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Journal of Epidemiology and Global... Jun 2024Pertussis, a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a leading global public health issue. Ethiopia is currently... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pertussis, a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a leading global public health issue. Ethiopia is currently conducting multiple pertussis outbreak investigations, but there is a lack of comprehensive information on attack rate, case fatality rate, and infection predictors. This study aimed to measure attack rates, case fatality rates, and factors associated with pertussis outbreak.
METHODS
This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies on pertussis outbreaks in Ethiopia from 2009 to 2023, using observational study designs, using the guideline Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The study utilized databases like Science Direct, MEDLINE/PubMed, African Journals Online, Google Scholar and registers. The data were collected using an Excel Spreadsheet and then exported to STATA version 17 for analysis. Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify potential disparities. A random effects model was used to consider heterogeneity among studies. I-squared test statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. The attack rate, case fatality rate, and odds ratio (OR) were presented using forest plots with a 95% confidence interval. Egger's and Begg's tests were used to evaluate the publication bias.
RESULTS
Seven pertussis outbreak investigations with a total of 2824 cases and 18 deaths were incorporated. The pooled attack and case fatality rates were 10.78 (95% CI: 8.1-13.5) per 1000 population and 0.8% (95% CI: 0.01-1.58%), respectively. The highest and lowest attack rates were in Oromia (5.57 per 1000 population and in the Amhara region (2.61 per 1000 population), respectively. Predictor of pertussis outbreak were being unvaccinated [odds ratio (OR) = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.83-4.27] and contact history [OR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.69-5.19].
CONCLUSION
Higher and notable variations in attack and case fatality rates were reported. Being unvaccinated and having contact history were the predictors of contracting pertussis disease in Ethiopia. Enhancing routine vaccination and contact tracing efforts should be strengthened.
Topics: Ethiopia; Humans; Whooping Cough; Disease Outbreaks; Incidence
PubMed: 38748376
DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00234-4 -
Heliyon May 2024Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an imaging technique used to measure metabolic changes in the tissue. Due to the lack of evidence, MRS is not a priority in...
BACKGROUND
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an imaging technique used to measure metabolic changes in the tissue. Due to the lack of evidence, MRS is not a priority in diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases because it is a relatively specialized technique that requires specialized equipment and expertise to perform and interpret. This systematic review aimed to present a comprehensive collection of MRS results in the most common neurodegenerative diseases.
METHODS
A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) was conducted for studies published from 2017 to 2022. Articles that provided specific biomarker levels were selected, and studies that assessed the diseases via treatment, featured MRS applying nuclei other than 1H, or compared different animal models were excluded.
RESULTS
A total of 25 articles, plus 3 articles for extra information in the introduction, were included in this review. Six of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, i.e., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, Huntington chorea, ataxia, multiple sclerosis (MS), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) were examined via MRS. The changes and ratios of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) could be seen in all of these disorders, which could lead to early diagnosis. However, there are other biomarkers, such as Cr and Chon, which can give convincing results.
DISCUSSION
This observational study is the first synthesis of the latest evidence proving metabolic changes during neurodegenerative diseases using MRS as a diagnosis method. The findings indicate decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and NAA/Cr ratios in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), ataxias, and MS, reflecting neuronal loss or dysfunction. Increased choline and myo-inositol were noted in some studies, suggesting cell membrane turnover and neuroinflammation. Findings were less consistent for other metabolites like glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid. However, there were limitations due to the lack of studies on the same volumes of interest (VOIs) and the small number of participants.
PubMed: 38726104
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30521 -
Nefrologia 2024The efficacy of fluconazole as a prophylactic strategy in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on peritoneal dialysis (PD) with prior antibiotic exposure is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
The efficacy of fluconazole as a prophylactic strategy in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on peritoneal dialysis (PD) with prior antibiotic exposure is controversial in the current literature. This study aimed to compare a strategy of fluconazole prophylaxis versus no-prophylaxis for patients in PD on antibiotics for previous episodes of peritonitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fluconazole prophylaxis with no prophylaxis for PD-related peritonitis. The search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central in January 23, 2023. The outcome of interest was the occurrence of fungal peritonitis (FP).
RESULTS
We included six studies (1 RCT, 5 observational) with 4515 occurrences of peritonitis, of which 1098 (24.8%) received fluconazole prophylaxis in variable doses, whereas 3417 (75.6%) did not receive prophylaxis during peritonitis episodes. Overall, fluconazole prophylaxis was associated with a lower incidence of FP (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.12-0.41; p<0.001; I=0%). Subgroup analysis of studies that administered daily doses of fluconazole also demonstrated a reduced incidence of FP in patients who received antifungal prophylaxis (OR 0.31; CI 0.14-0.69; p=0.004; I=0%).
CONCLUSIONS
In this meta-analysis of 4515 episodes of PD-related peritonitis, prophylaxis with fluconazole significantly reduced episodes of FP as compared with no antifungal prophylaxis.
Topics: Humans; Fluconazole; Peritoneal Dialysis; Peritonitis; Antifungal Agents; Mycoses; Observational Studies as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 38697695
DOI: 10.1016/j.nefroe.2024.04.002 -
PloS One 2024Observational studies form the foundation of Long COVID knowledge, however combining data from Long COVID observational studies has multiple methodological challenges....
BACKGROUND
Observational studies form the foundation of Long COVID knowledge, however combining data from Long COVID observational studies has multiple methodological challenges. This umbrella review synthesizes estimates of Long COVID prevalence and risk factors as well as biases and limitations in the primary and review literatures.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
A systematic literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, LitCOVID) from Jan 1, 2019 until June 9, 2023. Eligible studies were systematic reviews including adult populations assessed for at least one Long COVID symptom four weeks or more after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall and subgroup prevalence and risk factors as well as risk of bias (ROB) assessments were extracted and descriptively analyzed. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023434323). Fourteen reviews of 5-196 primary studies were included: 8 reported on Long COVID prevalence, 5 on risk/protective factors, and 1 on both. Prevalence of at least 1 Long COVID symptom ranged from 21% (IQR: 8.9%-35%) to 74.5% (95% CI: 55.6%-78.0%). Risk factor reviews found significant associations between vaccination status, sex, acute COVID-19 severity, and comorbidities. Both prevalence and risk factor reviews frequently identified selection and ascertainment biases. Using the AMSTAR 2 criteria, the quality of included reviews, particularly the prevalence reviews, were concerning for the adequacy of ROB assessments and justifications for conducting meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
A high level of heterogeneity render the interpretation of pooled prevalence estimates of Long COVID challenging, further hampered by the lack of robust critical appraisals in the included reviews. Risk factor reviews were of higher quality overall and suggested consistent associations between Long COVID risk and patient characteristics.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Risk Factors; Prevalence; SARS-CoV-2; Observational Studies as Topic; Bias; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
PubMed: 38696415
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302408 -
PloS One 2024Standard precautions are the minimum standard of infection control to prevent transmission of infectious agents, protect healthcare workers, patients, and visitors... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Standard precautions are the minimum standard of infection control to prevent transmission of infectious agents, protect healthcare workers, patients, and visitors regardless of infection status. The consistent implementation of standard precautions is highly effective in reducing transmission of pathogens that cause HAIs. Despite their effectiveness, compliance, resources, patient behavior, and time constraints are some of the challenges that can arise when implementing standard precautions. The main objective of this meta-analysis was to show the pooled prevalence of safe standard precaution practices among healthcare workers in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs).
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted for this study. We systematically searched observational study articles from PubMed Central and Google Scholar. We included articles published any year and involving healthcare workers. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. The meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and publication bias (funnel plot, and Egger's tests) were conducted.
RESULTS
A total of 46 articles were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of standard precautions practices among healthcare workers in LMICs was 53%, with a 95% CI of (47, 59). These studies had a total sample size of 14061 with a minimum sample size of 17 and a maximum sample size of 2086. The majority of the studies (82.6%) were conducted in hospitals only (all kinds), and the remaining 17.4% were conducted in all health facilities, including hospitals.
CONCLUSIONS
The pooled prevalence of standard precautions practices among healthcare workers in LMICs was suboptimal. The findings of this study can have substantial implication for healthcare practice and policy making by providing robust evidence with synthesized and pooled evidence from multiple studies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registered on PROSPERO with record ID: CRD42023395129, on the 9th Feb. 2023.
Topics: Humans; Health Personnel; Developing Countries; Health Facilities; Infection Control; Cross Infection
PubMed: 38687766
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302282 -
Plastic Surgery (Oakville, Ont.) May 2024Painful neuromas are a common postoperative complication of limb amputation often treated with secondary reinnervation. Surgical reinnervation include Targeted Muscle...
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces Versus Standard Management in the Treatment of Limb Amputation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Painful neuromas are a common postoperative complication of limb amputation often treated with secondary reinnervation. Surgical reinnervation include Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI), and can be primary and secondary. The aim of this review is to assess the effects of primary TMR/RPNI at the time of limb amputation on the incidence and intensity of post-operative neuroma and pain. This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021264360). A search of the following databases was performed in June 2021: Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. Unpublished trials were searched using clinicaltrials.gov. All randomized and non-randomized studies assessing amputation with a reinnervation strategy (TMR, RPNI) were included. Outcomes evaluated included the incidences of painful neuroma, phantom limb pain (PLP), residual limb pain (RLP), as well as severity of pain, and Pain intensity, behavior, and interference (PROMIS). Eleven studies were included in this systematic review, and five observational studies for quantitative synthesis. Observational study evidence suggests that TMR/RPNI results in a statistically significant reduction in incidence, pain scores and PROMIS scores of PLP and RLP. Decreased incidence of neuromas favored primary TMR/RPNI, but this did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.07). Included studies had moderate to critical risk of bias. The observational data suggests that primary TMR/RPNI reduces incidence, pain scores and PROMIS scores of PLP and RLP. Going forward, randomized trials are warranted to evaluate this research question, particularly to improve the certainty of evidence.
PubMed: 38681253
DOI: 10.1177/22925503221107462 -
BMC Women's Health Apr 2024The variation in breast cancer incidence rates across different regions may reflect disparities in breast cancer screening (BCS) practices. Understanding the factors...
BACKGROUND
The variation in breast cancer incidence rates across different regions may reflect disparities in breast cancer screening (BCS) practices. Understanding the factors associated with these screening behaviors is crucial for identifying modifiable elements amenable to intervention. This systematic review aims to identify common factors influencing BCS behaviors among women globally.
METHODS
Relevant papers were sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. The included studies were published in English in peer-reviewed journals from January 2000 to March 2023 and investigated factors associated with BCS behaviors.
RESULTS
From an initial pool of 625 articles, 34 studies (comprising 29 observational and 5 qualitative studies) with 36,043 participants were included. Factors influencing BCS behaviors were categorized into nine groups: socio-demographic factors, health status history, knowledge, perceptions, cultural factors, cues to action, motivation, self-efficacy, and social support. The quality appraisal scores of the studies ranged from average to high.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review highlights factors pivotal for policy-making at various levels of breast cancer prevention and assists health promotion professionals in designing more effective interventions to enhance BCS practices among women.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Early Detection of Cancer; Qualitative Research; Observational Studies as Topic; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 38678224
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03096-x -
BMJ Open Apr 2024This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of male involvement in family planning (FP) and its association with knowledge and spouse discussion in Ethiopia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of male involvement in family planning (FP) and its association with knowledge and spouse discussion in Ethiopia.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines.
DATA SOURCES
The study was conducted by the articles searched from different databases: (PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, HINARI and Google Scholar).
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
This research encompassed investigations carried out within married couples in Ethiopia, specifically focusing on studies where male involvement in FP was the primary outcome. The inclusion criteria comprised studies with an observational study design, encompassing both published and unpublished works, conducted in the English language, with no restrictions on data collection and publication year.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Following a systematic search of the articles, two independent authors assessed the quality of the studies, and data extraction was conducted using Microsoft Excel. The data analysis was performed by using STATA V.17. The overall level of male involvement in FP in Ethiopia was calculated using DerSimonian and Liard's random-effect model, with a significance level set at a p<0.05. Heterogeneity was examined using the I test, and Egger's test was employed to assess publication bias.
RESULTS
The pooled prevalence of male involvement in FP in Ethiopia was 59.71% (95% CI (47.68% to 71.73%)). Good knowledge regarding FP (AOR 6.63, 95% CI (2.58 to 17.03)) and spouse discussion on FP (AOR 4.36, 95% CI (2.50 to 7.59)) were significantly associated with male involvement in FP.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of male involvement in FP in Ethiopia was low as compared with other literature conducted outside Ethiopia. Both good knowledge and spouse discussion regarding FP were significantly associated with male involvement in FP. So, the government and healthcare providers should focus on interventions that could increase their knowledge through different media. In addition, encouraging couples to have a discussion regarding FP could be a recalled intervention for healthcare providers.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Spouses; Male; Family Planning Services; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Female
PubMed: 38670601
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082094 -
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... Jul 2024Young adults with stroke have distinct professional and social roles making them vulnerable to symptoms of post-stroke depression (PSD) and post-stroke anxiety (PSA).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Young adults with stroke have distinct professional and social roles making them vulnerable to symptoms of post-stroke depression (PSD) and post-stroke anxiety (PSA). Prior reviews have examined the prevalence of anxiety and depression in stroke populations. However, there are a lack of studies that have focused on these conditions in young adults.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that reported on symptoms of PSD, PSA and comorbid PSD/PSA in young adults aged 18 to 55 years of age.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and PsycINFO were searched for studies reporting the prevalence of symptoms of PSD and/or PSA in young adults with stroke from inception until June 23, 2023. We included studies that evaluated depression and/or anxiety symptoms with screening tools or interviews following ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Validated methods were employed to evaluate risk of bias.
RESULTS
4748 patients from twenty eligible studies were included. Among them, 2420 were also evaluated for symptoms of PSA while 847 participants were evaluated for both PSD and PSA symptoms. Sixteen studies were included in the random effects meta-analysis for PSD symptoms, with a pooled prevalence of 31 % (95 % CI 24-38 %). Pooled PSA symptom prevalence was 39 % (95 % CI 30-48 %) and comorbid PSD with PSA symptom prevalence was 25 % (95 % CI 12-39 %). Varying definitions of 'young adult', combinations of stroke subtypes, and methods to assess PSD and PSA contributed to high heterogeneity amongst studies.
CONCLUSIONS
We identified high heterogeneity in studies investigating the prevalence of symptoms of PSD and PSA in young adults, emphasizing the importance of standardized approaches in future research to gain insight into the outcomes and prognosis of PSD and PSA symptoms following stroke in young adults. Larger longitudinal epidemiological studies as well as studies on tailored interventions are required to address the mental health needs of this important population.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Humans; Prevalence; Depression; Adult; Anxiety; Young Adult; Female; Stroke; Male; Adolescent; Risk Factors; Middle Aged; Age Factors; Comorbidity; Observational Studies as Topic; Risk Assessment; Prognosis; Ischemic Stroke
PubMed: 38657829
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107732 -
Public Health Nutrition Apr 2024Several meta-analyses have suggested the beneficial effect of vitamin D on patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. This umbrella... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Several meta-analyses have suggested the beneficial effect of vitamin D on patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. This umbrella meta-analysis aims to evaluate influence of vitamin D supplementation on clinical outcomes and the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients.
DESIGN
Present study was designed as an umbrella meta-analysis. The following international databases were systematically searched till March 2023: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase.
SETTINGS
Random-effects model was employed to perform meta-analysis. Using AMSTAR critical evaluation tools, the methodological quality of the included meta-analyses was evaluated.
PARTICIPANTS
Adult patients suffering from COVID-19 were studied.
RESULTS
Overall, 13 meta-analyses summarising data from 4 randomised controlled trial and 9 observational studies were identified in this umbrella review. Our findings revealed that vitamin D supplementation and status significantly reduced mortality of COVID-19 [Interventional studies: (ES = 0·42; 95 % CI: 0·10, 0·75, < 0·001; = 20·4 %, = 0·285) and observational studies (ES = 1·99; 95 % CI: 1·37, 2·62, < 0·001; = 00·0 %, = 0·944). Also, vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of infection and disease severity among patients.
CONCLUSION
Overall, vitamin D status is a critical factor influencing the mortality rate, disease severity, admission to intensive care unit and being detached from mechanical ventilation. It is vital to monitor the vitamin D status in all patients with critical conditions including COVID patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; COVID-19; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Critical Care; Dietary Supplements; Intensive Care Units; Observational Studies as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 38654693
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980024000934