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Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2022Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) has a high prevalence in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, especially those undergoing kidney transplantation (KT). We aimed to... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) has a high prevalence in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, especially those undergoing kidney transplantation (KT). We aimed to systematically review and calculate the pooled effect size of the literature evaluating the association between pre-existing PH documented by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or invasively and adverse outcomes following KT. The primary composite outcome extracted from the included studies was represented by the mortality from any cause following KT and delayed graft function (DGF), graft dysfunction, or graft failure. The secondary outcomes were represented by individual components of the primary composite outcome. Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. The main finding is that pre-existing PH was associated with increased mortality and a higher rate of DGF, kidney graft dysfunction, or failure in KT recipients. The effect remained significant for all outcomes irrespective of PH evaluation, invasively or using TTE. Consequently, patients with PH defined only by TTE were at higher risk of death, DGF, or graft failure. Our findings support the routine assessment of PH in patients on the KT waitlist. PH might represent an extensively available and valuable tool for risk stratification in KT patients. These data should be confirmed in large prospective clinical trials.
PubMed: 35407552
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071944 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023L-Arginine (L-Arg)/Nitric Oxide (NO) system is involved in the pathophysiology of relevant Obstetric conditions. This review aims at summarizing the effects of L-Arg... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/AIM OF THE STUDY
L-Arginine (L-Arg)/Nitric Oxide (NO) system is involved in the pathophysiology of relevant Obstetric conditions. This review aims at summarizing the effects of L-Arg supplementation in pregnancy looking at safety and efficacy.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed for studies published from inception to September 2022. The search included human and animal studies where L-Arg was supplemented pre-conceptionally or during pregnancy, by either oral or intravenous route. The main perinatal outcomes were focused.
RESULTS
Among 1028 publications, 51 studies were eligible for inclusion, 25 were performed in women, and the remnant in animals. Compared to controls/placebo, the supplementation with L-Arg reduced the development of pre-eclampsia (four studies), decreased blood pressure, and reduced the need for antihypertensive drugs in women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP, eight studies). In women carrying growth retarded fetuses, L-Arg improved fetoplacental circulation, birth weight and neonatal outcomes (five studies), while in the case of threatened preterm birth, L-Arg reduced uterine contractions (two studies). In several animal species, L-Arg supplementation in pregnancy improved reproductive performance by increasing the litter number and size. Moreover, in pre-eclamptic and metabolic syndrome experimental models, maternal hypertension and fetal growth were improved.
CONCLUSION
L-Arg displays biological activities in pregnancies complicated by HDP and growth restriction, both in women and animal models. L-Arg administration is safe and could be a candidate as an intervention beneficial to maternal and fetal outcomes, at least in moderate clinical disorders.
Topics: Pregnancy; Animals; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Premature Birth; Dietary Supplements; Pre-Eclampsia; Fetus; Arginine
PubMed: 37258415
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2217465 -
Cureus Nov 2023Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, severity continues to rise worldwide. This systematic review seeks... (Review)
Review
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, severity continues to rise worldwide. This systematic review seeks to examine the prevalence of diabetes and its associated comorbid conditions, aiming to provide insights into the multifaceted impact of diabetes on a broader scale. DM exhibits a positive correlation with advancing age, and it's strongly influenced by genetic predisposition. In recent years, there has been a discernible global increase in the prevalence of type 1 diabetes (T1D), as evidenced by extensive epidemiological studies. Individuals with DM frequently have a positive familial history, and the presence of DM in both parents or solely the mother significantly amplifies genetic susceptibility. Moreover, non-genetic factors, such as acute psychological stressors, obesity, pregnancy, and smoking play a pivotal role in the development of DM. Notably, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and all patients with T1D. T2D is prevalent, particularly among females, and its incidence rises with age. UTIs are prevalent among individuals with diabetes, particularly females, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates being the primary etiological agents responsible for UTI inflammation. Insulin resistance is a common feature in both prediabetes and prehypertension, serving as a precursor to these conditions. The increasing incidence of T2D in regions with high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence emphasizes the significance of understanding DM as a substantial TB risk factor. DM is associated with a threefold elevation in TB risk and a twofold increase in unfavorable outcomes during TB treatment. Notably, the global prevalence of DM has led to a larger population of TB patients with comorbid DM than TB patients coinfected with HIV. Diabetes and sepsis contribute significantly to worldwide morbidity and mortality, with diabetic individuals experiencing more post-sepsis complications and increased mortality. The coexistence of hypertension and T2D is a common comorbidity, with hypertension incidence being twice as high among individuals with diabetes compared to those without, often linked to insulin resistance and a heightened risk of diabetes onset.
PubMed: 38146555
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49374 -
Pregnancy Hypertension Mar 2023Pregnant people with chronic hypertension, pre-existing diabetes or both are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions play an important...
BACKGROUND
Pregnant people with chronic hypertension, pre-existing diabetes or both are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions play an important role in disease management in non-pregnant populations.
AIM
To review the existing evidence of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examine lifestyle interventions in pregnant people with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes.
METHODS
A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted. Five electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2021 for RCTs evaluating antenatal lifestyle interventions in people with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes with outcomes to include weight or blood pressure change.
RESULTS
Nine randomised controlled trials including 7438 pregnant women were eligible. Eight studies were mixed pregnant populations that included women with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes. One study included only pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes. Intervention characteristics and procedures varied and targeted diet, physical activity and/or gestational weight. All studies reported weight and one study reported blood pressure change. Outcome data were frequently unavailable for the subset of women of interest, including subgroup data on important pregnancy and birth complications. Eligibility criteria were often ambiguous and baseline data on chronic hypertension was often omitted.
CONCLUSION
A lack of primary interventional trials examining the effect of lifestyle interventions on weight and blood pressure outcomes in pregnant populations with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes was evident. Lifestyle modification has the potential to alter disease progression. Future trials should address the ambiguity and frequent exclusion of these important populations.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Pre-Eclampsia; Diabetes Mellitus; Pregnant Women; Hypertension; Life Style; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36608587
DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2022.12.004 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2008Oxidative stress has been proposed as a key factor involved in the development of pre-eclampsia. Supplementing women with antioxidants during pregnancy may help to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Oxidative stress has been proposed as a key factor involved in the development of pre-eclampsia. Supplementing women with antioxidants during pregnancy may help to counteract oxidative stress and thereby prevent or delay the onset of pre-eclampsia.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness and safety of any antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy and the risk of developing pre-eclampsia and its related complications.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (May 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1950 to October 2007) and Current Contents (1998 to August 2004).
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised trials comparing one or more antioxidants with either placebo or no antioxidants during pregnancy for the prevention of pre-eclampsia, and trials comparing one or more antioxidants with another, or with other interventions.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and trial quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
Ten trials, involving 6533 women, were included in this review, five trials were rated high quality. For the majority of trials, the antioxidant assessed was combined vitamin C and E therapy. There was no significant difference between antioxidant and control groups for the relative risk (RR) of pre-eclampsia (RR 0.73, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.51 to 1.06; nine trials, 5446 women) or any other primary outcome: severe pre-eclampsia (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.76; two trials, 2495 women), preterm birth (before 37 weeks) (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.22; five trials, 5198 women), small-for-gestational-age infants (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.11; five trials, 5271 babies) or any baby death (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.53; four trials, 5144 babies). Women allocated antioxidants were more likely to self-report abdominal pain late in pregnancy (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.34; one trial, 1745 women), require antihypertensive therapy (RR 1.77, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.57; two trials, 4272 women) and require an antenatal hospital admission for hypertension (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.39; one trial, 1877 women). However, for the latter two outcomes, this was not clearly reflected in an increase in any other hypertensive complications.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Evidence from this review does not support routine antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and other serious complications in pregnancy.
Topics: Antioxidants; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Oxidative Stress; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 18254042
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004227.pub3 -
Nutrients Sep 2023Although gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has several short- and long-term adverse effects on the mother and the offspring, no medicine is generally prescribed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Although gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has several short- and long-term adverse effects on the mother and the offspring, no medicine is generally prescribed to prevent GDM. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of inositol supplementation in preventing GDM and related outcomes. Systematic search was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase until 13 September 2023. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared the efficacy of inositols to placebo in pregnant women at high risk for GDM. Our primary outcome was the incidence of GDM, whereas secondary outcomes were oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and maternal and fetal complications. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021284939). Eight eligible RCTs were identified, including the data of 1795 patients. The incidence of GDM was halved by inositols compared to placebo (RR = 0.42, CI: 0.26-0.67). Fasting, 1-h, and 2-h OGTT glucose levels were significantly decreased by inositols. The stereoisomer myoinositol also reduced the risk of insulin need (RR = 0.29, CI: 0.13-0.68), preeclampsia or gestational hypertension (RR = 0.38, CI: 0.2-0.71), preterm birth (RR = 0.44, CI: 0.22-0.88), and neonatal hypoglycemia (RR = 0.12, CI: 0.03-0.55). Myoinositol decrease the incidence of GDM in pregnancies high-risk for GDM. Moreover, myoinositol supplementation reduces the risk of insulin need, preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, preterm birth, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Based on the present study 2-4 g myoinositol canbe suggested from the first trimester to prevent GDM and related outcomes.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Diabetes, Gestational; Premature Birth; Pre-Eclampsia; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Hypoglycemia; Insulin; Inositol
PubMed: 37836508
DOI: 10.3390/nu15194224 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Sep 2022Concerns arise when patients with pneumocephalus engage in air travel. How hypobaric cabin pressure affects intracranial air is largely unclear. A widespread concern is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Concerns arise when patients with pneumocephalus engage in air travel. How hypobaric cabin pressure affects intracranial air is largely unclear. A widespread concern is that the intracranial volume could relevantly expand during flight and lead to elevated intracranial pressure. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and summarise models and case reports with confirmed pre-flight pneumocephalus.
METHODS
The terms (pneumocephalus OR intracranial air) AND (flying OR fly OR travel OR air transport OR aircraft) were used to search the database PubMed on 30 November 2021. This search returned 144 results. To be included, a paper needed to fulfil each of the following criteria: (i) peer-reviewed publication of case reports, surveys, simulations or laboratory experiments that focussed on air travel with pre-existing pneumocephalus; (ii) available in full text.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria after title or abstract screening. We additionally identified five more articles when reviewing the references. A notion that repeatedly surfaced is that any air contained within the neurocranium increases in volume at higher altitude, much like any extracranial gas, potentially resulting in tension pneumocephalus or increased intracranial pressure.
DISCUSSION
Relatively conservative thresholds for patients flying with pneumocephalus are suggested based on models where the intracranial air equilibrates with cabin pressure, although intracranial air in a confined space would be surrounded by the intracranial pressure. There is a discrepancy between the models and case presentations in that we found no reports of permanent or transient decompensation secondary to a pre-existing pneumocephalus during air travel. Nevertheless, the quality of examination varies and clinicians might tend to refrain from reporting adverse events. We identified a persistent extracranial to intracranial fistulous process in multiple cases with newly diagnosed pneumocephalus after flight. Finally, we summarised management principles to avoid complications from pneumocephalus during air travel and argue that a patient-specific understanding of the pathophysiology and time course of the pneumocephalus are potentially more important than its volume.
Topics: Air Travel; Humans; Intracranial Hypertension; Intracranial Pressure; Pneumocephalus
PubMed: 35794427
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-022-05297-5 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2021Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) is associated with poor prognosis, conferring up to a 10-fold increase in mortality in patients with sarcoidosis,...
BACKGROUND
Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) is associated with poor prognosis, conferring up to a 10-fold increase in mortality in patients with sarcoidosis, but the actual prevalence of SAPH is unknown.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for epidemiological studies reporting the prevalence of SAPH up to July 2021. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Studies were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 25 high-quality studies from 12 countries, with a pooled sample of 632,368 patients with sarcoidosis. The prevalence of SAPH by transthoracic echocardiography in Europe, the United States and Asia was 18.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 11.1-26.5%], 13.9% (95% CI: 5.4-22.4%) and 16.2% (95% CI: 7.1-25.4%) separately, and the overall pooled prevalence was 16.4% (95%CI: 12.2-20.5%). By right heart catheterization (RHC), the pooled prevalence of SAPH was 6.4% (95% CI: 3.6-9.1%) in general sarcoidosis population, and subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of SAPH was 6.7% (95% CI: 2.4-11.0%) in Europe and 8.6% (95% CI: -4.1 to 21.3%) in the United States. Further, the prevalence of pre-capillary PH was 6.5% (95% CI: 2.9-10.2%). For the population with advanced sarcoidosis, the pooled prevalence of SAPH and pre-capillary PH by RHC was as high as 62.3% (95% CI: 46.9-77.6%) and 55.9% (95% CI: 20.1-91.7%), respectively. Finally, the pooled prevalence of SAPH in large databases with documented diagnoses (6.1%, 95% CI: 2.6-9.5%) was similar to that of RHC. Substantial heterogeneity across studies was observed for all analyses ( > 80%, < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The sarcoidosis population has a relatively low burden of PH, mainly pre-capillary PH. However, as the disease progresses to advanced sarcoidosis, the prevalence of SAPH increases significantly.
PubMed: 35111830
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.809594 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022The association of gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE) with offspring adiposity outcomes had controversial results in different studies. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The association of gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE) with offspring adiposity outcomes had controversial results in different studies.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between maternal GH/PE and offspring adiposity outcomes.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Studies were identified in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases, with keywords including "gestational hypertension", "preeclampsia", "offspring", "weight", "cohort study", etc., without year restriction. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022292084.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We set the selection criteria for six aspects: population, outcome, time frame, study design, and availability. For the studies included in the meta-analysis, we required the potential confounders in these studies have been adjusted.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently evaluated the data from the included studies. The meta-analyses included mean differences, regression coefficients, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results were performed using RevMan software (version 5.4; Cochrane Collaboration). Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using the I statistic.
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 16 studies were included in our review, 15 of which were evaluated as high quality. In all offspring, during the early life (28 days-36 months), GH/PE exposure was found to be not or inversely associated with offspring obesity, then become positively associated at larger ages (3-19 years old). In offspring with adverse birth outcomes, the maternal GH/PE-exposed group had a lower weight in the short term (28 days to 18 months), but there was a trend of rapid weight gain as they grew older, compared with the non-exposed group. The meta-analysis showed that the BMI of the female offspring in the maternal PE-exposed group was significantly higher than that of the non-exposed offspring (MD=1.04, 95% CI: 0.67~1.42, < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The systematic review suggested that maternal exposure to hypertension disorders of pregnancy (HDP) was associated with obesity in offspring, extending from early childhood to adolescence. The meta-analysis showed that PE was associated with higher BMI in female offspring. More studies are needed to conduct stratified analyses by PE/GH, the severity of HDP, or gender.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022292084.
Topics: Adiposity; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Obesity; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Young Adult
PubMed: 36082079
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.906781 -
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