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Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jul 2023Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) is a safe and effective surgical procedure to treat aortic root aneurysm. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate how this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) is a safe and effective surgical procedure to treat aortic root aneurysm. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate how this procedure might differ in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).
DESIGN
Meta-analysis with meta-regression and systematic review.
SETTING
Systematic search in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase.
INTERVENTIONS
All observational studies of VSARR in patients with BAV or TAV were included in our study. Studies were included without any restrictions on language or publication date. A trial sequential analysis and a post-hoc meta-regression was performed on the main outcomes.
RESULT
Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1138 patients in BAV group, and 2125 patients in TAV group. No significant differences in gender and age were observed between BAV and TAV patients. BAV and TAV patients showed no differences in in-hospital mortality rate [0.00% vs. 1.93%; RR (95% CI) 0.33 (0.09, 1.26), I = 0%, P = 0.11] and the rate of in-hospital reoperation [5.64% vs. 5.99%; RR (95% CI) 1.01(0.59, 1.73), I = 33%, P = 0.98]. The overall long-term mortality rate of BAV patients was better than that of TAV patients [1.63% vs. 8.15%; RR (95% CI) 0.34 (0.13, 0.86), I = 0%, P = 0.02]. During the follow-up observation period, patients in TAV group showed small but no statistic advantage in 3-year, 5-year, and over 10-year incidences of reintervention. Regarding the secondary endpoints, the two groups showed similar aortic cross-clamping time and total cardiopulmonary bypass time.
CONCLUSION
The VSARR techniques yielded similar clinical outcomes in both BAV and TAV patients. Although patients with BAV might have a higher incidence of reinterventions after initial VSARR, it is still a safe and effective approach to treat aortic root dilation with or without aortic valve insufficiency. TAV patients showed small but no statistic advantage in long-term (over 10 years) reintervention rate, which means, patients with BAV may face a higher risk of reintervention in the clinic.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Valve; Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease; Heart Valve Diseases; Aorta; Tricuspid Valve; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37400892
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-023-02329-8 -
Biomedicines May 2023Despite growing evidence of the significant influence of blood-flow-restricted (BFR) training on different body functions, its impact on the vascular system, especially... (Review)
Review
Despite growing evidence of the significant influence of blood-flow-restricted (BFR) training on different body functions, its impact on the vascular system, especially the arteries, is controversial. Therefore, the objective of our study was to analyze how BFR exercise, compared to other types of exercise without the restriction of blood flow, influences arterial functions and angiogenesis in adults. Studies comparing the effect of BFR versus non-BFR training on arterial parameters were divided into three categories: endothelial function, angiogenesis, and other vasculature functions. The search was based on Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase, and 38 studies were included. The meta-analysis revealed a more significant improvement in flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) ( = 0.002) and the production of the primary angiogenesis biomarker vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ( = 0.009) after BFR compared to non-BFR training ( = 0.002). The analysis of the pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate did not show significant differences in changes between BFR and non-BFR training. The other parameters examined did not have sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis. The results obtained present trends that suggest significant impacts of BFR training on endothelial functions and angiogenesis. There is still a lack of multicenter randomized clinical trials including many participants, and such studies are necessary to confirm the advantage of BFR over non-BFR activity.
PubMed: 37371696
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061601 -
BMJ Open Jun 2023To determine the diagnostic accuracy of different endometrial sampling tests for detecting endometrial carcinoma. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of different endometrial sampling tests for detecting endometrial carcinoma.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of diagnostic accuracy.
DATA SOURCES
Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus, from the date of inception of the databases to 18 January 2023. Additionally, the reference lists of included studies and other systematic reviews were thoroughly searched.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included published cross-sectional studies that evaluated any endometrial sampling test (index tests) in women (participants) with clinical suspicion of endometrial carcinoma (target condition) in comparison with histopathology of hysterectomy specimens (reference standard). We excluded case-control and case series studies. No restrictions on language or date of publication were applied.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers extracted study data and assessed study quality using the revised quality assessment tool for diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2). We used bivariate diagnostic random-effects meta-analysis and presented the results in a summary receiver operating characteristic curve. We assessed the certainty of evidence as recommended by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) approach.
RESULTS
Twelve studies (1607 participants), published between 1986 and 2022, contributed data to the meta-analysis results. Seven studies were judged to be at a low risk of bias in all domains and all studies had low applicability concerns. The most studied index tests were Pipelle and conventional dilation and curettage (D&C). The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio (95% CIs) for Pipelle were 0.774 (0.565 to 0.900), 0.985 (0.927 to 0.997), 97.000 (14.000 to 349.000) and 0.241 (0.101 to 0.442) and for conventional D&C were 0.880 (0.281 to 0.993), 0.984 (0.956 to 0.995), 59.300 (14.200 to 153.000) and 0.194 (0.007 to 0.732), respectively.
CONCLUSION
High certainty evidence indicates that endometrial sampling using Pipelle or conventional D&C is accurate in diagnosing endometrial cancer. Studies assessing other endometrial sampling tests were sparse.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
https://osf.io/h8e9z.
Topics: Female; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Endometrium; ROC Curve; Endometrial Neoplasms
PubMed: 37355271
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072124 -
Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck... Jun 2023Surgical treatment for nasal obstruction caused by nasal valve collapse requires a significant recovery period and risks of complications, while nasal dilators are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Surgical treatment for nasal obstruction caused by nasal valve collapse requires a significant recovery period and risks of complications, while nasal dilators are uncomfortable. Recently, radiofrequency treatment of lateral walls has been used under local anesthesia as an office base surgery. This work aims to assess the efficacy of a new radiofrequency device, the Vivaer™ System (Aerin Medical, Sunnyvale, CA), to treat nasal obstruction through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Two researchers independently reviewed the literature up to December 2021. Studies on patients seeking treatment for nasal obstruction due to nasal valve collapse were included in the analysis.
RESULTS
Four studies (218 patients) met the inclusion criteria and treated the nasal valve regions bilaterally with the Aerin Medical Vivaer™ System. After the treatment, the NOSE score was reduced at three months postoperatively. Minor adverse events were reported in the included studies, and two showed no complications. None of the studies reported changes in the external appearance of the nose.
CONCLUSION
The radiofrequency treatment using the Vivaer device can be useful for treating nasal valve collapse, improving significantly subjective breathing symptom scores. Further studies on a large scale are needed to confirm these results.
Topics: Humans; Nasal Obstruction; Rhinoplasty; Nose; Nasal Cavity; Catheters; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37349806
DOI: 10.1186/s40463-023-00644-7 -
Midwifery Sep 2023To conduct a systematic review exploring women's experiences, views and understanding of any vaginal examinations during intrapartum care, in any care setting and by any... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review exploring women's experiences, views and understanding of any vaginal examinations during intrapartum care, in any care setting and by any healthcare professional. Intrapartum vaginal examination is deemed both an essential assessment tool and routine intervention during labour. It is an intervention that can cause significant distress, embarrassment, and pain for women, as well as reinforce outdated gender roles. In view of its widespread and frequently reported excessive use, it is important to understand women's views on vaginal examination to inform further research and current practice.
DESIGN
A systematic search and meta-ethnography synthesis informed by Noblit and Hare (1988) and the eMERGe guidance (France et al. 2019) was undertaken. Nine electronic databases were searched systematically using predefined search terms in August 2021, and again in March 2023. Studies meeting the following criteria: English language, qualitative and mixed-method studies, published from 2000 onwards, and relevant to the topic, were eligible for quality appraisal and inclusion.
FINDINGS
Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Three from Turkey, one from Palestine, one from Hong Kong and one from New Zealand. One disconfirming study was identified. Following both a reciprocal and refutational synthesis, four 3rd order constructs were formed, titled: Suffering the examination, Challenging the power dynamic, Cervical-centric labour culture embedded in societal expectations, and Context of care. Finally, a line of argument was arrived at, which brought together and summarised the 3rd order constructs.
KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF PRACTICE
The dominant biomedical discourse of vaginal examination and cervical dilatation as central to the birthing process does not align with midwifery philosophy or women's embodied experience. Women experience examinations as painful and distressing but tolerate them as they view them as necessary and unavoidable. Factors such as context of care setting, environment, privacy, midwifery care, particularly in a continuity of carer model, have considerable positive affect on women's experience of examinations. Further research into women's experiences of vaginal examination in different care models as well as research into less invasive intrapartum assessment tools that promote physiological processes is urgently required.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Gynecological Examination; Anthropology, Cultural; Parturition; Labor, Obstetric; Midwifery; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 37315454
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103746 -
Tricuspid valve repair concomitant with mitral valve surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.International Journal of Surgery... Jul 2023Uncertainties persist about whether to aggressively and effectively treat tricuspid regurgitation (TR) during mitral valve (MV) surgery. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Uncertainties persist about whether to aggressively and effectively treat tricuspid regurgitation (TR) during mitral valve (MV) surgery.
REVIEW METHODS
Systematic literature searches were performed in five databases to collect all relevant studies published before May 2022 on whether the tricuspid valve was treated during MV surgery. Separate meta-analyses were performed on data from unmatched studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT)/adjusted studies.
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 44 publications were included, of which eight were RCT studies and the rest were retrospective studies. There was no difference in 30-day mortality [odds ratio (OR): 1.00, 95% CI: 0.71-1.42, OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.30-1.41)] or overall survival [hazard ratio (HR): 1.01, 95% CI: 0.85-1.19, HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.52-1.14] in unmatched studies and RCT/adjusted studies. Late mortality (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21-0.64) and cardiac-related mortality (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.21-0.62) were lower in the tricuspid valve repair (TVR) group in the RCT/adjusted studies. In the unmatched studies, overall cardiac mortality (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26-0.88) was lower in the TVR group. In the late TR progression analysis, the late TR progression was lower among patients in the concomitantly intervened tricuspid group, and patients in the untreated tricuspid group were prone to TR progression in both studies (HR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.22-0.41, HR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23-0.58).
CONCLUSIONS
TVR concomitant with MV surgery is most effective in patients with significant TR and dilated tricuspid annulus, especially those with a significantly reduced risk of distant TR progression.
Topics: Humans; Tricuspid Valve; Mitral Valve; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Treatment Outcome; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37300887
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000396 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2023Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) have emerged in recent years as a valid alternative to traditional transvenous ICDs (TV-ICDs). Therefore,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) have emerged in recent years as a valid alternative to traditional transvenous ICDs (TV-ICDs). Therefore, the number of S-ICD implantations is rising, leading to a consequent increase in S-ICD-related complications sometimes requiring complete device removal. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to gather all the available literature on S-ICD lead extraction (SLE), with particular reference to the type of indication, techniques, complications and success rate.
METHODS
Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) from inception to 21 November 2022. The search strategy adopted was developed using the following key words: subcutaneous, S-ICD, defibrillator, ICD, extraction, explantation. Studies were included if they met both of the following criteria: (1) inclusion of patients with S-ICD; (2) inclusion of patients who underwent SLE.
RESULTS
Our literature search identified 238 references. Based on the abstract evaluation, 38 of these citations were considered potentially eligible for inclusion, and their full texts were analyzed. We excluded 8 of these studies because no SLE was performed. Eventually, 30 studies were included, with 207 patients who underwent SLE. Overall, the majority of SLEs were performed for non-infective causes (59.90%). Infection of the device (affecting either the lead or the pocket) was the cause of SLE in 38.65% of cases. Indication data were not available in 3/207 cases. The mean dwelling time was 14 months. SLEs were performed using manual traction or with the aid of a tool designed for transvenous lead extraction (TLE), including either a rotational or non-powered mechanical dilator sheath.
CONCLUSIONS
SLE is performed mainly for non-infective causes. Techniques vary greatly across different studies. Dedicated tools for SLE might be developed in the future and standard approaches should be defined. In the meantime, authors are encouraged to share their experience and data to further refine the existing variegated approaches.
PubMed: 37297905
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113710 -
European Heart Journal Sep 2023International guidelines recommend screening of first-degree relatives (FDR) of people with bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs). However, the prevalence of BAV and of aortic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
International guidelines recommend screening of first-degree relatives (FDR) of people with bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs). However, the prevalence of BAV and of aortic dilatation amongst family members is uncertain.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of original reports of screening for BAV. Databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to December 2021 using relevant search terms. Data were sought on the screened prevalence of BAV and aortic dilatation. The protocol was specified prior to the searches being performed, and standard meta-analytic techniques were used. Twenty-three observational studies met inclusion criteria (n = 2297 index cases; n = 6054 screened relatives). The prevalence of BAV amongst relatives was 7.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.1%-8.6%] overall and per family was 23.6% (95% CI 18.1%-29.5%). The prevalence of aortic dilatation amongst relatives was 9.4% (95% CI 5.7%-13.9%). Whilst the prevalence of aortic dilatation was particularly high in relatives with BAV (29.2%; 95% CI 15.3%-45.1%), aortic dilatation alongside tricuspid aortic valves was a more frequent finding, as there were many more family members with tricuspid valves than BAV. The prevalence estimate amongst relatives with tricuspid valves (7.0%; 95% CI 3.2%-12.0%) was higher than reported in the general population.
CONCLUSION
Screening family members of people with BAV can identify a cohort substantially enriched for the presence of bicuspid valve, aortic enlargement, or both. The implications for screening programmes are discussed, including in particular the substantial current uncertainties regarding the clinical implications of aortic findings.
Topics: Humans; Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease; Heart Valve Diseases; Dilatation; Aortic Valve; Aortic Diseases; Dilatation, Pathologic; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37288540
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad320 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2023An increase in vascular resistance of uterine vessels is associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
An increase in vascular resistance of uterine vessels is associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that stabilizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and increases nitric oxide levels, improves placental perfusion by dilation of spiral arteries and is beneficial in managing IUGR. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of sildenafil citrate in improving perinatal outcomes in IUGR pregnancies.
METHODS
Meta-analysis was performed on data extracted from all studies specific to sildenafil citrate in IUGR management, searching relevant articles on PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Publications identified by the manual search, based on references in reviews, were also included. Dichotomous results were presented as risk ratio (95% confidence interval), while continuous results were expressed as mean difference (MD); samples represented by the random effects model.
RESULTS
Nine trials were included where the sildenafil citrate effect was compared with a placebo or no intervention. A significant increase in birth weight [SMD (95% CI), 0.69 (0.31, 1.07)] was seen in IUGR pregnancies managed with sildenafil. However, gestational age (SMD (95% CI), 0.44 (-0.05, 0.94], fetal death rate [RR (95% CI), 0.56 (0.17, 1.79)] in IUGR pregnancies was not changed by sildenafil. Neonatal death [RR (95% CI), 0.93 (0.47, 1.86)] and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions [RR (95% CI), 0.76 (0.50, 1.17)] were not significantly different between sildenafil and control groups.
CONCLUSION
Sildenafil citrate increases birth weight and prolonged pregnancies but did not affect stillbirth rate, neonatal death, and NICU admission.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was registered in PROSPERO on September 18, 2021 (CRD42021271992).
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Sildenafil Citrate; Fetal Growth Retardation; Birth Weight; Perinatal Death; Placenta
PubMed: 37268873
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05747-7 -
JAMA Pediatrics Aug 2023Controversy exists on the clinical utility of kidney ultrasonography after first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), and clinical practice guideline recommendations... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Controversy exists on the clinical utility of kidney ultrasonography after first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), and clinical practice guideline recommendations vary.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of urinary tract abnormalities detected on kidney ultrasonography after the first febrile UTI in children.
DATA SOURCES
The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for articles published from January 1, 2000, to September 20, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies of children with first febrile UTI reporting kidney ultrasonography findings.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility. Study characteristics and outcomes were extracted from each article. Data on the prevalence of kidney ultrasonography abnormalities were pooled using a random-effects model.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was prevalence of urinary tract abnormalities and clinically important abnormalities (those that changed clinical management) detected on kidney ultrasonography. Secondary outcomes included the urinary tract abnormalities detected, surgical intervention, health care utilization, and parent-reported outcomes.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine studies were included, with a total of 9170 children. Of the 27 studies that reported participant sex, the median percentage of males was 60% (range, 11%-80%). The prevalence of abnormalities detected on renal ultrasonography was 22.1% (95% CI, 16.8-27.9; I2 = 98%; 29 studies, all ages) and 21.9% (95% CI, 14.7-30.1; I2 = 98%; 15 studies, age <24 months). The prevalence of clinically important abnormalities was 3.1% (95% CI, 0.3-8.1; I2 = 96%; 8 studies, all ages) and 4.5% (95% CI, 0.5-12.0; I2 = 97%; 5 studies, age <24 months). Study recruitment bias was associated with a higher prevalence of abnormalities. The most common findings detected were hydronephrosis, pelviectasis, and dilated ureter. Urinary tract obstruction was identified in 0.4% (95% CI, 0.1-0.8; I2 = 59%; 12 studies), and surgical intervention occurred in 1.4% (95% CI, 0.5-2.7; I2 = 85%; 13 studies). One study reported health care utilization. No study reported parent-reported outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Results suggest that 1 in 4 to 5 children with first febrile UTI will have a urinary tract abnormality detected on kidney ultrasonography and 1 in 32 will have an abnormality that changes clinical management. Given the considerable study heterogeneity and lack of comprehensive outcome measurement, well-designed prospective longitudinal studies are needed to fully evaluate the clinical utility of kidney ultrasonography after first febrile UTI.
Topics: Male; Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Prospective Studies; Vesico-Ureteral Reflux; Kidney; Urinary Tract Infections; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 37252727
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.1387