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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2019Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a disease entity that describes a physiology in which there is persistence of increased pulmonary arterial... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a disease entity that describes a physiology in which there is persistence of increased pulmonary arterial pressure. PPHN is characterised by failure to adapt to a functional postnatal circulation with a fall in pulmonary vascular resistance. PPHN is responsible for impairment in oxygenation and significant neonatal mortality and morbidity. Prostanoids and their analogues may be useful therapeutic interventions due to their pulmonary vasodilatory and immunomodulatory effects.
OBJECTIVES
Primary objective• To determine the efficacy and safety of prostanoids and their analogues (iloprost, treprostinil, and beraprost) in decreasing mortality and the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) among neonates with PHSecondary objective• To determine the efficacy and safety of prostanoids and their analogues (iloprost, treprostinil, and beraprost) in decreasing neonatal morbidity (necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), chronic lung disease (CLD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), length of hospital stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation) and improving neurodevelopmental outcomes among neonates with PHComparisons• Prostanoids and their analogues at any dosage or duration used to treat PPHN versus 'standard treatment without these agents', placebo, or inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy• Prostanoids and their analogues at any dosage or duration used to treat refractory PPHN as an 'add-on' therapy to iNO versus iNO alone SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 9), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 16 September 2018), Embase (1980 to 16 September 2018), and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; 1982 to 16 September 2018). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings of the Pediatric Academic Societies (1990 to 16 September 2018), and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized trials. We contacted authors who have published in this field as discerned from the reference lists of identified clinical trials and review authors' personal files.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials evaluating prostanoids or their analogues (at any dose, route of administration, or duration) used in neonates at any gestational age less than 28 days' postnatal age for confirmed or suspected PPHN.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used the standard methods of Cochrane Neonatal to conduct a systematic review and to assess the methodological quality of included studies (neonatal.cochrane.org/en/index.html). Three review authors independently assessed the titles and abstracts of studies identified by the search strategy and obtained full-text versions for assessment if necessary. We designed forms for trial inclusion or exclusion and for data extraction. We planned to use the GRADE approach to assess the quality of evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
We did not identify any eligible neonatal trials evaluating prostanoids or their analogues as sole agents in the treatment of PPHN.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Implications for practiceCurrently, no evidence shows the use of prostanoids or their analogues as pulmonary vasodilators and sole therapeutic agents for the treatment of PPHN in neonates (age 28 days or less).Implications for researchThe safety and efficacy of different preparations and doses and routes of administration of prostacyclins and their analogues in neonates must be established. Well-designed, adequately powered, randomized, multi-center trials are needed to address the efficacy and safety of prostanoids and their analogues in the treatment of PPHN. These trials should evaluate long-term neurodevelopmental and pulmonary outcomes, in addition to short-term outcomes.
PubMed: 31573068
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012963.pub2 -
Journal of Cardiology Jan 2016Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique extensively used for visualizing the coronary circulation, where it assists clinical decision-making. Along... (Review)
Review
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique extensively used for visualizing the coronary circulation, where it assists clinical decision-making. Along with the new interventional procedures being introduced for pulmonary vascular disease, there is an increasing need for intravascular imaging of the pulmonary arteries. Additionally, measurements of the wall thickness of the pulmonary arteries of patients with various types of pulmonary hypertension (PH) may provide relevant diagnostic and prognostic information. The aim of this review is to summarize all the available evidence on the use of OCT for imaging the pulmonary bed and to describe a simple protocol for OCT image acquisition. We conducted a systematic review of the literature using electronic reference databases through February 2015 (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Knowledge, and references cited in other studies) and the search terms "optical coherence tomography," "pulmonary hypertension," and "pulmonary arteries." Studies in which OCT was used to image the pulmonary vessels were considered for inclusion. We identified 14 studies reporting OCT imaging data from the pulmonary arteries. OCT was able to identify intravascular thrombi in patients with chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH), and an increase in vessel wall thickness was found in most patients with PH, compared with the controls. OCT has also been reported to be useful for the selection of balloon size in the setting of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for CTEPH. The main limitations include lack of standardization, little data on outcomes, cost, and the technical limitations involved in visualizing small-diameter (<1mm) pulmonary vessels. OCT has become a potential tool for the in vivo study of vascular changes in the pulmonary arteries, and may provide additional information in the assessment of patients with PH. Prospective high-quality studies assessing the safety, validity, and clinical impact of OCT imaging for pulmonary vessels are warranted.
Topics: Angioplasty, Balloon; Humans; Pulmonary Artery; Radiography; Thromboembolism; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 26572955
DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2015.09.024 -
Pulmonary Circulation 2021Pregnancy is hazardous with pulmonary arterial hypertension, but maternal mortality may have fallen in recent years. We sought to systematically evaluate pulmonary... (Review)
Review
Pregnancy is hazardous with pulmonary arterial hypertension, but maternal mortality may have fallen in recent years. We sought to systematically evaluate pulmonary arterial hypertension and pregnancy-related outcomes in the last decade. We searched for articles describing outcomes in pregnancy cohorts published between 2008 and 2018. A total of 3658 titles were screened and 13 studies included for analysis. Pooled incidences and percentages of maternal and perinatal outcomes were calculated. Results showed that out of 272 pregnancies, 214 pregnancies advanced beyond 20 gestational weeks. The mean maternal age was 28 ± 2 years, mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure on echocardiogram was 76 ± 19 mmHg. Etiologies include idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (22%), congenital heart disease (64%), and others (15%). Majority (74%) had good functional class I/II. Only 48% of women received pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific therapy. Premature deliveries occur in 58% of pregnancies at mean of 34 ± 1 weeks, most (76%) had Cesarean section. Maternal mortality rate was 12% overall ( = 26); even higher for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension etiology alone (20%). Reported causes of death included right heart failure, cardiac arrest, pulmonary arterial hypertension crises, pre-eclampsia, and sepsis; 61% of maternal deaths occur at 0-4 days postpartum. Stillbirth rate was 3% and neonatal mortality rate was 1%. In conclusion, pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy continues to be perilous with high maternal mortality rate. Continued prospective studies are needed.
PubMed: 34104423
DOI: 10.1177/20458940211013671 -
Viruses Mar 2021Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus share similarities such as clinical features and outcome, laboratory, and radiological findings.
BACKGROUND
Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus share similarities such as clinical features and outcome, laboratory, and radiological findings.
METHODS
Literature search was done using PubMed to find MEDLINE indexed articles relevant to this study. As of 25 November 2020, the search has been conducted by combining the MeSH words "COVID-19" and "Influenza".
RESULTS
Eighteen articles were finally selected in adult patients. Comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients, while pulmonary diseases and immunocompromised conditions were significantly more common in influenza patients. The incidence rates of fever, vomiting, ocular and otorhinolaryngological symptoms were found to be significantly higher in influenza patients when compared with COVID-19 patients. However, neurologic symptoms and diarrhea were statistically more frequent in COVID-19 patients. The level of white cell count and procalcitonin was significantly higher in influenza patients, whereas thrombopenia and elevated transaminases were significantly more common in COVID-19 patients. Ground-grass opacities, interlobular septal thickening, and a peripheral distribution were more common in COVID-19 patients than in influenza patients where consolidations and linear opacities were described instead. COVID-19 patients were significantly more often transferred to intensive care unit with a higher rate of mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
This study estimated differences of COVID-19 and influenza patients which can help clinicians during the co-circulation of the two viruses.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; COVID-19; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Influenza, Human; Male; Middle Aged; Orthomyxoviridae; SARS-CoV-2; Young Adult
PubMed: 33802155
DOI: 10.3390/v13030452 -
The Journal of Thoracic and... Dec 2018Mortality in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is believed to be principally due to the subgroup of PEs that are massive. Systemic thrombolysis is the therapeutic mainstay...
OBJECTIVES
Mortality in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is believed to be principally due to the subgroup of PEs that are massive. Systemic thrombolysis is the therapeutic mainstay for acute massive PE, despite evidence suggesting limited survival benefits. Both catheter-based therapies (CBT) and surgical pulmonary embolectomy (SE) are well-accepted alternatives to treat acute PE. However, the comparative effectiveness of these approaches is difficult to study. We conducted a systematic review of CBT and SE for acute PE.
METHODS
The PubMed database was queried for CBT- and SE-related publications between January 1998 and June 2017. A minimum of 10 patients undergoing intervention(s) was required for inclusion, and studies must not have excluded patients with massive PE. End points examined included hospital mortality, and additionally for CBT, procedural success rate.
RESULTS
A total of 75 studies (41 of CBT, 34 of SE) were identified, with 1650 patients undergoing CBT and 1101 undergoing SE. Patients undergoing SE were more critically ill than those undergoing CBT (massive PE, 545 out of 975 [55.9%] for SE vs 742 out of 1553 [47.8%] for CBT). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was required in 217 out of 1015 patients undergoing SE (21.4%) versus 38 out of 983 patients undergoing CBT (4.0%). The hospital mortality of SE was 14.0%, versus 5.6% for CBT, in the entire patient group. However, the hospital mortality of SE in patients with pre-SE CPR was 46.3%, whereas it was 6.8% in those patients without pre-SE CPR. Although CPR was associated with an increased risk of mortality both for CBT and SE, it accounted for all of the mortality effect on SE (the adjusted odds ratio for CPR in a random effects model with treatment considered was 9.79 (95% confidence interval, 4.98-19.17; P < .0001). The adjusted odds ratio for mortality for SE relative to CBT was 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 0.80-2.32; P = .84). Moreover, CBT was associated with a procedural failure rate of 8.3%.
CONCLUSIONS
Both CBT and SE were associated with satisfactory published outcomes. SE is associated with greater absolute postprocedure mortality than CBT, but has been undertaken in more critically ill populations. The markedly higher incidence of CPR in SE accounts for the differential mortality between the patients undergoing SE and those undergoing CBT. Decision making with respect to best therapy must take into account potential needs for periprocedure artificial mechanical right ventricle and lung support, institutional experience and outcomes, anticipated therapeutic efficacy and benefit, and approach-specific risks.
Topics: Catheterization; Embolectomy; Hemodynamics; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Pulmonary Artery; Pulmonary Circulation; Pulmonary Embolism; Risk Factors; Thrombolytic Therapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30005883
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.05.085 -
Neurology Dec 2015To compare the outcomes between endovascular and medical management of acute ischemic stroke in recent randomized controlled trials (RCT). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcomes between endovascular and medical management of acute ischemic stroke in recent randomized controlled trials (RCT).
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed, and multicenter, prospective RCTs published from January 1, 2013, to May 1, 2015, directly comparing endovascular therapy to medical management for patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Meta-analyses of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) for endovascular therapy and medical management were performed.
RESULTS
Eight multicenter, prospective RCTs (Interventional Management of Stroke [IMS] III, Local Versus Systemic Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke [SYNTHESIS] Expansion, Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy [MR RESCUE], Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands [MR CLEAN], Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness [ESCAPE], Extending the Time for Thrombolysis in Emergency Neurological Deficits-Intra-Arterial [EXTEND-IA], Solitaire With the Intention For Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment [SWIFT PRIME], and Endovascular Revascularization With Solitaire Device Versus Best Medical Therapy in Anterior Circulation Stroke Within 8 Hours [REVASCAT]) comprising 2,423 patients were included. Meta-analysis of pooled data demonstrated functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days in favor of endovascular therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71; p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis of the 6 trials with large vessel occlusion (LVO) criteria also demonstrated functional independence at 90 days in favor of endovascular therapy (OR = 2.23; p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis of the 5 trials that primarily utilized stent retriever devices (≥70%) in the intervention arm demonstrated functional independence at 90 days in favor of endovascular therapy (OR = 2.39; p < 0.00001). No difference was found for mortality at 90 days and sICH between endovascular therapy and medical management in all analyses and subgroup analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that endovascular intervention combined with medical management, including IV tissue plasminogen activator for eligible patients, improves the outcomes of appropriately selected patients with acute ischemic stroke in the setting of LVO.
Topics: Brain Ischemia; Disease Management; Endovascular Procedures; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Stroke; Thrombectomy; Thrombolytic Therapy; Tissue Plasminogen Activator
PubMed: 26537058
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000002176 -
Pulmonary Circulation 2021Several studies have suggested that exercise capacity and quality of life are reduced in patients with pulmonary hypertension, and exercise-based rehabilitation can... (Review)
Review
Several studies have suggested that exercise capacity and quality of life are reduced in patients with pulmonary hypertension, and exercise-based rehabilitation can improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of exercise-based rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary hypertension through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to November 2018. All randomized controlled trials comparing exercise capacity and quality of life between patients undergoing exercise-based rehabilitation and those undergoing non-exercise training were included. Data were extracted separately and independently by two investigators, and discrepancies were arbitrated by the third investigator. We used the random-effects model to analyze the results, the GRADE to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, and I statistic to estimate the degree of heterogeneity. Nine randomized controlled trials are included; however, only seven randomized controlled trials were able to extract data. Including inpatients and outpatients, the total number of participants was 234, most of whom were diagnosed as pulmonary artery hypertension. The study duration ranged from 3 to 15 weeks. The mean six-minute walking distance after exercise training was 51.94 m higher than control (27.65-76.23 m, = 234, 7 randomized controlled trials, low quality evidence), the mean peak oxygen uptake was 2.96 ml/kg/min higher (2.49-3.43 ml/kg/min, = 179, 4 randomized controlled trials, low-quality evidence) than in the control group. In conclusion, our finding suggests that an exercise-based training program positively influences exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
PubMed: 34104422
DOI: 10.1177/20458940211007810 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022Patients with a Fontan circulation are at risk for sequelae of Fontan physiology during follow-up. Fontan physiology affects all organ systems and an overview of...
INTRODUCTION
Patients with a Fontan circulation are at risk for sequelae of Fontan physiology during follow-up. Fontan physiology affects all organ systems and an overview of end-organ damage is needed.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of abnormalities in multiple organ systems for patients with a longstanding Fontan circulation. We searched online databases for articles describing abnormalities in multiple organ systems. Cardio-pulmonary abnormalities, protein losing enteropathy, and Fontan associated liver disease have already extensively been described and were excluded from this systematic review.
RESULTS
Our search returned 5,704 unique articles. After screening, we found 111 articles relating to multiple organ systems. We found abnormalities in, among others, the nervous system, pituitary, kidneys, and musculoskeletal system. Pituitary edema-relating to the unique pituitary vasculature- may affect the thyroid axis. Renal dysfunction is common. Creatinine based renal function estimates may be inappropriate due to myopenia. Both lean muscle mass and bone mineral density are decreased. These abnormalities in multiple organ systems may be related to Fontan physiology, cyanosis, iatrogenic factors, or lifestyle.
CONCLUSIONS
Health care providers should be vigilant for hypothyroidism, visual or hearing deficits, and sleep disordered breathing in Fontan patients. We recommend including cystatin C for assessment of renal function. This review may aid health care providers and guide future research. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021232461, PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021232461.
PubMed: 35391839
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.826096 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jul 2022Background In patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, initial palliation includes catheter-based patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent or surgical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stent Versus Surgical Aortopulmonary Shunt for Initial Palliation of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease with Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Background In patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, initial palliation includes catheter-based patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent or surgical aortopulmonary shunt (APS). This meta-analysis aimed to compare outcomes between PDA stent and APS. Methods and Results A comprehensive literature search yielded six retrospective observational studies. Pooled adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were included to control for covariates and assess time to event analysis. Of 757 patients, 243 (32.1%) underwent PDA stent and 514 (67.9%) underwent APS. Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and expected biventricular repair were more common with PDA stent compared with APS (39.6% versus 21.2%, <0.001 and 57.9% versus 46.6%, =0.007, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between PDA stent and APS (HR, 0.71; [95% CI, 0.26-1.93]; =0.50). PDA stent was associated with lower risk of postprocedural complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; [95% CI, 0.25-0.81]; =0.008), mechanical circulatory support (OR, 0.27; [95% CI, 0.09-0.79]; =0.02), and shorter intensive care unit length of stay (-4.03 days; [95% CI, -5.99 to -2.07]; <0.001), hospital length of stay (-5.54 days; [95% CI, -9.20 to -1.88]; =0.003), and duration of mechanical ventilation (-3.41 days; [95% CI, -5.29 to -1.52]; <0.001). There was no difference in pulmonary artery growth or hazard of unplanned reintereventions. Conclusions PDA stent has a similar hazard of mortality compared with APS. Benefits to PDA stent include shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, shorter hospital length of stay, and fewer complications. Differences in patient characteristics exist with more patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and expected biventricular repair undergoing PDA stent.
Topics: Cardiac Catheterization; Cyanosis; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Hypoxia; Pulmonary Atresia; Pulmonary Circulation; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35766251
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.024721 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2006Pulmonary artery catheterization was adopted about 30 years ago and widely disseminated without rigorous evaluation as to whether it benefited critically ill patients.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary artery catheterization was adopted about 30 years ago and widely disseminated without rigorous evaluation as to whether it benefited critically ill patients. The technique is used to measure cardiac output and pressures in the pulmonary circulation to guide diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians believe these data can improve patients' outcomes, even in the absence of consensus about the specific interpretation of the data.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect of pulmonary artery catheterization on mortality and cost of care in adult intensive care patients.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2006); MEDLINE (all records to April 2006); EMBASE (all records to April 2006); CINAHL (all records to April 2006) and reference lists of articles. We contacted manufacturers and researchers in the field.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomized controlled trials in adults, comparing management with and without a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We screened the titles and abstracts of the electronic search results and obtained the full text of studies of possible relevance for independent review. We determined the final results of the literature search by consensus between the authors. We did not contact study authors for additional information.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 12 studies. Mortality was reported as hospital, 28-day, 30-day, or intensive care unit. We considered studies of high-risk surgery patients (eight studies) and general intensive care patients (four studies) separately for the meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio for the studies of general intensive care patients was 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87 to 1.26) and for the studies of high-risk surgery patients 0.99 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.24). Of the eight studies of high-risk surgery patients, five evaluated the effectiveness of pre-operative optimization but there was no difference in mortality when these studies were examined separately. Pulmonary artery catheterization did not affect intensive care unit (reported by 10 studies) or hospital (reported by nine studies) length of stay. Four studies, conducted in the United States, measured costs based on hospital charges billed to patients, which on average were higher in the PAC groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
To date, there have been two multi-centre trials of the effectiveness of PACs for managing critically ill patients admitted to intensive care, although only one was adequately powered. Efficacy studies are needed to determine optimal management protocols and patient groups who could benefit from management with a PAC.
Topics: Adult; Catheterization, Swan-Ganz; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Critical Care; Critical Illness; Humans; Length of Stay; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 16856008
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003408.pub2