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International Journal of Chronic... 2015Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) can be suggested as an alternative for surgical lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema patients. This article... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) can be suggested as an alternative for surgical lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema patients. This article intends to evaluate by systematic review the safety and effectiveness of BLVR using a one-way endobronchial valve.
METHODS
A systematic search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, as well as eight domestic databases up to December 2013, was performed. Two reviewers independently screened all references according to selection criteria. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criterion was used to assess quality of literature. Data from randomized controlled trials were combined and meta-analysis was performed.
RESULTS
This review included 15 studies. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) improved in the intervention group compared with the control group (mean difference [MD]=6.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.31-10.11). Six-minute walking distance (MD=15.66, 95% CI: 1.69-29.64) and cycle workload (MD=4.43, 95% CI: 1.80-7.07) also improved. In addition, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire score decreased (MD=4.29, 95% CI: -6.87 to -1.71) in the intervention group. In a subgroup analysis of patients with complete fissure, the FEV1 change from baseline was higher in the BLVR group than in the control group for both 6 months (MD=15.28, P<0.001) and 12 months (MD=17.65, P<0.001), whereas for patients with incomplete fissure, FEV1 and 6-minute walking distance showed no change. One-year follow-up randomized controlled trials reported deaths, although the cause of death was not related to BLVR. Respiratory failure and pneumothorax incidence rates were relatively higher in the BLVR group, but the difference was not significant.
CONCLUSION
BLVR may be an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of severe COPD patients with emphysema, based on existing studies.
Topics: Bronchoscopy; Chi-Square Distribution; Exercise Tolerance; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Lung; Pneumonectomy; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Pulmonary Emphysema; Recovery of Function; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25848246
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S75314 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions Feb 2015The aim of this review is to describe the incidence, features, predisposing factors, and outcomes of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) after transcatheter valve... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review is to describe the incidence, features, predisposing factors, and outcomes of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) after transcatheter valve replacement (TVR).
BACKGROUND
Very few data exist on PVE after TVR.
METHODS
Studies published between 2000 and 2013 regarding PVE in patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) were identified through a systematic electronic search.
RESULTS
A total of 28 publications describing 60 patients (32 TAVRs, 28 TPVRs) were identified. Most TAVR patients (66% male, 80 ± 7 years of age) had a very high-risk profile (mean logistic EuroSCORE: 30.4 ± 14.0%). In TPVR patients (90% male, 19 ± 6 years of age), PVE was more frequent in the stenotic conduit/valve (61%). The median time between TVR and infective endocarditis was 5 months (interquartile range: 2 to 9 months). Typical microorganisms were mostly found with a higher incidence of enterococci after TAVR (34.4%), and Staphylococcus aureus after TPVR (29.4%). As many as 60% of the TAVR-PVE patients were managed medically despite related complications such as local extension, embolism, and heart failure in more than 50% of patients. The valve explantation rate was 57% and 23% in balloon- and self-expandable valves, respectively. In-hospital mortality for TAVR-PVE was 34.4%. Most TPVR-PVE patients (75%) were managed surgically, and in-hospital mortality was 7.1%.
CONCLUSIONS
Most cases of PVE post-TVR involved male patients, with a very high-risk profile (TAVR) or underlying stenotic conduit/valve (TPVR). Typical, but different, microorganisms of PVE were involved in one-half of the TAVR and TPVR cases. Most TPVR-PVE patients were managed surgically as opposed to TAVR patients, and the mortality rate was high, especially in the TAVR cohort.
Topics: Endocarditis; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Incidence; Pulmonary Valve; Risk Factors; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
PubMed: 25700757
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2014.09.013 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging Jan 2015Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a classic pathophysiological consequence of left-sided valvular heart disease (VHD). However, as opposed to other forms of PH, there are... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a classic pathophysiological consequence of left-sided valvular heart disease (VHD). However, as opposed to other forms of PH, there are relatively few published data on the prevalence, impact on outcome, and management of PH with VHD. The objective of this paper is to present a systematic review of PH in patients with VHD. PH is found in 15% to 60% of patients with VHD and is more frequent among symptomatic patients. PH is associated with higher risk of cardiac events under conservative management, during valve replacement or repair procedures, and even following successful corrective procedures. In addition to its usefulness in assessing the presence and severity of VHD, Doppler echocardiography is a key tool in diagnosis of PH and assessment of its repercussion on right ventricular function. Assessment of pulmonary arterial pressure during exercise stress echocardiography may provide additional prognostic information beyond resting evaluation. Cardiac magnetic resonance is also useful for assessing right ventricular geometry and function, which provide additional prognostic information in patients with VHD and PH.
Topics: Biomarkers; Echocardiography; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Mitral Valve Stenosis; Physical Exertion
PubMed: 25592699
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2014.12.003 -
BMJ Open Jul 2014Left heart disease (LHD) is the main cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH), but little is known regarding the predictors of adverse outcome of PH associated with LHD... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Left heart disease (LHD) is the main cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH), but little is known regarding the predictors of adverse outcome of PH associated with LHD (PH-LHD). We conducted a systematic review to investigate the predictors of hospitalisations for heart failure and mortality in patients with PH-LHD.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed MEDLINE and SCOPUS from inception to August 2013 were searched, and citations identified via the ISI Web of Science.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies that reported on hospitalisation and/or mortality in patients with PH-LHD were included if the age of participants was greater than 18 years and PH was diagnosed using Doppler echocardiography and/or right heart catheterisation. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed their quality and extracted relevant data.
RESULTS
In all, 45 studies (38 from Europe and USA) were included among which 71.1% were of high quality. 39 studies were published between 2003 and 2013. The number of participants across studies ranged from 46 to 2385; the proportion of men from 21% to 91%; mean/median age from 63 to 82 years; and prevalence of PH from 7% to 83.3%. PH was consistently associated with increased mortality risk in all forms of LHD, except for aortic valve disease where findings were inconsistent. Six of the nine studies with data available on hospitalisations reported a significant adverse effect of PH on hospitalisation risk. Other predictors of adverse outcome were very broad and heterogeneous including right ventricular dysfunction, functional class, left ventricular function and presence of kidney disease.
CONCLUSIONS
PH is almost invariably associated with increased mortality risk in patients with LHD. However, effects on hospitalisation risk are yet to be fully characterised; while available evidence on the adverse effects of PH have been derived essentially from Caucasians.
Topics: Disease Management; Europe; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Survival Rate; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left
PubMed: 25011987
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-004843 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Jun 2014Does preoperative intervention in people undergoing cardiac surgery reduce pulmonary complications, shorten length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) or hospital,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
QUESTION
Does preoperative intervention in people undergoing cardiac surgery reduce pulmonary complications, shorten length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) or hospital, or improve physical function?
DESIGN
Systematic review with meta-analysis of (quasi) randomised trials.
PARTICIPANTS
People undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts and/or valvular surgery.
INTERVENTION
Any intervention, such as education, inspiratory muscle training, exercise training or relaxation, delivered prior to surgery to prevent/reduce postoperative pulmonary complications or to hasten recovery of function.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Time to extubation, length of stay in ICU and hospital (reported in days). Postoperative pulmonary complications and physical function were measured as reported in the included trials.
RESULTS
The 17 eligible trials reported data on 2689 participants. Preoperative intervention significantly reduced the time to extubation (MD -0.14 days, 95% CI -0.26 to -0.01) and the relative risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.66). However, it did not significantly affect the length of stay in ICU (MD -0.15 days, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.08) or hospital (MD -0.55 days, 95% CI -1.32 to 0.23), except among older participants (MD -1.32 days, 95% CI -2.36 to -0.28). When the preoperative interventions were separately analysed, inspiratory muscle training significantly reduced postoperative pulmonary complications and the length of stay in hospital. Trial quality ranged from good to poor and considerable heterogeneity was present in the study features. Other outcomes did not significantly differ.
CONCLUSION
For people undergoing cardiac surgery, preoperative intervention reduces the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and, in older patients, the length of stay in hospital.
Topics: Aged; Breathing Exercises; Cardiac Valve Annuloplasty; Cardiovascular Diseases; Coronary Artery Bypass; Female; Hospitals; Humans; Incidence; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Education as Topic; Postoperative Complications; Preoperative Care; Respiratory Insufficiency; Respiratory Tract Infections; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 24952833
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2014.04.002 -
European Journal of Cardio-thoracic... Dec 2014There is controversy over the use of the Ross procedure with regard to the sub-coronary and root replacement technique and its long-term durability. A systematic review... (Review)
Review
There is controversy over the use of the Ross procedure with regard to the sub-coronary and root replacement technique and its long-term durability. A systematic review of the literature may provide insight into the outcomes of these two surgical subvariants. A systematic review of reports between 1967 and February 2013 on sub-coronary and root replacement Ross procedures was undertaken. Twenty-four articles were included and divided into (i) sub-coronary technique and (ii) root replacement technique. The 10-year survival rate for a mixed-patient population in the sub-coronary procedure was 87.3% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 79.7-93.4 and 89.1% (95% CI, 85.3-92.1) in the root replacement technique category. For adults, it was 94 vs 95.3% (CI, 88.9-98.1) and in the paediatric series it was 90 vs 92.7% (CI, 86.9-96.0), respectively. Freedom from reoperation at 10 years was, in the mixed population, 83.3% (95% CI, 69.9-93.4) and 93.3% (95% CI, 89.4-95.9) for sub-coronary versus root replacement technique, respectively. In adults, it was 98 vs 91.2% (95% CI, 82.4-295.8), and in the paediatric series 93.3 vs 92.0% (95% CI, 86.1-96.5) for sub-coronary versus root replacement technique, respectively. The Ross procedure arguably has satisfactory results over 5 and 10 years for both adults and children. The results do not support the advantages of the sub-coronary technique over the root replacement technique. Root replacement was of benefit to patients undergoing reoperations on neoaorta and for long-term survival in mixed series.
Topics: Adult; Aortic Valve; Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pulmonary Valve; Reoperation; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 24771757
DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezu176 -
Cardiovascular Ultrasound Jan 2014Transthoracic echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for the diagnosis of right ventricular (RV) involvement in congenital and acquired heart diseases. There... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Transthoracic echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for the diagnosis of right ventricular (RV) involvement in congenital and acquired heart diseases. There is increasing recognition of the contribution of RV dysfunction in heart diseases affecting children and adolescents, but there is insufficient information on reference intervals for the echocardiographic measurements of the right heart in children and adolescents that represent all the continental populations of the world.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was to collate, from published studies, normative data for echocardiographic evaluation of the right heart in children and adolescents, and to identify gaps in knowledge in this field especially with respect to sub-Saharan Africans.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search to identify studies of reference intervals for right heart measurements as determined by transthoracic echocardiography in healthy children and adolescents of school-going age. Articles were retrieved from electronic databases with a combination of search terms from the earliest date available until May 2013.
RESULTS
Reference data were available for a broad range of variables. Fifty one studies out of 3096 publications were included. The sample sizes of the reference populations ranged from 13 to 2036 with ages varying from 5 to 21 years. We identified areas lacking sufficient reference data. These included reference data for determining right atrial size, tricuspid valve area, RV dimensions and areas, the RV % fractional area change, pulmonary artery pressure gradients and the right-sided haemodynamics, including the inferior vena cava dimensions and collapsibility. There were no data for sub-Saharan African children and adolescents.
CONCLUSION
Reliable reference data are lacking for important echocardiographic measurements of the RV in children and adolescents, especially for sub-Saharan Africans.
Topics: Adolescent; Africa South of the Sahara; Age Distribution; Child; Child, Preschool; Echocardiography; Female; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Male; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Distribution; Young Adult
PubMed: 24476413
DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-12-3 -
Journal of the American College of... Dec 2013Because the real benefit of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot who develop pulmonary insufficiency remains unclear, it is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Because the real benefit of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot who develop pulmonary insufficiency remains unclear, it is necessary to analyze the evidence published around the world. We performed a systematic review of studies that reported data about the effect of PVR in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot that developed pulmonary insufficiency, until December 2012. The variables chosen to represent the benefit were both right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular measures, QRS duration, and functional class. The principal summary measures were difference in means with 95% confidence interval and p values (considered statistically significant when p < 0.05). The differences in means were combined across studies with the weighted DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. Meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression were completed with the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (version 2, Biostat, Inc., Englewood, New Jersey). Forty-eight studies involving 3,118 patients met the eligibility criteria. The pooled 30-day mortality was 0.87% (47 studies; 27 of 3,100 patients); the pooled 5-year mortality was 2.2% (24 studies; 49 of 2,231 patients); the pooled 5-year re-PVR was 4.9% (15 studies; 88 of 1,798 patients). The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that after PVR: 1) the RV experiences improvement of its volumes and function; 2) the left ventricle experiences improvement of its function; 3) QRS duration decreases; 4) symptoms improve; 5) pre-operative RV geometry modulates the effect of PVR; and 6) there is important heterogeneity of the effects among the studies, and few publication biases. In conclusion, PVR seems to be a positive approach in the analyzed scenario.
Topics: Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Heart Conduction System; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency; Stroke Volume; Tetralogy of Fallot; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Function, Right
PubMed: 24080109
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.04.107 -
Catheterization and Cardiovascular... Apr 2014To examine acute and mid-term patient outcomes following the hybrid approach to pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) compared with the standard... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
OBJECTIVES
To examine acute and mid-term patient outcomes following the hybrid approach to pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) compared with the standard surgical approach.
BACKGROUND
A subset of PA-IVS patients with the prospect of biventricular circulation typically undergo surgical or transcatheter right ventricular (RV) outflow tract opening. A recently described hybrid procedure, involving perventricular pulmonary valve perforation, was shown to be safe and effective in single-center series.
METHODS
A single-center retrospective review of all patient with PA-IVS who underwent either surgical or hybrid RV decompression between January 2002 and December 2011 was completed and acute and mid-term patient outcomes were compared between the surgical and hybrid cohorts. Additionally, a systematic literature review was completed to compare a transcatheter cohort to the hybrid cohort.
RESULTS
Seven patients with PA-IVS underwent a hybrid procedure; the procedure was technically successful in all attempts, and none required CPB. No patients required surgical re-intervention prior to hospital discharge, and none died during the study period. Surgical RV decompression was performed in 17 patients with a median CPB time of 80 min. Patient outcomes were nearly identical between cohorts. By systematic review, the transcatheter approach has a procedural success of 75-95% but up to 75% of patients require operation in the neonatal period.
CONCLUSIONS
The hybrid approach is a safe and feasible alternative to the standard surgical and transcatheter approaches to PA-IVS. Acute and mid-term patient outcomes are comparable with those treated with a standard surgical approach and neonatal CPB is completely avoided.
Topics: Cardiac Catheterization; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Decompression, Surgical; Female; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Michigan; Pulmonary Atresia; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23996932
DOI: 10.1002/ccd.25181 -
Journal of the American College of... Nov 2012Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are well-established markers for heart failure in the general population.... (Review)
Review
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are well-established markers for heart failure in the general population. However, the value of BNP as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for patients with structural congenital heart disease (CHD) is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of BNP in patients with CHD. We executed a PubMed literature search and included 49 articles that focused on complex congenital heart defects such as tetralogy of Fallot, systemic right ventricle, and univentricular hearts. Data on BNP measurements and cardiac function parameters were extracted. In all patients after correction for tetralogy of Fallot, BNP levels were elevated and correlated significantly with right ventricular end-diastolic dimensions and severity of pulmonary valve regurgitation. Patients with a systemic right ventricle had elevated BNP levels, and positive correlations between BNP and right ventricular function were seen. In patients with a univentricular heart, elevated BNP levels were observed before completion of the Fontan circulation or when patients were symptomatic; a clear association between BNP and New York Heart Association functional class was demonstrated. In conclusion, this review shows an overall increase in BNP values in complex CHD, although differences between types of congenital heart anomaly are present. As BNP values differ widely, conclusions for individual patients should be drawn with caution. Further investigation with sequential BNP measurement in a large, prospective study is warranted to elucidate the prognostic value of BNP assessment in patients with CHD.
Topics: Biomarkers; Disease Progression; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis
PubMed: 23021324
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2012.02.092