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Atherosclerosis Apr 2020Statin associated muscle symptoms are common and affect adherence to statin treatment. The objective of this study was to assess whether patients with statin-associated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Statin associated muscle symptoms are common and affect adherence to statin treatment. The objective of this study was to assess whether patients with statin-associated myalgia can be successfully treated with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to improve symptoms and maintain them on statin therapy.
METHODS
This systematic review was performed in line with the 2015 PRISMA statement. Relevant studies were identified via a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Studies were screened to include randomised controlled trials of oral CoQ10 supplementation versus a placebo in adults with statin-associated myalgia. Continuation of statin therapy was a secondary outcome. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Pooled and sensitivity analyses were performed.
RESULTS
413 records were identified by the search strategy. Eight studies were selected for review, and 7 of them (with 321 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Selected studies were published between 2007 and 2016 with the number of participants ranging from 37 to 76. Only two of these studies demonstrated a positive effect of CoQ10 therapy in relieving muscle pain. The meta-analysis did not demonstrate any benefit of CoQ10 supplementation in improving myalgia symptoms compared to placebo (weighted mean difference -0.42; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] -1.47 to 0.62). Similarly, CoQ10 did not improve the proportion of patients remaining on the statin treatment (RR 0.99; 95%CI, 0.81 to 1.20).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis did not demonstrate that CoQ10 supplementation was beneficial for patients with statin-associated muscle pain or improved adherence to statin therapy.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Myalgia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ubiquinone
PubMed: 32179207
DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.03.006 -
Archives of Medical Science : AMS Oct 2019The aim of this meta-analysis was to establish whether vascular pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a measure of arterial stiffness is changed in patients with familial... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this meta-analysis was to establish whether vascular pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a measure of arterial stiffness is changed in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Studies comparing PWV between patients with FH and controls were searched in PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases (up to November 26, 2017). A meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2 software. A random-effects model (using the DerSimonian-Laird method) and the generic inverse variance method were used to compensate for the heterogeneity of studies concerning demographic characteristics and differences in the studies' design.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis of 8 studies involving 317 patients with FH and 244 non-FH individuals did not suggest a significantly altered PWV in FH patients versus controls (weighted mean difference (WMD): 0.17 m/s, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.31, 0.65, = 0.489; = 80.15%). The result was robust in the sensitivity analysis and its significance was not influenced after omitting each of the included studies from the meta-analysis. Subanalysis of 6 of these studies which had data on intima-media thickness (IMT) indicated an increased IMT in FH patients when compared with controls (WMD = 0.03 mm, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.06, = 0.034; = 48.95%). However, the effect size was sensitive to some of the included studies.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis suggests that FH patients do not have significantly altered PWV when compared with normocholesterolemic individuals. However, a subanalysis of studies in which IMT was measured indicated that IMT is increased in FH patients compared with controls.
PubMed: 31749863
DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.89450 -
Canadian Family Physician Medecin de... Jan 2016To summarize the pathophysiology, epidemiology, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the pathophysiology, epidemiology, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).
QUALITY OF EVIDENCE
A PubMed search was conducted (inception to July 2014) for articles on pathophysiology, screening, diagnosis, and management of FH, supplemented with hand searches of bibliographies of guidelines and reviews. A supporting level of evidence for each recommendation was categorized as level I (randomized controlled trial or systematic review of randomized controlled trials), level II (observational study), or level III (expert opinion). The best available evidence is mostly level II or III.
MAIN MESSAGE
Familial hypercholesterolemia affects 1 in 500 Canadians. Risk of a coronary event is high in these patients and is underestimated by risk calculators (eg, Framingham). Clinicians should screen patients according to guidelines and suspect FH in any patient with a premature cardiovascular event, physical stigmata of hypercholesterolemia, or an elevated plasma lipid level. Physicians should diagnose FH using either the Simon Broome or Dutch Lipid Network criteria. Management of heterozygous FH includes reducing low-density lipoprotein levels by 50% or more from baseline with high-dose statins and other lipid-lowering agents. Clinicians should refer any patient with homozygous FH to a specialized centre.
CONCLUSION
Familial hypercholesterolemia represents an important cause of premature cardiovascular disease in Canadians. Early identification and aggressive treatment of individuals with FH reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Atherosclerosis; Canada; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, LDL; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II; Mass Screening
PubMed: 26796832
DOI: No ID Found -
European Journal of Radiology Jan 2014Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) are a controversial entity. They arise from non-branching sites on the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) and are suspected... (Review)
Review
Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) are a controversial entity. They arise from non-branching sites on the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) and are suspected to originate from a dissection. Our aim is to describe the BBA cases seen in our center and to present a systematic review of the literature on BBAs. We analyzed the eleven cases of BBA admitted to our center from 2003 to 2012. We assessed the medical history, treatment modality (endovascular and/or surgery), complications and clinical outcome. The cohort included 8 women and 4 men with a mean age of 53.16 years. Treatment of the BBA consisted of stenting and coiling in 5 patients, stenting only in 4 patients, coiling and clipping in 1 patient, clipping only in 1 patient, and conservative treatment in 1 patient. A good outcome was found in 10 patients, as defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) less than or equal to two at three months. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and 314 reported patients were found: 221 patients were treated with a primarily surgical approach, and 87 patients were treated with a primarily endovascular approach. A rescue or second treatment was required in 46 patients (21%). The overall estimated treatment morbidity rate was 17%, and the mortality rate was 15%. BBAs exhibit more aggressive behavior compared to saccular aneurysms, and more intra-operative complications occur with BBAs, independent of the treatment type offered. They are also significantly more likely to relapse and rebleed after treatment. Endovascular treatment offers a lower morbidity-mortality compared with surgical approaches. Multilayer flow-diverting stents appear to be a promising strategy.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aneurysm, Ruptured; Blister; Cerebral Angiography; Female; Humans; Intracranial Aneurysm; Male; Middle Aged; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 24231267
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.09.017 -
Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular... 2017Hyperlipidemia or dyslipidemia has been a concern for a long time, with various guidelines emphasizing the importance of managing the lipid profile to prevent cardiac... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hyperlipidemia or dyslipidemia has been a concern for a long time, with various guidelines emphasizing the importance of managing the lipid profile to prevent cardiac incidences. Although statins have been found to be highly effective, resistance and intolerability to side effects will continue to be a stumbling block for certain patients. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors tackle lipid profile via a novel mechanism and therefore provide an additional effective option for managing lipid profile. The overarching aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of evolocumab among various populations with hypercholesterolemia.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted in ProQuest Health & Medical Complete, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed to identify potential records; then titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened using the inclusion criteria to filter out irrelevant studies. Data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken using standardized tools and the results were narratively synthesized and presented in tables.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included in this systematic review after screening 1191 records. All studies demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values in the groups that received evolocumab compared with the comparator groups ( p < 0.05). The decline in LDL-C levels from baseline in the majority of studies ranged from 40% to 80%, whether used alone or in combination with other agents. Also, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B were improved with the use of evolocumab.
CONCLUSIONS
This study helped to collate evidence from studies that tested the effectiveness of evolocumab in the management of hyperlipidemia. Evolocumab seems to be highly effective in reducing LDL-C and other lipid parameters. Hence, it provides an excellent alternative for patients with refractory disease or patients who develop intolerable side effects, therefore helping to overcome the stumbling block to achieving optimal lipid management.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Anticholesteremic Agents; Biomarkers; Cholesterol, LDL; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; PCSK9 Inhibitors; Proprotein Convertase 9; Serine Proteinase Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28488460
DOI: 10.1177/1753944717698925 -
PloS One 2016The role played by total cholesterol (TC) in risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is unclear because studies report both high and low TC each as a risk factor. We... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The role played by total cholesterol (TC) in risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is unclear because studies report both high and low TC each as a risk factor. We performed a systematic review to clarify associations between lipid profile and SAH.
METHODS
Our literature search comprised Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases with no language, publication year, or study type limitations. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist guided our reporting. Data forms adapted from the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP), and Cochrane Collaboration guidelines provided a platform for risk-of-bias evaluation. We used a random effects model to calculate pooled estimates and assessed heterogeneity with I2-statistics.
RESULTS
Of the final 21 studies reviewed, 12 were prospective and 9 retrospective. All studies assessed TC, four assessed HDL, and none LDL in risk for SAH. Heterogeneity among all, retrospective, and Asian studies was high (I2 = 79.5%, I2 = 89.0%, and I2 = 84.3%) and considerable in prospective (I2 = 46.0%). We therefore focused on qualitative analysis and found that only two studies had a low risk of bias. According to these studies high TC increases risk for SAH in men, whereas the role of HDL remained unclear.
CONCLUSION
The low-risk-of-bias studies suggest that elevated TC levels elevate risk for SAH in men. Due to the high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, population attributable risk (PAR) of hypercholesterolemia may exceed the PARs of smoking and hypertension in men. Apart from diabetes and obesity, the risk-factor profile of SAH seems to resemble that of other cerebrovascular diseases, at least in men.
Topics: Cholesterol; Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
PubMed: 27077917
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152568 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Jun 2009Atherosclerosis can obstruct branching arteries of the abdominal aorta, including four paired lumbar arteries and the middle sacral artery that feed the lumbar spine.... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Atherosclerosis can obstruct branching arteries of the abdominal aorta, including four paired lumbar arteries and the middle sacral artery that feed the lumbar spine. The diminished blood flow could result in various back problems. The aim of this systematic literature review was to assess associations between atherosclerosis and disc degeneration (DD) or low-back pain (LBP).
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search of the Medline/PubMed database for all original articles on atherosclerosis and DD/LBP published until October 2008. The search was performed with the medical subject headings atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk factor, or vascular disease and keywords "disc degeneration", "disc herniation", and "back pain" on the basis of MeSH tree and as a text search. In addition reference lists were studied and searched manually. Observational studies investigating the association of atherosclerosis or its risk factors and lumbar DD/LBP were selected.
REVIEW METHODS
The following data were extracted: study characteristics, duration of follow-up, year of publication, findings of atherosclerosis/cardiovascular risk factors and DD/LBP. Disc herniation was regarded as a form of disc degeneration and cardiovascular risk factors were regarded as surrogate for atherosclerosis in epidemiological studies.
RESULTS
One hundred and seventy-nine papers were identified. After exclusion of case reports, letters, editorials, papers not related to the lumbar spine, and animal studies, 25 papers were included. Post-mortem studies showed an association between atheromatous lesions in the aorta and DD, as well as between occluded lumbar arteries and life-time LBP. In clinical studies, aortic calcification was associated with LBP, and stenosis of lumbar arteries was associated with both DD and LBP. In epidemiological studies, smoking and high serum cholesterol levels were found to have the most consistent associations with DD and LBP.
CONCLUSION
Aortic atherosclerosis and stenosis of the feeding arteries of the lumbar spine were associated with DD and LBP. Cardiovascular risk factors had weaker associations, being clearly apparent only in cohorts on elderly people or in large study samples. More prospective clinical studies are needed to further clarify the association of atherosclerosis and low-back disorders.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Diseases; Atherosclerosis; Autopsy; Constriction, Pathologic; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Intervertebral Disc; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Smoking; Spinal Diseases; Young Adult
PubMed: 19328027
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2009.02.006 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Jul 2021Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) lead to significant adverse effects in coronary arteries. Mipomersen is a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits... (Review)
Review
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) lead to significant adverse effects in coronary arteries. Mipomersen is a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits the synthesis of apolipoprotein B-100, an essential component of low density lipoprotein (LDL), and thus decreases the production of LDL. We aimed to determine the effect of mipomersen in patients with FH. We searched Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, WHO ICTRP search portal, ISI database, the reference lists of relevant articles, and also Google Scholar to retrieve articles. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing patients with FH receiving mipomersen as an add-on and a parallel group receiving a placebo or no intervention were selected. Five studies with more than 500 patients were included. All had low risk of bias. Pooling data showed that mipomersen probably reduces LDL compared with placebo [mean difference: -24.79, 95% CI (-30.15, -19.43)] but with a moderate level of certainty. There was a high level of evidence for injection site reactions [RR = 2.56, CI (1.47-4.44)] and a low level for increased serum alanine transaminase (ALT) > 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) [RR = 5.19, CI (1.01-26.69)]. A moderate level of evidence in decreasing serum LDL indicates that we are uncertain if this drug provides benefit in any outcome important to patients. Although a low level of evidence for an increase in serum ALT leaves uncertainty about this adverse effect, injection site reactions in 10% or more of patients can be an important concern.
PubMed: 34357325
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8070082 -
PloS One 2016Chinese populations have a higher proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in total strokes. However, the reasons are not fully understood. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chinese populations have a higher proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in total strokes. However, the reasons are not fully understood.
METHODS
To assess the differences in frequency of major risk factors between ICH and ischemic stroke (IS) in Chinese versus white populations of European descent, we systematically sought studies conducted since 1990 that compared frequency of risk factors between ICH and IS in Chinese or white populations. For each risk factor, in Chinese and Whites separately, we calculated study-specific and random effects pooled prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) for ICH versus IS.
RESULTS
Six studies among 36,190 Chinese, and seven among 52,100 white stroke patients studied hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (AF), ischemic heart disease (IHD), hypercholesterolemia, smoking and alcohol. Pooled prevalence of AF was significantly lower in Chinese. Pooled ORs for ICH versus IS were mostly similar in Chinese and Whites. However, in Chinese--but not Whites--mean age was lower (62 versus 69 years), while hypertension and alcohol were significantly more frequent in ICH than IS (ORs 1.38, 95% CI 1.18-1.62, and 1.46, 1.12-1.91). Hypercholesterolemia and smoking were significantly less frequent in ICH in Whites, but not Chinese, while IHD, AF and diabetes were less frequent in ICH in both.
CONCLUSIONS
Different risk factor distributions in ICH and IS raise interesting possibilities about variation in mechanisms underlying the different distributions of pathological types of stroke between Chinese and Whites. Further analyses in large, prospective studies, including adjustment for potential confounders, are needed to consolidate and extend these findings.
Topics: Aged; Asian People; Brain Ischemia; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Stroke; White People
PubMed: 26991497
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151743 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Mar 2022Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) has a high recurrence rate, but the risk factor-associated recurrence are elusive. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) has a high recurrence rate, but the risk factor-associated recurrence are elusive.
METHODS
Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Sino Med up to November 3, 2019. The effect size was analyzed by odds ratio and 95% CI. Data from eligible studies were meta-analyzed using Stata version 15.0.
RESULTS
Our search resulted in a total of 4076 hits. Twenty-four outcomes of sixty articles were included in the meta-analysis. Risk factors for the recurrence of BPPV included female gender, age (≥65years), hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, migraine, cervical spondylosis, osteopenia/osteoporosis, head trauma, otitis media, abnormal vestibular evoked myogenic potential, and long use of computers. No significant differences were found in side, type of the involved semicircular canals, smoking, alcohol consumption, stroke, ear surgery, duration of vertigo before treatment, the times of repositioning, Meniere disease, sleep disorders, hypercholesterolemia, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
CONCLUSION
These findings strengthen clinical awareness of early warning to identify patients with potential relapse risk of BPPV and clinicians should counsel patients regarding the importance of follow-up after diagnosis of BPPV.
Topics: Aged; Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo; Female; Humans; Meniere Disease; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Semicircular Canals; Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
PubMed: 32776833
DOI: 10.1177/0145561320943362