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Neurosurgical Review Oct 2023Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is common among the elderly, with surgical evacuation as a prevalent treatment, facing recurrence rates up to 30%. Recently, middle... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparative outcomes of middle meningeal artery embolization with statins versus embolization alone in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is common among the elderly, with surgical evacuation as a prevalent treatment, facing recurrence rates up to 30%. Recently, middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising approach, offering reduced treatment failures and recurrence rates. Additionally, statins, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, have been considered as a potential adjunctive or sole treatment for cSDH. However, the combination of MMAE with statins remains understudied. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the comparative outcomes of MMAE with statins versus MMAE alone in the treatment of cSDH. A comprehensive systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria were: studies published in English between the dates of inception of each database and August 2023, studies comparing the treatment of cSDH with either MMAE + statin or MMAE alone were included. Main outcome measures were complete resolution of the hematoma at follow-up and the recurrence rates. Two studies comprising 715 patients were included; 408 patients underwent MMAE + statin; and 307 underwent MMAE alone. MMAE + statin was not significantly superior to MMAE alone in achieving complete resolution of the hematoma at follow-up (RR: 0.99; CI: 0.91 to 1.07, P = 0.84), nor was it a significant difference in rates of recurrence (RR: 1.35; CI: 0.83 to 2.17, P = 0.21) between the two groups. MMAE + statin did not demonstrate significant superiority over MMAE alone for achieving complete resolution and decreasing the recurrence rates in cSDH patients. Further research with larger, randomized studies may be required to fully elucidate the potential synergistic effects of MMAE and statins in this patient population.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic; Meningeal Arteries; Embolization, Therapeutic; Hematoma
PubMed: 37783962
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02165-3 -
Indian Heart Journal 2023Scant data is available on the efficacy and safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) for early and rapid reduction of low-density... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Scant data is available on the efficacy and safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) for early and rapid reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) within 4-8 weeks of an acute event in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We undertook this meta-analysis to address this knowledge-gap.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched for RCTs involving patients with ACS receiving PCSK9i in intervention arm, and placebo/active comparator in control arm. Primary outcome was to evaluate changes in 1-month LDL-C post ACS. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate alterations in other lipid parameters and adverse events.
RESULTS
From initially screened 194 articles, data from 3 studies was analyzed. After 4-weeks therapy, patients receiving PCSK9i had lower LDL-C [MD -0.95 mmol/L (95%CI:-1.51 to -0.40); P = 0.0007; I = 96%, total cholesterol (TC) [MD-1.05 mmol/L (95%CI:-1.83 to -0.27); P = 0.009; I = 94%] and triglycerides (TG) [MD-0.27 mmol/L (95%CI:-0.44 to -0.10); P = 0.002; I = 0%] compared to controls. After 4-8 weeks therapy, patients receiving PCSK9i has lower apolipoprotein B [MD-27.74% (95%CI:-42.59 to -12.89); P = 0.0003; I = 89%] as compared to controls. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [MD 0.05 mmol/L (95%CI:-0.00-0.11); P = 0.05; I = 0%], lipoprotein(a) [MD-20.63 mmol/L (95%CI:-41.86- 0.59); P = 0.06; I = 54%] and apolipoprotein A1 [MD 0.02 g/L (95%CI:-0.02-0.07); P = 0.32; I = 0%] were comparable between groups. Hospital readmission for ACS was significantly lower in group receiving PCSK9i compared to controls [OR0.25 (95%CI:0.07-0.85); P = 0.03; I = 0%]. Occurrence of cardiac death [OR3.75 (95%CI:0.41-34.22); P = 0.24; I = 0%], serious adverse events [OR0.71 (95% CI:0.13-3.83); P = 0.69; I = 70%] and total adverse events [OR1.01 (95%CI: 0.19-5.30); P = 0.99; I = 92%] was comparable between groups.
CONCLUSION
PCSK9i are highly effective in early reduction of LDL-C along with reduction of early hospital readmissions post-ACS.
Topics: Humans; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Anticholesteremic Agents; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Proprotein Convertase 9; Subtilisins
PubMed: 37777180
DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2023.09.005 -
Anticancer Research Oct 2023Using statins as antitumor agents is an approach to cancer therapy that has been explored extensively in specific cancer types. Reframing the query to how a statin... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/AIM
Using statins as antitumor agents is an approach to cancer therapy that has been explored extensively in specific cancer types. Reframing the query to how a statin interacts with the treatment regimen instead might provide new insight. Given that cell-cycle regulation influences tumorigenesis, it is possible that the cell-cycle phase which a given chemotherapy acts on influences the synergistic effects with adjuvant statin use. In this review, we outline the effect of statins in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs in in vivo animal model studies based on the class of chemotherapy and its relation to the cell cycle.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols 2015 with 23 articles deemed eligible to be included.
RESULTS
Our review suggests that statins influence the success of chemotherapy treatments. Furthermore, enhanced efficacy was demonstrated with chemotherapeutic drugs that act at every phase of the cell cycle.
CONCLUSION
This type of compilation departs from the norm of describing statin influence on named cancer subtypes and instead catalogs how statins interact with categorical chemotherapy agents which might be beneficial for broader therapeutic decision-making across cancer subtypes, possibly contributing to pharmaceutical development, and thereby helping to maximize patient outcomes.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Antineoplastic Agents; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
PubMed: 37772570
DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.16621 -
Microscopy Research and Technique Feb 2024The purpose of this systematic review of meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of removing the smearing layer using EDTA versus Chitosan (Ch) and Chitosan... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The comparative of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticle versus ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on the smear layer removal: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro study.
The purpose of this systematic review of meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of removing the smearing layer using EDTA versus Chitosan (Ch) and Chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-NPs). A search was performed in four electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane). The included studies were assessed by two reviewers using Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklist for the quasi-experimental studies. Outcomes obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and conventional methods were presented as standardized mean differences alongside 95% confidence intervals. Seven investigations employed 212 single-root teeth. In the apical section (p = .317, 95% CI = -0.820 to 0.266, Tau = 0.387), middle segment (p = .914, 95% CI = -1.019 to 0.912, Tau = 1.027), and coronal segment (p = .277, 95% CI = -1.008 to 0.289, Tau = 0.378). This meta-analysis found no difference between Ch, Ch-NPs, and EDTA in removing the smear layer in the three segments. This systematic review is designed to show evidence related to the PICO question, in which our outcome is smear layer removal and not the clinical success of such a treatment. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in removing the smear layer, a layer of debris and organic material on the tooth surface, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The removal of the smear layer is crucial for successful dental treatments, as it enhances the adhesion of restorative materials and improves the penetration of antimicrobial agents into dentinal tubules. The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching various databases of electron microscopy results for relevant in vitro studies comparing the effects of chitosan or chitosan nanoparticles with EDTA on smear layer removal. The results encourage further exploration of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles for clinical use in dentistry, while considering their specific applications and long-term effects.
Topics: Humans; Edetic Acid; Chitosan; Smear Layer; Root Canal Preparation; Sodium Hypochlorite; Root Canal Irrigants; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Dental Pulp Cavity
PubMed: 37732467
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24423 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2023A detailed summary and meta-analysis of the dose-related effect of pravastatin on lipids is not available. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A detailed summary and meta-analysis of the dose-related effect of pravastatin on lipids is not available.
OBJECTIVES
Primary objective To assess the pharmacology of pravastatin by characterizing the dose-related effect and variability of the effect of pravastatin on the surrogate marker: low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol). The effect of pravastatin on morbidity and mortality is not the objective of this systematic review. Secondary objectives • To assess the dose-related effect and variability of effect of pravastatin on the following surrogate markers: total cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol); and triglycerides. • To assess the effect of pravastatin on withdrawals due to adverse effects.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Hypertension Information Specialist searched the following databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to September 2021: CENTRAL (2021, Issue 8), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Bireme LILACS, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We also contacted authors of relevant papers regarding further published and unpublished work. The searches had no language restrictions.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating the dose response of different fixed doses of pravastatin on blood lipids over a duration of three to 12 weeks in participants of any age with and without evidence of cardiovascular disease.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed eligibility criteria for studies to be included, and extracted data. We entered lipid data from placebo-controlled trials into Review Manager 5 as continuous data and withdrawal due to adverse effects (WDAEs) data as dichotomous data. We searched for WDAEs information from all trials. We assessed all trials using Cochrane's risk of bias tool under the categories of sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data, selective reporting, and other potential biases.
MAIN RESULTS
Sixty-four RCTs evaluated the dose-related efficacy of pravastatin in 9771 participants. The participants were of any age, with and without evidence of cardiovascular disease, and pravastatin effects were studied within a treatment period of three to 12 weeks. Log dose-response data over the doses of 5 mg to 160 mg revealed strong linear dose-related effects on blood total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and a weak linear dose-related effect on blood triglycerides. There was no dose-related effect of pravastatin on blood HDL cholesterol. Pravastatin 10 mg/day to 80 mg/day reduced LDL cholesterol by 21.7% to 31.9%, total cholesterol by 16.1% to 23.3%,and triglycerides by 5.8% to 20.0%. The certainty of evidence for these effects was judged to be moderate to high. For every two-fold dose increase there was a 3.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2 to 4.6) decrease in blood LDL cholesterol. This represented a dose-response slope that was less than the other studied statins: atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, pitavastatin and cerivastatin. From other systematic reviews we conducted on statins for its effect to reduce LDL cholesterol, pravastatin is similar to fluvastatin, but has a decreased effect compared to atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin and cerivastatin. The effect of pravastatin compared to placebo on WADES has a risk ratio (RR) of 0.81 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.03). The certainty of evidence was judged to be very low.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Pravastatin lowers blood total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride in a dose-dependent linear fashion. This review did not provide a good estimate of the incidence of harms associated with pravastatin because of the lack of reporting of adverse effects in 48.4% of the randomized placebo-controlled trials.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant; Pravastatin; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Atorvastatin; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Fluvastatin; Rosuvastatin Calcium; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
PubMed: 37721222
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013673.pub2 -
Medicine Sep 2023A large body of research has investigated the use of statins in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the therapeutic effects of statins remain uncertain. Thus, we... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A large body of research has investigated the use of statins in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the therapeutic effects of statins remain uncertain. Thus, we designed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of statins in patients with RA.
METHODS
Databases searched to detect clinical randomized controlled trials or clinical controlled trials on the interaction between statins and RA before January 2020 included PubMed, Web of Sciences, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang Database. Efficacy was measured by Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints (DAS28), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tenderness of the joint (TJ), swelling of the joint (SJ), and interleukin-6. The level of blood lipid was also evaluated. STATA 12.0 was used for the meta-analysis. The Cochrane method was used for quality assessment. Heterogeneity was considered to determine fixed effects or random effects models.
RESULTS
Nineteen clinical trials with a total of 22,906 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Sixteen studies reported a change in DAS28 after statin treatment. The pooled analysis showed that statins reduced DAS28 in RA patients. Change in ESR after statin treatment was reported in 9 studies. The summary analysis showed that statins lowered ESR in RA patients. Twelve studies reported a change in CRP after statin treatment. The results of the entire analysis showed that statins lowered CRP in RA patients. Seven studies reported a change in TJ after statin treatment. The combined analysis showed that statins reduced TJ at RA patients. Six studies reported changes in IL6 after statin therapy. The results showed that statins failed to reduce IL6 in RA patients. Seven studies reported changes in SJ after statin therapy, which showed that statins failed to reduce SJ in RA patients. We also found that statins can reduce blood lipid levels in RA patients.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, statins were able to reduce DAS28, ESR, CRP, TJ, and blood lipids. It indicated that stains can benefit patients with RA by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors and reducing the levels of lipids in the blood. Our study may offer a new perspective on the treatment of RA and provide research ideas for future larger multi-center clinical trials.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Interleukin-6; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Arthralgia; Blood Sedimentation; C-Reactive Protein
PubMed: 37713899
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035088 -
The American Journal of Cardiology Nov 2023
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Anthracyclines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Heart Diseases; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Primary Prevention; Cardiotoxicity
PubMed: 37683579
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.08.123 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... Nov 2023Bempedoic acid has shown noteworthy progress in the prevention and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in recent years. However, there has been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
Bempedoic acid has shown noteworthy progress in the prevention and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in recent years. However, there has been a lack of high-quality evidence regarding the risk reduction of clinical events with bempedoic acid. Therefore, the aim of this article is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of bempedoic acid on the incidence of cardiovascular events.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials pertaining to bempedoic acid was carried out. We conducted a systematic search across the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases to identify relevant studies published from inception to 23 April 2023. A total of four trials comparing the clinical benefit achieved with bempedoic acid versus placebo were included.
RESULTS
Our analysis comprised four trials that encompassed a total of 17,323 patients. In comparison to the placebo, bempedoic acid showed a significant reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [relative risk (RR), 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87-0.94]. Additionally, bempedoic acid substantially lowered the occurrence of fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.89), hospitalization for unstable angina (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55-0.89), and coronary revascularization (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.92). There was also a similar reduction in MACE in patients on the maximally tolerated statin therapy.
CONCLUSION
Bempedoic acid may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events regardless of whether the patient is taking stains or not.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration number CRD42023422932.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Myocardial Infarction; Dicarboxylic Acids; Fatty Acids; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 37672202
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00606-4 -
European Journal of Clinical... Nov 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid in patients requiring lipid-lowering therapy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid in patients requiring lipid-lowering therapy.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from inception till June 2023. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, serum lipid profile, and adverse events between bempedoic acid and comparators. ROB2 was used for risk of bias assessment. We pooled mean differences or relative risks (RR) along with 95% confidence intervals (random-effects model).
RESULTS
Five-hundred and thirty-one studies were screened and 17 (n = 21,131) were included for review. There was a significant reduction in the risk of MACE [RR, 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.99), p = 0.03)] and all-cause mortality [RR, 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.98), p = 0.02] following bempedoic acid treatment. Treatment with bempedoic acid led to a significant reduction in the mean serum total cholesterol [- 34.41 mg/dl (95% CI: - 42.43 to - 26.39), p < 0.001], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [- 33.91 mg/dl (95% CI: - 39.66 to - 28.17), p < 0.001], as well as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [- 2.40 mg/dl (95% CI: - 3.09 to - 1.71), p < 0.001] levels. However, there was a significant increase in the risk of hyperuricemia [RR, 2.05 (95% CI: 1.81 to 2.33), p < 0.001] following bempedoic acid treatment. The number needed to harm was large for all safety outcomes. The GRADE of evidence was moderate for all outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Bempedoic acid reduces the risk of MACE and all-cause mortality, lowers serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels, and has a favorable safety profile. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: CRD42023412837.
Topics: Humans; Cholesterol, LDL; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dicarboxylic Acids; Fatty Acids
PubMed: 37672112
DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03555-8 -
Anti-cancer Agents in Medicinal... 2023Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a type of cancer with a high incidence and case-fatality rate. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a type of cancer with a high incidence and case-fatality rate.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the role of statins in preventing mortality following PC based on scientific evidence with systematic review and meta-analysis method.
METHODS
This meta-analysis considered studies published from 1980 till the end of 2022 in ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Embase databases. Funnel diagrams and Begg's and Egger's tests were used to assess the publication bias.
RESULTS
In general, this meta-analysis has included 19 studies (13 cohort studies, 4 case-control, and 2 randomized clinical trials (RCTs)) and a total of 100,888 patients with PC. The risk of mortality of PC in statin users in total was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80 - 0.92, P-value <0.001); in the case-control studies, it was equal to 0.53 (0.34-0.83); in the cohort studies, it was equal to 0.87 (0.82-0.92, P-value <0.001); in RCTs, it was equal to 1.19 (0.99-1.42, P-value <0.001); in studies with good quality score category, it was equal to 0.92 (0.86-0.99, P-value <0.001), and in articles of the moderate quality score category, it was equal to 0.73 (0.64-0.84, P-value <0.001). The results of statistical tests indicated the existence of publication bias (Begg's test (P-value = 0.002) and Egger's test (P-value = 0.004)).
CONCLUSION
Statins reduce the risk of mortality in patients with PC. However, no significant relation has been observed in RCTs. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious in interpreting the results.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Incidence; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 37622694
DOI: 10.2174/1871520623666230824095226