calling for anorectal CT screening, but little about anorectal (NG). Given that urogenital NG is more strongly associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, this is an evidence gap. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the associations between anorectal CT in women and CT positivity at other sites (urogenital/oropharyngeal) and with anal intercourse, and compares these with anorectal NG within the same study populations.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched for English-language studies published to October 2018 using the following terms: ("Chlamydia" OR "") AND (("anal" OR "rect*" OR "anorect*") OR ("extra?genital" OR "multi?site")). Studies were included if anorectal NG data were available. Random-effects meta-analyses calculated pooled estimates; heterogeneity was investigated using meta-regression.
RESULTS
25 studies were eligible. Anorectal CT positivity ranged from 0% to 17.5%, with a summary estimate of 8.0% (95% CI 7.0 to 9.1; I=88.5%). Anorectal NG positivity ranged from 0% to 17.0%, with a summary estimate of 2.1% (95% CI 1.6 to 2.8; I=92.7%). The association between urogenital and anorectal positivity was stronger for NG than CT (summary prevalence ratio (PR)=89.3 (95% CI 53.1 to 150.3; I=80.1%), PR=32.2 (95% CI 25.6 to 40.7; I=70.3%), respectively), and between oropharyngeal and anorectal positivity it was stronger for NG than CT (PR=34.8 (95% CI 10.2 to 118.2; I=89.9%), PR=8.8 (95% CI 6.8 to 11.5; I=58.1%), respectively). Anal intercourse was associated with anorectal NG (PR=4.3; 95% CI 2.2 to 8.6; I=0.0%) but not with anorectal CT (PR=1.0; 95% CI 0.7 to 1.4; I=0.0%).
CONCLUSIONS
Anorectal CT is more common than anorectal NG, but anorectal NG is more strongly associated with anal intercourse, urogenital and oropharyngeal NG, suggesting that ongoing discussion about anorectal CT should also include NG. Longitudinal data are required to further understanding of the aetiology of anorectal STIs and assess whether anorectal screening is needed in women.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42df017080188.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anal Canal; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Female; Gonorrhea; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Rectum; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Women; Young Adult
PubMed: 31097677
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2018-053950 -
BioMed Research International 2019Several studies have investigated the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) with inconsistent results.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Several studies have investigated the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) with inconsistent results. Clarifying this relation might be useful for better understanding of the risk factors and the relevant mechanisms of PD, thus a meta-analysis was conducted to explore whether exposure to T. gondii is associated with an increased risk of PD.
METHODS
We conducted this meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A rigorous literature selection was performed by using the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidential interval (CI) were pooled by using fixed-effects models. Sensitivity analysis, publication bias test, and methodological quality assessment of studies were also performed.
RESULTS
Seven studies involving 1086 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled data by using fixed-effects models suggested both latent infection (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.58; =0.314) and acute infection (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.30 to 4.35; =0.855) were not associated with PD risk. Stable and robust estimates were confirmed by sensitivity analysis. No publication bias was found by visual inspection of the funnel plot, Begg's, and Egger's test.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis does not support any possible association between T. gondii infection and risk of PD. Researches are still warranted to further explore the underlying mechanisms of T. gondii in the pathogenesis of PD and their causal relationship.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Risk Factors; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 30931331
DOI: 10.1155/2019/8186017 -
American Journal of Surgery May 2019Treatment of anorectal abscesses continues to revolve around early surgical drainage and control of perianal sepsis. Yet even with prompt drainage, abscess recurrence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Treatment of anorectal abscesses continues to revolve around early surgical drainage and control of perianal sepsis. Yet even with prompt drainage, abscess recurrence and postoperative fistula formation rates are as high as 40% within 12 months. These complications are thought to be associated with inadequate drainage, elevated bacterial load, or a noncryptoglandular etiology of disease. Postoperative antibiotics have been used to account for these limitations, but their use is controversial and only weakly supported by current guidelines due to low-quality evidences. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature to determine the role of antibiotics in prevention of anal fistula following incision and drainage of anorectal abscesses.
METHODS
Literature search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from 1946 to April 2018. Search terms were "perianal OR anal OR fistula-in-ano OR ischiorectal OR anorectal AND abscess AND antibiotics" and was limited to human studies in the English language. Literature review and data extraction were completed using PRISMA guidelines. A total of six studies with 817 patients were included for systematic review. The weighted mean age was 37.8 years, 20.4% of patients were female, and the follow up ranged from one to 30 months. Antibiotic courses varied by study, and duration ranged from five to 10 days. Of included patients, 358 (43.8%) underwent management without antibiotics while 459 (56.2%) patients were treated with antibiotics. Fistula rate in subjects receiving antibiotics was 16% versus 24% in those not receiving postoperative antibiotics. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant protective effect for antibiotic treatment (3 studies, OR 0.64; CI 0.43-0.96; P = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS
Antibiotic therapy following incision and drainage of anorectal abscesses is associated with a 36% lower odds of fistula formation. An empiric 5-10-day course of antibiotics following operative drainage may avoid the morbidity of fistula formation in otherwise healthy patients, although quality of evidence is low. Further randomized trials are needed to fully clarify the role, duration, and type of antibiotics best suited for postoperative prevention of fistula following drainage of anorectal abscesses.
Topics: Abscess; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Drainage; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Rectal Diseases; Rectal Fistula
PubMed: 30773213
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.01.015 -
Pediatric Surgery International Jan 2019Females with recto-vestibular fistula (RVF) can be managed either by one-stage sagittal anorectoplasty (SARP) or by conventional multi-stage approach with colostomy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Females with recto-vestibular fistula (RVF) can be managed either by one-stage sagittal anorectoplasty (SARP) or by conventional multi-stage approach with colostomy followed by SARP. Our aim was to define which approach, one-stage or multi-stage, is safer and more beneficial.
METHODS
Using a defined search strategy, two investigators identified all comparative studies on the mentioned procedures. The study was conducted under PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Data are mean ± SD.
RESULTS
Of 649 titles/abstracts screened, 13 full-text articles were analyzed. Three studies were included (156 females). One-stage SARP was associated with increased risk of wound infection (24.3 ± 8.7%) compared to multi-stage approach (10.9 ± 2.5%; p < 0.01) and increased risk of wound dehiscence (16.2 ± 4.8% vs. 2.4 ± 1.1%, respectively; p < 0.01). The incidence of anorectal stenosis was higher following one-stage repair (33.3%) vs. multi-stage approach (10.7%; p < 0.05). No differences were found with regards to redo SARP in both groups (12.9 ± 7.3% vs. 4.8 ± 0.8%; p = ns). At follow-up, the prevalence of soiling and constipation were similar after one-stage (19.7 ± 10.3% and 29.5 ± 5.4%) and multi-stage repair (13.7 ± 8.9% and 28.7 ± 4.4%; p = ns).
CONCLUSIONS
In females with RVF, the SARP performed without protective colostomy increases the risk of postoperative complications. However, this one-stage approach seems not to be associated with reduced fecal continence.
Topics: Anal Canal; Anorectal Malformations; Colostomy; Constipation; Defecation; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Female; Humans; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Rectovaginal Fistula; Rectum
PubMed: 30377757
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-018-4378-2 -
Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics Aug 2018Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. The advancement of molecular techniques has...
Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. The advancement of molecular techniques has made chlamydia diagnostics infinitely easier. However, molecular techniques lack the information on chlamydia viability. Where in routine diagnostics the detection of chlamydia DNA or RNA might suffice, in other patient scenarios, information on the viability of chlamydia might be essential. Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss the specific strengths and limitations of currently available methods to evaluate chlamydia viability: conventional cell culture, messenger RNA (mRNA) detection and viability-PCR (V-PCR). PubMed and Google Scholar were searched with the following terms: Chlamydia trachomatis, Treatment failure, Anal chlamydia, Microbial viability, Culture, Viability-PCR, Messenger RNA, and Molecular diagnostics Expert commentary: Several techniques are currently available to determine chlamydia viability and thus the clinical relevance of a positive test result in clinical samples. Depending on the underlying research question, all three discussed techniques have their merits when testing for viability. However, mRNA methods show the most promise in determining the presence of a true infection, in case the chlamydia reticulate body can be specifically detected. Further research is needed to understand how to best apply viability testing in current chlamydia diagnostics.
Topics: Bacteriological Techniques; Cell Survival; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Humans; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Transcriptome
PubMed: 29987959
DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2018.1498785