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Journal of Women's Health (2002) Jun 2022Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine pathology affecting women of reproductive age characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine pathology affecting women of reproductive age characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and prognostic of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Some studies have shown that women with PCOS have a greater risk of CAC; however, a few others report contrary findings. The objective of this study is to examine and quantify the association between PCOS and CAC. We searched EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to November 2021 to identify studies that provided information on PCOS and CAC. We used a random-effects model to aggregate the odds ratios (ORs) for CAC (score >0) among women with PCOS compared with controls adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and CVD risk factors. From the 36 articles reviewed, 3 prospective cohort and 4 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 2341 participants. Six studies used CAC > 0 as an outcome and were included in the pooled analysis. Using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method, the pooled adjusted ORs for the associations between PCOS and the presence of CAC were 2.48 (95% confidence interval: 2.11-2.84) with no significant heterogeneity ( = 0.10%, = 0.97) for the cohort studies and 1.88 (0.71-3.06) with no significant heterogeneity ( = 13.95%, = 0.87) for the cross-sectional studies. In pooled analyses, women with PCOS had approximately twofold greater odds of having CAC compared with women without PCOS. However, additional prospective studies will be needed to further understand the relationship between PCOS and CAC.
Topics: Coronary Artery Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 35575750
DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0608 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Feb 2016To conduct a systematic review focusing on the impact of training programs on ankle-brachial index (ABI) performance by medical students, doctors and primary care... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review focusing on the impact of training programs on ankle-brachial index (ABI) performance by medical students, doctors and primary care providers. Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a highly prevalent disease affecting ∼202 million people worldwide. ABI is an essential component of medical education because of its ability to diagnose PAD, and as it is a powerful prognostic marker for overall and cardiovascular related mortality.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted (up to May 2015) using Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
RESULTS
Five studies have addressed the impact of a training program on ABI performance by either medical students, doctors or primary care providers. All were assigned a low GRADE system quality. The components of the training vary greatly either in substance (what was taught) or in form (duration of the training, and type of support which was used). No consistency was found in the outcome measures.
CONCLUSION
According to this systematic review, only few studies, with a low quality rating, have addressed which training program should be performed to provide the best way of teaching how to perform ABI. Future high quality researches are required to define objectively the best training program to facilitate ABI teaching and learning.
Topics: Ankle Brachial Index; Cardiology; Clinical Competence; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Graduate; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Humans; Internship and Residency; Learning; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Predictive Value of Tests; Students, Medical; Teaching
PubMed: 26602321
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2015.09.005 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2019Although vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia globally, evidence-based treatments are still lacking. Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia globally, evidence-based treatments are still lacking. Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived preparation that is said to have neurotrophic and neuroprotective activity. In many parts of the world Cerebrolysin, given as a series of daily intravenous infusions, is used as a potential intervention for vascular dementia. A previous Cochrane Review on Cerebrolysin in vascular dementia yielded inconsistent results. We wished to update the review to add new studies from the international literature and employ contemporary methods for appraising the strength of the evidence. This is the first update of a review first published in 2013.
OBJECTIVES
Primary: to assess the effect of Cerebrolysin on cognitive function, global function, and all-cause mortality in people living with vascular dementia. Secondary: to assess the adverse effects of Cerebrolysin and to assess the effect of Cerebrolysin on quality of life and caregiver burden.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched ALOIS, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ISI Web of Knowledge, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO ICTRP on 16 June 2017, 9 May 2018, and 9 May 2019. We expanded the search by adding four Chinese databases, searched from 1 January 2012 to 19 May 2019. We checked bibliographies of relevant papers identified and contacted pharmaceutical companies, trial authors, and experts in the field to identify any additional published or unpublished data.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials of Cerebrolysin used in people living with vascular dementia. We applied no language restriction.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion and evaluated their methodological quality. Data were extracted and analysed using mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for continuous outcomes. We reported dichotomous outcomes as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. We assessed the strength of the available evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified six randomised controlled trials with a total of 597 participants that were eligible for inclusion in the 2013 review. No new studies were eligible for inclusion in this update. Participants in the included studies, where dementia severity was reported, had mild to moderate severity of vascular dementia (four trials). The included studies tested varying doses and duration of Cerebrolysin treatment. Follow-up ranged from 15 days to three years. Five of included studies were conducted in China (three studies), Russia (one study), and Romania (one study), while relevant information of other study was unclear. Where details of funding were available, all studies were supported by the pharmaceutical industry (three studies). Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subpart, extended version (ADAS-cog+). Combining the MMSE and ADAS-cog+ data (three studies, 420 people), there was a beneficial effect of Cerebrolysin (SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.58; very low-quality evidence). Global function was measured by Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change plus Caregiver Input (CIBIC+) or Investigator's Clinical Global Impression (CGI). We assessed response rates on these measures (the proportion of participants with a CIBIC+ score of < 3; or at least moderate improvement of the CGI rating at the last visit). There was a beneficial effect of Cerebrolysin (two studies, 379 participants, RR 2.69, 95% CI 1.82 to 3.98; very low-quality evidence). Only one trial described mortality and reported no deaths. Four studies reported adverse events; data from two studies (379 people) were in a format that permitted meta-analysis, and there was no difference in rates of adverse effects (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.29 to 2.85; very low-quality evidence). No studies reported on quality of life or caregiver burden.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Courses of intravenous Cerebrolysin improved cognition and general function in people living with vascular dementia, with no suggestion of adverse effects. However, these data are not definitive. Our analyses were limited by heterogeneity, and the included papers had high risk of bias. If there are benefits of Cerebrolysin, the effects may be too small to be clinically meaningful. There have been no new studies of Cerebrolysin in vascular dementia since the last Cochrane Review. Cerebrolysin continues to be used and promoted as a treatment for vascular dementia, but the supporting evidence base is weak. Adequately powered, methodologically robust trials are needed to properly assess the effects of Cerebrolysin in vascular dementia.
Topics: Amino Acids; Cognition; Cost of Illness; Dementia, Vascular; Humans; Nootropic Agents; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31710397
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008900.pub3 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging Aug 2017The aim of this study was to assess the odds of initiation or continuation of pharmacological and lifestyle preventive therapies in patients with nonzero versus zero... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The Identification of Calcified Coronary Plaque Is Associated With Initiation and Continuation of Pharmacological and Lifestyle Preventive Therapies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to assess the odds of initiation or continuation of pharmacological and lifestyle preventive therapies in patients with nonzero versus zero coronary artery calcium (CAC) score detected on cardiac computed tomography.
BACKGROUND
Detection of calcified coronary plaque could serve as a motivational tool for physicians and patients to intensify preventive therapies.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica database), Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL (Cochrane central register of controlled trials), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for studies evaluating the association of CAC scores with downstream pharmacological or lifestyle interventions for prevention of cardiovascular disease. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) of downstream interventions were obtained using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model.
RESULTS
After a review of 6,256 citations and 54 full-text papers, 6 studies (11,256 participants, mean follow-up time: 1.6 to 6.0 years) were included. Pooled estimates of the odds of aspirin initiation (OR: 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8 to 3.8), lipid-lowering medication initiation (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.9 to 4.4), blood pressure-lowering medication initiation (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.6 to 2.3), lipid-lowering medication continuation (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.6 to 3.3), increase in exercise (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4 to 2.4), and dietary change (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.5 to 2.5) were higher in individuals with nonzero CAC versus zero CAC scores, but not for aspirin or blood pressure-lowering medication continuation. When assessed within individual studies, these findings remained significant after adjustment for baseline patient characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that nonzero CAC score, identifying calcified coronary plaque, significantly increases the likelihood of initiation or continuation of pharmacological and lifestyle therapies for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Topics: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Vessels; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Patient Compliance; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Predictive Value of Tests; Protective Factors; Risk Factors; Risk Reduction Behavior; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Calcification
PubMed: 28797402
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2017.01.030 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2015Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the major cause of early morbidity and mortality in most developed countries. Secondary prevention aims to prevent repeat cardiac events... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the major cause of early morbidity and mortality in most developed countries. Secondary prevention aims to prevent repeat cardiac events and death in people with established CHD. Lifestyle modifications play an important role in secondary prevention. Yoga has been regarded as a type of physical activity as well as a stress management strategy. Growing evidence suggests the beneficial effects of yoga on various ailments.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness of yoga for the secondary prevention of mortality and morbidity in, and on the health-related quality of life of, individuals with CHD.
SEARCH METHODS
This is an update of a review previously published in 2012. For this updated review, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library (Issue 1 of 12, 2014), MEDLINE (1948 to February week 1 2014), EMBASE (1980 to 2014 week 6), Web of Science (Thomson Reuters, 1970 to 12 February 2014), China Journal Net (1994 to May 2014), WanFang Data (1990 to May 2014), and Index to Chinese Periodicals of Hong Kong (HKInChiP) (from 1980). Ongoing studies were identified in the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (May 2014) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (May 2014). We applied no language restrictions.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We planned to include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the influence of yoga practice on CHD outcomes in men and women (aged 18 years and over) with a diagnosis of acute or chronic CHD. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they had a follow-up duration of six months or more. We considered studies that compared one group practicing a type of yoga with a control group receiving either no intervention or interventions other than yoga.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected studies according to prespecified inclusion criteria. We resolved disagreements either by consensus or by discussion with a third author.
MAIN RESULTS
We found no eligible RCTs that met the inclusion criteria of the review and thus we were unable to perform a meta-analysis.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of yoga for secondary prevention in CHD remains uncertain. Large RCTs of high quality are needed.
Topics: Coronary Artery Disease; Humans; Secondary Prevention; Yoga
PubMed: 26130018
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009506.pub4 -
Hellenic Journal of Cardiology : HJC =... 2023Accumulating evidence suggests a substantial contribution of remnant cholesterol (RC) to residual risk for the development or relapse of atherosclerotic cardiovascular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Accumulating evidence suggests a substantial contribution of remnant cholesterol (RC) to residual risk for the development or relapse of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We aimed to evaluate the association of RC levels with ASCVD risk by different risk categories and methods of RC assessment. We also assessed available evidence of the effects of lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs) on RC levels.
METHODS
English-language searches of Medline, PubMed, and Embase (inception to 31 January 2023); ClinicalTrials.gov (October 2022); and reference lists of studies and reviews. Studies reporting on the risk of the composite endpoint [all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE)] by RC levels were included. Moreover, we searched for studies reporting differences in RC levels after the administration of LLT(s).
RESULTS
Among n = 29 studies with 257,387 participants, we found a pooled linear (pooled HR: 1.27 per 1-SD increase, 95% CI: 1.12-1.43, P < 0.001, I = 95%, n = 15 studies) and non-linear association (pooled HR: 1.59 per quartile increase, 95% CI: 1.35-1.85, P < 0.001, I = 87.9%, n = 15 studies) of RC levels and the risk of M ACE both in patients with and without established ASCVD. Interestingly, the risk of MACE was higher in studies with directly measured vs. calculated RC levels. In a limited number of studies and participants, LLTs reduced RC levels.
CONCLUSION
RC levels are associated with ASCVD risk both in primary and secondary prevention. Directly measured RC levels are associated with ASCVD risk more evidently. Available LLTs tend to decrease RC levels, although the clinical relevance of RC decrease merits further investigation.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42022371346.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Atherosclerosis
PubMed: 37116829
DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.04.007 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Oct 2021Endovascular procedures for targeted treatment of lower extremity wounds can be subdivided as direct revascularization (DR), indirect revascularization (IR), and IR via... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Endovascular procedures for targeted treatment of lower extremity wounds can be subdivided as direct revascularization (DR), indirect revascularization (IR), and IR via collateral flow (IRc). Although previous systematic reviews assert superiority of DR when compared with IR, the role of collateral vessels in clinical outcomes remains to be defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to define the usefulness of DR, IR, and IRc in treatment of lower extremity wounds with respect to (1) wound healing, (2) major amputation, (3) reintervention, and (4) all-cause mortality.
METHODS
A meta-analysis was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Ovid MEDLINE was queried for records pertaining to the study question using appropriate Medical Subject Heading terms. Studies were limited to those using DR, IR, or IRc as a primary intervention and reporting information on at least one of the primary outcomes of interest. No limitation was placed on year of publication, country of origin, or study size. Studies were assessed for validity using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Study characteristics and patient demographics were collected. Data representing the primary outcomes-wound healing, major amputation, reintervention, and all-cause mortality-were collected for time points ranging from one month to four years following intervention. A meta-analysis on sample size-weighted data assuming a random effects model was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the four primary outcomes at various time points.
RESULTS
We identified 21 studies for a total of 4252 limbs (DR, 2231; IR, 1647; IRC, 270). Overall wound healing rates were significantly superior for DR (OR, 2.45; P = .001) and IRc (OR, 8.46; P < .00001) compared with, IR with no significant difference between DR and IRc (OR, 1.25; P = .23). The overall major amputation rates were significantly superior for DR (OR, 0.48; P < .00001) and IRc (OR, 0.44; P = .006) compared with IR, with DR exhibiting significantly improved rates compared with IRc (OR, 0.51; P = .01). The overall mortality rates showed no significant differences between DR (OR, 0.89; P = .37) and IRc (OR, 1.12; P = .78) compared with IR, with no significant difference between DR and IRc (OR, 0.54; P = .18). The overall reintervention rates showed no significant difference between DR and IR (OR, 1.05; P = .81), with no studies reporting reintervention outcomes for IRc.
CONCLUSIONS
Both DR and IRc offer significantly improved wound healing rates and major amputation rates compared with IR when used to treat critical limb ischemia. Although DR should be the preferred method of revascularization, IRc can offer comparable outcomes when DR is not possible. This analysis was limited by a small sample size of IRc limbs, a predominance of retrospective studies, and variability in outcome definitions between studies.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Angiography; Collateral Circulation; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Ischemia; Limb Salvage; Lower Extremity; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Regional Blood Flow; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing
PubMed: 33940077
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.026 -
European Journal of Heart Failure Oct 2023Multivariable prediction models can be used to estimate risk of incident heart failure (HF) in the general population. A systematic review and meta-analysis was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Multivariable prediction models can be used to estimate risk of incident heart failure (HF) in the general population. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the performance of models.
METHODS AND RESULTS
From inception to 3 November 2022 MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies of multivariable models derived, validated and/or augmented for HF prediction in community-based cohorts. Discrimination measures for models with c-statistic data from ≥3 cohorts were pooled by Bayesian meta-analysis, with heterogeneity assessed through a 95% prediction interval (PI). Risk of bias was assessed using PROBAST. We included 36 studies with 59 prediction models. In meta-analysis, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) risk score (summary c-statistic 0.802, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.707-0.883), GRaph-based Attention Model (GRAM; 0.791, 95% CI 0.677-0.885), Pooled Cohort equations to Prevent Heart Failure (PCP-HF) white men model (0.820, 95% CI 0.792-0.843), PCP-HF white women model (0.852, 95% CI 0.804-0.895), and REverse Time AttentIoN model (RETAIN; 0.839, 95% CI 0.748-0.916) had a statistically significant 95% PI and excellent discrimination performance. The ARIC risk score and PCP-HF models had significant summary discrimination among cohorts with a uniform prediction window. 77% of model results were at high risk of bias, certainty of evidence was low, and no model had a clinical impact study.
CONCLUSIONS
Prediction models for estimating risk of incident HF in the community demonstrate excellent discrimination performance. Their usefulness remains uncertain due to high risk of bias, low certainty of evidence, and absence of clinical effectiveness research.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Heart Failure; Bayes Theorem; Risk Factors; Atherosclerosis
PubMed: 37403669
DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.2970 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth Feb 2021Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects over 236 million people worldwide, and exercise interventions are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of this condition. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects over 236 million people worldwide, and exercise interventions are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of this condition. However, no previous systematic review has evaluated the effects of mobile health (mHealth)-based exercise interventions for patients with PAD.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the effect of mHealth-based exercise interventions on walking performance, functional status, and quality of life in patients with PAD.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. We searched in seven databases to identify randomized controlled trials of patients with PAD published in English up to December 4, 2020. Studies were included if patients participated in mHealth-based exercise interventions and were assessed for walking performance. We analyzed pooled effect size on walking performance, functional status, and quality of life based on the standardized mean differences between groups.
RESULTS
A total of seven studies were selected for the systematic review, and six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The duration of interventions in the included studies was 12 to 48 weeks. In the pooled analysis, when compared with the control groups, the mHealth-based exercise intervention groups were associated with significant improvements in pain-free walking (95% CI 0.13-0.88), maximal walking (95% CI 0.03-0.87), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (95% CI 0.59-1.24), and walking distance (95% CI 0.02-0.49). However, benefits of the interventions on walking speed, stair-climbing ability, and quality of life were not observed.
CONCLUSIONS
mHealth-based exercise interventions for patients with PAD were beneficial for improving pain-free walking, maximal walking, and 6MWT distance. We found that exercise interventions using mHealth are an important strategy for improving the exercise effectiveness and adherence rate of patients with PAD. Future studies should consider the use of various and suitable functions of mHealth that can increase the adherence rates and improve the effectiveness of exercise.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Quality of Life; Telemedicine; Walking
PubMed: 33587042
DOI: 10.2196/24080 -
Vascular Health and Risk Management 2023Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) experience many barriers to participate in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Several studies identify barriers that can... (Review)
Review
Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) experience many barriers to participate in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Several studies identify barriers that can affect participation in CR among patients with CHD after reperfusion therapy. However, there has yet to be a review specifically in this population. This review aims to identify the literature systematically that analyzes the barriers that affect the participation of CHD patients after reperfusion therapy in implementing the CR program. This study used the Preferred Reporting Item for PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) with databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO-hosted Academic Search Complete, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, and Sage Journals. The keywords used in English were "coronary artery disease OR myocardial infarction OR cardiovascular disease OR heart disease" AND "Barrier OR obstacle", AND "percutaneous coronary intervention OR PCI OR angioplasty OR coronary artery bypass graft surgery OR CABG" AND "cardiac rehabilitation OR rehabilitation OR recovery". The inclusion criteria in this review were full-text articles in English, articles with a descriptive, cross-sectional, and cohort design with a minimum of 100 participants that discussed barriers to participation in patients with CHD after undergoing reperfusion therapy, and the CR phases such as I, II, III, and IV have also been identified. Based on the initial search, there are 23 relevant studies out of 7400. The results of this study reported that most of the participants from the studies analyzed had a low level of participation in CR (≤50%). We classify the factors that affect the level of CR participation into five categories: individual factors, health history, environmental, logistical, and health system. The most reported barriers in each category were age, comorbidities, lack of support from friends, family and health workers, distance or travel time, and cost and economic status. Professional health workers, especially nurses, can identify various barriers that patients feel so that they can increase their participation in attending CR.
Topics: Humans; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Infarction
PubMed: 37671387
DOI: 10.2147/VHRM.S425505