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Tropical Medicine & International... Apr 2024The burden of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is not well quantified in TB endemic countries such as those in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to quantify that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The burden of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is not well quantified in TB endemic countries such as those in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to quantify that burden via a systematic review of the prevalence of EPTB in African countries.
METHODS
Studies were retrieved by searching five databases; 105 studies published between 1990 and 2023 were included. The studies described the prevalence of EPTB among the general population (4 studies), TB patients (68) and patients with other conditions, including HIV (15), meningitis (3), renal failure (3) and other comorbidities, some of which are cancer (12). Due to the low number of studies reporting EPTB in patients with conditions other than TB, the meta-analysis was performed on studies reporting on EPTB among TB patients (68 studies). Meta-analysis was performed on the 68 studies (271,073 participants) using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of EPTB. Meta-regression was used to explore possible explanations for heterogeneity according to regions and time periods.
RESULTS
The pooled prevalence of EPTB among TB patients was 26% (95% CI 23-29%). There was substantial heterogeneity of prevalence for the five African regions. The Eastern region had the highest prevalence of 32% (95% CI 28-37%) and the lowest in Western Africa, 16% (95% CI 10-24%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of EPTB between the 3 eleven-year time periods.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review and meta-analysis give insight into the burden of EPTB in Africa. This review could inform clinical and programmatic practices-a higher suspicion index for clinicians and more effort for better services. This could contribute to efforts aiming to end TB, which have historically been focused on PTB.Coordinated efforts that target both EPTB and PTB are needed.
Topics: Humans; Tuberculosis; Prevalence; Tuberculosis, Extrapulmonary; Africa South of the Sahara; Africa, Western
PubMed: 38263374
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13970 -
BMC Cancer Jan 2024Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma(LPM) is a rare subtype of meningioma with a low degree of malignancy and an overall preferable prognosis. The purpose of this article is...
BACKGROUNDS
Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma(LPM) is a rare subtype of meningioma with a low degree of malignancy and an overall preferable prognosis. The purpose of this article is to increase the understanding of the disease, reduce misdiagnosis, and improve prognosis.
METHODS
A search was conducted in the PubMed database for English articles published from 1993 to 2023. The keywords were "lymphoplasmacyte-rich (all fields) and meningioma (all fields) and English (lang)" and "lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma (title/abstract) and English (lang)".We further analyzed the clinical manifestations, imaging manifestations, pathological features, treatment strategies, and prognosis of LPM.The possible prognostic indicators were analyzed by the log-rank test and Pearson's chi-squared test.
RESULTS
Fourteen reports with 95 LPM patients were included in this report, including 47 males and 48 females who were diagnosed between the ages of 9 and 79, with an average age of 45 years. The most common clinical manifestations are headache and limb movement disorders. In most cases, the tumor occurred on the convex portion of the brain. All tumors showed significant enhancement, with homogeneous enhancement being more common, and most patients showed peritumoral edema. Postoperative pathological EMA, LCA, and vimentin positivity were helpful for the final diagnosis of the patient. Log-rank tests showed a correlation between complete resection and better prognosis and recurrence.
CONCLUSION
There is a lack of significant differences in the clinical symptoms and imaging manifestations of LPM compared to other diseases that need to be differentiated, and a clear diagnosis requires pathological examination. After standardized surgical treatment, the recurrence rate and mortality rate of LPM are both low. Complete surgical resection of tumors is associated with a better prognosis and lower recurrence rate.
Topics: Female; Male; Humans; Child; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Meningioma; Prognosis; Brain; Databases, Factual; Meningeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38254159
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11811-4 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024causes serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis, mainly in immunocompromised individuals and those of extreme ages. Currently, pneumococcal... (Review)
Review
causes serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis, mainly in immunocompromised individuals and those of extreme ages. Currently, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are the best allies against pneumococcal diseases. In Brazil, the 10-valent and 13-valent PCVs have been available since 2010, but the threat of antimicrobial resistance persists and has been changing over time. We conducted a systematic review of the literature with works published since 2000, generating a parallel between susceptibility data on isolates recovered from colonization and invasive diseases before and after the implementation of PCVs for routine childhood use in Brazil. This systematic review was based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Literature Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Despite the inclusion of PCVs at a large scale in the national territory, high frequencies of non-susceptibility to important drugs used in pneumococcal diseases are still observed, especially penicillin, as well as increasing resistance to macrolides. However, there are still drugs for which pneumococci have a comprehensive sensitivity profile.
PubMed: 38247625
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010066 -
World Neurosurgery Mar 2024Cerebral vasospasm in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) continues to be a major source of morbidity despite significant clinical and basic science... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Cerebral vasospasm in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) continues to be a major source of morbidity despite significant clinical and basic science research. The removal of blood and its degradation products from the subarachnoid space through prophylactic lumbar drainage (LD) is a favorable option. However, several studies have delivered conflicting conclusions on its efficacy after aSAH.
METHODS
Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were performed. The primary outcome was a good functional outcome (modified Rankin scale score, 0-2). Secondary outcomes included symptomatic vasospasm, secondary cerebral infarction, and mortality.
RESULTS
A total of 14 studies reporting on 2473 patients with aSAH were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the non-LD group, no significant differences were found in the rates of good functional outcomes in the LD group at discharge to 1 month (risk ratio [RR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-2.58) or at 6 months (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.97-1.41). These findings were consistent in the subgroup analyses of only randomized controlled trials or observational studies. LD was associated with lower rates of symptomatic vasospasm (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.48-0.77), secondary cerebral infarction (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45-0.79), and mortality at discharge to 1 month (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41-0.82). The effect on mortality diminished at 6 months (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.34-1.45). However, when analyzing only randomized controlled trials, the benefit of LD on lower rates of mortality continued even at 6 months (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.99).
CONCLUSIONS
For aSAH patients, the use of LD is associated with benefits in the rates of vasospasm, secondary cerebral infarctions, and mortality, without an increased risk of adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Cerebral Infarction; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Drainage; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Subarachnoid Space; Treatment Outcome; Vasospasm, Intracranial
PubMed: 38246528
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.062 -
The Lancet. Global Health Feb 2024Hearing loss affects approximately 1·6 billion individuals worldwide. Many cases are preventable. We aimed to estimate the annual number of new hearing loss cases that...
BACKGROUND
Hearing loss affects approximately 1·6 billion individuals worldwide. Many cases are preventable. We aimed to estimate the annual number of new hearing loss cases that could be attributed to meningitis, otitis media, congenital rubella syndrome, cytomegalovirus, and ototoxic medications, specifically aminoglycosides, platinum-based chemotherapeutics, and antimalarials.
METHODS
We used a targeted and a rapid systematic literature review to calculate yearly global incidences of each cause of hearing loss. We estimated the prevalence of hearing loss for each presumed cause. For each cause, we calculated the global number of yearly hearing loss cases associated with the exposure by multiplying the estimated exposed population by the prevalence of hearing loss associated with the exposure, accounting for mortality when warranted.
FINDINGS
An estimated 257·3 million people per year are exposed to these preventable causes of hearing loss, leading to an estimated 33·8 million new cases of hearing loss worldwide per year. Most hearing loss cases were among those with exposure to ototoxic medications (19·6 million [range 12·6 million-27·9 million] from short-course aminoglycoside therapy and 12·3 million from antimalarials). We estimated that 818 000 cases of hearing loss were caused by otitis media, 346 000 by meningitis, 114 000 by cytomegalovirus, and 59 000 by congenital rubella syndrome.
INTERPRETATION
The global burden of preventable hearing loss is large. Hearing loss that is attributable to disease sequelae or ototoxic medications contributes substantially to the global burden of hearing loss. Prevention of these conditions should be a global health priority.
FUNDING
The US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and the US National Institute on Aging.
Topics: Humans; Rubella Syndrome, Congenital; Antimalarials; Hearing Loss; Meningitis; Otitis Media
PubMed: 38245112
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00514-4 -
Epidemiologie, Mikrobiologie,... 2023Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a triad of haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, and acute kidney injury. It is a leading cause of acute kidney injury in children...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a triad of haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, and acute kidney injury. It is a leading cause of acute kidney injury in children and has a high rate of long-term sequelae. Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated HUS (SpHUS) is a rare complication from pneumococcal disease. This article aims to systematically review SpHUS following the global introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library from 1st January 2000 to 13th April 2022.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were included in this review, involving a total of 7,177 children with HUS, of which 336 cases were associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae. SpHUS accounted for 4.8% of all HUS cases, in which most patients were younger than 24 months old. Nine studies (80.4%, 281) were during the country's PCV era, whereas 4 studies (19.6%, 66) were before the introduction of PCV into the national vaccination programme. Pneumonia was the commonest clinical presentation (77.3%; 75/97), followed by septicaemia (33.0%; 32/97), and meningitis (29.9%; 29/97). Most cases presenting with pneumonia were complicated by empyema or pleural effusion (54.4%, n=49/90). Only 5 studies reported the isolated serotypes, with the most prevalent serotype being 19A (44.4%, n=20/45), followed by serotype 3 (17.8%, n = 8/45) and 7F (6.7%, n = 3/45). Of those reporting fatality, there were 12 deaths with a fatality rate of 9.8% (n = 12/122).
CONCLUSION
SpHUS is rare, but commonly presents in children younger than 2 years old. There remains a high risk of long-term complications and relatively high mortality rate even in the era of conjugate vaccines.
Topics: Child; Humans; Infant; Child, Preschool; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Pneumococcal Vaccines; Pneumococcal Infections; Serogroup; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome; Pneumonia; Acute Kidney Injury
PubMed: 38242706
DOI: No ID Found -
International Dental Journal Jun 2024The aim of this scoping review on infant oral mutilation (IOM) was to study the prevalence, dental complications, and immediate and long-term effects of this practice,...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this scoping review on infant oral mutilation (IOM) was to study the prevalence, dental complications, and immediate and long-term effects of this practice, in addition to providing a systematic overview on existing knowledge and analysis of identified knowledge gaps on IOM.
METHODS
Five electronic bibliographic databases (OVID/Medline, Embase.com, Clarivate Analytics/Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, and Global Index Medicus) were searched for relevant studies. Data were entered in a bespoke data-charting form. The risk of bias was assessed by 2 independent reviewers.
RESULTS
A total of 478 studies were identified from the search, out of which 42 studies were included in this review. Of the 42 studies, 19 were prevalence studies published between 1969 and 2019 which were additionally assessed for the risk of bias. We found the prevalence of IOM in Uganda was 2% to 30%; Ethiopia, 12% to 86%; Sudan, 10%; Kenya, 61% to 87%; and Tanzania 0% to 24%. Based on the prevalence studies, we observed that the most common factor motivating IOM was diarrhoea. The immediate effects of IOM were found to be infection, bleeding, anaemia, pneumonia, septicaemia, osteomyelitis, meningitis, tetanus, and blood-borne diseases, with some infants dying from these effects. Missing canines, enamel hypoplasia, malformations, abnormal eruption of permanent teeth, occlusal discrepancies, midline shift, chronic periapical infections, rotations, canine transposition, or odontomas were the long-term effects found in relation to IOM.
CONCLUSIONS
IOM is a practice with serious immediate and long-term consequences that is mainly performed in East Africa (or by people originated from this region) in children aged 4 to 8 months. Most frequently affected are the deciduous canines and mostly the mandibular teeth. It is important to create professional and public awareness of the procedure in low- and high-income countries. Furthermore, there is a need for more research on the prevalence of IOM in Africa and other areas of the world to determine the long-term consequences of the practice.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Prevalence; Tooth Diseases
PubMed: 38238211
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.11.012 -
Infectious Disorders Drug Targets 2024The purpose of this study was to find data proving the influence of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccination on the frequency of invasive Hib...
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to find data proving the influence of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccination on the frequency of invasive Hib illness.
METHODOLOGY
A systematic literature search was conducted on the PubMed database to identify peerreviewed publications pertaining to the epidemiology of meningitis, both before and after the introduction of type b (Hib) conjugate vaccines. The search query employed a combination of relevant keywords, including "invasive," "" "meningitis," and specific serotype b (Hib). Additionally, terms related to epidemiology, burden, risk factors, impact, Hib vaccine, Hib conjugate vaccine, combination vaccine, vaccine production, efficacy, immunisation coverage, surveillance, review, clinical aspects, outcomes, and various age groups (adults and children) were incorporated.
RESULT
The search encompassed articles published till now. Subsequently, relevant research papers concerning meningitis were subjected to a comprehensive review and analysis.
CONCLUSION
The Hib conjugate vaccination has shown to be extremely effective when administered to the entire population. However, changes to the immunisation protocol appear to be required in order to effectively manage invasive Hib illness.
Topics: Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Bacterial Capsules; Haemophilus Infections; Haemophilus influenzae type b; Haemophilus Vaccines; Meningitis, Haemophilus; Vaccination; Vaccine Efficacy; Vaccines, Conjugate
PubMed: 38231056
DOI: 10.2174/0118715265269877231117070051 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jan 2024In recent decades, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance is increasing in Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus influenzae), which poses important challenges to global... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
In recent decades, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance is increasing in Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus influenzae), which poses important challenges to global health. This research offers a comprehensive meta-analysis of the global epidemiology of multi-drug resistant (MDR) H. influenzae.
METHODS
In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis based on PRISMA checklist. Electronic databases including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were reviewed using keywords related to H. influenzae and antibiotic resistance. Eligible studies were selected based on stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, data from these studies were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software.
RESULTS
Of 375 retrieved articles, 16 met the inclusion criteria. These studies were conducted from 2003 to 2023 and analyzed data from 19,787 clinical isolates of H. influenzae. The results showed different levels of resistance of H. influenzae to different antibiotics: ampicillin (36%), azithromycin (15.3%), ceftriaxone (1.4%), etc. The global prevalence for beta-lactamases producing H. influenzae and MDR H. influenzae was measured 34.9% and 23.1%, respectively. The prevalence rate of MDR H. influenzae was higher in Asian countries (24.6%) compared to Western regions (15.7%). MDR H. influenzae had the highest prevalence in meningitis cases (46.9%) and the lowest prevalence in acute otitis media (0.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of MDR H. influenzae has been increasing worldwide, especially in Asian regions. This highlights the urgent need for monitoring and implementation of effective antibiotic stewardship programs globally.
Topics: Humans; Haemophilus influenzae; Haemophilus Infections; Prevalence; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Anti-Bacterial Agents; beta-Lactamases
PubMed: 38225571
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08930-5 -
World Neurosurgery Mar 2024Intraoperative neurosurgical adjuncts improve extent of resection whilst mitigating patient morbidity. The delivery of neurosurgical care via these adjuncts is the norm... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Intraoperative neurosurgical adjuncts improve extent of resection whilst mitigating patient morbidity. The delivery of neurosurgical care via these adjuncts is the norm in high-income countries, but there is yet to be a study highlighting the usage of neurosurgical oncology adjuncts in Africa. This paper aims to provide awareness of the use of these adjuncts in Africa, reasons for limited procurement, and possible solutions to the problem.
METHODS
This scoping review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Semantic derivatives of neurosurgical oncology, adjuncts, and Africa were applied to medical databases. Studies in Africa with outcomes relating to adjunct usage, morbidity, mortality, and quality of life were selected. Book chapters and reviews were excluded.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies with 287 patients (0.5 to 74 years) were included in the final analysis. Most studies were cohort observational (46.2%) and originated from South Africa (46.2%). Meningioma was the most prevalent tumor histology (39.4%), and neuronavigation was the most readily used adjunct for surgical resection (30.8%). Using adjuncts, gross total resection was achieved in close to half the patient cohort (49.8%). Limited technology, lack of experience, cost of equipment, and inconsistency in power supply were noted as factors contributing to lack of adjunct usage.
CONCLUSIONS
Neurosurgical adjuncts provide significant benefits in neurosurgical oncology. There is limited utilization of intraoperative adjuncts in most of Africa owing to limited resources and experienced professionals. Bilateral partnerships with a focus on donation and education will foster safe and sustainable adjunct incorporation in Africa.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Neuronavigation; Neurosurgical Procedures; Meningioma; Meningeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38191056
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.159