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Journal of Pediatric Surgery Feb 2024Chyle leakage/ascites after surgical resection of neuroblastic tumors may delay the start of chemotherapy and worsen prognosis. Previous studies have reported a highly... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Chyle leakage/ascites after surgical resection of neuroblastic tumors may delay the start of chemotherapy and worsen prognosis. Previous studies have reported a highly variable incidence and risk factors remain largely unknown. This study aims to analyze the true incidence of chyle leaks and ascites and seeks to identify risk factors and optimal treatment strategies.
METHODS
Medline/Embase databases were searched according to PRISMA guidelines. Literature reviews, case reports, and non-English papers were excluded. Data were extracted independently following paper selection by 2 authors.
RESULTS
The final analysis yielded 15 studies with N = 1468 patients. Chylous ascites was recorded postoperatively in 171 patients (12%). Most patients experiencing chyle leaks were successfully treated conservatively with drainage, bowel rest, parenteral nutrition and octreotide with variable combinations of these treatment options. 7/171 (4%) patients required operative exploration to control troublesome persistent chyle leaks. In risk factor analysis, higher tumor stage was significantly associated with the risk of chyle leak (P < 0.0001) whereas no correlation was observed with adrenal vs non-adrenal tumor location, INRG risk groups and tumor laterality.
CONCLUSION
Chyle leakage after surgery for neuroblastic tumors is a common morbid complication occurring in some 12% of patients. Higher INSS tumor stage portends greater risk(s). Conservative therapy strategies appear successful in the majority of cases. To avert this complication meticulous mesenteric lymphatic ligation is recommended especially for those patients with higher tumor stage(s) requiring extensive radical surgery including retroperitoneal lymph node resection.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III.
TYPE OF STUDY
Systematic review.
PubMed: 38490882
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.02.018 -
Hepatology International Jun 2024The approach in small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial, no prospective randomized trials to compare ablative or surgical approaches. We compared the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
Laparoscopic liver resection is superior to radiofrequency ablation for small hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity score-matched studies.
BACKGROUND
The approach in small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial, no prospective randomized trials to compare ablative or surgical approaches. We compared the surgical and oncological outcomes after laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in small HCC patients based on matched cohort studies that performed propensity score matching (PSM).
METHODS
We systemically searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and the Chinese BioMedical Literature (CBM) databases. All published propensity score-matched studies that compared LH and RFA for small HCC were included in this study.
RESULTS
Eight studies with a total of 1273 small HCC cases were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the 1- year overall survival (OS) rate between the two groups, whereas the LH group had significantly higher 3- year overall survival rate (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.08-1.20, p < 0.00001) as well as 1- and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates (RR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.22-1.42, p < 0.00001; RR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.46-1.90, p < 0.00001) than the RFA group. Meanwhile, the local recurrence rate and intrahepatic distant recurrence rate were significantly lower in the LH group than in the RFA group (RR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.20-0.42, p < 0.00001; RR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.92, p = 0.01). In comparison with the LH group, the RFA group had a lower incidence of overall and major postoperative complications (RR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.47-2.24, p < 0.00001; RR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.48-5.12, p = 0.001), but there was no significant difference in postoperative mortality between the two groups. In addition, further comparison of single postoperative complications showed that the incidence of ascites was lower in the RFA group than in the LH group (RR = 3.62, 95% CI 1.64-7.96, p = 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative bleeding, abdominal infection and bile leakage between the two groups (RR = 3.50, 95% CI 0.74-16.61, p = 0.11; RR = 5.00, 95% CI 0.59-42.23, p = 0.14; RR = 4.00, 95% CI 0.45-35.23, p = 0.21). Besides, the hospital stay was shorter in the RFA group than in the LH group (MD = 4.29, 95% CI 2.06-6.53, p = 0.0002).
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis demonstrated that in comparison with RFA in the treatment of small HCC, LH provided superior long-term OS and DFS together with lower rates of local and intrahepatic distant recurrence after surgery. However, RFA was associated with better short-term outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Hepatectomy; Propensity Score; Laparoscopy; Radiofrequency Ablation; Treatment Outcome; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 38480604
DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10645-x -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... Mar 2024Recent evidence suggests that acetazolamide may be beneficial as an adjunctive diuretic therapy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF). We aim to pool... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Recent evidence suggests that acetazolamide may be beneficial as an adjunctive diuretic therapy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF). We aim to pool all the studies conducted until now and provide updated evidence regarding the role of acetazolamide as adjunctive diuretic in patients with acute decompensated HF.
METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched from inception until July 2023, for randomized and nonrandomized studies evaluating acetazolamide as add-on diuretic in patients with acute decompensated HF. Data about natriuresis, urine output, decongestion, and the clinical signs of congestion were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Data were pooled using a random effects model. Results were presented as risk ratios (RRs), odds ratios (ORs), or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Certainty of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant in all cases.
RESULTS
A total of 5 studies (n = 684 patients) were included with a median follow-up time of 3 months. Pooled analysis demonstrated significantly increased natriuresis (MD 55.07, 95% CI 35.1-77.04, P < 0.00001; I = 54%; moderate certainty), urine output (MD 1.04, 95% CI 0.10-1.97, P = 0.03; I = 79%; moderate certainty) and decongestion [odds ratio (OR) 1.62, 95% CI 1.14-2.31, P = 0.007; I = 0%; high certainty] in the acetazolamide group, as compared with controls. There was no significant difference in ascites (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.23-1.36, P = 0.20; I = 0%; low certainty), edema (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.52-2.0, P = 0.95; I = 45%; very low certainty), raised jugular venous pressure (JVP) (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.63-1.17, P = 0.35; I = 0%; low certainty), and pulmonary rales (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.44-1.51, P = 0.52; I = 25%; low certainty) between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Acetazolamide as an adjunctive diuretic significantly improves global surrogate endpoints for decongestion therapy but not all individual signs and symptoms of volume overload.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
This systematic review was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ), registration number CRD498330.
Topics: Humans; Acetazolamide; Diuretics; Heart Failure
PubMed: 38416359
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-024-00633-9 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Mar 2024This review assesses the possibility of utilizing malignant effusions (MEs) for generating patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs). Obtained through minimally invasive... (Review)
Review
This review assesses the possibility of utilizing malignant effusions (MEs) for generating patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs). Obtained through minimally invasive procedures MEs broaden the spectrum of organoid sources beyond resection specimens and tissue biopsies. A systematic search yielded 11 articles, detailing the successful generation of 190 ME-PDTOs (122 pleural effusions, 54 malignant ascites). Success rates ranged from 33% to 100%, with an average of 84% and median of 92%. A broad and easily applicable array of techniques can be employed, encompassing diverse collection methods, variable centrifugation speeds, and the inclusion of approaches like RBC lysis buffer or centrifuged ME supernatants supplementation, enhancing the versatility and accessibility of the methodology. ME-PDTOs were found to recapitulate primary tumor characteristics and were primarily used for drug screening applications. Thus, MEs are a reliable source for developing PDTOs, emphasizing the need for further research to maximize their potential, validate usage, and refine culturing processes.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Biopsy; Organoids
PubMed: 38311013
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104285 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2024Non-selective β blockers (NSBBs) may negatively influence renal function through decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. This study aimed to systematically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Non-selective β blockers (NSBBs) may negatively influence renal function through decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. This study aimed to systematically investigate their association.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched to identify all relevant studies evaluating the association of NSBBs with renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. Unadjusted and adjusted data were separately extracted. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled. Subgroup meta-analyses were performed according to the proportions of ascites and Child-Pugh class B/C and the mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were finally included. Based on unadjusted data, NSBBs significantly increased the risk of developing renal dysfunction (OR = 1.49; = 0.03), and this association remained significant in subgroup analyses of studies where the proportions of ascites was >70% and Child-Pugh class B/C was 100%. Based on adjusted data with propensity score matching (adjusted OR = 0.61; = 0.08) and multivariable regression modelling (adjusted HR = 0.86; = 0.713), NSBBs did not increase the risk of developing renal dysfunction, and this association remained not significant in subgroup analyses of studies where the proportions of ascites was >70% and <70%, the proportion of Child-Pugh class B/C was <100%, and the mean MELD score was <15. The quality of evidence was very low for all meta-analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
NSBBs may not be associated with the development of renal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis. However, more evidence is required to clarify their association in specific populations.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; End Stage Liver Disease; Severity of Illness Index; Liver Cirrhosis; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Kidney Diseases
PubMed: 38271554
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2305935 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023This systematic review aimed to compare liver venous deprivation (LVD) with portal vein embolization (PVE) in terms of future liver volume, postoperative outcomes, and...
A systematic review and meta-analysis of liver venous deprivation versus portal vein embolization before hepatectomy: future liver volume, postoperative outcomes, and oncological safety.
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review aimed to compare liver venous deprivation (LVD) with portal vein embolization (PVE) in terms of future liver volume, postoperative outcomes, and oncological safety before major hepatectomy.
METHODS
We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines 2020 and AMSTAR 2 guidelines. Comparative articles published before November 2022 were retained.
RESULTS
The literature search identified nine eligible comparative studies. They included 557 patients, 207 in the LVD group and 350 in the PVE group. This systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that LVD was associated with higher future liver remnant (FLR) volume after embolization, percentage of FLR hypertrophy, lower failure of resection due to low FLR, faster kinetic growth, higher day 5 prothrombin time, and higher 3 years' disease-free survival. This study did not find any difference between the LVD and PVE groups in terms of complications related to embolization, FLR percentage of hypertrophy after embolization, failure of resection, 3-month mortality, overall morbidity, major complications, operative time, blood loss, bile leak, ascites, post hepatectomy liver failure, day 5 bilirubin level, hospital stay, and three years' overall survival.
CONCLUSION
LVD is as feasible and safe as PVE with encouraging results making some selected patients more suitable for surgery, even with a small FLR.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO before conducting the study (CRD42021287628).
PubMed: 38269320
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1334661 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2024Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition that occurs in people with chronic liver disease (such as alcoholic hepatitis, advanced cirrhosis, or fulminant liver failure) and...
BACKGROUND
Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition that occurs in people with chronic liver disease (such as alcoholic hepatitis, advanced cirrhosis, or fulminant liver failure) and portal hypertension. The prognosis is dismal, often with a survival of weeks to months. Hepatorenal syndrome is characterised by the development of intense splanchnic vasodilation favouring ascites and hypotension leading to renal vasoconstriction and acute renal failure. Therefore, treatment attempts focus on improving arterial pressure through the use of vasopressors, paracentesis, and increasing renal perfusion pressure. Several authors have reported that the placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) may be a therapeutic option because it decreases portal pressure and improves arterial and renal pressures. However, the evidence is not clearly documented and TIPS may cause adverse events. Accordingly, it is necessary to evaluate the evidence of the benefits and harms of TIPS to assess its value in people with hepatorenal syndrome.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in adults with hepatorenal syndrome compared with sham, no intervention, conventional treatment, or other treatments.
SEARCH METHODS
We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 2 June 2023.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included only randomised clinical trials with a parallel-group design, which compared the TIPS placement with sham, no intervention, conventional therapy, or other therapies, in adults aged 18 years or older, regardless of sex or ethnicity, diagnosed with chronic liver disease and hepatorenal syndrome. We excluded trials of adults with kidney failure due to causes not related to hepatorenal syndrome, and we also excluded data from quasi-randomised, cross-over, and observational study designs as we did not design a separate search for such studies.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. all-cause mortality, 2. morbidity due to any cause, and 3. serious adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were 1. health-related quality of life, 2. non-serious adverse events, 3. participants who did not receive a liver transplant, 4. participants without improvement in kidney function, and 5. length of hospitalisation. We performed fixed-effect and random-effects meta-analyses using risk ratio (RR) or Peto odds ratio (Peto OR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) for the continuous outcomes. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
We included two randomised clinical trials comparing TIPS placement (64 participants) versus conventional treatment (paracentesis plus albumin 8 g/L of removed ascites) (66 participants). The co-interventions used in the trials were dietary treatment (sodium less than 60 mmoL/day), spironolactone (300 mg/day to 400 mg/day), and furosemide (120 mg/day). Follow-up was up to 24 months. Both were multicentre trials from Spain and the USA, and Germany, conducted between 1993 and 2002. Most participants were men (aged 18 to 75 years). We are uncertain about the effect of TIPS placement compared with conventional treatment, during the first 24 months of follow-up, on all-cause mortality (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.38; 2 trials, 130 participants; I = 58%; very low-certainty evidence) and on the development of any serious adverse event (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.10 to 24.59; 2 trials, 130 participants; I = 78%; very low-certainty evidence). The use of TIPS may or may not result in a decrease in overall morbidity such as bacterial peritonitis, encephalopathy, or refractory ascites, during the first 24 months of follow-up, compared with the conventional treatment (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.18; 2 trials, 130 participants; I = 0%; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of TIPS placement versus conventional treatment on the number of people who did not receive a liver transplant (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.14; 2 trials, 130 participants; I = 0%; very low-certainty evidence) or on the length of hospitalisation (MD -20.0 days, 95% CI -39.92 to -0.08; 1 trial, 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Kidney function may improve in participants with TIPS placement (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.02; 1 trial, 70 participants; low-certainty evidence). No trials reported health-related quality of life, non-serious adverse events, or number of participants with improvement in liver function associated with the TIPS placement. Funding No trials reported sources of commercial funding or conflicts of interest between researchers. Ongoing studies We found one ongoing trial comparing TIPS with conventional therapy (terlipressin plus albumin) and listed one study as awaiting classification as no full-text article could be found.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
TIPS placement was compared with conventional treatment, with a follow-up of 24 months, in adults with hepatorenal syndrome type 2. Based on two trials with insufficient sample size and trial limitations, we assessed the overall certainty of evidence as low or very low. We are unsure if TIPS may decrease all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, the number of people who did not receive a liver transplant, and the days of hospitalisation because of the very low-certainty evidence. We are unsure if TIPS, compared with conventional treatment, has better effects on overall morbidity (bacterial peritonitis, encephalopathy, or refractory ascites). TIPS may improve kidney function, but the certainty of evidence is low. The trials included no data on health-related quality of life, non-serious adverse events, and liver function associated with the TIPS placement. We identified one ongoing trial and one study awaiting classification which may contribute to the review when information becomes available.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Albumins; Ascites; Brain Diseases; Hepatorenal Syndrome; Peritonitis; Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38235907
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011039.pub2 -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences Apr 2024Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is the most common infection in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with high mortality. Although recent literature reports... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is the most common infection in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with high mortality. Although recent literature reports mortality benefits to early diagnostic paracentesis, current guidelines do not offer specific recommendations for how quickly diagnostic paracentesis should be performed in patients with cirrhosis and ascites who are admitted to the hospital. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate outcomes among patients admitted to the hospital with cirrhosis and ascites receiving paracentesis within ≤ 12, ≤ 1 day, and > 1 day. Eight studies with 116,174 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled risk of in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients who underwent early (≤ 12 h or ≤ 1 day) compared to delayed (> 12 h or > 1 day) paracentesis (RR: 0.69, p < 0.00001), and in patients who underwent paracentesis compared to no paracentesis (RR: 0.74, p < 0.00001). On subgroup analysis, in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in both paracentesis within ≤ 12 h (RR: 0.61, p = 0.02) vs. > 12 h, and within ≤ 1 day (RR: 0.70, p < 0.00001) vs. > 1 day. While there was a trend towards decreased mortality in those undergoing paracentesis within ≤ 12 h compared to ≤ 1 day, the difference did not reach statistical significance. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter by 5.38 days in patients who underwent early (≤ 12 h) compared to delayed (> 12 h) paracentesis (95% CI 4.24-6.52, p < 0.00001). Early paracentesis is associated with reduced mortality and length of hospital stay. We encourage providers to perform diagnostic paracentesis in a timely manner, at least within 1 day of hospital admission, for all patients with cirrhosis and ascites.
Topics: Humans; Length of Stay; Ascites; Paracentesis; Liver Cirrhosis; Hospitalization; Peritonitis; Bacterial Infections
PubMed: 38217676
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08249-w -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Jan 2024Many studies have explored the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and survival outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer (OC); however, consistent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Many studies have explored the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and survival outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer (OC); however, consistent results have not been reported. As such, this meta-analysis was performed to accurately assess the prognostic and clinicopathological roles of CRP in OC.
METHODS
The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published from inception to April 7, 2023. The effect of CRP level(s) and OC prognostic outcomes was analyzed by computing the combined hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Thereafter, the association between CRP level(s) and clinicopathological factors was evaluated using a combined odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% CI.
RESULTS
The present meta-analysis included 15 studies comprising 3202 subjects. According to the combined data, higher CRP levels were markedly associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) (HR 1.23 [95% CI 1.11-1.37]; p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 1.55 [95% CI 1.30-1.84]; p < 0.001) in patients with OC. Furthermore, the results indicated that high CRP levels were significantly correlated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages III-IV (p < 0.001), residual tumor size ≥ 1 cm (p < 0.001), histological grade 3 (p = 0.040), and ascites volume ≥ 500 mL (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated that higher serum CRP levels were strongly associated with dismal OS and PFS in subjects with OC. High CRP levels were also significantly associated with clinical factors implicated in tumor aggressiveness and the development of OC.
Topics: Humans; Female; Prognosis; C-Reactive Protein; Ovarian Neoplasms; Progression-Free Survival; Proportional Hazards Models
PubMed: 38172843
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03290-5 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Nov 2023Branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation has been associated with favourable outcomes in liver malignancies requiring definitive resection or liver...
BACKGROUND
Branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation has been associated with favourable outcomes in liver malignancies requiring definitive resection or liver transplantation. Currently, there are no updated systematic reviews evaluating the efficacy of perioperative BCAA supplementation in patients undergoing surgery for liver cancer.
AIM
To evaluate the efficacy of perioperative BCAA supplementation in patients undergoing surgery for liver cancer.
METHODS
A systematic review of randomized control trials and observational studies was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science to evaluate the effect of perioperative BCAA supplementation compared to standard in-hospital diet, in liver cancer patients undergoing surgery. Clinical outcomes were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed on relevant outcomes.
RESULTS
16 studies including 1389 patients were included. Perioperative BCAA administration was associated with reduced postoperative infection [risk ratio (RR) = 0.58 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.39 to 0.84, = 0.005] and ascites [RR = 0.57 (95%CI: 0.38 to 0.85), = 0.005]. There was also a reduction in length of hospital stay (LOS) [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -3.03 d (95%CI: -5.49 to -0.57), = 0.02] and increase in body weight [WMD = 1.98 kg (95%CI: 0.35 to 3.61, = 0.02]. No significant differences were found in mortality, cancer recurrence and overall survival. No significant safety concerns were identified.
CONCLUSION
Perioperative BCAA administration is efficacious in reducing postoperative infection, ascites, LOS, and increases body weight in liver cancer patients undergoing surgical resection.
PubMed: 38111761
DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i11.2596