-
Journal of Cardiovascular... Dec 2020Women undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) have higher rates of vascular complications and major bleeding. However, most studies have been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Women undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) have higher rates of vascular complications and major bleeding. However, most studies have been underpowered to detect differences in rarer complications such as stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and procedural mortality.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of databases (PubMed, World of Science, and Embase) to identify studies published since 2010 reporting AFCA complications by sex. Six complications of interest were (1) vascular/groin complications; (2) pericardial effusion/tamponade; (3) stroke/TIA; (4) permanent phrenic nerve injury; (5) major bleeding; and (6) procedural mortality. For meta-analysis, random effects models were used when heterogeneity between studies was ≥50% (vascular complications and major bleeding) and fixed effects models for other endpoints.
RESULTS
Of 5716 citations, 19 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 244,353 patients undergoing AFCA, of whom 33% were women. Women were older (65.3 ± 11.2 vs. 60.4 ± 13.2 years), more likely hypertensive (60.6% vs. 55.5%) and diabetic (18.3% vs. 16.5%), and had higher CHA DS -VASc scores (3.0 ± 1.8 vs. 1.4 ± 1.4) (p < .0001 for all comparisons). The rates of all six complications were significantly higher in women. However, despite statistically significant differences, the overall incidences of major complications were very low in both sexes: stroke/TIA (women 0.51% vs. men 0.39%) and procedural mortality (women 0.25% vs. men 0.19%).
CONCLUSION
Women experience significantly higher rates of AFCA complications. However, the incidence of major procedural complications is very low in both sexes. The higher rate of complications in women may be partially attributable to older age and a higher prevalence of comorbidities at the time of ablation. More detailed studies are needed to better define the mechanisms of increased risk in women and to identify strategies for closing the sex gap.
Topics: Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Male; Risk Factors; Stroke
PubMed: 32966681
DOI: 10.1111/jce.14758 -
Journal of Cardiovascular... Oct 2020Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are the preferred modalities for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Technological advances have... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing second-generation cryoballoon and contact force radiofrequency ablation for initial ablation of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation.
INTRODUCTION
Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are the preferred modalities for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Technological advances have improved procedural outcomes, warranting an updated comparison. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CBA-2nd generation (CBA-2G) in comparison to RFA-contact force (RFA-CF) in patients with AF.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched until 03/01/2020 for relevant studies comparing CBA-2G versus RFA-CF in patients undergoing initial catheter ablation for AF.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies, involving 11 793 patients were included. There was no difference between the two groups in the outcomes of freedom from atrial arrhythmia (p = .67) and total procedural complications (p = .65). There was a higher incidence of phrenic nerve palsy in CBA-2G (odds ratio: 10.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.85 to 19.55; p < .001). Procedure duration was shorter (mean difference: -31.32 min; 95% CI: -40.73 to -21.92; p < .001) and fluoroscopy duration was longer (+3.21 min; 95% CI: 1.09 to 5.33; p = .003) in CBA-2G compared to RFA-CF. In the subgroup analyses of patients with persistent AF and >1 freeze lesion delivered per vein, there was no difference in freedom from atrial arrhythmia.
CONCLUSIONS
In AF patients undergoing initial ablation, CBA-2G and RFA-CF were equally efficacious. The procedure duration was shorter, but with a higher incidence of phrenic nerve palsy in CBA-2G. In patients with persistent AF, there was no difference in the efficacy between CBA-2G or RFA-CF techniques.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Cryosurgery; Humans; Pulmonary Veins; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32671920
DOI: 10.1111/jce.14676 -
Journal of Interventional Cardiac... Jun 2021Phrenic and hypoglossal nerve pacing therapies have shown benefit in sleep apnea. We sought to analyze the role of pacing therapies in sleep apnea and their impact on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Phrenic and hypoglossal nerve pacing therapies have shown benefit in sleep apnea. We sought to analyze the role of pacing therapies in sleep apnea and their impact on heart failure.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar from inception to August 5, 2019, was performed. A meta-analysis was performed using fixed effects model to calculate mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Six studies were eligible and included 626 patients, of whom 334 were in the control arm and 393 were in the experimental arm. Phrenic nerve pacing (MD - 23.20 events/h, 95% CI - 27.96 to - 18.44, p < 0.00001) and hypoglossal nerve pacing (MD - 20.24 events/h, 95% CI - 23.22 to - 17.27, p < 0.00001) were associated with improvements in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Phrenic nerve pacing was associated with a trend towards improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (MD 3.95%, 95% CI - 0.04 to 7.94, p = 0.05). Hypoglossal and phrenic nerve pacing were associated with improvements in the quality of life as assessed by improvements in Epworth sleepiness scale (MD 3.71 points, 95% CI 2.89 to 4.54, p < 0.00001).
CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis suggests that phrenic and hypoglossal nerve pacing improves AHI and quality of life with a trend towards improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction, especially in central sleep apnea. Complications were high but future refinement in technology will likely improve clinical outcomes and minimize complications.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Sleep Apnea Syndromes; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 32445012
DOI: 10.1007/s10840-020-00760-8 -
Clinical Neurophysiology : Official... Jan 2020To assess the prognostic value of phrenic nerve conduction (PNC) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To assess the prognostic value of phrenic nerve conduction (PNC) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review to identify studies reporting on PNC, and mortality and/or forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients with ALS. We searched Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Two independent authors selected studies and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool. Hazard-ratios and correlation coefficients were pooled using a random effects generic inverse-variance model. Evidence quality was evaluated with GRADE.
RESULTS
In the pooled analysis, patients with CMAP-amplitude equal or below 0.4 mV are 2.021 more likely to die over the studied period (95%CI 1.161-3.522; I = 55.9%; 338 participants). CMAP-amplitude showed a moderate positive correlation with FVC (r = 0.400, 95%CI = 0.226-0.550; I = 69.77%; 381 participants). However, there was a weak negative correlation between CMAP-latency and FVC (r = -0.235; 95%CI = -0.447 to -0.024; I = 15.92%; 112 participants).
CONCLUSIONS
There is moderate-quality evidence that CMAP-amplitude of the PNC is correlated with FVC. Results favour a predictive value for mortality, but the risk of bias is high.
SIGNIFICANCE
PNC is a simple test that should be considered to assess respiratory function in ALS, especially in patients with bulbar involvement or cognitive impairment.
Topics: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neural Conduction; Observational Studies as Topic; Phrenic Nerve; Prognosis; Publication Bias; Vital Capacity
PubMed: 31760209
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.10.016 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2019The diagnosis of neck pain is challenging. Many visceral disorders are known to cause it, and clinical practice guidelines recommend to rule them out during neck pain... (Review)
Review
The diagnosis of neck pain is challenging. Many visceral disorders are known to cause it, and clinical practice guidelines recommend to rule them out during neck pain diagnosis. However, the absence of suspicion of any cause impedes one from establishing that specific aetiology as the final diagnosis. To investigate the degree of consideration given to visceral aetiology, a systematic search of trials about neck pain was carried out to evaluate their selection criteria. The search yielded 309 eligible articles, which were screened by two independent reviewers. The PEDro scale score was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. The following information was retrieved: number of authors affiliated to a clinical or non-clinical institution, number of citations in the Web of Science, study aims, characteristics of participants, and eligibility criteria. The top 15 most cited trials, and the 15 most recent studies about treatment efficacy in neck pain, published in first quartile journals of the Journal Citation Reports, were selected. Females represented 67.5% of participants. A single study was of poor methodological quality (4/10). Based on the eligibility criteria of the articles that were systematically reviewed, it would appear that visceral aetiology was not considered in eighty percent of the trials on neck pain, showing a low level of suspicion both in research and clinical settings.
PubMed: 31726685
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9040186 -
Kardiologia Polska Jan 2020Clinical outcomes of catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remain discouraging. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Clinical outcomes of catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remain discouraging.
AIM
This meta‑analysis aimed to compare cryoballoon ablation (CBA) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for persistent AF.
METHODS
A systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed for studies comparing the outcomes between CBA and RFA. Seven trials including 934 patients were analyzed.
RESULTS
There were no differences between groups in terms of freedom from atrial arrhythmia (risk ratio [RR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.93-1.15; P = 0.52; I2 = 0%), procedural complications (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.52-1.59; P = 0.74; I2 = 0%), atrial fibrillation or atrial tachycardia relapse during the blanking period (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.50-1.06; P = 0.1; I2 = 9%), repeat ablation (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.45-1.21; P = 0.23; I2 = 62%), and vascular complications (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.42-2.27; P = 0.97; I2 = 0%). Cryoballoon ablation increased the incidence of conversion to sinus rhythm during ablation (RR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.01-2.83; P = 0.046; I2 = 0%) and phrenic nerve palsy (PNP; RR, 3.05; 95% CI, 0.95-9.8; P = 0.06; I2 = 0%), while RFA increased the risk of cardiac tamponade (RR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.06-1.25; P = 0.09; I2 = 0%). Subanalyses revealed a lower incidence of recurrent atrial arrhythmia and repeat ablation during CBA without touch‑up RFA in pulmonary vein isolation.
CONCLUSIONS
CBA provides an alternative technique for persistent AF ablation. It might reduce the risk of repeat ablation and cardiac tamponade but increase the risk of PNP.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Cryosurgery; Humans; Pulmonary Veins; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31688837
DOI: 10.33963/KP.15048 -
Microsurgery Feb 2020Restoration of elbow flexion is the priority in traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Surgical approaches commonly include nerve transfers and nerve grafting. Our... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
UNLABELLED
Restoration of elbow flexion is the priority in traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Surgical approaches commonly include nerve transfers and nerve grafting. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of nerve transfers versus grafting for traumatic nonobstetric brachial plexus injuries.
METHODS
This systematic literature review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted, and the I-square was used to assess heterogeneity. The Medical Research Scale (MRC) score was used to assess the efficacy of the procedures.
RESULTS
Nine studies comprising 490 patients overall were identified. In the pooled analysis, functional recovery of elbow flexion defined as MRC ≥ M3, was superior in the transfer (N = 272/350, 77.7%) compared to the graft group (N = 99/140, 70.7%); however statistical significance was not reached (OR: 1.95; 95%CI: 0.79-4.83; I : 58.8%). However, the odds for successful restoration of elbow flexion (MRC≥M3) were significantly higher when the ulnar (OR:12.20; 95%CI:3.05-48.80; I :0%) or pectoral nerves (OR: 9.69; 95% CI: 1.83-51.25; I : 0%) were used as healthy donors for the transfer compared to the graft procedures. Results between the two groups were similar when the intercostal, spinal accessory, thoracodorsal, contralateral C7 and phrenic nerves were used as donors for the transfer procedures.
CONCLUSIONS
The ulnar or pectoral nerve transfer to musculocutaneous is associated with statistically significant superior rates of elbow flexion recovery as compared to graft. No differences were identified in the pooled analysis or the subgroups of other donors used in nerve transfers. Future randomized studies or prospective cohorts are needed to validate our results.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Elbow; Humans; Nerve Transfer; Prospective Studies; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 31486132
DOI: 10.1002/micr.30510 -
Current Cardiology Reviews 2019Ablation therapy is the treatment of choice in antiarrhythmic drugrefractory atrial fibrillation (AF). It is performed by either cryoballoon ablation (CBA) or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ablation therapy is the treatment of choice in antiarrhythmic drugrefractory atrial fibrillation (AF). It is performed by either cryoballoon ablation (CBA) or radiofrequency ablation. CBA is gaining popularity due to simplicity with similar efficacy and complication rate compared with RFA. In this meta-analysis, we compare the recurrence rate of AF and the complications from CBA versus RFA for the treatment of AF.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed for the articles that compared the outcome of interest. The primary outcome was to compare the recurrence rate of AF between CBA and RFA. We also included subgroup analysis with complications of pericardial effusion, phrenic nerve palsy and cerebral microemboli following ablation therapy.
RESULTS
A total of 24 studies with 3527 patients met our predefined inclusion criteria. Recurrence of AF after CBA or RFA was similar in both groups (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.65, 1.07; I2=48%, Cochrane p=0.16). In subgroup analysis, heterogeneity was less in paroxysmal AF (I2=0%, Cochrane p=0.46) compared to mixed AF (I2=72%, Cochrane p=0.003). Procedure and fluoroscopy time was less by 26.37 and 5.94 minutes respectively in CBA compared to RFA. Complications, pericardial effusion, and silent cerebral microemboli, were not different between the two groups, however, phrenic nerve palsy was exclusively present only in CBA group.
CONCLUSION
This study confirms that the effectiveness of CBA is similar to RFA in the treatment of AF with the added advantages of shorter procedure and fluoroscopy times.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Cryosurgery; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30539701
DOI: 10.2174/1573403X15666181212102419 -
PloS One 2018Growing evidence suggests that second-generation cryoballoon ablation (2G-CB) is effective in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF). The cornerstone of... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Growing evidence suggests that second-generation cryoballoon ablation (2G-CB) is effective in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF). The cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The purpose of this study was to summarize the available data on the safety and mid-term (≥ 12 months) effectiveness of a 'PVI-only' strategy vs. a 'PVI-plus' strategy using 2G-CB in patients with PerAF.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases for studies on 2G-CB for PerAF. Group analysis was based on the ablation approach: 'PVI-only' versus 'PVI-plus', the latter of which involved PVI plus other substrate modifications. Studies showing clinical success rates at a follow-up (FU) of ≥ 12 months were included. Complication rates were also assessed. Data were analyzed by applying a fixed effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 879 patients from 5 studies were analyzed. After a mid-term FU of 27 months, the overall success rate of 2G-CB for PerAF was 66.1%. In the 'PVI-plus' group, the success rate was 73.8%. In the 'PVI-only' group, the success rate was 53.6%. No heterogeneity was noted among studies (I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.82). Complications occurred in 5.2% of patients (P = 0.93), and the rate of phrenic nerve (PN) injury was 2.8% (P = 0.14). Vascular assess complications were the most frequent at 1.6% (P = 0.33). No death or myocardial infarction was reported.
CONCLUSION
'PVI-plus' involving 2G-CB seems to be safe and effective for treating PerAF.
Topics: Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Catheter Ablation; Cryosurgery; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Pulmonary Veins; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30359452
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206362 -
Journal of Cardiovascular... Oct 2018The HeartLight laser balloon ablation system was US Food and Drug Administration approved in 2016 for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), but there... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The HeartLight laser balloon ablation system was US Food and Drug Administration approved in 2016 for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), but there have been numerous single-center and multicenter studies published reporting its outcomes, in addition to a few randomized trials. We aimed to systematically review and synthesize currently published outcome data on AF ablation using the laser balloon ablation system.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies of AF ablation performed using the laser balloon ablation system. Human studies reporting acute procedural results with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were included. Outcomes of interest included acute and 12-month procedural efficacy, safety, and procedure duration. Aggregated data were analyzed with random effects models, using a Bayesian hierarchical approach. We identified 17 published manuscripts comprising a sample of 1188 patients (mean age 61 years, 80% paroxysmal). At procedure end, 98.8% of targeted pulmonary veins were successfully isolated. The pooled estimate for 12-month freedom from atrial arrhythmia without use of antiarrhythmic drugs for patients with paroxysmal AF was 74.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59.9% to 86.4%), and for all AF types combined was 72.9% (65.3% to 79.9%). The most commonly reported procedural complication was phrenic nerve injury (pooled incidence 2.6%; 95% CI, 1.4% to 3.9%), which resolved during follow-up in most cases.
CONCLUSION
Laser balloon ablation is highly effective at achieving pulmonary vein isolation. Although comparisons are mainly indirect, safety and 12-month efficacy compare favorably with those observed using other currently used AF ablation technologies.
Topics: Action Potentials; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiac Catheters; Equipment Design; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Laser Therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Phrenic Nerve; Progression-Free Survival; Pulmonary Veins; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Time Factors
PubMed: 30016008
DOI: 10.1111/jce.13698