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Infectious Diseases & Clinical... Sep 2023This study aimed to determine the effect of prophylactic use of carbapenems for acute pancreatitis on clinical outcomes. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the effect of prophylactic use of carbapenems for acute pancreatitis on clinical outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It was conducted according to the preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines by using the keywords "Pancrea AND carbapenem OR imipenem OR ertapenem OR meropenem OR doripenem." Primer outcomes were mortality, surgical intervention, and pancreatic and non-pancreatic infection. Subgroup analyses were also performed to reduce the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Ten studies with 4038 patients were included in the meta-analyses. While eight of ten were randomized controlled trials, two were observational studies. The prophylactic use of carbapenems had no statistically significant effect on mortality (OR=0.82, 95% CI=0.65-1.04, I²=0%) and surgical intervention. (OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.57-1.17, I²=0%). However, the real impact of prophylaxis on reducing the incidence of mortality and surgical intervention was uncertain due to the insufficient sample size. The prophylactic use of carbapenems was significantly associated with a lower risk of peripancreatic (OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.25-0.55, I²=61%) and non-pancreatic infection risk (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.46-0.78, I²=65%). The definitions of infection in the articles were not clear, and the diagnostic approach to infection was based on subjective criteria. In addition, there was inadequate collateral damage and safety assessments. In high-quality studies with a low risk of bias, prophylactic carbapenems had no effect on peripancreatic infection (RR=1.54, 95% CI=0.65-3.47, I²=0%) and non-pancreatic infection (RR=0.72, 95% CI=0.48-1.07, I²=0%).
CONCLUSION
Although there is a reduction in the infection risk, routine carbapenem use in acute pancreatitis cases should not be recommended based on current evidence. Cooperation with Infectious Disease specialists and developing diagnostic algorithms are required instead of routine prophylaxis to prevent infection, especially non-pancreatic infection.
PubMed: 38633556
DOI: 10.36519/idcm.2023.239 -
World Journal of Surgery Jun 2024In patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), there has been some evidence favoring pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) over pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) in the occurrence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
In patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), there has been some evidence favoring pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) over pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) in the occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) and considering PG as a safer anastomotic technique. However, other publications revealed comparable incidences of POPF attributed to both techniques. The current work attempts to reach a more consolidated conclusion about such an issue.
METHODS
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis that analyzed the studies comparing PG and PJ during PD in terms of the rate of POPF occurrence. Studies were obtained by searching the Scopus, PubMed Central, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases.
RESULTS
35 articles published between 1995 and 2022 presented data from 14,666 patients; 4547 underwent PG and 10,119 underwent PJ. Statistically significant lower rates of POPF (p = 0.044) and clinically relevant CR-POPF (p = 0.043) were shown in the PG group. The post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) was significantly higher in the PG group, while no significant difference was found between the two groups in the clinically significant PPH. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the amount of intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, DGE, overall morbidity rates, reoperation rates, or mortality rates. The percentage of male sex in the PG group and the percentage of soft pancreas in the PJ group seem to influence the odds ratio of CR-POPF (p = 0.076 and 0.074, respectively).
CONCLUSION
The present study emphasizes the superiority of PG over PJ regarding CR-POPF rates. Higher rates of postoperative hemorrhage were associated with PG. Yet, the clinically significant hemorrhage rate was comparable between the two groups.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Fistula; Pancreaticojejunostomy; Postoperative Complications; Gastrostomy; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Incidence; Pancreatectomy
PubMed: 38629863
DOI: 10.1002/wjs.12173 -
Urologic Oncology Jul 2024Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare disease with limited availability of representative incidence and clinical data. Although, the prevalence is accounting for less than 1%... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare disease with limited availability of representative incidence and clinical data. Although, the prevalence is accounting for less than 1% of bladder tumors, the 5-year survival rate is around only 50% for patients with resectable tumors, and even worse for patients with metastatic disease. Due to the lack of comprehensive prospective studies, our current knowledge of UrC is still limited.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to summarize the available registry-based studies with unselected UrC patients to evaluate its incidence and clinicopathological characteristics.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search of registry-based UrC publications on the 15th of May 2023 in 5 databases, which identified 4,748 publications. After duplicate removal and selection by 2 independent investigators, 6 publications proved to be appropriate for the final meta-analysis. Estimated incidence and clinicopathological parameters were extracted.
RESULTS
Estimated incidence ranged between 0.022 and 0.060/ 100.000 person-years, with the highest occurrence in Japan and the lowest in Canada, while the random effect model calculated an overall incidence rate of 0.04 (95%CI: 0.03-0.05) 100.000 person-years. The median age at first diagnosis was 60 years (range: 58-64). The female to male ratio was 2:3. Lymph node or distant metastases were present in 9% and 14% of patients. The predominant tumour type was adenocarcinoma (86%) followed by urothelial carcinoma (12%) and squamous cell carcinoma (2%). The 5-year survival rate was 51.0% with 95%CI: 45.2-57.4.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study provides an up-to-date comparison of estimated incidence rates between 6 countries of 3 continents based on rigorously selected registry-based studies. The results suggest low incidence rates for UrC with considerable geographic differences. The present meta-analysis provides unbiased registry-based data on the incidence, clinicopathological parameters and survival of UrC.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Registries; Incidence; Male
PubMed: 38627107
DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.03.011 -
BMC Pediatrics Apr 2024Cystic fibrosis is a chronic genetic disease that can affect the function of the respiratory system. Previous reviews of the effects of respiratory muscle training in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic genetic disease that can affect the function of the respiratory system. Previous reviews of the effects of respiratory muscle training in people with cystic fibrosis are uncertain and do not consider the effect of age on disease progression. This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training in the clinical outcomes of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.
METHODS
Up to July 2023, electronic databases and clinical trial registries were searched. Controlled clinical trials comparing respiratory muscle training with sham intervention or no intervention in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The primary outcomes were respiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, lung function, and cough. Secondary outcomes included exercise capacity, quality of life and adverse events. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. The certainty of the evidence was assessed according to the GRADE approach. Meta-analyses where possible; otherwise, take a qualitative approach.
RESULTS
Six studies with a total of 151 participants met the inclusion criteria for this review. Two of the six included studies were published in abstract form only, limiting the available information. Four studies were parallel studies and two were cross-over designs. There were significant differences in the methods and quality of the methodology included in the studies. The pooled data showed no difference in respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and exercise capacity between the treatment and control groups. However, subgroup analyses suggest that inspiratory muscle training is beneficial in increasing maximal inspiratory pressure, and qualitative analyses suggest that respiratory muscle training may benefit respiratory muscle endurance without any adverse effects.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that although the level of evidence indicating the benefits of respiratory muscle training is low, its clinical significance suggests that we further study the methodological quality to determine the effectiveness of training.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The protocol for this review was recorded in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42023441829.
Topics: Child; Adolescent; Humans; Cystic Fibrosis; Quality of Life; Breathing Exercises; Chronic Disease; Respiratory Muscles
PubMed: 38622583
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04726-x -
JAMA Pediatrics Jun 2024Significant advancements in pediatric oncology have led to a continuously growing population of survivors. Although extensive research is being conducted on the short-,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Significant advancements in pediatric oncology have led to a continuously growing population of survivors. Although extensive research is being conducted on the short-, medium-, and long-term somatic effects, reports on psychosocial reintegration are often conflicting; therefore, there is an urgent need to synthesize the evidence to obtain the clearest understanding and the most comprehensive answer.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the socioeconomic attainment of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) compared with their unaffected peers.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using data obtained from a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases on October 23, 2021; the search was updated until July 31, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Eligible articles reported on educational attainment, employment, family formation, quality of life (QoL), or health-risk behavior-related outcomes of CCSs, and compared them with their unaffected peers. Study selection was performed in duplicate by 4 blinded independent coauthors.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data extraction was performed in duplicate by 4 independent authors following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome measures were odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences with 95% CIs; data were pooled using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
The search identified 43 913 articles, 280 of which were eligible for analysis, reporting data on a total of 389 502 survivors. CCSs were less likely to complete higher levels of education (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.40-1.18), had higher odds of health-related unemployment (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.90-4.57), and showed lower rates of marriage (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.63-0.84) and parenthood (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.49-0.74) compared with population-based controls.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
Study findings suggest that CCSs face several socioeconomic difficulties; as a result, the next goal of pediatric oncology should be to minimize adverse effects, as well as to provide lifelong survivorship support aimed at maximizing social reintegration.
Topics: Humans; Cancer Survivors; Child; Neoplasms; Adult; Quality of Life; Cost of Illness; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 38619829
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0642 -
Nicotine & Tobacco Research : Official... Apr 2024Smokers have a higher chance of developing peri-implant diseases and are therefore considered an at-risk population. Our aim was to compare peri-implant characteristics...
INTRODUCTION
Smokers have a higher chance of developing peri-implant diseases and are therefore considered an at-risk population. Our aim was to compare peri-implant characteristics in users of electronic cigarettes (EC), waterpipes (WP), cigarettes (CS), smokeless tobacco (ST), and non-smokers (non-users of any nicotine and tobacco product; NS).
METHODS
A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL) was performed until April 2023, restricted to English language. Thirty-nine observational studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 32 studies were included in a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Using a predesigned form, two researchers independently collected data about marginal bone loss (MBL), probing pocket depth (PPD), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), modified plaque index (mPI), probing pocket depth > 4mm (PPD>4), gingival index (GI), peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) volume, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels. QUIPS and CINeMA were used to evaluate the risk of bias and certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
NS had the smallest MBL. Most nicotine-containing product users had significantly higher MBL (CS, MD:1.34 CrI: 0.85, 1.79; WP, MD:1.58 CrI: 0.84, 2.35; ST, MD:2.53, CrI: 1.20, 3.87) than NS. EC did not show significant difference compared to NS (MD:0.52 CrI: -0.33, 1.36). In secondary outcomes NS were ranked in first place. Subset analysis based on smoking habit, implant duration, and maintenance control revealed no differences in ranking probability.
CONCLUSION
Most nicotine-containing product users presented worse peri-implant parameters compared to non-smokers, while EC users did not show significant differences to NS in many outcomes.
IMPLICATION
Alternative nicotine-containing products are gaining popularity and are often considered less harmful by the general public compared to traditional cigarettes. This is the first network meta-analysis comparing users of four nicotine-containing products and non-smokers. This study shows that CS, WP and ST have a detrimental effect on the overall health of peri-implant tissues. EC users also presented inferior parameters compared to NS, however, the difference was not significant in many outcomes. It is essential to educate patients who are using nicotine-containing products, and to provide proper maintenance and appropriate cessation support. Well-designed multi-armed studies are needed for direct comparison of different products, including heated tobacco products. Greater transparency of confounding factors is needed regarding smoking habit and oral hygiene.
PubMed: 38618685
DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntae085 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2024Neoadjuvant therapy is an essential modality for reducing the clinical stage of esophageal cancer; however, the superiority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Neoadjuvant therapy is an essential modality for reducing the clinical stage of esophageal cancer; however, the superiority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is unclear. Therefore, a discussion of these two modalities is necessary.
AIM
To investigate the benefits and complications of neoadjuvant modalities.
METHODS
To address this concern, predefined criteria were established using the PICO protocol. Two independent authors performed comprehensive searches using predetermined keywords. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences between groups. Potential publication bias was visualized using funnel plots. The quality of the data was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Tool 2 (RoB2) and the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
Ten articles, including 1928 patients, were included for the analysis. Significant difference was detected in pathological complete response (pCR) [ < 0.001; odds ratio (OR): 0.27; 95%CI: 0.16-0.46], 30-d mortality ( = 0.015; OR: 0.4; 95%CI: 0.22-0.71) favoring the nCRT, and renal failure ( = 0.039; OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 0.66-1.64) favoring the nCT. No significant differences were observed in terms of survival, local or distal recurrence, or other clinical or surgical complications. The result of RoB2 was moderate, and that of the GRADE approach was low or very low in almost all cases.
CONCLUSION
Although nCRT may have a higher pCR rate, it does not translate to greater long-term survival. Moreover, nCRT is associated with higher 30-d mortality, although the specific cause for postoperative complications could not be identified. In the case of nCT, toxic side effects are suspected, which can reduce the quality of life. Given the quality of available studies, further randomized trials are required.
Topics: Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Quality of Life; Adenocarcinoma; Chemoradiotherapy; Esophageal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38617451
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i11.1621 -
Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official... May 2024Cystic Fibrosis (CF) liver disease progresses to liver failure requiring transplantation in about 3 % of patients, 0.7 % of CF patients are post liver transplant. The...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) liver disease progresses to liver failure requiring transplantation in about 3 % of patients, 0.7 % of CF patients are post liver transplant. The prognosis of CF has improved with the introduction of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI). Due to the paucity of data and concerns regarding interactions with immunosuppressive drug regimens, there is no general consensus on use of ETI post liver transplantation. The aim of this review is to report the safety and efficacy of ETI in CF patients who underwent liver transplantation.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted through MEDLINE/Pubmed and EMBASE databases. English-written articles reporting clinical data on liver transplanted CF patients treated with ETI were included. Article quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports.
RESULTS
Twenty cases were retrieved from 6 reports. Temporary discontinuation and/or dose reduction due to elevated transaminases was required in 5 cases. ETI restarted on a reduced dose was tolerated in 3 out of 5 patients, 1 patient tolerated full dose. Tacrolimus dose change was required in 14 cases, in 1 case ETI was discontinued due to tacrolimus toxicity. Improvement in percentage predicted FEV1 was noted in 15/19 patients (median +17 %, range 8 %-38 %).
CONCLUSIONS
In the majority of liver transplanted patients ETI is well tolerated, although adverse events and liver function abnormalities may occur. Close monitoring of liver function and tacrolimus level is warranted. Significant improvement in lung function after ETI initiation is confirmed, highlighting the importance of accessing this medication for this group of patients.
Topics: Humans; Aminophenols; Benzodioxoles; Chloride Channel Agonists; Cystic Fibrosis; Drug Combinations; Indoles; Liver Transplantation; Pyrazoles; Pyridines; Pyrroles; Pyrrolidines; Quinolones
PubMed: 38614868
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2024.04.006 -
Cancers Mar 2024(1) Background: The relationship between periodontitis and systemic pathologies continues to grow. Recently, the presence of periodontal pathogens has been linked to an... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: The relationship between periodontitis and systemic pathologies continues to grow. Recently, the presence of periodontal pathogens has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer (PC) and its mortality. Thus, a systematic review is needed to identify whether an association between the two diseases can be established. The objective of this review is to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for this association. (2) Methods: A systematic review was carried out using three databases (PubMed, Embase and Scopus) with the following keywords "Periodontitis AND pancreatic cancer". A total of 653 articles were retrieved; before selection and screening, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined, resulting in a total of 13 articles being included in the review. (3) Results: The increase in low-grade systemic inflammation, pH changes, and the cytotoxicity of certain periodontopathogenic bacteria were found in the scientific literature reviewed as mechanisms linking periodontitis with the risk of PC. (4) Conclusions: Through this systematic review, we have seen how periodontitis can be related to PC and how it worsens its prognosis. Knowing the behavior of periodontopathogenic bacteria and the influence they have on our immune and inflammatory system may help to achieve an interdisciplinary approach to both pathologies.
PubMed: 38610935
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071257 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2024: Glucocorticoids may grant a protective effect against postoperative complications. The evidence on their efficacy, however, has been inconclusive thus far. We... (Review)
Review
The Effect of Preoperative Administration of Glucocorticoids on the Postoperative Complication Rate in Liver Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
: Glucocorticoids may grant a protective effect against postoperative complications. The evidence on their efficacy, however, has been inconclusive thus far. We investigated the effects of preoperatively administered glucocorticoids on the overall postoperative complication rate, and on liver function recovery in patients undergoing major liver surgery. We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL in October 2021, and repeated the search in April 2023. Pre-study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021284559). Studies investigating patients undergoing liver resections or transplantation who were administered glucocorticoids preoperatively and reported postoperative complications were eligible. Meta-analyses were performed using META and DMETAR packages in R with a random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB2. The selection yielded 11 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 964 patients. Data from nine RCTs ( = 837) revealed a tendency toward a lower overall complication rate with glucocorticoid administration (odds ratio: 0.71; 95% confidence interval: 0.38-1.31, = 0.23), but it was not statistically significant. Data pooled from seven RCTs showed a significant reduction in wound infections with glucocorticoid administration [odds ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.92 = 0.02]. Due to limited data availability, meta-analysis of liver function recovery parameters was not possible. : The preoperative administration of glucocorticoids did not significantly reduce the overall postoperative complication rate. Future clinical trials should investigate homogenous patient populations with a specific focus on postoperative liver recovery.
PubMed: 38610862
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072097