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Thrombosis Research Jan 2024Up to 50 % of patients recovering from pulmonary embolism (PE) experience negative long-term outcomes. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Up to 50 % of patients recovering from pulmonary embolism (PE) experience negative long-term outcomes. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important in identifying what matters to patients. We aimed to identify PROMs used in clinical studies and recommended by the International Consortium of Health Outcomes (ICHOM) and compare individual items with factors considered important by patients recovering from PE.
METHODS
This was a convergent mixed-methods systematic review, including quantitative studies, using PROMs and qualitative studies with non-cancer-related PE patients. Items from each PROM and qualitative findings were categorised using an International Classification of Function linking process to allow for integrated synthesis.
RESULTS
A total of 68 studies using 34 different PROMs with 657 items and 13 qualitative studies with 408 findings were included. A total of 104 individual ICF codes were used, and subsequently sorted into 20 distinct categories representing patient concerns. Identified PROMs were found to adequately cover 17/20 categories, including anxiety, fear of bleeding, stress, depression, dizziness/nausea, sleep disturbance, pain, dyspnea, fatigue, activity levels, family and friends, socializing, outlook on life, and medical treatment. PROMs from the ICHOM core set covered the same categories, except for dizziness/nausea.
CONCLUSIONS
No single PROM covered all aspects assessed as important by the PE population. PROMs recommended in the ICHOM core set cover 16/20 aspects. However, worrisome thoughts, hypervigilance around symptoms, and uncertainty of illness were experienced by patients with PE but were not covered by PROMS.
Topics: Humans; Dizziness; Qualitative Research; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Nausea; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38029548
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.11.013 -
EJHaem Nov 2023Hyperkalemia, an elevated blood potassium concentration exceeding 5.0 mEq/L, is associated with adverse outcomes and is frequently observed in hospitalized patients.... (Review)
Review
Hyperkalemia, an elevated blood potassium concentration exceeding 5.0 mEq/L, is associated with adverse outcomes and is frequently observed in hospitalized patients. Drug-induced hyperkalemia accounts for a significant proportion of cases, with heparin, commonly used for venous thrombosis prevention, suspected to contribute, though less recognized than other heparin-related side effects. Both unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) have been implicated in inducing hyperkalemia, primarily through the suppression of aldosterone levels and modulation of angiotensin II receptors. This systematic review examines the relationship between heparin, particularly LMWH, and hyperkalemia. Thirteen studies involving 1407 patients were analyzed. Findings indicated a lack of highquality evidence, with no significant increase in potassium levels associated with LMWH use. LMWH did not exhibit a dose-response relationship with hyperkalemia incidence. Additionally, mechanisms underlying the hypothetical LMWHinduced hyperkalemia remained inconclusive. While this suggests that LMWH is unlikely to be a primary cause of hyperkalemia, caution is warranted, especially in patients with elevated baseline potassium levels.
PubMed: 38024642
DOI: 10.1002/jha2.801 -
Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin Nov 2023Several vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome (VITTS) cases have been reported after the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination. The current study systematically... (Review)
Review
Several vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome (VITTS) cases have been reported after the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination. The current study systematically reviewed the reported post-ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination thrombotic thrombocytopenia cases. Their laboratory and clinical features, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic measures, were investigated. Online databases were searched until 25 August 2021. Studies reporting post-ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) were included. Overall, 167 cases (21-77 years old) from 53 publications were included showing a female dominance of 1.75 times. About 85% of the cases exhibited the primary symptoms within the first two weeks post-vaccination. Headache was the most common initial symptom (>44.2%), and hemorrhage/thrombotic problems (22.46%), as well as discoordination/weakness/numbness/ hemiparesis/cyanotic toes (19.6%), were the most prevalent uncommon initial symptoms. Prothrombin time (PT), D-dimers, and C-reactive protein were the most remarkable increased laboratory parameters in 50.6%, 99.1%, and 55.6% of cases, respectively. In comparison, platelet and fibrinogen were the most remarkable decreased laboratory parameters in 92.7% and 50.5% of cases, respectively. Most VITT cases presented with cerebral venous thrombosis/cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, supraventricular tachycardia, transverse sinus/cerebral thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and cerebral hemorrhage. Anti-PF4 antibody measurement through immunoassays and functional assays were positive in 86.2% and 73% of cases, respectively. About 31% of the cases died. Early diagnosis and proper therapeutic measures are important in ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine-induced VITTS patients. Therefore, experts are recommended to know the corresponding clinical and laboratory features, as well as diagnostic methods. Elucidation of the pathophysiologic mechanism of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine-induced TTS deserves further investigation.
PubMed: 38022808
DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.081 -
Brain & Spine 2023To date, the available guidance on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in elective lumbar fusion surgery is largely open to surgeon interpretation and preference... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
To date, the available guidance on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in elective lumbar fusion surgery is largely open to surgeon interpretation and preference without any specific suggested chemoprophylactic regimen.
RESEARCH QUESTION
This study aimed to comparatively analyze the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) with the use of commonly employed chemoprophylactic agents such as unfractionated heparin (UH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in lumbar fusion surgery.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
An independent systematic review of four scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science) was performed to identify relevant articles as per the preferred reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies reporting on DVT/PE outcomes of lumbar fusion surgery in adult patients with UH or LMWH chemoprophylaxis were included for analysis. Analysis was performed using the Stata software.
RESULTS
Twelve studies with 8495 patients were included in the analysis. A single-arm meta-analysis of the included studies found a DVT incidence of 14% (95%CI [8%-20%]) and 1% (95%CI [-6% - 8%]) with LMWH and UH respectively. Both the chemoprophylaxis agents prevented PE with a noted incidence of 0% (95%CI [0%-0.1%]) and 0% (95%CI [0%-1%]) with LMWH and UH respectively. The risk of bleeding-related complications with the usage of LMWH and UH was 0% (95% CI [0.0%-0.30%]) and 3% (95% CI [0.3%-5%]) respectively.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Both LMWH and UH reduces the overall incidence of DVT/PE, but there is a paucity of evidence analyzing the comparative effectiveness of the chemoprophylaxis regimens in lumbar fusion procedures. The heterogeneity in data prevents any conclusions, as there remains an evidence gap. We recommend future high-quality randomized controlled trials to investigate in this regard to help develop recommendations on thromboprophylaxis usage.
PubMed: 38021015
DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2023.102711 -
Open Heart Nov 2023Literature supports associations between common respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and risk of cardiovascular diseases, yet the importance of RTIs for cardiovascular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Literature supports associations between common respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and risk of cardiovascular diseases, yet the importance of RTIs for cardiovascular risk management remains less understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the causal effects of RTIs on occurrence of cardiovascular diseases in the general population.
METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched up to 4 November 2022. Eligible were all aetiological studies evaluating risk of cardiovascular outcomes after exposure to common RTIs within any follow-up duration. Evidence was pooled using random-effects models if data allowed. The ROBINS-E and GRADE approaches were used to rate risk of bias and certainty of evidence, respectively. All assessments were performed in duplicate.
RESULTS
We included 34 studies (65 678 650 individuals). Most studies had a high risk of bias. COVID-19 likely increases relative risk (RR (95% CI)) of myocardial infarction (3.3 (1.0 to 11.0)), stroke (3.5 (1.2 to 10)), pulmonary embolism (24.6 (13.5 to 44.9)) and deep venous thrombosis (7.8 (4.3 to 14.4)) within 30 days after infection (GRADE: moderate) and about twofold within 1 year (GRADE: low to moderate). Other RTIs also likely increase the RR of myocardial infarction (2.9 (95% CI 1.8 to 4.9)) and stroke (2.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.4)) within 30 days (GRADE: moderate), and to a lesser extent with longer follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
RTIs likely increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases about 1.5-5 fold within 1 month after infection. RTIs may, therefore, have clinical relevance as target for cardiovascular risk management, especially in high-risk populations.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023416277.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Risk Factors; Respiratory Tract Infections; Myocardial Infarction; Stroke; Heart Disease Risk Factors
PubMed: 38016788
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2023-002501 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Mar 2024The aim of this study was to determine the association between the duration of systemic anticoagulation therapy (ACT) and the risk of further venous thromboembolism... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A systematic review and meta-analysis for the association between duration of anticoagulation therapy and the risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with lower limb superficial venous thrombosis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the association between the duration of systemic anticoagulation therapy (ACT) and the risk of further venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with superficial venous thrombosis (SVT).
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using searches of Medline and Cochrane Library databases in September 2023. Papers that provided VTE incidence within mid-term follow-up of ≥45 days in patients who received any ACT were included. Patients were categorized into subgroups according to the course of treatment: (1) no ACT (0 days); (2) ACT of ≤14 days; (3) ACT of 15 to 30 days; (4) ACT of 31 to 45 days; and (5) ACT of >45 days. Reported events were transformed to events per 100 patient-years, and a random-effects model was used to calculate pooled rates for proportions. The primary outcome (VTE) was a combination of SVT progression or recurrence with the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Secondary outcomes included major and clinically relevant non-major or minor bleeding.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies (10 randomized controlled trials and 14 cohort studies) combining outcomes in 12,341 patients were included in the quantitative synthesis. Minimum VTE and SVT recurrence or progression rates were observed with the ACT duration of 31 to 45 days of 16.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.4-23.3) and 8.2 (95% CI, 3.1-15.8) events per 100 patient-years, respectively. Minimum DVT and PE rates observed with the treatment duration of 15 to 30 days were 5.5 (95% CI, 2.8-9.1) and 0.9 (95% CI, 0.5-1.3) events per 100 patient-years, respectively. Short-term treatment of ≤14 days was associated with the highest rates of VTE of 59.7 (95% CI, 37.7-86.4), DVT of 13.7 (95% CI, 9.6-18.4), and PE of 3.1 (95% CI, 1.4-5.6) events per 100 patient-years. Major bleeding rates were unrelated to the duration of ACT and did not exceed 0.5 events per 100 patient-years. The highest rate of clinically relevant non-major or minor bleeding was observed with ACT duration of 31 to 45 days of 14.2 (95% CI, 5.5-26.8) events per 100 patient-years. The most common risk factors for VTE included male sex, cancer, personal history of DVT, PE, or SVT, and thrombosis of non-varicose veins.
CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged systemic anticoagulation is associated with the tendency to decrease VTE rates in patients with lower limb SVT.
Topics: Humans; Male; Venous Thromboembolism; Anticoagulants; Venous Thrombosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Lower Extremity; Hemorrhage; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38008180
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.101726 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Apr 2024Cancer currently occurs in about 1 in 1000 pregnancies. Both active malignancy and pregnancy are individual risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The purpose of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Cancer currently occurs in about 1 in 1000 pregnancies. Both active malignancy and pregnancy are individual risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The purpose of this systematic review/meta-analysis was to evaluate the rate of VTE in pregnant patients with active malignancy compared with pregnant patients without malignancy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Embase, Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Database, and clinicaltrial.gov were search by a trained librarian from inception until June 2021, and limited to English and French language human studies using keywords related to pregnancy, neoplasm, and thrombosis. This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021245886). Title, abstract, and full-text review was performed using the Covidence data management system. Two authors reviewed the studies independently. Of the 3821 articles screened, seven cohort studies were included that reported VTE rate in patients with active malignancy in pregnancy.
RESULTS
A total of 5928 individuals had active malignancy and pregnancy. Active malignancy in pregnancy significantly increased the odds of a VTE (odds ratio [OR] 6.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8-12.1). Specifically, patients with thyroid (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3-6.3), cervix (OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.4-18.0), or other gynecological (OR 10.6, 95% CI 4.4-25.8) cancers; Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR 8.7, 95% CI 3.3-23.4); or acute leukemia (OR 17.1, 95% CI 10.9-26.8) all had increased odds, whereas those with brain cancer (OR 6.1, 95% CI 0.4-98.2), breast cancer (OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.3-17.4), malignant melanoma (OR 5.5, 95% CI 0.3-88.1), or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR 3.2, 95% CI 0.8-12.9) malignancies did not have statistically significant increased odds for VTE. No studies reported whether prophylactic anticoagulation was used during pregnancy in this population; nor did they report timing in pregnancy of the VTE. The absolute risk for VTE in those with active malignancy was 0.9% compared with 0.2% in those without active malignancy in pregnancy.
CONCLUSIONS
Pregnancy with active malignancy confers a significant increased risk for VTE compared with pregnancy alone. Given this finding, prophylactic anticoagulation during pregnancy and postpartum could be considered in this patient population. Data are underpowered to make firm recommendations per cancer type.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Venous Thromboembolism; Postpartum Period; Brain Neoplasms; Breast Neoplasms; Anticoagulants
PubMed: 37968882
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14712 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Nov 2023A number of therapeutic treatment strategies exist for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The aim of this review is to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A number of therapeutic treatment strategies exist for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The aim of this review is to provide a current understanding of treatment options and determine the relative effectiveness of treatment options in preventing mortality over 24 months.
METHODS
A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL from 2007 to 2022. Articles were screened to identify those that reported on all-cause mortality among treated, non-palliative patients with HCC and PVT. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool (ROBINS-1). Mortality rates at prespecified timepoints between 6 and 24 months were extracted and summarized using a random-effects DerSimonian-Laird model. This review was registered a priori on PROSPERO (CRD42022290708).
RESULTS
When comparing radiotherapy (RT) to sorafenib and combined transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), there was a trend that RT yields better survival at 6 months [odds ratio (OR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28-1.76]. When comparing sorafenib to Y90 and RT, sorafenib was associated with higher odds for mortality at 6 months (OR 2.20, 95% CI: 1.11-4.39). No significant differences were noticed from 12 to 24 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Future strategies for HCC with PVT should look at the combination of radiation and systemic treatments either concurrently or sequentially.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Sorafenib; Liver Neoplasms; Portal Vein; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; Treatment Outcome; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 37953217
DOI: 10.21037/apm-23-463 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jan 2024Symptoms from SARS-CoV-2 infection can involve multiple organ systems. Several reviews discussed the neurologic involvement and neuroimaging findings in adults but...
OBJECTIVES
Symptoms from SARS-CoV-2 infection can involve multiple organ systems. Several reviews discussed the neurologic involvement and neuroimaging findings in adults but research on children is lacking. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of neurologic involvement in patients diagnosed with pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 (PIMS-TS) or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C); and also to summarize current literature on possible neuroimaging findings in SARS-CoV-2 infected children.
METHODS
A literature search in six electronic databases was performed to retrieve case series, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies on neurologic involvement in COVID-19 patients younger than 21 years of age published between December 2019 to September 2023, including COVID-19 patients.
RESULTS
A total of 2224 patients with MIS-C from 10 cohorts and cross-sectional studies suggested that neurologic involvement in these subsets ranges from 8.5% to 32.1%. Symptoms included acute encephalitis, seizures, stroke, cranial nerve palsy, nausea/vomiting, and intracranial hypertension. Neuroradiology findings of 114 children from 50 case reports included splenial or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)-like lesions, cytotoxic brain edema, autoimmune demyelinating diseases, ischemic stroke and arteritis, venous thrombosis, intracranial hemorrhage, meningitis, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor autoimmune encephalitis, acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis, hydrocephalus, olfactory bulb atrophy, cerebellitis, and acute necrotizing encephalitis.
CONCLUSION
Radiologic findings of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population are diverse. Neuroimaging studies should be considered in critically ill patients to rule out neurologic involvement and facilitate early interventions.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Cross-Sectional Studies; Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome; Neuroimaging; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
PubMed: 37944584
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.11.006 -
International Journal of Nursing Studies Jan 2024The number of risk prediction models for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with acute stroke is increasing, while the quality and applicability of these models in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The number of risk prediction models for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with acute stroke is increasing, while the quality and applicability of these models in clinical practice and future research remain unknown.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review published studies on risk prediction models for DVT in patients with acute stroke.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
METHODS
China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Embase were searched from inception to November 7, 2022. Data from selected studies were extracted, including study design, data source, outcome definition, sample size, predictors, model development and performance. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) checklist was used to assess the risk of bias and applicability.
RESULTS
A total of 940 studies were retrieved, and after the selection process, nine prediction models from nine studies were included in this review. All studies utilized logistic regression to establish DVT risk prediction models. The incidence of DVT in patients with acute stroke ranged from 0.4 % to 28 %. The most frequently used predictors were D-dimer and age. The reported area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.70 to 0.912. All studies were found to have a high risk of bias, primarily due to inappropriate data sources and poor reporting of the analysis domain. The pooled AUC value of the five validated models was 0.76 (95 % confidence interval: 0.70-0.81), indicating a fair level of discrimination.
CONCLUSION
Although the included studies reported a certain level of discrimination in the prediction models of DVT in patients with acute stroke, all of them were found to have a high risk of bias according to the PROBAST checklist. Future studies should focus on developing new models with larger samples, rigorous study designs, and multicenter external validation.
REGISTRATION
The protocol for this study is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022370287).
Topics: Humans; Stroke; Risk Assessment; Venous Thrombosis; China; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37944356
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104623