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Translational Stroke Research Dec 2020As a result of increased awareness of wide-spread methodological bias and obvious translational roadblocks in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) research, various checklists... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
As a result of increased awareness of wide-spread methodological bias and obvious translational roadblocks in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) research, various checklists and guidelines were developed over the past decades. This systematic review assesses the overall methodological quality of preclinical SAH research. An electronic search for preclinical studies on SAH revealed 3415 potential articles. Of these, 765 original research papers conducted in vivo in mice, rats, rabbits, cats, dogs, pigs, goats, and non-human primates with a focus on brain damage related to delayed cerebral vasospasm and early brain injury met the inclusion criteria. We found methodological shortcomings still to prevail in preclinical SAH research. In addition, basic animal characteristics were typically well described but important technical parameters of SAH induction were often underreported. None of the species, models, or techniques used in preclinical SAH research was methodologically superior to the others. Methodological quality of preclinical SAH research was independent of the number of citations or impact factor of a publication. Consequently, we suggest the SAH research community should consider strategies to improve preclinical research quality in their field, such as public platforms to (pre)register preclinical experiments, consequent support of open science policies, stricter editorial (and reviewer) control of (pre)existing guidelines, and increased efforts in education and training of good laboratory practice for the next generation of researchers.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
PubMed: 32172515
DOI: 10.1007/s12975-020-00801-4 -
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Aug 2020Data regarding the efficacy and safety of smoking-cessation pharmacotherapy after stroke are lacking. We systematically reviewed data on this topic by searching Medline,...
Data regarding the efficacy and safety of smoking-cessation pharmacotherapy after stroke are lacking. We systematically reviewed data on this topic by searching Medline, Cochrane, and Clinicaltrials.gov to identify randomized clinical trials (RCT) and observational studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, and bupropion in patients with stroke and TIA. We included studies that reported rates of smoking cessation, worsening or recurrent cerebrovascular disease, seizures, or neuropsychiatric events. We identified 2 RCTs and 6 observational studies; 3 included ischemic stroke and TIA, 2 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and 3 did not specify. Four studies assessed efficacy; cessation rates ranged from 33% to 66% with pharmacological therapy combined with behavioral interventions versus 15% to 46% without, but no individual study demonstrated a statistically significant benefit. Safety data for varenicline and buopropion in ischemic stroke were scarce. Patients with SAH who received NRT had more seizures (9% vs 2%; P = 0.024) and delirium (19% vs 7%; P = 0.006) in one study, but less frequent vasospasm in 3 studies. In conclusion, combined with behavioral interventions, smoking-cessation therapies resulted in numerically higher cessation rates. Limited safety data may prompt caution regarding seizures and delirium in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Topics: Bupropion; Female; Humans; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Observational Studies as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Seizures; Smoking; Smoking Cessation; Stroke; Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; Varenicline
PubMed: 32334957
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.04.026 -
Neurocritical Care Feb 2020Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is among the most dreaded complications following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite advances in neurocritical care, DCI...
BACKGROUND
Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is among the most dreaded complications following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite advances in neurocritical care, DCI remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay, and high healthcare costs. Large artery vasospasm has classically been thought to lead to DCI. However, recent failure of clinical trials targeting vasospasm to improve outcomes has underscored the disconnect between large artery vasospasm and DCI. Therefore, interest has shifted onto other potential mechanisms such as microvascular dysfunction and spreading depolarizations. Animal models can be instrumental in dissecting pathophysiology, but clinical relevance can be difficult to establish.
METHODS
Here, we performed a systematic review of the literature on animal models of SAH, focusing specifically on DCI and neurological deficits.
RESULTS
We find that dog, rabbit and rodent models do not consistently lead to DCI, although some degree of delayed vascular dysfunction is common. Primate models reliably recapitulate delayed neurological deficits and ischemic brain injury; however, ethical issues and cost limit their translational utility.
CONCLUSIONS
To facilitate translation, clinically relevant animal models that reproduce the pathophysiology and cardinal features of DCI after SAH are urgently needed.
Topics: Animals; Brain Ischemia; Disease Models, Animal; Dogs; Injections; Mice; Rabbits; Rats; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Vasospasm, Intracranial
PubMed: 30671784
DOI: 10.1007/s12028-018-0650-5 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2022Blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA) is a rare and special type of intracranial aneurysm with extremely high rates of rupture, morbidity, mortality, and recurrence. Willis...
BACKGROUND
Blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA) is a rare and special type of intracranial aneurysm with extremely high rates of rupture, morbidity, mortality, and recurrence. Willis Covered Stent (WCS) is a new device that is specifically designed for the treatment of intracranial complex aneurysms. However, the efficacy and safety of WCS treatment for BBA remain controversial. Thus, a high level of evidence is required to prove the efficacy and safety of WCS treatment.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed using a comprehensive literary search in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies related to WCS treatment for BBA. A meta-analysis was then conducted to incorporate the efficacy and safety outcomes, including intraoperative situation, post-operative situation, and follow-up data.
RESULTS
Eight non-comparative studies containing 104 patients with 106 BBAs met the inclusion criteria. In the intraoperative situation, the technical success rate was 99.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.958, 1.000], the complete occlusion rate was 98.2% (95% CI, 0.925, 1.000), and the side branch occlusion rate was 4.1% (95% CI, 0.001, 0.114). Vasospasm and dissection occurred in 9.2% (95% CI, 0.000, 0.261) and 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000, 0.032) of the patients, respectively. In the post-operative situation, the rebleed and mortality rates were 2.2% (95% CI, 0.000, 0.074) and 1.5% (95% CI, 0.000, 0.062), respectively. In the follow-up data, recurrence and parent artery stenosis occurred in 0.3% (95% CI, 0.000, 0.042) and 9.1% (95% CI, 0.032, 0.168) of the patients, respectively. Ultimately, 95.7% (95% CI, 0.889, 0.997) of the patients had a good outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
Willis Covered Stent could be effectively and safely applied for BBA treatment. The results provide a reference for clinical trials in the future. Well-designed prospective cohort studies must be conducted for verification.
PubMed: 36895627
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1101625 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2017Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a life-threatening complication after subarachnoid hemorrhage. There is a strong association between cerebral vessel narrowing and... (Review)
Review
Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a life-threatening complication after subarachnoid hemorrhage. There is a strong association between cerebral vessel narrowing and DCI. Alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (αCGRP) is a potent vasodilator, which may be effective at reducing cerebral vessel narrowing after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Here, we report a meta-analysis of data from nine animal studies identified in a systematic review in which αCGRP was administered in SAH models. Our primary outcome was change in cerebral vessel diameter and the secondary outcome was change in neurobehavioral scores. There was a 40.8 ± 8.2% increase in cerebral vessel diameter in those animals treated with αCGRP compared with controls ( < 0.0005, 95% CI 23.7-57.9). Neurobehavioral scores were reported in four publications and showed a standardized mean difference of 1.31 in favor of αCGRP (CI -0.49 to 3.12). We conclude that αCGRP reduces cerebral vessel narrowing seen after SAH in animal studies but note that there is insufficient evidence to determine its effect on functional outcomes.
PubMed: 28790969
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00357 -
International Journal of Clinical and... 2015Vasospasm is one of the most common complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.Statins have been proven to be effective to reduce the incidence of vasospasm...
Effect of statins treatment for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials.
Vasospasm is one of the most common complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.Statins have been proven to be effective to reduce the incidence of vasospasm both in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage and several clinical trials before. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of statins for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. We made strict search strategies to select the randomized controlled trial and observational studies published up to December 20(th) 2014. Outcomes of interest were cerebral vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia and poor outcome. Data analyses of RCTs and observational studies were made separately. Finally six randomized clinical trial and eight observational studies were included in this meta-analysis. There were in total 1031 patients in six RCTs with 504 patients received statins and 527 patients in placebo group. 561 patients with statins compared with 1579 patients in no statin-use group were finally included in 8 observational studies. Outcomes included in this meta-analysis (cerebral vasospasm, DIC and poor outcome) all indicated no statistical significance between two groups both in RCTs and observational studies. No benefits of statins-use for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were observed in both RCTs and observational studies, which was quite different from the results of several previous meta-analysis.
PubMed: 26221259
DOI: No ID Found -
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal Jul 2022The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the current evidence with regard to the effectiveness and safety between coiling and clipping in patients with ruptured...
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the current evidence with regard to the effectiveness and safety between coiling and clipping in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs).
METHODS
We performed a meta-analysis that compared clipping with coiling between July 2000 and September 2021. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for related articles systematically. And the treatment efficacy and postoperative complications were analyzed.
RESULTS
We identified three randomized controlled trials and thirty-seven observational studies involving 60,875 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms. The summary results showed that coiling was related a better quality of life (mRS0-2; OR=1.327; CI=1.093-1.612; p<0.05), a higher risk of mortality (OR=1.116; CI=1.054-1.180; p<0.05), higher rate of rebleeding (RR=1.410; CI=1.092-1.822; p<0.05), lower incidence of vasospasm (OR=0.787; CI=0.649-0.954; p<0.05), higher risk of hydrocephalous (RR=1.143; CI=1.043-1.252; p<0.05), lower risk of cerebral infarction (RR=0.669; CI=0.596-0.751; p<0.05), lower risk of neuro deficits (RR=0.720; CI=0.582-0.892; p<0.05), and a lower rate of complete occlusion (OR=0.495; CI=0.280-0.876; p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Coiling was significantly associated with a better life quality (mRS0-2), a lower incidence of postoperative complications, and a higher rate of mortality, rebleeding, hydrocephalous, and a lower rate of complete occlusion than clipping.
PubMed: 35879784
DOI: 10.1186/s41016-022-00283-3 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2022In clinical practice, nimodipine is used to control cerebral vasospasm (CVS), which is one of the major causes of severe disability and mortality in patients with...
OBJECTIVE
In clinical practice, nimodipine is used to control cerebral vasospasm (CVS), which is one of the major causes of severe disability and mortality in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, the exact efficacy of nimodipine use for patients with aSAH is still controversial due to the lack of sufficient and up-to-date evidence.
METHODS
In this meta-analysis, the latest databases of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and OVID-Medline were comprehensively searched for retrieving all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of nimodipine in patients with aSAH. The primary outcome was a poor outcome, and the secondary outcomes were mortality and cerebral vasospasm (CVS). After detailed statistical analysis of different outcome variables, further evidence quality evaluation and recommendation grade assessment were carried out.
RESULTS
Approximately 13 RCTs met the inclusion criteria, and a total of 1,727 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that a poor outcome was significantly reduced in the nimodipine group [RR, 0.69 (0.60-0.78); I = 29%]. Moreover, nimodipine also dramatically decreased the mortality [RR, 0.50 (0.32-0.78); I = 62%] and the incidence of CVS [RR, 0.68 (0.46-0.99); I = 57%]. Remarkably, we found a poor outcome and mortality were both significantly lower among patients with aSAH, with the mean age < 50 than that mean age ≥ 50 by subgroup analysis. Furthermore, the evidence grading of a poor outcome and its age subgroup in this study was assessed as high.
CONCLUSION
Nimodipine can significantly reduce the incidence of a poor outcome, mortality, and CVS in patients with aSAH. Moreover, we strongly recommend that patients with aSAH, especially those younger than 50 years old, should use nimodipine as early as possible in order to achieve a better clinical outcome, whether oral medication or endovascular direct medication.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd, identifier: CRD42022334619.
PubMed: 36212656
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.982498 -
CJC Open Feb 2024Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is defined as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with angiographically nonobstructive coronary... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is defined as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with angiographically nonobstructive coronary artery disease. MINOCA represents 6% of all AMI cases and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. However, the wide array of pathophysiological factors and causes associated with MINOCA presents a diagnostic conundrum. Therefore, we conducted a contemporary systematic review of the pathophysiology of MINOCA.
METHODS
A comprehensive systematic review of MINOCA was carried out through the utilization of the PubMed database. All systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies available in English or French that reported on the pathophysiology of MINOCA published after January 1, 2013 were retained.
RESULTS
Of the 600 identified records, 80 records were retained. Central to the concept of MINOCA is the definition of AMI, characterized by the presence of myocardial damage reflected by elevated cardiac biomarkers in the setting of acute myocardial ischemia. As a result, a structured approach should be adopted to thoroughly assess and address clinically overlooked obstructive coronary artery disease, and cardiac and extracardiac mechanisms of myocyte injury. Once these options have been ruled out, a diagnosis of MINOCA can be established, and the appropriate multimodal assessment can be conducted to determine its specific underlying cause (plaque disruption, epicardial coronary vasospasm, coronary microvascular dysfunction, and coronary embolism and/or spontaneous coronary dissection or supply-demand mismatch).
CONCLUSIONS
Integrating a suitable definition of AMI and understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of MINOCA are crucial to ensure an effective multimodal diagnostic evaluation and the provision of adequate tailored therapies.
PubMed: 38487045
DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.11.014 -
Insights into the invasive diagnostic challenges of coronary artery vasospasm - A systematic review.Journal of Cardiology Jan 2024Coronary provocation testing is an essential diagnostic procedure when evaluating vasospastic angina. Invasive methods using acetylcholine or ergonovine are considered... (Review)
Review
Coronary provocation testing is an essential diagnostic procedure when evaluating vasospastic angina. Invasive methods using acetylcholine or ergonovine are considered the current gold standard. Despite efforts from global cardiovascular institutions, current protocols vary in dosage, administration time, and procedural approach. In addition, concerns over the specificity of findings and potential complications have limited routine uptake of this procedure in clinical practice. This systematic review evaluates current diagnostic protocols, focusing on invasive provocation testing. We included studies using intracoronary provocation testing with acetylcholine or ergonovine for the assessment of coronary artery vasospasm that detailed specific elements of the procedure (dosage, administration time, etc.) and included ≥50 patients. A total of 28 articles met strict inclusion criteria. Our review highlights the heterogeneity between current diagnostic protocols for invasive provocation testing. We believe standardization of a diagnostic protocol will encourage both current and future cardiologists to incorporate such procedures in the evaluation of variant angina.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Vasospasm; Acetylcholine; Ergonovine; Heart; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Vessels
PubMed: 37541429
DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2023.07.020