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The Indian Journal of Medical Research Jul 2021In the current scenario, with availability of different surgical procedures for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), there exists no common consensus as to the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES
In the current scenario, with availability of different surgical procedures for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), there exists no common consensus as to the standardization of the management protocol for the same. In addition, there also exists diversity in the views about the clinical diagnosis, ancillary investigations and clinical parameters. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reported outcomes of surgical interventions for the management of LSCD.
METHODS
A systematic review of published literature on limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) was performed using Ovid Medline, Embase and PubMed for a duration of 2009 to 2019. Original studies including prospective, retrospective case series and randomized controlled trials, articles in English language, articles with access to full text and studies with more than or at least 10 patients were included in this review. Data related to clinical and visual outcomes were evaluated, and pool estimates of different surgeries were calculated using random-effects model and individually using Pearson's Chi-square test.
RESULTS
A total of 1133 abstracts were evaluated. Finally, 17 studies were included for the analysis. Among these 17 studies, direct limbal lenticule transplantation was performed in five studies, of which autologous tissue from the fellow eye [conjunctival limbal autograft (CLAU)], allograft from a cadaver/live donor [keratolimbal allograft (KLAL)/conjunctival limbal allograft (CLAL)] and combination of CLAU plus KLAL were done in one, three and one studies, respectively. The ex vivo expanded cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET) was reported in six studies and simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) in four studies. Two were comparative studies comparing CLET and CLAL (living-related CLAL) with cadaveric KLAL, respectively. Outcome analysis of the included studies showed significant heterogeneity. Calculated pool rate for various types of surgeries was calculated. The pool estimate for CLAL was 67.56 per cent [95% confidence interval (CI), 41.75-93.36; I=83.5%, P=0.002]. For KLAL, this value was 63.65 per cent (95% CI, 31.38-95.91; I=92.4%, P=0.000). Pool estimate for CLET was 78.90 per cent (95% CI, 70.51-87.28; I=73.6%, P=0.001). Corresponding values for SLET were 79.08 per cent (95% CI, 74.10-84.07; I=0.0%, P=0.619). CLAU and combination of CLAU plus KLAL were done in one study each; hence, statistical analysis could not be done. The functional outcome in terms of gain in visual acuity post-operatively was better in KLAL (P<0.005) and SLET group as compared to CLET group.
INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS
The present analysis suggests that though the anatomical success rates were almost identical between SLET, CLET, CLAL, and KLAL procedures, the functional success rates were better following KLAL and SLET procedures as compared to CLET. Decision for LSCT for cases of ocular burns based on either clinical judgement of the surgeon or individual diagnosis remains a suitable option.
Topics: Corneal Diseases; Humans; Limbus Corneae; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retrospective Studies; Stem Cell Transplantation; Stem Cells; Transplantation, Autologous
PubMed: 34782530
DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1139_18 -
Neurosurgical Review Jun 2022Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) with reduced cerebral perfusion pressure is a well-known cause of secondary brain injury. Previously, there have been some reports... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) with reduced cerebral perfusion pressure is a well-known cause of secondary brain injury. Previously, there have been some reports describing different supra- and infratentorial ICP measurements depending on the location of the mass effect. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the issue of optimal ICP monitoring in the infratentorial mass lesion. A literature search of electronic databases (PUBMED, EMBASE) was performed from January 1969 until February 2021 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Two assessors are independently screened for eligible studies reporting the use of simultaneous ICP monitoring in the supra- and infratentorial compartments. For quality assessment of those studies, the New Castle Ottawa Scale was used. The primary outcome was to evaluate the value of supra- and infratentorial ICP measurement, and the secondary outcome was to determine the time threshold until equalization of both values. Current evidence surrounding infratentorial ICP measurement was found to be low to very low quality according to New Castle Ottawa Scale. Eight studies were included in the systematic review, four of them containing human subjects encompassing 27 patients with infratentorial pathology. The pooled data demonstrated significantly higher infratentorial ICP values than supratentorial ICP values 12 h after onset (p < 0.05, 95% CI 3.82-5.38) up to 24 h after onset (p < 0.05; CI 1.14-3.98). After 48-72 h, both ICP measurements equilibrated showing no significant difference. Further, four studies containing 26 pigs and eight dogs showed a simultaneous increase of supra- and infratentorial ICP value according to the increase of supratentorial mass volume; however, there was a significant difference towards lower ICP in the infratentorial compartment compared to the supratentorial compartment. The transtentorial gradient leads to a significant discrepancy between supra- and infratentorial ICP monitoring. Therefore, infratentorial ICP monitoring is warranted in case of posterior fossa lesions for at least 48 h.
Topics: Animals; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Dogs; Humans; Intracranial Hypertension; Intracranial Pressure; Monitoring, Physiologic; Skull; Swine
PubMed: 35118578
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-022-01746-y -
Journal of Applied Physiology... Feb 2022Pulmonary gas exchange during diving or in a dry hyperbaric environment is affected by increased breathing gas density and possibly water immersion. During free diving,... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary gas exchange during diving or in a dry hyperbaric environment is affected by increased breathing gas density and possibly water immersion. During free diving, there is also the effect of apnea. Few studies have published blood gas data in underwater or hyperbaric environments: this review summarizes the available literature and was used to test the hypothesis that arterial Po under hyperbaric conditions can be predicted from blood gas measurement at 1 atmosphere assuming a constant arterial/alveolar Po ratio (a:A). A systematic search was performed on traditional sources including arterial blood gases obtained on humans in hyperbaric or underwater environments. The a:A was calculated at 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA). For each condition, predicted arterial partial pressure of oxygen ([Formula: see text]) at pressure was calculated using the 1 ATA a:A, and the measured [Formula: see text] was plotted against the predicted value with Spearman correlation coefficients. Of 3,640 records reviewed, 30 studies were included: 25 were reports describing values obtained in hyperbaric chambers, and the remaining were collected while underwater. Increased inspired O at pressure resulted in increased [Formula: see text], although underlying lung disease in patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen attenuated the rise. [Formula: see text] generally increased only slightly. In breath-hold divers, hyperoxemia generally occurred at maximum depth, with hypoxemia after surfacing. The a:A adequately predicted the [Formula: see text] under various conditions: dry ( = 0.993, < 0.0001), rest versus exercise ( = 0.999, < 0.0001), and breathing mixtures ( = 0.995, < 0.0001). In conclusion, pulmonary oxygenation under hyperbaric conditions can be reliably and accurately predicted from 1 ATA a:A measurements.
Topics: Blood Gas Analysis; Diving; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Oxygen; Partial Pressure; Pulmonary Gas Exchange
PubMed: 34941439
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00569.2021 -
Archives of Academic Emergency Medicine 2023The Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head injury (CRASH) and the International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials (IMPACT) are two... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head injury (CRASH) and the International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials (IMPACT) are two prognostic models frequently used in predicting the outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury. There are ongoing debates about which of the two models has a better prognostic value. This study aims to compare the CRASH and IMPACT in predicting mortality and unfavorable outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury.
METHOD
We performed a literature search using Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until August 17, 2022. After two independent researchers screened the articles, we included all the original articles comparing the prognostic value of IMPACT and CRASH models in patients with traumatic brain injury. The outcomes evaluated were mortality and unfavorable outcome. The data of the included articles were analyzed using STATA 17.0 statistical program, and we reported an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for comparison.
RESULTS
We included the data from 16 studies. The analysis showed that the areas under the curve of the IMPACT core model and CRASH basic model do not differ in predicting the mortality of patients (OR=0.99; p=0.905) and their six-month unfavorable outcome (OR=1.01; p=0.719). Additionally, the CRASH CT model showed no difference from the IMPACT extended (OR=0.98; p=0.507) and IMPACT Lab (OR=1.00; p=0.298) models in predicting the mortality of patients with traumatic brain injury. We also observed similar findings in the six-month unfavorable outcome, showing that the CRASH CT model does not differ from the IMPACT extended (OR=1.00; p=0.990) and IMPACT Lab (OR=1.00; p=0.570) in predicting the unfavorable outcome in head trauma patients.
CONCLUSION
Low to very low level of evidence shows that IMPACT and CRASH models have similar values in predicting mortality and unfavorable outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury. Since the discriminative power of the IMPACT Core and CRASH basic models is not different from the IMPACT extended, IMPACT Lab, and CRASH CT models, it may be possible to only use the core and basic models in examining the prognosis of patients with traumatic injuries to the brain.
PubMed: 36919143
DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v11i1.1885 -
PloS One 2015Procalcitonin (PCT) has been widely investigated for its prognostic value in septic patients. However, studies have produced conflicting results. The purpose of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Procalcitonin (PCT) has been widely investigated for its prognostic value in septic patients. However, studies have produced conflicting results. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to explore the diagnostic accuracy of a single PCT concentration and PCT non-clearance in predicting all-cause sepsis mortality. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge and the Cochrane Library. Articles written in English were included. A 2 × 2 contingency table was constructed based on all-cause mortality and PCT level or PCT non-clearance in septic patients. Two authors independently evaluated study eligibility and extracted data. The diagnostic value of PCT in predicting prognosis was determined using a bivariate meta-analysis model. We used the Q-test and I2 index to test heterogeneity. Twenty-three studies with 3,994 patients were included. An elevated PCT level was associated with a higher risk of death. The pooled relative risk (RR) was 2.60 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.05-3.30) using a random-effects model (I(2) = 63.5%). The overall area under the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.73-0.80), with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.67-0.82) and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.52-0.74), respectively. There was significant evidence of heterogeneity for the PCT testing time (P = 0.020). Initial PCT values were of limited prognostic value in patients with sepsis. PCT non-clearance was a prognostic factor of death in patients with sepsis. The pooled RR was 3.05 (95% CI, 2.35-3.95) using a fixed-effects model (I(2) = 37.9%). The overall area under the SROC curve was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75-0.83), with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.58-0.82) and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.55-0.90), respectively. Elevated PCT concentrations and PCT non-clearance are strongly associated with all-cause mortality in septic patients. Further studies are needed to define the optimal cut-off point and the optimal definition of PCT non-clearance for accurate risk assessment.
Topics: Biomarkers; Calcitonin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Mortality; Odds Ratio; Protein Precursors; Sepsis
PubMed: 26076027
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129450 -
Infectious Agents and Cancer 2017Literature data suggest that multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), including morphologic T2-weigthed images (T2-MRI) and functional approaches such as... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Literature data suggest that multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), including morphologic T2-weigthed images (T2-MRI) and functional approaches such as Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-MRI (DCE-MRI), Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI), give an added value in the prostate cancer localization and local staging.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of literature about the role and the potentiality of morphological and functional MRI in prostate cancer, also in a multimodal / multiparametric approach, and we reported the diagnostic accuracy results for different imaging modalities and for different MR coil settings: endorectal coil (ERC) and phased array coil (PAC). Forest plots and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed. Risk of bias and the applicability at study level were calculated.
RESULTS
Thirty three papers were identified for the systematic review. Sensitivity and specificity values were, respectively, for T2-MRI of 75% and of 60%, for DCE-MRI of 80% and of 72%, for MRSI of 89% and of 69%, for combined T2-MRI and DCE-MRI of 87% and of 46%, for combined T2-MRI and MRSI of 79% and of 57%, for combined T2-MRI, DWI and DCE-MRI of 81% and of 84%, and for combined MRSI and DCE-MRI of 83% and of 83%. For MRI studies performed with ERC we obtained a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 81% and of 66% while the pooled values for MRI studies performed with PAC were of 78% and of 64%, respectively (p>0.05 at McNemar test). No studies were excluded from the analysis based on the quality assessment.
CONCLUSIONS
ERC use yielded no additional benefit in terms of prostate cancer detection accuracy compared to multi-channel PAC use (71% versus 68%) while the use of additional functional imaging techniques (DCE-MRI, DWI and MRSI) in a multiparametric MRI protocol improves the accuracy of prostate cancer detection allowing both the early cure and the guidance of biopsy.
PubMed: 29093748
DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0168-z -
BioMed Research International 2022In light of the growing emphasis on classifying stroke patients for different levels of monitoring intensity and emergency treatments, we conducted a systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In light of the growing emphasis on classifying stroke patients for different levels of monitoring intensity and emergency treatments, we conducted a systematic review of a wide range of clinical studies, according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, with no restrictions on the language or publication date, to analyze the potential of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an early neurological deterioration (END) risk predictor. A comprehensive search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from the inception to March 13, 2022. Nine articles were included in our study. Stroke patients with END had significantly higher NLR levels than the those without END (SMD = 0.73; CI 95% = 0.42-1.05, value < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, according to ethnicity, East Asian patients with END had elevated levels of NLR compared to those without END (SMD = 0.79; CI 95% = 0.52-1.06, value < 0.001). However, the difference in the Caucasian group was not significant (SMD = 0.60; CI 95% = -0.50-1.70, value = 0.28). In the subgroup analysis according to the type of stroke, the NLR levels in patients with hemorrhagic stroke who developed END were similar to those without END (SMD = 0.84, CI 95% = -0.10-1.77, value = 0.07). Vice versa, in the ischemic stroke group, patients with END had elevated levels of NLR compared to those without END (SMD = 0.67, CI 95% = 0.38-0.96, value < 0.001). NLR is a unique inflammatory biomarker whose increase in END suggests an immune system dysfunction in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Topics: Biomarkers; Humans; Lymphocytes; Neutrophils; Stroke
PubMed: 36033552
DOI: 10.1155/2022/8656864 -
Laryngoscope Investigative... Apr 2022The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and erythrocytosis. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and erythrocytosis.
METHODS
The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles examining hematocrit values in patients with OSA and control individuals published till September 1, 2021. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated, and subgroup analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Eleven eligible studies with a total of 4608 patients with OSA were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled outcomes revealed that hematocrit values were significantly higher in patients with OSA than in controls (SMD, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.08-0.29; < .01). When studies were stratified by disease severity, the significant differences in hematocrit values between patients and controls were only observed in the severe OSA group (SMD, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.08-0.59; < .01), but not in the mild and moderate OSA groups. In subgroup analyses according to sex and publication year, significant differences in hematocrit values between patients and controls remained stable in studies with only female patients (SMD, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12-0.38; < .01) and in studies published after 2012 (SMD, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.28, < .01).
CONCLUSION
Our meta-analysis revealed that the hematocrit value was significantly increased in patients with OSA, particularly in severe patients, compared with that in controls. However, the elevation was modest, and the hematocrit value is expected to be within the normal range in patients with OSA. These data suggest that OSA leads to slight increases in hematocrit but does not cause clinically significant erythrocytosis.
PubMed: 35434329
DOI: 10.1002/lio2.751 -
Infectious Diseases and Therapy Sep 2020The ability to predict likely prognosis and infectiousness for patients with COVID-19 would aid patient management decisions. Diagnosis is usually via real-time PCR, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The ability to predict likely prognosis and infectiousness for patients with COVID-19 would aid patient management decisions. Diagnosis is usually via real-time PCR, and it is unclear whether the semi-quantitative capability of this method, determining viral load through cycle threshold (Ct) values, can be leveraged.
OBJECTIVES
We aim to review available knowledge on correlations between SARS-COV-2 Ct values and patient- or healthcare-related outcomes to determine whether Ct values provide useful clinical information.
SOURCES
A PubMed search was conducted on 1 June 2020 based on a search strategy of (Ct value OR viral load) AND SARS-CoV-2. Data were extracted from studies reporting on the presence or absence of an association between Ct values, or viral loads determined via Ct value, and clinical outcomes.
CONTENT
Data from 18 studies were relevant for inclusion. One study reported on the correlation between Ct values and mortality and one study reported on the correlation between Ct values and progression to severe disease; both reported a significant association (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). Fourteen studies reported on the correlation between Ct value or viral loads determined via Ct value and disease severity, and an association was observed in eight (57%) studies. Studies reporting on the correlation of viral load with biochemical and haematological markers showed an association with at least one marker, including increased lactate dehydrogenase (n = 4), decreased lymphocytes (n = 3) and increased high-sensitivity troponin I (n = 2). Two studies reporting on the correlation with infectivity showed that lower Ct values were associated with higher viral culture positivity.
IMPLICATIONS
Data suggest that lower Ct values may be associated with worse outcomes and that Ct values may be useful in predicting the clinical course and prognosis of patients with COVID-19; however, further studies are warranted to confirm clinical value.
PubMed: 32725536
DOI: 10.1007/s40121-020-00324-3 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a cost-efficient indicator for carcinoma prognosis. However, its utility in urothelial carcinoma (UC) prognosis is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a cost-efficient indicator for carcinoma prognosis. However, its utility in urothelial carcinoma (UC) prognosis is disputed. This meta-analysis aims to assess SII's prognostic value in UC.
METHODS
A thorough search of databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, was conducted to find studies until January 11, 2023. Eligibility criteria were applied to select studies. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from selected studies and compiled in a meta-analysis to gauge SII's association with survival outcomes such as overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and progression-free survival (PFS).
RESULTS
This analysis includes 19 studies with 12505 UC patients. It was found that high SII significantly correlated with worse OS in UC patients (HR 1.430, 95% CI 1.237-1.653, P<0.001). High SII values also linked with poorer CSS (HR 1.913, 95% CI 1.473-2.485, P<0.001), RFS (HR 1.240, 95% CI 1.097-1.403, P=0.001), and PFS (HR 1.844, 95% CI 1.488-2.284, P<0.001) compared to low SII values. Subgroup analysis revealed SII's consistent prognostic value in UC across races, carcinoma types, sample sizes, and SII cut-off values, suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator in UC patients.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence suggests SII as a promising, cost-efficient predictor in UC patients. This meta-analysis indicates SII's potential as a valuable prognostic tool in UC patients.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=307643, identifier CRD42022307643.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Prognosis; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Inflammation; Proportional Hazards Models
PubMed: 38053997
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275033