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Nutrients Jul 2022The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to assess to what extent probiotics/synbiotics reduce infectious complications after colorectal surgery and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to assess to what extent probiotics/synbiotics reduce infectious complications after colorectal surgery and whether probiotics or synbiotics should be considered as perioperative measures preventing or reducing infectious complications after CRS and should be included in enhanced recovery programmes (ERP). Secondary aims were to answer practical questions precisely on the best formulation and the type and timing of probiotics or synbiotics in CRS.
METHOD
This systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Inclusion criteria were randomised trials comparing perioperative probiotics/synbiotics with a placebo or standard care in elective colorectal surgery. Exclusion criteria were non-randomised trials. Overall infectious complications and surgical site infections (SSIs including both deep abdominal infections and wound (skin or under the skin) infections) were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were pulmonary and urinary infections, wound infections, and anastomotic leaks. The databases consulted were Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and Clinical Trials Register. Risk of bias was assessed according to the GRADE approach. The analysis calculated the random effects estimates risk ratio (RR) for each outcome.
RESULTS
21 trials were included; 15 evaluated probiotics, and 6 evaluated synbiotics. There were significantly fewer infectious complications (risk ratio (RR) 0.59 [0.47-0.75], I = 15%) and fewer SSI (RR 0.70 [0.52-0.95], I = 0%) in the probiotic or synbiotic group. There were also significantly fewer pulmonary infections (RR 0.35 [0.20-0.63]) and urinary infections RR 0.41 [0.19-0.87]) as opposed to anastomotic leaks (RR 0.83 [0.47-1.48]) and wound infections (RR 0.74 [0.53-1.03]). Sensitivity analyses showed no significant difference between probiotics and synbiotics in reducing postoperative infections (RR 0.55 [0.42-0.73] versus RR 0.69 [0.42-1.13], = 0.46).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the finding of this study, probiotics/synbiotics reduce infectious complications after colorectal surgery. The effect size was more pronounced for pulmonary and urinary infections. From a practical aspect, some of the questions related to formulations and duration of probiotics or synbiotics need to be answered before including them definitively in enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery programmes.
Topics: Anastomotic Leak; Colorectal Surgery; Humans; Probiotics; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Surgical Wound Infection; Synbiotics; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 35893922
DOI: 10.3390/nu14153066 -
European Journal of Internal Medicine Dec 2020Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has been described as a frequent and prognostically relevant complication of COVID-19 infection. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has been described as a frequent and prognostically relevant complication of COVID-19 infection.
AIM
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the in-hospital incidence of acute PE among COVID-19 patients based on studies published within four months of COVID-19 outbreak.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in abstracting data and assessing validity. We searched Medline, Scopus and Web of Science to locate all articles published up to August 1, 2020 reporting the incidence of acute PE (or lung thrombosis) in COVID-19 patients. The pooled in-hospital incidence of acute PE among COVID-19 patients was calculated using a random effects model and presenting the related 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical heterogeneity was measured using the Higgins I statistic.
RESULTS
We analysed data from 7178 COVID-19 patients [mean age 60.4 years] included in twenty-three studies. Among patients hospitalized in general wards and intensive care unit (ICU), the pooled in-hospital incidence of PE (or lung thrombosis) was 14.7% of cases (95% CI: 9.9-21.3%, I=95.0%, p<0.0001) and 23.4% (95% CI:16.7-31.8%, I2=88.7%, p<0.0001), respectively. Segmental/sub-segmental pulmonary arteries were more frequently involved compared to main/lobar arteries (6.8% vs18.8%, p<0.001). Computer tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) was used only in 35.3% of patients with COVID-19 infection across six studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The in-hospital incidence of acute PE among COVID-19 patients is higher in ICU patients compared to those hospitalized in general wards. CTPA was rarely used suggesting a potential underestimation of PE cases.
Topics: Acute Disease; COVID-19; Computed Tomography Angiography; Hospitalization; Humans; Incidence; Intensive Care Units; Pulmonary Embolism
PubMed: 32958372
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.09.006 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jan 2024This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children under the special conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children under the special conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
Five databases were systematically searched to assess the pooled prevalence of various respiratory viruses in different age groups, regions, seasons, and in patients with and without confirmed SARS-CoV-2 coinfection. Moreover, we looked at the virus distribution in the first and second half of the pandemic and countries with distinct economic status. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022379297).
RESULTS
Enterovirus/rhinovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) were the most prevalent pathogens among children. The prevalence of HRSV increased in the second half of the pandemic. The prevailing viruses vary according to the SARS-CoV-2-coinfection status, season, region, and country´s economic status.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis shows the epidemiology of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 in children aged 0 to 12 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because major events, such as a pandemic, can alter epidemiology patterns, it is important to know them to improve health education measures, develop vaccines and medicines for vulnerable groups, as a guide for prevention strategies, and help with clinical decisions.
Topics: Child; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Pandemics; Coinfection; Rhinovirus; Enterovirus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 37951460
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.10.023 -
PLoS Medicine Aug 2011Serological (antibody detection) tests for tuberculosis (TB) are widely used in developing countries. As part of a World Health Organization policy process, we performed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Serological (antibody detection) tests for tuberculosis (TB) are widely used in developing countries. As part of a World Health Organization policy process, we performed an updated systematic review to assess the diagnostic accuracy of commercial serological tests for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB with a focus on the relevance of these tests in low- and middle-income countries.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We used methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration and GRADE approach for rating quality of evidence. In a previous review, we searched multiple databases for papers published from 1 January 1990 to 30 May 2006, and in this update, we add additional papers published from that period until 29 June 2010. We prespecified subgroups to address heterogeneity and summarized test performance using bivariate random effects meta-analysis. For pulmonary TB, we included 67 studies (48% from low- and middle-income countries) with 5,147 participants. For all tests, estimates were variable for sensitivity (0% to 100%) and specificity (31% to 100%). For anda-TB IgG, the only test with enough studies for meta-analysis, pooled sensitivity was 76% (95% CI 63%-87%) in smear-positive (seven studies) and 59% (95% CI 10%-96%) in smear-negative (four studies) patients; pooled specificities were 92% (95% CI 74%-98%) and 91% (95% CI 79%-96%), respectively. Compared with ELISA (pooled sensitivity 60% [95% CI 6%-65%]; pooled specificity 98% [95% CI 96%-99%]), immunochromatographic tests yielded lower pooled sensitivity (53%, 95% CI 42%-64%) and comparable pooled specificity (98%, 95% CI 94%-99%). For extrapulmonary TB, we included 25 studies (40% from low- and middle-income countries) with 1,809 participants. For all tests, estimates were variable for sensitivity (0% to 100%) and specificity (59% to 100%). Overall, quality of evidence was graded very low for studies of pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite expansion of the literature since 2006, commercial serological tests continue to produce inconsistent and imprecise estimates of sensitivity and specificity. Quality of evidence remains very low. These data informed a recently published World Health Organization policy statement against serological tests. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.
Topics: Antibodies, Bacterial; Antigens, Bacterial; Bias; Developing Countries; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serologic Tests; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
PubMed: 21857806
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001062 -
International Journal of Infectious... Mar 2015Chronic respiratory disease causes substantial global morbidity and mortality. The contribution of pulmonary tuberculosis to the aetiology of chronic respiratory disease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic respiratory disease causes substantial global morbidity and mortality. The contribution of pulmonary tuberculosis to the aetiology of chronic respiratory disease is rarely considered, but may be important in tuberculosis-endemic areas.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature review to assess the association between a history of tuberculosis and the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic suppurative lung disease (bronchiectasis). Study quality was evaluated using the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute quality assessment tool. Meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model.
RESULTS
We identified 9 eligible studies for COPD and 2 for bronchiectasis. Overall, there was a significant association between a history of tuberculosis and the presence of COPD in adults aged over 40 years (pooled odds ratio 3.05 (95% confidence interval 2.42, 3.85). Among individual COPD studies the strongest associations were found in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis, as well as among never smokers and younger people.
CONCLUSION
In tuberculosis endemic areas, tuberculosis is strongly associated with the presence of chronic respiratory disease in adults. Efforts to improve long-term lung health should be part of tuberculosis care.
Topics: Adult; Bronchiectasis; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Young Adult
PubMed: 25809770
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.12.016 -
Epidemiology and Infection Feb 2022This review aimed to compare the clinical features and CT imaging features between patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and lung cancer and patients with PTB... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparison of clinical and imaging features between pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with lung cancer and simple pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This review aimed to compare the clinical features and CT imaging features between patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and lung cancer and patients with PTB alone. That would help to analyse the differences between the two and consequently providing a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment for the patients. Relevant case-control studies focusing on the clinical and CT imaging characteristics between PTB with lung cancer and PTB alone were systematically searched from five electronic databases. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for comparison. As of 2021-07-06, a total of 1735 articles were retrieved. But only 15 articles were finally included for meta-analysis. The results showed a higher proportion of irritable cough, haemorrhagic pleural effusion and lower proportion of night sweating in PTB patients with lung cancer than in PTB patients, and the differences were statistically significant (irritable cough: OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.43-4.11; haemorrhagic pleural effusion: OR 5.73, 95% CI 1.63-20.12; night sweating: OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.36-0.87). In addition, there are many differences in the imaging characteristics of the two types of patients. In conclusion, this review summarises the similarities and differences in clinical symptoms and imaging features between patients with PTB and lung cancer and patients with PTB alone, suggesting that we should be alert to the occurrence of lung cancer in patients with obsolete PTB relapse.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Cough; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Pleural Effusion; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
PubMed: 35105410
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268822000176 -
The Lancet. Global Health Jun 2023Sputum is the most widely used sample to diagnose active tuberculosis, but many people living with HIV are unable to produce sputum. Urine, in contrast, is readily... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Sputum is the most widely used sample to diagnose active tuberculosis, but many people living with HIV are unable to produce sputum. Urine, in contrast, is readily available. We hypothesised that sample availability influences the diagnostic yield of various tuberculosis tests.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data, we compared the diagnostic yield of point-of-care urine-based lipoarabinomannan tests with that of sputum-based nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and sputum smear microscopy (SSM). We used microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis based on positive culture or NAAT from any body site as the denominator and accounted for sample provision. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, African Journals Online, and clinicaltrials.gov from database inception to Feb 24, 2022 for randomised controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, and cohort studies that assessed urine lipoarabinomannan point-of-care tests and sputum NAATs for active tuberculosis detection in participants irrespective of tuberculosis symptoms, HIV status, CD4 cell count, or study setting. We excluded studies in which recruitment was not consecutive, systematic, or random; provision of sputum or urine was an inclusion criterion; less than 30 participants were diagnosed with tuberculosis; early research assays without clearly defined cutoffs were tested; and humans were not studied. We extracted study-level data, and authors of eligible studies were invited to contribute deidentified individual participant data. The main outcomes were the tuberculosis diagnostic yields of urine lipoarabinomannan tests, sputum NAATs, and SSM. Diagnostic yields were predicted using Bayesian random-effects and mixed-effects meta-analyses. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021230337.
FINDINGS
We identified 844 records, from which 20 datasets and 10 202 participants (4561 [45%] male participants and 5641 [55%] female participants) were included in the meta-analysis. All studies assessed sputum Xpert (MTB/RIF or Ultra, Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and urine Alere Determine TB LAM (AlereLAM, Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) in people living with HIV aged 15 years or older. Nearly all (9957 [98%] of 10 202) participants provided urine, and 82% (8360 of 10 202) provided sputum within 2 days. In studies that enrolled unselected inpatients irrespective of tuberculosis symptoms, only 54% (1084 of 1993) of participants provided sputum, whereas 99% (1966 of 1993) provided urine. Diagnostic yield was 41% (95% credible interval [CrI] 15-66) for AlereLAM, 61% (95% Crl 25-88) for Xpert, and 32% (95% Crl 10-55) for SSM. Heterogeneity existed across studies in the diagnostic yield, influenced by CD4 cell count, tuberculosis symptoms, and clinical setting. In predefined subgroup analyses, all tests had higher yields in symptomatic participants, and AlereLAM yield was higher in those with low CD4 counts and inpatients. AlereLAM and Xpert yields were similar among inpatients in studies enrolling unselected participants who were not assessed for tuberculosis symptoms (51% vs 47%). AlereLAM and Xpert together had a yield of 71% in unselected inpatients, supporting the implementation of combined testing strategies.
INTERPRETATION
AlereLAM, with its rapid turnaround time and simplicity, should be prioritised to inform tuberculosis therapy among inpatients who are HIV-positive, regardless of symptoms or CD4 cell count. The yield of sputum-based tuberculosis tests is undermined by people living with HIV who cannot produce sputum, whereas nearly all participants are able to provide urine. The strengths of this meta-analysis are its large size, the carefully harmonised denominator, and the use of Bayesian random-effects and mixed-effects models to predict yields; however, data were geographically restricted, clinically diagnosed tuberculosis was not considered in the denominator, and little information exists on strategies for obtaining sputum samples.
FUNDING
FIND, the Global Alliance for Diagnostics.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Sputum; Bayes Theorem; Cross-Sectional Studies; Tuberculosis; Lipopolysaccharides; HIV Infections; Sensitivity and Specificity; Mycobacterium tuberculosis
PubMed: 37202025
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00135-3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2017Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of illness and death in HIV-positive children living in areas of high TB prevalence. We know that isoniazid prophylaxis prevents... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of illness and death in HIV-positive children living in areas of high TB prevalence. We know that isoniazid prophylaxis prevents TB in HIV-negative children following TB exposure, but there is uncertainty related to its role in TB preventive treatment in HIV-positive children.
OBJECTIVES
To summarise the effects of TB preventive treatment versus placebo in HIV-positive children with no known TB contact on active TB, death, and reported adverse events.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase and two trial registers up to February 2017.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included trials of HIV-positive children with and without known TB exposure, randomized to receive TB preventive treatment or placebo.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently used the study selection criteria, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. We assessed effects using risk, incidence rate and hazard ratios and assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included three trials, involving 991 participants, below the age of 13 years, from South Africa and Botswana. Children were randomized to isoniazid prophylaxis or placebo, given daily or three times weekly. The median length of follow-up ranged from 5.7 to 34 months; some were on antiretroviral therapy (ART).In HIV-positive children not on ART, isoniazid prophylaxis may reduce the risk of active TB (hazard ratio (HR) 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11 to 0.87; 1 trial, 240 participants, low certainty evidence), and death (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.95; 1 trial, 240 participants, low certainty evidence). One trial (182 participants) reported number of children with laboratory adverse events, which was similar between the isoniazid prophylaxis and placebo groups. No clinical adverse events were reported.In HIV-positive children on ART, we do not know if isoniazid prophylaxis reduces the risk of active TB (risk ratio (RR) 0.76, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.14; 3 trials, 737 participants, very low certainty evidence) or death (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.78 to 2.72; 3 trials, 737 participants, very low certainty evidence). Two trials (714 participants) reported number of clinical adverse events and three trials (795 participants) reported number of laboratory adverse events; for both categories, the number of adverse events were similar between the isoniazid prophylaxis and placebo groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Isoniazid prophylaxis given to all children diagnosed with HIV may reduce the risk of active TB and death in HIV-positive children not on ART in studies from Africa. For children on ART, no clear benefit was detected. .
Topics: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-HIV Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Child; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Isoniazid; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
PubMed: 28850172
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006418.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2013Cystic fibrosis is a multi-system disease characterised by the production of thick secretions causing recurrent pulmonary infection, often with unusual bacteria. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cystic fibrosis is a multi-system disease characterised by the production of thick secretions causing recurrent pulmonary infection, often with unusual bacteria. This leads to lung destruction and eventually death through respiratory failure. There are no antibiotics in development that exert a new mode of action and many of the current antibiotics are ineffective in eradicating the bacteria once chronic infection is established. Antibiotic adjuvants - therapies that act by rendering the organism more susceptible to attack by antibiotics or the host immune system, by rendering it less virulent or killing it by other means, are urgently needed.
OBJECTIVES
To determine if antibiotic adjuvants improve clinical and microbiological outcome of pulmonary infection in people with cystic fibrosis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register which is compiled from database searches, hand searches of appropriate journals and conference proceedings.Date of most recent search: 26 July 2012.We also searched MEDLINE (all years) on 23 February 2013 and ongoing trials registers on 13 February 2013.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials of a therapy exerting an antibiotic adjuvant mechanism of action compared to placebo or no therapy for people with cystic fibrosis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The authors independently assessed and extracted data from identified studies.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified eighteen studies of which four are included that examined antibiotic adjuvant therapies, three studies are ongoing. The included studies involve the assessment of β-carotene, garlic and zinc supplementation and KB001 (a biological agent). No therapy demonstrated a significant effect upon pulmonary function, pulmonary exacerbations or quality of life. The study of zinc supplementation reports a reduction in the requirement of oral antibiotics but not of intravenous antibiotics, an effect that is difficult to understand.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We could not identify an antibiotic adjuvant therapy that could be recommended for the treatment of lung infection in those with cystic fibrosis. The emergence of increasingly resistant bacteria makes the reliance on antibiotics alone challenging for cystic fibrosis teams. There is a need to explore alternative strategies, such as the use of adjuvant therapies. Further research is required to provide future therapeutic options.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Bacterial Infections; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Cystic Fibrosis; Garlic; Humans; Lung Diseases; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamins; Zinc; beta Carotene
PubMed: 23737089
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008037.pub3 -
Acta Haematologica 2021Histopathological analysis can provide additional clues in COVID-19 understanding. During the last year, autopsy reports have revealed that diffuse alveolar damage (DAD)...
BACKGROUND
Histopathological analysis can provide additional clues in COVID-19 understanding. During the last year, autopsy reports have revealed that diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) is the most significant observed finding. The aim of this study is to review cases in the literature about COVID-19 autopsies that reported microthrombi in different organs.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature review in PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Google Scholar.
RESULTS
In total, 151 autopsies were included, and 91 cases presented microthrombi in the lung (73%), heart (11.2%), kidney (24%), and liver (16.3%). The age range was between 27 and 96 years. Males were 64.8%. The patients with microthrombi had more comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (62%), obesity or overweight (64%), diabetes mellitus type 2 (51%), and heart disease (53%). The most common histopathological changes found in patients with lung microthrombosis were DAD in exudative phase (78%), pulmonary embolism (59%), and lung infarct (81%). Presence of microthrombi was associated with arterial hypertension (p < 0.0001) and DAD in exudative and proliferative phases (p = 0.02).
DISCUSSION
The analysis of these results shows that microthrombi in COVID-19 autopsies may be found in different organs and are more frequent in patients with comorbidities, pulmonary embolism, and lung infarct.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Autopsy; COVID-19; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Thrombosis
PubMed: 33873184
DOI: 10.1159/000515104