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Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) May 2024A simple noninvasive score, the Agile 3+ score, combining liver stiffness measurement, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, platelet count,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
A simple noninvasive score, the Agile 3+ score, combining liver stiffness measurement, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, platelet count, diabetes status, sex, and age, has been proposed for the identification of advanced fibrosis in patients with suspected NAFLD. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Agile 3+ score in identifying patients with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis. Recently, an International consensus changed the nomenclature of NAFLD into metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, so currently, the two terms are interchangeable.
APPROACH AND RESULTS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library electronic databases for full-text published articles in any language from the inception to the April 24, 2023. We included original articles reporting data on the sensitivity and specificity of the Agile 3+ score, according to previously described rule-out (≤ 0.451) and rule-in (≥ 0.679) cutoffs. We included 6 observational studies (total of 6955 participants) with biopsy-proven NAFLD [mean age 53 (SE 4) years, mean body mass index 30.9 (SE 2.3) kg/m 2 , 54.0% men, prevalence of diabetes 59.6%]. The pooled prevalence of advanced fibrosis (≥ F3) was 42.1%. By the rule-out cutoff, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 88% (95% CI: 81-93%; I2 = 89.2%) and 65% (95% CI: 54-75%; I2 = 97.6%), respectively. By the rule-in cutoff, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 68% (95% CI: 57-78%; I2 =91.1%) and 87% (95% CI: 80%-92%; I2 =96.7%), respectively. Meta-regression analyses reported that the diagnostic accuracy was partly mediated by age ( p < 0.01), body mass index ( p < 0.01), and, although not statistically significant, sex ( p = 0.06).
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that Agile 3+ accurately diagnoses NAFLD with advanced fibrosis and can identify patients eligible for biopsy and emerging pharmacotherapies.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Female; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Fibrosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Diabetes Mellitus; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Biopsy; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 37976417
DOI: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000000694 -
Clinical Biochemistry Nov 2023Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as hearing loss of more than 30 dB in less than 72 h. SSNHL is a frequent complaint and an emergency in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as hearing loss of more than 30 dB in less than 72 h. SSNHL is a frequent complaint and an emergency in otolaryngology. Various biomarkers have been used to determine the prognosis of SSNHL. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the relationship between the different biomarkers and the prognosis of SSNHL. We searched English-language literature up to October 2022 in four databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Science Direct. This search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. This study was reported in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (ID = CRD42022369538). All studies examining the role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) concluded that higher NLR is associated with a worse prognosis. The results of studies regarding the relationship between platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are controversial. Other factors shown to be associated with SSNHL include Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), blood glucose, iron levels, serum endocan, salusin-beta, and bone turnover biomarkers. This meta-analysis showed that PLR, NLR, and neutrophils were significantly different between recovered and non-recovered patients. PLR, NLR, and neutrophil count are reliable tools to assess the prognosis of patients with SSNHL.
Topics: Humans; Biomarkers; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Lymphocytes; Neutrophils; Prognosis
PubMed: 37944628
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2023.110684 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Coronary artery disease (CAD) management in the setting of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains very challenging to clinicians as a reasonable balance between bleeding...
INTRODUCTION
Coronary artery disease (CAD) management in the setting of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains very challenging to clinicians as a reasonable balance between bleeding and thrombosis risks needs to be achieved, and the evidence guiding such management is scarce.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines to summarize the available literature on the management and outcomes of CAD coexisting with ITP. We searched PubMed and Embase for studies published in English exploring CAD and ITP management until 05 October 2022. Two independent reviewers screened and assessed the articles for inclusion. Patients' characteristics, CAD treatment modalities, ITP treatment, and complications were reported.
RESULTS
We identified 32 CAD cases, among which 18 cases were revascularized with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), 12 cases underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), and two cases were managed conservatively. More than 50% were men, with a mean age of 61 ± 13 years and a mean baseline platelet count of 52 ± 59 × 10/L. Irrespective of the revascularization modality, most patients were treated with either corticosteroids alone, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) alone, or in combination. Among those who underwent PCI, two patients had bleeding events, and one patient died. Similarly, among those with CABG, one patient developed bleeding, and one patient died.
CONCLUSION
We found that revascularization with either PCI or CABG with the concurrent use of corticosteroids and/or IVIG for ITP was feasible, with an existing non-negligible risk of bleeding and mortality.
PubMed: 37886354
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1213275 -
Public Health Nov 2023The study aimed to identify, appraise and update evidence on the association between cold temperatures (i.e. <18°C) within homes (i.e. dwellings) and health and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to identify, appraise and update evidence on the association between cold temperatures (i.e. <18°C) within homes (i.e. dwellings) and health and well-being outcomes.
STUDY DESIGN
This study was a systematic review.
METHODS
Seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, Coronavirus Research Database) were searched for studies published between 2014 and 2022, which explored the association between cold indoor temperatures and health and well-being outcomes. Studies were limited to those conducted in temperate and colder climates due to the increased risk of morbidity and mortality during winter in those climatic zones. Studies were independently quality assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies.
RESULTS
Of 1209 studies, 20 were included for review. Study outcomes included cardiovascular (blood pressure, electrocardiogram abnormalities, blood platelet count), respiratory (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms, respiratory viral infection), sleep, physical performance and general health. Seventeen studies found exposure to cold indoor temperatures was associated with negative effects on health outcomes studied. Older individuals and those with chronic health problems were found to be more vulnerable to negative health outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Evidence suggests that indoor temperatures <18°C are associated with negative health effects. However, the evidence is insufficient to allow clear conclusions regarding outcomes from specific temperature thresholds for different population groups. Significant gaps in the current evidence base are identified, including research on the impacts of cold indoor temperatures on mental health and well-being, studies involving young children, and the long-term health effects of cold indoor temperatures.
Topics: Humans; Cold Temperature; Housing; Health Status
PubMed: 37820536
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.09.006 -
Medicine Oct 2023Caffeic acid tablets (CFA) are a proprietary Chinese medicine in treating thrombocytopenia. The efficacy and safety of CFA compared with other platelet-raising drugs for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Caffeic acid tablets (CFA) are a proprietary Chinese medicine in treating thrombocytopenia. The efficacy and safety of CFA compared with other platelet-raising drugs for the treatment of thrombocytopenia have been widely reported in the literature, but there is no systematic evaluation. Therefore, we designed this meta-analysis to further establish the efficacy and safety of CFA in treating thrombocytopenia.
METHODS
A computerized search was conducted in the Chinese biomedical database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), PubMed, and Web of Science databases using the keywords "caffeic acid tablets" and "thrombocytopenia." All randomized controlled trials were selected for the timeframe of build to 02/2023 and then screened and analyzed using RevMan 5.4 and stata17.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 35 publications with an overall 2533 patients were included in the study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that CFA were effective in the treatment of thrombocytopenia with a statistically significant difference [relative risk ratio (RR) = 1.24, 95% CI (1.17, 1.31), P < .00001] and in increasing platelet counts [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.50, 95% CI (1.09, 1.91), P < .00001], white blood cell count [SMD = 1.08, 95% CI (0.77, 1.39), P < .00001], and neutrophil count [SMD = 0.73, 95% CI (0.19, 1.28), P = .009], and CFA reduced myelosuppression [RR = 0.19, 95% CI (0.1, 0.37), P < .00001] and adverse effects [RR = 0.75, 95% CI (0.58, 0.96), P = .02].
CONCLUSION
CFA can effectively improve the clinical outcome of patients with thrombocytopenia with a good safety profile and are worth promoting. However, due to the low quality and small sample size of the included literature, a larger sample size and more standardized, high-quality studies are needed to validate these results.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Caffeic Acids; Thrombocytopenia; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
PubMed: 37800784
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035353 -
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Nov 2023Cerebral microbleeds in critically ill patients have been a reported complication of COVID-19. However, they have also been described in patients with other respiratory... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cerebral microbleeds in critically ill patients have been a reported complication of COVID-19. However, they have also been described in patients with other respiratory infections and conditions requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Here, we aim to describe the clinical characteristics of critical illness-associated cerebral microbleeds and compare COVID-19 cases with those related to other conditions.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature review in PubMed and Embase for Critical Illness-Associated Cerebral Microbleeds to describe the clinical characteristics of this entity, in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.
RESULTS
Of 157 manuscripts screened, 23 were included, totalling 143 cases (median age 61, interquartile range [IQR] 54-66), 104 (73 %) men. SARS-CoV2-associated pneumonia was found in 105 (73 %) cases. The median ICU stay was 34 (IQR 26-42) days and the median mechanical ventilation time was 24 (IQR 14-35) days. Cerebral microbleeds were more frequently juxtacortical (79 %) or located in the corpus callosum (75 %) and deep white matter (71 %) for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 individuals, whilst brainstem location was more frequent in non-COVID-19 patients (37 % vs 13 %; p = 0.02). Non-COVID-19 patients were younger (median age 42, IQR 30-54 years) than COVID-19 patients (median age 62, IQR 57-67 years; p < 0.001), and the median platelet count was significantly higher (200,000; IQR 116,000-284,000 ng/dL) in COVID-19 patients than non-COVID-19 patients (50,000; IQR 39,000-61,000 ng/mL; (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review, most patients presented respiratory failure with prolonged mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. Juxtacortical white matter and corpus callosum are characteristic locations of critical illness-associated microbleeds.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Adult; Female; COVID-19; Critical Illness; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; RNA, Viral; Intensive Care Units; Respiration, Artificial; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37783069
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.09.028 -
Le Infezioni in Medicina 2023Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection with significant mortality and morbidity, especially in resource-limited settings. This systematic review aimed to study... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection with significant mortality and morbidity, especially in resource-limited settings. This systematic review aimed to study the clinical profile and outcome of patients with leptospirosis in India.
METHODOLOGY
All articles up to 02.08.2022 were searched using the two databases, PubMed and Scopus. A total of 542 articles were found using the search terms related to 'leptospirosis' and 'India'. After two rounds of screening, 55 articles were included. The data were collected on epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory features and treatment of patients with leptospirosis.
RESULTS
Most cases of leptospirosis were reported from the coastal belt. A large percentage of patients were identified as farmers, and exposure to rainfall was identified as an important risk factor. Fever was present in 97%, and conjunctival suffusion was present in 35% of cases. Haemoptysis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and haematuria were present in 5%, 5% and 12% of patients, respectively. Liver and kidney were involved in 34% and 35% of the patients, respectively. The average haemoglobin, leucocyte count and platelet count across various studies ranged from 9.6-12.5 grams/dl, 8.8-11.3 thousand/μl and 20-130 thousand/μl, respectively. Treatment details were sparsely available in some studies, with penicillin, ceftriaxone, and doxycycline used commonly. The pooled mortality across various studies was calculated as 11% [95% CI-8-15%, I=93%, P<0.001].
CONCLUSIONS
Leptospirosis is associated with significant mortality in Indian settings. There is a need for studies focussing on treatment modalities.
PubMed: 37701390
DOI: 10.53854/liim-3103-4 -
Explore (New York, N.Y.) 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the effects of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) on hematologic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the effects of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) on hematologic manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Airiti Library were searched for the period January 2000 to February 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
RCTs involving CHMs in patients with SLE with available hematologic data.
DATA EXTRACTION
The primary outcomes included white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin level, and platelet count. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the included RCTs. Sensitivity analysis of RCTs with abnormal hematologic data before intervention was performed to verify the robustness of the results. Subgroup analysis was also applied for results with high heterogenicity. Core patterns of used herbal drug pairs had also been analyzed and visualized.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Fifteen RCTs involving 1183 participants were included. The effects of elevating WBC count (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-1.06; p <0.001), hemoglobin levels (WMD: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.31-0.97; p <0.001), and platelet count (WMD: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.48-0.74; p <0.001) in the CHM group were significantly greater than those in the control group. In total, 23 single herbs and 152 herbal drug pairs were identified for core patterns network analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrated significantly superior therapeutic effects achieved with CHMs and conventional therapy regarding leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia compared to that of conventional therapy alone in patients with SLE.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Phytotherapy; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Leukocyte Count; Hemoglobins
PubMed: 37643948
DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.08.004 -
European Journal of Clinical... Oct 2023The incidence of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia (LIT) has been reported to vary widely across studies. We performed a meta-analysis to identify the risk factors for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
The incidence of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia (LIT) has been reported to vary widely across studies. We performed a meta-analysis to identify the risk factors for thrombocytopenia among patients who received linezolid treatment.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to November 2022 to identify eligible studies. Data on the potential predictors of incidence in LIT were pooled using a random effects model. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the robustness of the results when significant heterogeneity was observed.
RESULTS
Forty observational studies involving 6454 patients treated with linezolid were included in the analysis. LIT was estimated to occur in 37% of patients. The following important factors were associated with the incidence of LIT: advanced age, body mass index, concurrent renal impairment or liver disease, abnormal laboratory parameters (including white blood cell count, serum creatinine, baseline platelet count, albumin, creatinine clearance rate, and estimated glomerular filtration rate), treatment duration and renal replacement therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
A variety of risk factors related to the occurrence of LIT were revealed in our analysis. Early identification of these factors could help patients improve clinical outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Linezolid; Thrombocytopenia; Platelet Count; Renal Insufficiency; Risk Factors; Anemia; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 37578552
DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03542-z -
Renal Failure Dec 2023The long-term mortality of kidney transplantation patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome remains high, and the efficacy of the main treatment eculizumab is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
New findings in preventing recurrence and improving renal function in AHUS patients after renal transplantation treated with eculizumab: a systemic review and meta-analyses.
BACKGROUND
The long-term mortality of kidney transplantation patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome remains high, and the efficacy of the main treatment eculizumab is still controversial.
OBJECTIVE
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials using eculizumab in renal transplant patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this therapy and its impact on renal function.
METHODS
A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across multiple reputable databases, including Ovid (MEDLINE, EMBASE), PubMed, and the Cochrane Library (since database inception), to identify relevant studies exploring the use of eculizumab in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic kidney transplantation. Various renal function parameters, such as dialysis, rejection, glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and platelet count, along with patient relapse rates, were extracted and summarized using a combination of robust statistical methods, including fixed effects, random effects, and general inverse variance methods.
RESULT
Eighteen trials with 618 subjects were analyzed. Our analysis suggests that the use of eculizumab is associated with a reduced likelihood of AHUS recurrence (odds ratio (OR) = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.00-0.13), as well as a significant reduction in the need for dialysis (odds ratio (OR) = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.01-0.32). Additionally, eculizumab treatment led to lower serum creatinine levels (mean differences (MD) = 126.931μmoI/L, 95% CI: 115.572μmoI/L-138.290μmoI/L) and an improved glomerular filtration rate (mean differences (MD) = 59.571 ml/min, 95% CI: 57.876 ml/min-61.266 mL/min). Our results also indicate that the use of eculizumab reduces the likelihood of rejection (odds ratio (OR) = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01-0.22). Furthermore, the drug was effective in improving platelet counts (×10∧9/L) (mean differences (MD) = 163.421, 95% CI: 46.998-279.844) and lactate dehydrogenase levels (mean differences (MD) = 336.608 U/L, 95% CI: 164.816 U/L-508.399 U/L).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the meta-analysis, treatment with eculizumab can reduce dialysis rates and improve patients' quality of life by enhancing renal function.
Topics: Humans; Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome; Creatinine; Kidney; Kidney Transplantation; Lactate Dehydrogenases; Quality of Life; Recurrence
PubMed: 37563792
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2023.2231264