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Paediatric Respiratory Reviews Jan 2024Aim of this study was to identify risk factors for a progression to cystic fibrosis (CF) in individuals detected as CF Screening Positive, Inconclusive Diagnosis... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Aim of this study was to identify risk factors for a progression to cystic fibrosis (CF) in individuals detected as CF Screening Positive, Inconclusive Diagnosis (CFSPID).
METHODS
This is a systematic review through literature databases (2015-2023). Blood immunoreactive trypsinogen (b-IRT) values, CFTR genotype, sweat chloride (SC) values, isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) from respiratory samples, Lung Clearance Index (LCI) values in CFSPIDs who converted to CF (CFSPID > CF) and age at CF transition were assessed.
RESULTS
Percentage of CFSPID > CF varies from 5.3 % to 44 %. Presence of one CF-causing CFTR variant in trans with a variant with variable clinical consequences (VVCC), an initial SC ≥ 40 mmol/L, an increase of SC > 2.5 mmol/L/year and recurrent isolation of pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) from airway samples could allow identification of subjects at risk of progression to CF.
CONCLUSIONS
CFSPIDs with CF causing variant/VVCC genotype and first SC in the higher borderline range may require more frequent and prolonged clinical follow-up.
PubMed: 38309973
DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2024.01.001 -
A systematic review and meta-analysis of macrolides in the management of adult patients with asthma.Allergology International : Official... Jul 2024The efficacy of macrolides in the management of asthma has been studied but remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of macrolides in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of macrolides in the management of asthma has been studied but remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of macrolides in the management of adult patients with asthma.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials of macrolides used in adult patients with asthma were searched for in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases to evaluate the efficacy and safety of macrolides.
RESULTS
Seventeen reports with macrolide treatment durations ranging from 6 to 48 weeks were included. Macrolides did not reduce exacerbations requiring hospitalization, severe exacerbations, or rescue use of short-acting beta-2 agonist inhalers; improve lung function; decrease peripheral blood or sputum neutrophil counts; or decrease fractional exhaled nitric oxide compared to placebo. Macrolides statistically improved asthma control and quality of life but by less than the minimal clinically important difference. Peripheral blood eosinophil counts as well as serum and sputum eosinophilic cationic protein concentrations were significantly decreased with macrolides compared to placebo. The improvement of asthma symptoms and airway hyperresponsiveness varied by study. The safety profile of macrolides was comparable to that of placebo.
CONCLUSIONS
Although macrolides have some useful clinical aspects, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend their use in the management of adult patients with asthma.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Macrolides; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38296770
DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2024.01.002 -
Lipids in Health and Disease Jan 2024Extensive research has explored the link between saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and cardiovascular diseases, alongside other biological dysfunctions. Yet, their... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Extensive research has explored the link between saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and cardiovascular diseases, alongside other biological dysfunctions. Yet, their association with cancer risk remains a topic of debate among scholars. The present study aimed to elucidate this association through a robust meta-analysis.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched systematically to identify relevant studies published until December 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used as the primary metric for evaluating the quality of the included studies. Further, fixed- or random-effects models were adopted to determine the ORs and the associated confidence intervals using the Stata15.1 software. The subsequent subgroup analysis revealed the source of detection and the cancer types, accompanied by sensitivity analyses and publication bias evaluations.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis incorporated 55 studies, comprising 38 case-control studies and 17 cohort studies. It revealed a significant positive correlation between elevated levels of total SFAs and the cancer risk (OR of 1.294; 95% CI: 1.182-1.416; P-value less than 0.001). Moreover, elevated levels of C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0 were implicated in the augmentation of the risk of cancer. However, no statistically significant correlation of the risk of cancer was observed with the elevated levels of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C15:0, C17:0, C20:0, C22:0, and C24:0. Subgroup analysis showed a significant relationship between excessive dietary SFA intake, elevated blood SFA levels, and heightened cancer risk. Increased total SFA levels correlated with higher risks of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, but not with lung, pancreatic, ovarian, or stomach cancers.
CONCLUSION
High total SFA levels were correlated with an increased cancer risk, particularly affecting breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Higher levels of specific SFA subtypes (C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0) are also linked to an increased cancer risk. The findings of the present study would assist in providing dietary recommendations for cancer prevention, thereby contributing to the development of potential strategies for clinical trials in which diet-related interventions would be used in combination with immunotherapy to alter the levels of SFAs in patients and thereby improve the outcomes in cancer patients. Nonetheless, further high-quality studies are warranted to confirm these associations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Dietary Fats; Fatty Acids; Risk; Female; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38291432
DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02025-z -
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal May 2024Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) caused by respiratory viruses is among the most common causes of hospitalization and mortality in children. We aimed to identify... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) caused by respiratory viruses is among the most common causes of hospitalization and mortality in children. We aimed to identify risk factors for poor outcomes in children <5 years old hospitalized with ALRI caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
METHODS
We searched Embase, Medline and Global Health databases and included observational studies reporting risk factors for poor outcomes (defined as use of supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admission, prolonged hospital stay and mortality) published between January 2011 and January 2023. Two authors independently extracted data on study characteristics, outcomes and risk factors. Due to limited data, meta-analyses were only conducted for RSV-ALRI poor outcome risk factors using random effects model when there were at least 3 studies.
RESULTS
We included 30 studies. For RSV-related ALRI, significant risk factors based on meta-analysis were: neurological disease [odds ratio (OR): 6.14; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 2.39-15.77], Down's syndrome (5.43; 3.02-9.76), chronic lung disease (3.64; 1.31-10.09), immunocompromised status (3.41; 1.85-6.29), prematurity (2.98; 1.93-4.59), congenital heart disease (2.80; 1.84-4.24), underlying disease (2.45; 1.94-3.09), age <2 months (2.29; 1.78-2.94), age <6 months (2.08; 1.81-2.39), viral coinfection (2.01; 1.27-3.19), low birth weight (1.88; 1.19-2.95) and being underweight (1.80; 1.38-2.35). For influenza-related ALRI, chronic conditions and age 6-24 months were identified as risk factors for poor outcomes. Cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure were reported as risk factors for mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 associated ALRI.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings might contribute to the development of guidelines for prophylaxis and management of ALRI caused by RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Child; Humans; Infant; Child, Preschool; Influenza, Human; Respiratory Tract Infections; Infant, Premature; Hospitalization; Risk Factors; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections
PubMed: 38285519
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004258 -
Kardiochirurgia I Torakochirurgia... Dec 2023The exact mechanism responsible for inflammation in malignancy is not completely understood, but it is possible that interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a major role in...
INTRODUCTION
The exact mechanism responsible for inflammation in malignancy is not completely understood, but it is possible that interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a major role in triggering and maintaining an inflammatory response.
AIM
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the levels of IL-6 in the serum/plasma of lung cancer (LC) patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The researchers searched four databases up to September 11, 2022, to find studies that reported on IL-6 levels in LC patients compared to healthy controls (HCs). They calculated effect sizes using standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). To evaluate the quality of each study, they used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). They performed subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression analysis, heterogeneity analyses, trial sequential analysis, and publication bias with the trim-and-fill method.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 28 studies, and the results showed that the pooled SMD was 1.71 (95% CI: 1.22, 2.19; < 0.00001; = 98%), indicating that LC patients had significantly higher levels of IL-6 in their serum/plasma than HCs.
CONCLUSIONS
The study found that the publication year and quality score of the studies were positively associated with the level of IL-6, while the sample size was inversely related. The research suggests that measuring IL-6 levels in the blood could be useful for detecting and monitoring LC as it appears to be a reliable biomarker.
PubMed: 38283553
DOI: 10.5114/kitp.2023.134177 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023The effect of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in neonates >34 weeks on improving respiration is well documented. However, the efficacy of iNO in preterm infants ≤34 weeks... (Review)
Review
The effect of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in neonates >34 weeks on improving respiration is well documented. However, the efficacy of iNO in preterm infants ≤34 weeks remains controversial. The main purpose of this review is to assess the effectiveness and safety of iNO treatment in preterm infants ≤34 weeks. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Libraries from their inception to 1 June 2023. We also reviewed the reference lists of retrieved studies. Our study involved randomized controlled trials on preterm infants ≤34 weeks, especially those receiving iNO treatment, and mainly assessed outcomes such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and mortality. Two authors independently reviewed these trials, extracted data, and evaluated study biases. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. We used the GRADE method to assess evidence quality. Our research included a total of 17 studies involving 4,080 neonates and 7 follow-up studies. The synthesis of results showed that in neonates, iNO treatment reduced the incidence of BPD (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86-0.98). It also decreased the composite outcome of death or BPD (RR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.98), without increasing the risk of short-term (such as intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia) and long-term neurological outcomes (including Bayley mental developmental index <70, cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental impairment). Furthermore, iNO did not significantly affect other neonatal complications like sepsis, pulmonary hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus. Subgroup analysis revealed that iNO significantly reduced BPD incidence in neonates at 36 weeks under specific intervention conditions, including age less than 3 days, birth weight over 1,000 g, iNO dose of 10 ppm or higher, or treatment duration exceeding 7 days ( < 0.05). Inhaled NO reduced the incidence of BPD in neonates at 36 weeks of gestation, and the effect of the treatment depended on neonatal age, birth weight, duration and dose of iNO. Therefore, iNO can be considered a promising treatment for the potential prevention of BPD in premature infants. More data, however, would be needed to support nitric oxide registration in this specific patient population, to minimize its off-label use.
PubMed: 38273818
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1268795 -
BMC Medicine Jan 2024Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with persistently high mortality. High-throughput proteomic technologies offer new opportunities to improve HF risk...
BACKGROUND
Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with persistently high mortality. High-throughput proteomic technologies offer new opportunities to improve HF risk stratification, but their contribution remains to be clearly defined. We aimed to systematically review prognostic studies using high-throughput proteomics to identify protein signatures associated with HF mortality.
METHODS
We searched four databases and two clinical trial registries for articles published from 2012 to 2023. HF proteomics studies measuring high numbers of proteins using aptamer or antibody-based affinity platforms on human plasma or serum with outcomes of all-cause or cardiovascular death were included. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A third reviewer resolved conflicts. We assessed the risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Exposure tool.
RESULTS
Out of 5131 unique articles identified, nine articles were included in the review. The nine studies were observational; three used the aptamer platform, and six used the antibody platform. We found considerable heterogeneity across studies in measurement panels, HF definitions, ejection fraction categorization, follow-up duration, and outcome definitions, and a lack of risk estimates for most protein associations. Hence, we proceeded with a systematic review rather than a meta-analysis. In two comparable aptamer studies in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, 21 proteins were identified in common for the association with all-cause death. Among these, one protein, WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2 was also reported in an antibody study on HFrEF and for the association with CV death. We proposed standardized reporting criteria to facilitate the interpretation of future studies.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review of nine studies evaluating the association of proteomics with mortality in HF, we identified a limited number of proteins common across several studies. Heterogeneity across studies compromised drawing broad inferences, underscoring the importance of standardized approaches to reporting.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Proteomics; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left
PubMed: 38273315
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03249-7 -
BJGP Open May 2024Depression is the second most common chronic condition affecting women of reproductive age; 23.4% of women enter pregnancy with depression and use of selective serotonin...
BACKGROUND
Depression is the second most common chronic condition affecting women of reproductive age; 23.4% of women enter pregnancy with depression and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in pregnancy is often necessary for maternal wellbeing. However, SSRI use during pregnancy can cause congenital malformations, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). In UK primary care, prescribing formularies are one medium by which prescribers are provided with local medicines advice.
AIM
To review all local prescribing formularies with respect to prescribing SSRIs in women of reproductive age, during pregnancy, and during breastfeeding.
DESIGN & SETTING
A systematic review of prescribing formularies in England and Wales.
METHOD
A systematic keyword search of all clinical commissioning group and Integrated Care Board websites in England and Local Health Board websites in Wales was undertaken between December 2021-22 to identify prescribing formularies. Data were extracted on prescribing guidance for SSRIs.
RESULTS
Seventy-four prescribing formularies were reviewed. Of these, 14.9% ( = 11/74) provided links to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency guidance on congenital abnormalities associated with SSRIs, 28.4% ( = 21/74) provided links to guidance on PPH risk, and 1.4% ( = 1/74) provided links to guidance on PPHN. Specific local guidance was given on SSRI prescribing for women of reproductive age, during pregnancy, and during breastfeeding in 12.2% ( = 9/74), 23.0% ( = 17/74), and 21.6% ( = 16/74) of formularies, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that prescribers may be poorly informed by local formularies about the risks of SSRI use around pregnancy. This could place babies at increased risk of unintentional SSRI exposure.
PubMed: 38272494
DOI: 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0255 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Stroke is a significant global cause of mortality and long-term disability, potentially influenced by infections that heighten systemic inflammation and thrombotic...
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a significant global cause of mortality and long-term disability, potentially influenced by infections that heighten systemic inflammation and thrombotic events. The full impact of influenza vaccination on stroke remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between influenza immunization and stroke incidence.
METHODS
We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control, and cohort studies published in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane-Central-Register-of-Controlled-Trials (CENTRAL), and Embase until 5 December 2022, and identified articles investigating the effect of influenza vaccine on stroke occurrence. All articles were screened by two independent reviewers. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the risk of stroke occurrence in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals. The random-effects model was used in all statistical analyses.
RESULTS
Among the 26 articles meeting our criteria, 10 were retrospective cohort studies, 9 were case-control studies, 3 were prospective cohort studies, 3 were RCTs and 1 case-series. Overall, the studies showed a significant decrease in the risk of stroke incidence/hospitalization among vaccinated patients (OR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.77-0.86], = 0.00001). Furthermore, studies showed flu vaccine decreases the occurrence of mortality among stroke patients (OR = 0.50, 95% CI [0.37-0.68], = 0.00001). Sub-group analysis revealed significant protective effect for patients with specific comorbidities including atrial fibrillation (OR = 0.68, 95% CI [0.57-0.81], = 0.0001), diabetes (OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.66-0.87], = 0.0001), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.61-0.81], = 0.00001), and hypertension (OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.70-83], = 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
The current meta-analysis further supports prior findings that influenza vaccination reduces stroke risk, particularly in patients with comorbidities. Guidelines should promote vaccination for at-risk individuals.
PubMed: 38269000
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1324677 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023To explore the factors influencing the successful implementation of same-day discharge in patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy for malignant and... (Review)
Review
Factors influencing same-day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy for malignant and non-malignant gynecological diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the factors influencing the successful implementation of same-day discharge in patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy for malignant and non-malignant gynecological diseases.
METHOD
We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Clinical Trials.gov from inception to May 23, 2023. We included case-control and cohort studies published in English reporting same-day discharge factors in patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy for malignant and non-malignant gynecological diseases. STATA 16.0 was used for the meta-analysis. Risk factors were assessed using odds ratios (OR) (relative risk (RR)/hazard ratios (HR)) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and logistic regression determined the same-day discharge rate (%).
RESULTS
We analyzed 29 studies with 218192 patients scheduled for or meeting same-day discharge criteria. The pooled rates were 50% (95% CI 0.46-0.55), and were similar for malignant and non-malignant gynecological diseases (48% and 47%, respectively). In terms of basic characteristics, an increase in age (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), BMI (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03), and comorbidities including diabetes and lung disease were risk factors affecting SDD, while previous abdominal surgery history (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.93-2.55) and hypertension (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 0.80-2.93) appeared not to affect SDD. In terms of surgical characteristics, radical hysterectomy (OR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.90-6.29), surgery starting after 14:00 (OR: 4.07; 95% CI: 1.36-12.17), longer surgical time (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06), intraoperative complications (OR: 4.68; 95% CI: 1.78-12.27), postoperative complications (OR: 3.97; 95% CI: 1.68-9.39), and surgeon preference (OR: 4.47; 95% CI: 2.08-9.60) were identified as risk factors. However, robotic surgery (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.14-1.42) and intraoperative blood loss (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.98-1.38) did not affect same-day discharge.
CONCLUSIONS
An increase in age, body mass index, and distance to home; certain comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, lung disease), radical hysterectomy, surgery starting after 14:00, longer surgical time, operative complications, and surgeon preference were risk factors preventing same-day discharge. Same-day discharge rates were similar between malignant and non-malignant gynecological diseases. The surgery start time and body mass index have a greater impact on same-day discharge for malignant diseases than non-malignant diseases.
PubMed: 38264751
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1307694