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Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology... Jan 2024Computed tomography (CT)-based body composition parameters and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) are key characteristics in patients with liver cirrhosis. The...
Correlation between computed tomography-based body composition parameters and hepatic venous pressure gradient in patients with cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
Computed tomography (CT)-based body composition parameters and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) are key characteristics in patients with liver cirrhosis. The present study aims to explore the correlation between CT-based body composition parameters and HVPG, as well as the difference in HVPG between patients with and patients without sarcopenia.
METHODS
A literature search for studies reporting the correlation between HVPG and CT-based body composition parameters published in English up to August 2023 in four databases, Embase, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, was conducted. The correlation coefficient between HVPG and CT-based body composition parameters was the primary outcome, and the difference in the HVPG value between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups was the secondary outcome. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects models. The methodologic quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies instrument.
RESULTS
A total of 652 articles were identified, of which nine studies (n = 1,569) met the eligibility criteria. Among them, seven studies reported the primary outcome via the muscle index, five via the skeletal muscle index (SMI), two via the psoas-muscle-related index (PRI), and three via two adipose tissue indexes. A total of five studies reported the secondary outcome: four via SMI and one via PRI. No evidence of a significant correlation was determined between the various body composition parameters and the HVPG value, either in the muscle index or the adipose tissue index. Higher HVPG values were observed in patients with sarcopenia than in patients without sarcopenia [pooled standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.628 (-0.350, 1.606), < 0.001; = 92.8%; < 0.001] when an Asian sarcopenia definition was adopted. In contrast, when a Western cut-off value was applied, the HVPG value was higher in patients without sarcopenia than in patients with sarcopenia [pooled SMD: -0.201 (-0.366, -0.037), = 0.016; = 0.00%; = 0.785].
CONCLUSION
No sufficient evidence regarding a correlation between the CT-based body composition and HVPG value was discovered. The difference in the HVPG value between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups was likely dependent on the sarcopenic cut-off value.
PubMed: 38293897
DOI: 10.4274/dir.2023.232553 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Jan 2024Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, are associated with an increased risk for maternal cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic kidney... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, are associated with an increased risk for maternal cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. However, their association with subsequent maternal dementia or cognitive impairment is less well understood. This study aimed to review and synthesize the published literature on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the subsequent risk for maternal dementia or cognitive impairment.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Web of Science, Pyschinfo, and CINAHL were searched from database inception until July 31, 2022, for observational studies of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and maternal dementia or cognitive impairment.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Selected studies included the following: a population of pregnant women, exposure to a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy of interest, and at least 1 primary outcome (dementia) or secondary outcome (cognitive impairment). Two reviewers were involved in study selection.
METHODS
We followed the Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines throughout. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate the overall pooled estimates. Bias was assessed using an adapted version of the validated Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment tool.
RESULTS
A total of 25 eligible studies were identified and included 2,501,673 women. Preeclampsia was associated with a significantly increased risk for vascular dementia (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-2.43), whereas no clear association was noted between preeclampsia and Alzheimer's disease (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.70), nor between preeclampsia and any (undifferentiated) dementia (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.47). However, in an analysis restricted to women aged 65 years and older, preeclampsia was associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-2.73) and any dementia (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-2.91).
CONCLUSION
Women whose pregnancies were complicated by preeclampsia seem to be at a substantially increased future risk for vascular dementia. The longer-term risks among these women with regards to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are less clear.
PubMed: 38278201
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.01.013 -
Pregnancy Hypertension Mar 2024To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care (POC) tests for detecting proteinuria in pregnant women. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care (POC) tests for detecting proteinuria in pregnant women.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to 13 November 2020.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND DATA ANALYSIS
Included studies measured the sensitivity and specificity ofPOC proteinuria testing compared to laboratory reference standards (protein-creatinine ratio (PCR), 24-hour urine collection). Bivariate meta-analyses determined pooled sensitivity and specificity. Random-effects inverse-variance model determinedheterogeneity.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome was overall sensitivity and specificity, stratified by method of POC testing and reference standard. Secondary outcomes were sensitivity and specificity within thesubgroupstest brand, reference standard, and hypertension status.
RESULTS
1078 studies were identified, 17 studies comprising 23 comparisons were included. The meta-analysis included 13 studies with 19 comparisons. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of visual dipsticks against PCR was 72 % (95 % CI: 56 % to 84 %) and 92 % (95 % CI: 76 % to 98 %), respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of visual dipsticks against 24-hour collection was 69 % (55 % to 80 %) and 70 % (51 % to 84 %), respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for automated readers against PCR was 73 % (53 % to 86 %) and 91 % (83 % to 95 %), respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of automated readers against 24-hour collection was 65 % (42 % to 83 %) and 82 % (46 % to 96 %), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Visual dipsticks have comparable accuracy to automated readers, yet are notadequate as a rule-out test for proteinuria. Proteinuria POC testing maybe beneficial inantenatal care when repeatfollow-up tests are performed. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42021231914.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Pre-Eclampsia; Proteinuria; Sensitivity and Specificity; Point-of-Care Testing
PubMed: 38262144
DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2024.01.133 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Feb 2024The risk of depression and anxiety is higher in people with metabolic conditions, but whether dietary approaches, which are central to the management of metabolic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Diet Overall and Hypocaloric Diets Are Associated With Improvements in Depression but Not Anxiety in People With Metabolic Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The risk of depression and anxiety is higher in people with metabolic conditions, but whether dietary approaches, which are central to the management of metabolic conditions, can also improve depression and anxiety is uncertain. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of dietary interventions on depression and anxiety in adults with metabolic conditions. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effects of hypocaloric and isocaloric dietary interventions on these outcomes. Four databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL) were searched from inception to March 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including dietary interventions in adults with metabolic conditions (type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and/or overweight/obesity) that assessed depression and/or anxiety as outcomes were included. Overall, 13 RCTs were included in the systematic review, ≤13 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Estimates were pooled using random-effect meta-analysis for dietary interventions compared with controls. Improvements in depression scores were found in meta-analytic models including all dietary interventions [pooled estimate for the standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.20 (95% CI: -0.35, -0.05); P = 0.007] and hypocaloric only diets [SMD = -0.27 (95% CI: -0.44, -0.10); P = 0.002]. There were no improvements in depression scores with isocaloric dietary interventions only [SMD = -0.14 (95% CI: -0.38, 0.10); P = 0.27]. In addition, there were no significant effects of any dietary interventions on anxiety scores. In adults with metabolic conditions, all dietary interventions and hypocaloric diets improved depression, but not anxiety. These findings suggest that dietary interventions including hypocaloric diets can play an important role in the management of depression in people with metabolic conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021252307).
Topics: Adult; Humans; Depression; Anxiety; Obesity; Overweight; Diet
PubMed: 38184198
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100169 -
International Journal of Cardiology.... Mar 2024Breathing exercises have been reported to have positive physiological effects on the body. The incidence of hypertension has become a major risk factor for cardiac...
BACKGROUND
Breathing exercises have been reported to have positive physiological effects on the body. The incidence of hypertension has become a major risk factor for cardiac complications leading to higher morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the effect of breathing exercises on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR).
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis analyzing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) about the effect of breathing exercises on blood pressure was conducted (PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42022316413). PubMed, ScienceDirect, WebofScience, and Cochrane Library databases were screened for RCTs from January 2017 to September 2022. The main search terms included "breathing exercise", "Pranayam", "Bhramari", "alternate nostril breathing", "deep breathing", "slow breathing", "hypertension", and "high blood pressure". The primary outcome was the value of the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure after the intervention. The effect on heart rate was also analyzed as a secondary outcome.
RESULTS
A total of 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Breathing exercises have a modest but significant effect on decreasing systolic blood pressure (-7.06 [-10.20, -3.92], P = <0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (-3.43 [-4.89, -1.97], P = <0.01) mm Hg. Additionally, breathing exercises were also observed to cause a significant decrease in the heart rate (-2.41 [-4.53, -0.30], P = 0.03) beats/minute.
CONCLUSION
In a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of breathing exercises and its effect on BP and HR, there is a moderate but significant positive effect. The studies are not deprived of bias.
PubMed: 38179185
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcrp.2023.200232 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2023Hypertension has now developed into a major public health problem worldwide. Under the existing antihypertensive drug treatment paradigm, problems such as decreasing... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hypertension has now developed into a major public health problem worldwide. Under the existing antihypertensive drug treatment paradigm, problems such as decreasing drug resistance and increasing drug side effects can occur for elderly patients. Acupuncture, a core technique in the non-pharmacological treatment of Chinese medicine, plays an important role in the treatment of elevated blood pressure.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of acupuncture alone or in combination with antihypertensive drugs on the efficiency of reducing blood pressure and controlling blood pressure in elderly patients with hypertension.
METHODS
Articles of randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for hypertension in the elderly published before November 2022 were searched in 7 databases. The methodological quality of the literature was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. The primary outcome was the efficiency rate of blood pressure reduction, and the secondary outcome was the change in blood pressure after treatment.
RESULTS
This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1,466 subjects. Among the primary outcome-efficiency rate, acupuncture-only treatment (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.20, < 0.01) and acupuncture combined with antihypertensive drug treatment (RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06-1.31, < 0.01) were significantly different compared with drugs-only treatment. Among the secondary outcomes, SBP (MD: -4.85, 95% CI: -10.39 to -0.69, = 0.09) and DBP (MD: -1.45, 95% CI: -5.35 to 2.45, = 0.47) show no significant difference between acupuncture-only treatment and drug-only treatment. Compared to drugs-only treatment, acupuncture plus drugs has more significant efficiency in lowering SBP (MD: -9.81, 95% CI: -13.56 to -6.06, < 0.01) and DBP (MD: -7.04, 95% CI: -10.83 to -3.24, < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
For elderly patients with hypertension, acupuncture-only treatment has the same efficiency and antihypertensive effect compared to drug therapy and acupuncture plus drugs outperforms drugs-only treatment. If the patients receive therapy with less frequency per week and longer duration, there will be a more obvious antihypertensive effect. Due to the methodological defects in the included study and the limited sample size of this paper, more well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed for verification.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022376407, PROSPERO (CRD42022376407).
PubMed: 38162142
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1147135 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Dec 2023Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH-COPD) results in a significant impact on symptoms, quality of life, and survival. There is... (Review)
Review
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH-COPD) results in a significant impact on symptoms, quality of life, and survival. There is scant and conflicting evidence about the use of pulmonary hypertension (PH) specific therapy in patients with PH-COPD. PubMed, OVID, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science were searched using various MESH terms to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies investigating PH-specific therapies in patients with severe PH-COPD, defined by mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of more than 35 mm Hg or pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of more than 5 woods units on right heart catheterization. The primary outcome was a change in mPAP and PVR. Secondary outcomes were changes in six-minute walk distance (6MWD), changes in the brain-natriuretic peptide (BNP), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, oxygenation, and survival. Thirteen studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, including a total of 328 patients with severe PH-COPD. Out of these, 308 patients received some type of specific therapy for PH. There was a significant reduction in mPAP (mean difference (MD) -3.68, 95% CI [-2.03, -5.32], < 0.0001) and PVR (MD -1.40 Wood units, 95% CI [-1.97, -0.82], < 0.00001). There was a significant increase in the cardiac index as well (MD 0.26 L/min/m, 95% CI [0.14, 0.39], < 0.0001). There were fewer patients who had NYHA class III/lV symptoms, with an odds ratio of 0.55 (95% CI [0.30, 1.01], = 0.05). There was no significant difference in the 6MWD (12.62 m, 95% CI [-8.55, 33.79], = 0.24), PaO (MD -2.20 mm Hg, 95% CI [-4.62, 0.22], = 0.08), or BNP or NT-proBNP therapy (MD -0.15, 95% CI [-0.46, 0.17], = 0.36). The use of PH-specific therapies in severe PH-COPD resulted in a significant reduction in mPAP and PVR and increased CI, with fewer patients remaining in NYHA functional class III/IV. However, no significant difference in the 6MWD, biomarkers of right ventricular dysfunction, or oxygenation was identified, demonstrating a lack of hypoxemia worsening with treatment. Further studies are needed to investigate the use of PH medications in patients with severe PH-COPD.
PubMed: 38132665
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10120498 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia... 2023Bariatric surgery is the most effective option to reduce weight in morbid obesity patients. The techniques most employed are the restrictive surgery laparoscopic sleeve... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY VERSUS LAPAROSCOPIC ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS FOR WEIGHT LOSS IN OBESE PATIENTS: WHICH IS MORE EFFECTIVE? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.
BACKGROUND
Bariatric surgery is the most effective option to reduce weight in morbid obesity patients. The techniques most employed are the restrictive surgery laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), surgical procedures of intestinal malabsorption, and both types (restrictive and intestinal malabsorption) such as the Roux-en-Y laparoscopic gastric bypass (RYLGB).
AIMS
To determine if LSG is more effective than RYLGB for weight loss.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out, including five clinical trials and sixteen cohorts comparing LSG versus RYLGB in weight loss and secondary outcomes: resolution of comorbidities, postoperative complications, operative time, hospital stay, and improvement in quality of life.
RESULTS
Excess weight loss was 10.2% (mean difference [MD] 10.2; 95%CI -10.14; -9.90) higher in patients undergoing LSG than in patients submitted to RYLGB. Diabetes mellitus type 2 was resolved in 17% (relative risk [RR] 0.83; 95%CI 0.77-0.90) of cases, more significantly after LSG, arterial hypertension in 23% (RR 0.77; 95%CI 0.69-0.84), and dyslipidemia in 17% (RR 0.83; 95%CI 0.77-0.90). Postoperative complications were 73% higher in patients undergoing RYLGB (MD 0.73; 95%CI 0.63-0.83). The operative time was 35.76 minutes shorter in the LSG (MD -35.76; 95%CI -37.28; -34.24). Finally, the quality of life improved more in patients operated by LSG (MD 0.37; 95%CI -0.48; -0.26).
CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrated that LSG could be more effective than RYLGB in reducing the percentage of excess weight, comorbidities, postoperative complications, operative time, hospital stay, and in improving quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Gastric Bypass; Quality of Life; Obesity, Morbid; Laparoscopy; Gastrectomy; Weight Loss; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38088727
DOI: 10.1590/0102-672020230064e1782 -
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of... 2023Myo-inositol has emerged as one of the preventive therapies for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in at-risk populations. This systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The Efficacy and Safety of Myo-inositol Supplementation for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Overweight and Obese Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Myo-inositol has emerged as one of the preventive therapies for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in at-risk populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of myo-inositol in decreasing the incidence of gestational diabetes in overweight and obese pregnant women.
METHODOLOGY
This meta-analysis was conducted using the standard Cochrane methodology and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled overweight and obese pregnant women and used myo-inositol supplementation. The primary outcome was the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus at 24-28 weeks. Secondary outcomes included cesarean section rate, the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, macrosomia and preterm delivery. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for dichotomous data.
RESULTS
Six RCTs were included. Compared to standard micronutrient supplementation, standard dose of myo-inositol (4 g) may reduce the incidence of GDM (RR 0.54; CI [0.30, 0.96]; n = 887 women), but the certainty of evidence is low to very low. With low-dose myo-inositol however, evidence is uncertain about its benefit on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in overweight and obese women with RR 0.71; CI [0.14, 3.50]. No adverse effects were noted. For the secondary outcomes, standard dose myo-inositol appears to reduce the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preterm delivery, but the certainty of evidence is low to very low.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence is uncertain on the potential benefit of myo-inositol supplementation in overweight and obese pregnant women. While studies show that 4 g myo-inositol per day may decrease the incidence of GDM, pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-term birth with no associated risk of serious adverse events, the certainty of evidence is low to very low. Future high-quality trials may provide more compelling evidence to support practice recommendations.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Diabetes, Gestational; Vitamin B Complex; Overweight; Pregnant Women; Premature Birth; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Inositol; Obesity; Dietary Supplements; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38045667
DOI: 10.15605/jafes.038.02.11 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) on prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are necessary to guide decision makers to allocate scarce healthcare resource,...
BACKGROUND
Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) on prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are necessary to guide decision makers to allocate scarce healthcare resource, especially in Southeast Asia (SEA), where many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are in the process of scaling-up preventive interventions. This scoping review aims to summarize the cost-effectiveness evidence of primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as well as of major NCDs risk factors in SEA.
METHODS
A scoping review was done following the PRISMA checklist for Scoping Reviews. Systematic searches were performed on Cochrane Library, EconLit, PubMed, and Web of Science to identify CEAs which focused on primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention of T2DM, CVDs and major NCDs risk factors with the focus on primary health-care facilities and clinics and conducted in SEA LMICs. Risks of bias of included studies was assessed using the Consensus of Health Economic Criteria list.
RESULTS
This study included 42 CEAs. The interventions ranged from screening and targeting specific groups for T2DM and CVDs to smoking cessation programs, discouragement of smoking or unhealthy diet through taxation, or health education. Most CEAs were model-based and compared to a do-nothing scenario. In CEAs related to tobacco use prevention, the cost-effectiveness of tax increase was confirmed in all related CEAs. Unhealthy diet prevention, mass media campaigns, salt-reduction strategies, and tax increases on sugar-sweetened beverages were shown to be cost-effective in several settings. CVD prevention and treatment of hypertension were found to be the most cost-effective interventions. Regarding T2DM prevention, all assessed screening strategies were cost-effective or even cost-saving, and a few strategies to prevent T2DM complications were found to be cost-effective in certain settings.
CONCLUSION
This review shows that the cost-effectiveness of preventive strategies in SEA against T2DM, CVDs, and their major NCDs risk factors are heterogenous in both methodology as well as outcome. This review combined with the WHO "best buys" could guide LMICs in SEA in possible interventions to be considered for implementation and upscaling. However, updated and country-specific information is needed to further assess the prioritization of the different healthcare interventions.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://osf.io, identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/NPEHT.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Noncommunicable Diseases; Risk Factors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Asia, Southeastern
PubMed: 38026322
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1206213