-
BMJ Open Apr 2024A subset of patients with superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) experiences clot propagation towards deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Predictive factors of clot propagation in patients with superficial venous thrombosis towards deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
A subset of patients with superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) experiences clot propagation towards deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim of this systematic review is to identify all clinically relevant cross-sectional and prognostic factors for predicting thrombotic complications in patients with SVT.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched until 3 March 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Original research studies with patients with SVT, DVT and/or PE as the outcome and presenting cross-sectional or prognostic predictive factors.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS
The CHecklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling (CHARMS) checklist for prognostic factor studies was used for systematic extraction of study characteristics. Per identified predictive factor, relevant estimates of univariable and multivariable predictor-outcome associations were extracted, such as ORs and HRs. Estimates of association for the most frequently reported predictors were summarised in forest plots, and meta-analyses with heterogeneity were presented. The Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool was used for risk of bias assessment and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) for assessing the certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies were included (n=10 111 patients). The most reported predictive factors were high age, male sex, history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), absence of varicose veins and cancer. Pooled effect estimates were heterogenous and ranged from OR 3.12 (95% CI 1.75 to 5.59) for the cross-sectional predictor cancer to OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.53) for the prognostic predictor high age. The level of evidence was rated very low to low. Most studies were scored high or moderate risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the pooled estimates of the predictors high age, male sex, history of VTE, cancer and absence of varicose veins showed predictive potential in isolation, variability in study designs, lack of multivariable adjustment and high risk of bias prevent firm conclusions. High-quality, multivariable studies are necessary to be able to identify individual SVT risk profiles.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021262819.
Topics: Humans; Male; Venous Thromboembolism; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Venous Thrombosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Neoplasms; Varicose Veins; Anticoagulants
PubMed: 38626964
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074818 -
Clinical Psychology Review Jun 2024Children can experience significant distress during hospitalisation, as a result of the treatment process and due to psychosocial factors impacting their adjustment to... (Review)
Review
Children can experience significant distress during hospitalisation, as a result of the treatment process and due to psychosocial factors impacting their adjustment to the hospital environment. Such factors can contribute to negative outcomes for the child. Despite this, limited research focus has been placed on understanding the psychosocial factors that contribute to a child's distress to inform support strategies that can improve the experience of hospitalisation across paediatric conditions. The objectives of this review were to synthesise the qualitative and quantitative literature on psychosocial factors associated with hospital adjustment and to identify risk and protective factors that influence the adjustment process. The literature search (1980 to February 2024: CINAHL / Embase / Medline / PsychINFO and Web of Science databases) identified thirty-four studies. Poor hospital adjustment, anxiety, depression and homesickness, were reported by the majority of hospitalised children. Several demographic and psychosocial factors were identified in the quantitative synthesis to contribute to poor adjustment. Child age, temperament, attachment style, past negative hospital experiences, homesickness and fear cognitions, were all associated with adjustment to the hospital environment. Homesickness was identified as a particularly understudied and important construct. Theoretical and methodological considerations are discussed, and recommendations made for future research that can further support inpatient children and their families.
Topics: Humans; Child; Child, Hospitalized; Loneliness; Adolescent; Adaptation, Psychological; Anxiety; Hospitalization
PubMed: 38626645
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102431 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) established the Hospital Quality Initiative in 2010 to enhance patient safety, reduce hospital readmissions, improve... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) established the Hospital Quality Initiative in 2010 to enhance patient safety, reduce hospital readmissions, improve quality, and minimize healthcare costs. In response, this study aims to systematically review the literature and conduct a meta-analysis to estimate the average cost of procedure-specific 30-day risk-standardized unplanned readmissions for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), Heart Failure (HF), Pneumonia, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), and Total Hip Arthroplasty and/or Total Knee Arthroplasty (THA/TKA).
METHODS
Eligibility Criteria: This study included English language original research papers from the USA, encompassing various study designs. Exclusion criteria comprise studies lacking empirical evidence on hospital financial performance.
INFORMATION SOURCES
A comprehensive search using relevant keywords was conducted across databases from January 1990 to December 2019 (updated in March 2021), covering peer-reviewed articles and gray literature. Risk of Bias: Bias in the included studies was assessed considering study design, adjustment for confounding factors, and potential effect modifiers.
SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS
The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Employing Monte Carlo simulations, a meta-analysis was conducted with 100,000 simulated samples. Results indicated mean 30-day readmission costs: USD 16,037.08 (95% CI, USD 15,196.01-16,870.06) overall, USD 6852.97 (95% CI, USD 6684.44-7021.08) for AMI, USD 9817.42 (95% CI, USD 9575.82-10,060.43) for HF, and USD 21,346.50 (95% CI, USD 20,818.14-21,871.85) for THA/TKA.
DISCUSSION
Despite the financial challenges that hospitals face due to the ACA and the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, this meta-analysis contributes valuable insights into the consistent cost trends associated with 30-day readmissions.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis provide comprehensive insights into the financial implications of 30-day readmissions for specific medical conditions, enhancing our understanding of the nexus between healthcare quality and financial performance.
PubMed: 38610171
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070750 -
JAMA Network Open Apr 2024Psilocybin has been studied in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Clinical studies have mainly focused on efficacy, with systematic reviews showing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Psilocybin has been studied in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Clinical studies have mainly focused on efficacy, with systematic reviews showing favorable efficacy; however, none have primarily focused on psilocybin safety.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the acute adverse effects of psilocybin at therapeutic doses in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for publications available between 1966 and November 30, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized, double-blind clinical trials that reported adverse effects of psilocybin in patients treated for depression and anxiety were screened.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were independently extracted by 2 authors and verified by 2 additional authors following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. The inverse variance method with the Hartung-Knapp adjustment for the random-effects model was used, with a continuity correction of 0.5 for studies with 0 cell frequencies. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by sequentially removing 1 study at a time to assess the robustness of the results.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was considered as the adverse effects of psilocybin at high and moderate (ie, therapeutic) dose regimens and compared with placebo, low-dose psilocybin, or other comparator in the treatment of depression and/or anxiety.
RESULTS
Six studies met the inclusion criteria with a total sample of 528 participants (approximately 51% female; median age 39.8 years; IQR, 39.8-41.2). Seven adverse effects were reported in multiple studies and included in the analysis. Among these, headache (relative risk [RR], 1.99; 95% CI 1.06-3.74), nausea (RR, 8.85; 95% CI, 5.68-13.79), anxiety (RR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.11-4.64), dizziness (RR, 5.81; 95% CI, 1.02-33.03), and elevated blood pressure (RR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.15- 4.53) were statistically significant. Psilocybin use was not associated with risk of paranoia and transient thought disorder.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this meta-analysis, the acute adverse effect profile of therapeutic single-dose psilocybin appeared to be tolerable and resolved within 48 hours. However, future studies need to more actively evaluate the appropriate management of adverse effects.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Male; Psilocybin; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety; Dizziness; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38598236
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5960 -
Cureus Mar 2024Mental health problems among children and adolescents are a significant global public health concern, with a prevalence of approximately 10-20%. Psychotropic... (Review)
Review
Mental health problems among children and adolescents are a significant global public health concern, with a prevalence of approximately 10-20%. Psychotropic medications, including stimulants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers, have been proven effective in treating various psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents. Despite the common use of these medications, they have various side effects and complications. This systematic review aimed to assess the trends and prevalence of psychotropic medication use among children and adolescents from 2013 to 2023. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using relevant keywords. Two independent researchers screened the studies for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA), including information on study characteristics, participant demographics, psychiatric disorders, and psychotropic medications. The risk of bias assessment was performed using the ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions) tool for non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSI) and Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) for the randomized clinical trial. Data synthesis was conducted through a qualitative interpretation of the findings. A total of 52 papers were identified through the search, with 37 remaining after duplicate removal. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine articles were considered suitable for the systematic review. A total of 9,034,109 patients suffered from several psychiatric diseases, such as autism, major depressive disorder, Down syndrome, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, depression, personality disorder, psychotic disorder, tic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, and disruptive behavior disorder. Stimulants showed a consistent prevalence rate over the years. Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, have demonstrated variations over the years, with a substantial increase in 2015, followed by a decrease in subsequent years. In addition, antipsychotics, including atypical antipsychotics, have varied over the years; however, their use increased in 2023. Anticonvulsants and anxiolytics were also utilized, albeit at lower prevalence rates. This systematic review provides an overview of the trends and prevalence of psychotropic medication use among children and adolescents from 2013 to 2023. The prevalence of antipsychotic prescribing has shown fluctuations among different countries over the years, with a decline in recent years but a slight increase in 2023. Further research is warranted to explore the factors influencing these trends and to assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of psychotropic medications in children and adolescents.
PubMed: 38571846
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55452 -
Heart, Lung & Circulation Apr 2024Risk adjustment following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is vital for clinical quality registries, performance monitoring, and clinical decision-making. There... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Risk adjustment following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is vital for clinical quality registries, performance monitoring, and clinical decision-making. There remains significant variation in the accuracy and nature of risk adjustment models utilised in international PCI registries/databases. Therefore, the current systematic review aims to summarise preoperative variables associated with 30-day mortality among patients undergoing PCI, and the other methodologies used in risk adjustments.
METHOD
The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases until October 2022 without any language restriction were systematically searched to identify preoperative independent variables related to 30-day mortality following PCI. Information was systematically summarised in a descriptive manner following the Checklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling Studies checklist. The quality and risk of bias of all included articles were assessed using the Prediction Model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool. Two independent investigators took part in screening and quality assessment.
RESULTS
The search yielded 2,941 studies, of which 42 articles were included in the final assessment. Logistic regression, Cox-proportional hazard model, and machine learning were utilised by 27 (64.3%), 14 (33.3%), and one (2.4%) article, respectively. A total of 74 independent preoperative variables were identified that were significantly associated with 30-day mortality following PCI. Variables that repeatedly used in various models were, but not limited to, age (n=36, 85.7%), renal disease (n=29, 69.0%), diabetes mellitus (n=17, 40.5%), cardiogenic shock (n=14, 33.3%), gender (n=14, 33.3%), ejection fraction (n=13, 30.9%), acute coronary syndrome (n=12, 28.6%), and heart failure (n=10, 23.8%). Nine (9; 21.4%) studies used missing values imputation, and 15 (35.7%) articles reported the model's performance (discrimination) with values ranging from 0.501 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.472-0.530) to 0.928 (95% CI 0.900-0.956), and four studies (9.5%) validated the model on external/out-of-sample data.
CONCLUSIONS
Risk adjustment models need further improvement in their quality through the inclusion of a parsimonious set of clinically relevant variables, appropriately handling missing values and model validation, and utilising machine learning methods.
PubMed: 38570260
DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2024.01.021 -
World Journal of Urology Mar 2024To characterize patient outcomes following visually directed high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To characterize patient outcomes following visually directed high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of cancer-control outcomes and complication rates among men with localized prostate cancer treated with visually directed focal HIFU. Study outcomes were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model.
RESULTS
A total of 8 observational studies with 1,819 patients (median age 67 years; prostate-specific antigen 7.1 mg/ml; prostate volume 36 ml) followed over a median of 24 months were included. The mean prostate-specific antigen nadir following visually directed focal HIFU was 2.2 ng/ml (95% CI 0.9-3.5 ng/ml), achieved after a median of 6 months post-treatment. A clinically significant positive biopsy was identified in 19.8% (95% CI 12.4-28.3%) of cases. Salvage treatment rates were 16.2% (95% CI 9.7-23.8%) for focal- or whole-gland treatment, and 8.6% (95% CI 6.1-11.5%) for whole-gland treatment. Complication rates were 16.7% (95% CI 9.9-24.6%) for de novo erectile dysfunction, 6.2% (95% CI 0.0-19.0%) for urinary retention, 3.0% (95% CI 2.1-3.9%) for urinary tract infection, 1.9% (95% CI 0.1-5.3%) for urinary incontinence, and 0.1% (95% CI 0.0-1.4%) for bowel injury.
CONCLUSION
Limited evidence from eight observational studies demonstrated that visually directed HIFU for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer was associated with a relatively low risk of complications and acceptable cancer control over medium-term follow-up. Comparative, long-term safety and effectiveness results with visually directed focal HIFU are lacking.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasound, High-Intensity Focused, Transrectal; Prostatic Neoplasms; Erectile Dysfunction
PubMed: 38507093
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04840-6 -
Schizophrenia (Heidelberg, Germany) Mar 2024This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the association between premorbid adjustment and social cognition in people with psychotic spectrum disorder.... (Review)
Review
This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the association between premorbid adjustment and social cognition in people with psychotic spectrum disorder. Obtaining evidence of this association will facilitate early detection and intervention before the onset of psychosis. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO. Studies were eligible if they included patients with a psychotic disorder or at a high-risk state; social cognition and premorbid adjustment were measured; and the relationship between premorbid adjustment and social cognition was analysed. The authors independently extracted data from all included articles, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO. Studies were eligible if they included patients with a psychotic disorder or at a high-risk state; social cognition and premorbid adjustment were measured; and the relationship between premorbid adjustment and social cognition was analysed. The authors independently extracted data from all included articles, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Of 229 studies identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria. Different methods of assessment were used to measure premorbid adjustment, such as the Premorbid Adjustment Scale or premorbid IQ, among others. Social cognition was assessed as a global measure or by domains using different instruments. A total of 16 articles found a relationship between social cognition (or its domains) and premorbid adjustment: general social cognition (n = 3); Theory of Mind (n = 12); Emotional Recognition and Social Knowledge (n = 1). This review shows evidence of a significant relationship between social cognition and premorbid adjustment, specifically between Theory of Mind and premorbid adjustment. Social cognition deficits may already appear in phases prior to the onset of psychosis, so an early individualized intervention with stimulating experiences in people with poor premorbid adjustment can be relevant for prevention. We recommend some future directions, such as carrying out longitudinal studies with people at high-risk of psychosis, a meta-analysis study, broadening the concept of premorbid adjustment, and a consensual assessment of social cognition and premorbid adjustment variables. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022333886.
PubMed: 38491028
DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00428-y -
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery... May 2024The aim of the present review is to systematically analyse the current literature about gender differences in hip or knee cartilage composition and degeneration, to help... (Review)
Review
The aim of the present review is to systematically analyse the current literature about gender differences in hip or knee cartilage composition and degeneration, to help explaining how and why osteoarthritis affects women more often and more severely than men. A systematic review of the literature in English was performed. Eleven studies on 1962 patients (905 females and 787 males) that reported differences on cartilage composition between males and females were included. Nine evaluated the knee, one the hip, and one both. They were heterogeneous in their methods: one conducted histological analyses, and all the others evaluated cartilage characteristics (volume, width, and composition) through magnetic resonance imaging. All authors reported gender differences in both volume and morphology of the cartilage, from infancy to menopause. In fact, a study on 92 healthy children statistically showed significant gender differences in cartilage thickness at all sites, even after adjustment for age, body, and bone size. Gender differences become more evident after menopause, when women have a lower cartilage volume and a higher cartilage loss. Men show significantly higher knee and hip cartilage volumes than women, and women carry a significantly greater risk to develop osteoarthritis. This is in part due to body and bone size, but also depends on qualitative and quantitative differences in the composition of cartilage and its degeneration rate after menopause. Structural changes in cartilage that occur between genders during ageing have significance in the development of osteoarthritis.
Topics: Humans; Cartilage, Articular; Female; Male; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Sex Factors; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Knee Joint; Hip Joint; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged; Child
PubMed: 38456943
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-024-03871-4 -
JAMA Network Open Mar 2024Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, but their systematic underrepresentation in cardiovascular randomized clinical...
IMPORTANCE
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, but their systematic underrepresentation in cardiovascular randomized clinical trials (RCTs) limits the generation of appropriate evidence to guide cardiovascular risk management (CVRM).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the underrepresentation of patients with CKD in cardiovascular RCTs, and to highlight evidence gaps in CVRM medications in this population.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
A systematic search was conducted in ClinicalTrials.gov from February 2000 through October 2021 for RCTs with full-text publications. If no full-text publications were found in ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar were also searched. Eligible RCTs were those evaluating the effectiveness of antiplatelets, anticoagulants, blood pressure-lowering drugs, glucose-lowering drugs, or cholesterol-lowering drugs in adults with cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. Trials with a sample size of fewer than 100 patients were excluded.
FINDINGS
In total, 1194 RCTs involving 2 207 677 participants (mean [SD] age, 63 [6] years; 1 343 970 males [64%]) were included. Since 2000, the percentage of cardiovascular RCTs excluding patients with CKD has increased from 66% to 79% (74% overall [884 RCTs]). In 864 RCTs (72%), more patients were excluded than anticipated on safety grounds (63% [306] of trials required no dose adjustment, and 79% [561] required dose adjustment). In total, 158 RCTs (13%) reported results for patients with CKD separately (eg, in subgroup analyses). Significant evidence gaps exist in most CVRM interventions for patients with CKD, particularly for those with CKD stages 4 to 5. Twenty-three RCTs (2%) reported results for patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, 15 RCTs (1%) reported for patients receiving dialysis, and 1 RCT (0.1%) reported for recipients of kidney transplant.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Results of this systematic review suggest that representation of patients with CKD in cardiovascular RCTs has not improved in the past 2 decades and that these RCTs excluded more patients with CKD than expected on safety grounds. Lack of reporting or underreporting of results for this patient population is associated with evidence gaps in the effectiveness of most CVRM medications in patients with all stages of CKD, particularly CKD stages 4 to 5.
Topics: Humans; Antihypertensive Agents; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38451526
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0427