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BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Dec 2016Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been associated with improved patient outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been associated with improved patient outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but not preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of selective and nonselective MRAs in HFrEF and HFpEF.
METHODS
We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included randomized controlled trials (RCT) of MRAs in adults with HFpEF or HFrEF if they reported data on major adverse cardiac events or drug safety.
RESULTS
We identified 15 studies representing 16321 patients. MRAs were associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular death (RR 0.81 [0.75-0.87], I 0%), all-cause mortality (RR 0.83 [0.77-0.88], I 0%), and cardiac hospitalizations (RR 0.80 [0.70-0.92], I 58.4%). However, an a-priori specified subgroup analysis demonstrated that these benefits were limited to HFrEF (cardiovascular death RR 0.79 [0.73-0.86], I 0%; all-cause mortality RR 0.81 [0.75-0.87], I 0%; cardiac hospitalizations RR 0.76 [0.64-0.90], I 68%), but not HFpEF (all-cause mortality RR 0.92 [0.79-1.08], I 0%; cardiac hospitalizations RR 0.91 [0.67-1.24], I 17%). MRAs increased the risk of hyperkalemia (RR 2.03 [1.78-2.31], I 0%). Nonselective MRAs, but not selective MRAs increased the risk of gynecomastia (RR 7.37 [4.42-12.30], I 0% vs. RR 0.74 [0.43-1.27], I 0%). Evidence was of moderate quality for cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations; and high-quality for hyperkalemia and gynecomastia.
CONCLUSIONS
MRAs reduce the risk of adverse cardiac events in HFrEF but not HFpEF. MRA use in HFpEF increases the risk of harm from hyperkalemia and gynecomastia. Selective MRAs are equally effective as nonselective MRAs, without a risk of gynecomastia.
Topics: Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Stroke Volume
PubMed: 27905877
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-016-0425-x -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2023Ivabradine improves cardiac function in patients with heart failure, but its effect on dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ivabradine improves cardiac function in patients with heart failure, but its effect on dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the efficacy and potential mechanisms of ivabradine's effect on cardiac function and prognosis in patients with DCM.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and four registers through September 28, 2022. All controlled trials of ivabradine for the treatment of DCM with congestive heart failure were included. Articles were limited to English, with the full text and necessary data available. We performed random- or fixed effects meta-analyses for all included outcome measures and compared the effect sizes for outcomes in patients treated with and without ivabradine. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2.0).
FINDINGS
Five trials with 357 participants were included. The pooled risk ratio was 0.48 [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.18, 1.25)] for all-cause mortality and 0.38 [95% CI (0.12, 1.23)] for cardiac mortality. The pooled mean difference was -15.95 [95% CI (-19.97, -11.92)] for resting heart rate, 3.96 [95% CI (0.99, 6.93)] for systolic blood pressure, 2.93 [95% CI (2.09, 3.77)] for left ventricular ejection fraction, -5.90 [95% CI (-9.36, -2.44)] for left ventricular end-systolic diameter, -3.41 [95% CI (-5.24, -1.58)] for left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, -0.81 [95% CI (-1.00, -0.62)] for left ventricular end-systolic volume, -0.67 [95% CI (-0.86, -0.48)] for left ventricular end-diastolic volume, -11.01 [95% CI (-19.66, -2.35)] for Minnesota Living with Heart Failure score, and -0.52 [95% CI (-0.73, -0.31)] for New York Heart Association class.
INTERPRETATION
Ivabradine reduces heart rate and ventricular volume, and improves cardiac function in patients with DCM, but showed no significant effect on the prognosis of patients.
PubMed: 37915740
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1149351 -
Cardiology in Review 2017It is not clear whether swimming is safe in patients with chronic heart failure. Ten studies examining the hemodynamic effects of acute water immersion (WI) (155... (Review)
Review
It is not clear whether swimming is safe in patients with chronic heart failure. Ten studies examining the hemodynamic effects of acute water immersion (WI) (155 patients; average age 60 years; 86% male; mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 29%) and 6 randomized controlled trials of rehabilitation comparing swimming with either medical treatment only (n = 3) or cycling (n = 1) or aerobic exercise (n = 2), (136 patients, average age 59 years; 84% male, mean LVEF 31%) were considered. In 7 studies of warm WI (30-35°C): heart rate (HR) fell (2% to -15%), and both cardiac output (CO) (7-37%) and stroke volume (SV) increased (13-41%). In 1 study of hot WI (41°C), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) fell (41%) and HR increased (33%). In 2 studies of cold WI (12-22°C), there were no consistent effects on HR and CO. Compared with medical management, swimming led to a greater increase in peak VO2 (7-14%) and 6 minute walk test (6MWT) (7-13%). Compared with cycle training, combined swimming and cycle training led to a greater reduction in resting HR (16%), a greater increase in resting SV (23%) and SVR (15%), but no changes in resting CO and a lesser increase in peak VO2 (6%). Compared with aerobic training, combined swimming and aerobic training lead to a reduction in resting HR (19%) and SVR (54%) and a greater increase in SV (34%), resting CO (28%), LVEF (9%), and 6MWT (70%). Although swimming appears to be safe, the studies conducted have been small, very heterogeneous, and inconclusive.
Topics: Cardiac Output; Chronic Disease; Exercise Therapy; Heart Failure; Heart Rate; Humans; Immersion; Patient Safety; Stroke Volume; Swimming; Vascular Resistance
PubMed: 28767502
DOI: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000154 -
ESC Heart Failure Dec 2018Mid-range ejection fraction is a new entity of heart failure (HF) with undetermined prognosis till now. In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Mid-range ejection fraction is a new entity of heart failure (HF) with undetermined prognosis till now. In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess the mortality and hospitalization rates in mid-range ejection fraction HF (HFmrEF) and compare them with those of reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction HF (HFpEF).
METHODS AND RESULTS
We conducted our search in March 2018 in the following databases for relevant articles: PubMed, CENTRAL, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, NYAM, SIEGLE, GHL, VHL, and POPLINE. Our primary endpoint was assessing all-cause mortality and all-cause hospital re-admission rates in HFmrEF in comparison with HFrEF and HFpEF. Secondary endpoints were the possible causes of death and hospital re-admission. Twenty-five articles were included in our meta-analysis with a total of 606 762 adult cardiac patients. Our meta-analysis showed that HFmrEF had a lower rate of all-cause death than had HFrEF [relative risk (RR), 0.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85-0.94]. HFpEF showed a higher rate of cardiac mortality than did HFmrEF (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.16). Also, HFrEF had a higher rate of non-cardiac mortality than had HFmrEF (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.22-1.41).
CONCLUSIONS
We detected a significant difference between HFrEF and HFmrEF regarding all-cause death, and non-cardiac death, while HFpEF differed significantly from HFmrEF regarding cardiac death.
Topics: Cause of Death; Diagnostic Imaging; Global Health; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Incidence; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Stroke Volume
PubMed: 30211480
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12353 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2011Human albumin solutions are used for a range of medical and surgical problems. Licensed indications are the emergency treatment of shock and other conditions where... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Human albumin solutions are used for a range of medical and surgical problems. Licensed indications are the emergency treatment of shock and other conditions where restoration of blood volume is urgent, such as in burns and hypoproteinaemia. Human albumin solutions are more expensive than other colloids and crystalloids.
OBJECTIVES
To quantify the effect on mortality of human albumin and plasma protein fraction (PPF) administration in the management of critically ill patients.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register (searched 31 May 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2), MEDLINE (Ovid) (1948 to week 3 May 2011), EMBASE (Ovid) (1980 to Week 21 2011), CINAHL (EBSCO) (1982 to May 2011), ISI Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) (1970 to May 2011), ISI Web of Science: Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (CPCI-S) (1990 to May 2011), PubMed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/) (searched 10 June 2011, limit: last 60 days). Reference lists of trials and review articles were checked, and authors of identified trials were contacted.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing albumin or PPF with no albumin or PPF or with a crystalloid solution in critically ill patients with hypovolaemia, burns or hypoalbuminaemia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We collected data on the participants, albumin solution used, mortality at the end of follow up, and quality of allocation concealment. Analysis was stratified according to patient type.
MAIN RESULTS
We found 38 trials meeting the inclusion criteria and reporting death as an outcome. There were 1,958 deaths among 10,842 trial participants.For hypovolaemia, the relative risk of death following albumin administration was 1.02 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 to 1.13). This estimate was heavily influenced by the results of the SAFE trial, which contributed 75.2% of the information (based on the weights in the meta-analysis). For burns, the relative risk was 2.93 (95% CI 1.28 to 6.72) and for hypoalbuminaemia the relative risk was 1.26 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.88). There was no substantial heterogeneity between the trials in the various categories (Chi(2) = 26.66, df = 31, P = 0.69). The pooled relative risk of death with albumin administration was 1.05 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.16).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
For patients with hypovolaemia, there is no evidence that albumin reduces mortality when compared with cheaper alternatives such as saline. There is no evidence that albumin reduces mortality in critically ill patients with burns and hypoalbuminaemia. The possibility that there may be highly selected populations of critically ill patients in which albumin may be indicated remains open to question. However, in view of the absence of evidence of a mortality benefit from albumin and the increased cost of albumin compared to alternatives such as saline, it would seem reasonable that albumin should only be used within the context of well concealed and adequately powered randomised controlled trials.
Topics: Blood Proteins; Burns; Critical Illness; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Hypoalbuminemia; Hypovolemia; Plasma Substitutes; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Serum Albumin
PubMed: 21975732
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001208.pub3 -
Cancers Sep 2022Brain metastases (BMs) carry a high morbidity and mortality burden. Neoadjuvant stereotactic radiotherapy (NaSRT) has shown promising results. We systematically reviewed... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Brain metastases (BMs) carry a high morbidity and mortality burden. Neoadjuvant stereotactic radiotherapy (NaSRT) has shown promising results. We systematically reviewed the literature on NaSRT for BMs.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web-of-Science, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrial.gov were searched following the PRISMA guidelines to include studies and ongoing trials reporting NaSRT for BMs. Indications, protocols, and outcomes were analyzed using indirect random-effect meta-analyses.
RESULTS
We included 7 studies comprising 460 patients with 483 BMs, and 13 ongoing trials. Most BMs originated from non-small lung cell carcinoma (41.4%), breast cancer (18.7%) and melanoma (43.6%). Most patients had single-BM (69.8%) located supratentorial (77.8%). Patients were eligible if they had histologically-proven primary tumors and ≤4 synchronous BMs candidate for non-urgent surgery and radiation. Patients with primary tumors clinically responsive to radiotherapy, prior brain radiation, and leptomeningeal metastases were deemed non-eligible. Median planning target volume was 9.9 cm (range, 2.9-57.1), and NaSRT was delivered in 1-fraction (90.9%), 5-fraction (4.8%), or 3-fraction (4.3%), with a median biological effective dose of 39.6 Gy10 (range, 35.7-60). Most patients received piecemeal (76.3%) and gross-total (94%) resection after a median of 1-day (range, 1-10) post-NaSRT. Median follow-up was 19.2-months (range, 1-41.3). Actuarial post-treatment rates were 4% (95%CI: 2-6%) for symptomatic radiation necrosis, 15% (95%CI: 12-18%) and 47% (95%CI: 42-52%) for local and distant recurrences, 6% (95%CI: 3-8%) for leptomeningeal metastases, 81% (95%CI: 75-87%) and 59% (95%CI: 54-63%) for 1-year local tumor control and overall survival.
CONCLUSION
NaSRT is effective and safe for BMs. Ongoing trials will provide high-level evidence on long-term post-treatment outcomes, further compared to adjuvant stereotactic radiotherapy.
PubMed: 36077863
DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174328 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jul 2023Background The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the associations between body composition measures and risk of incident heart failure (HF) and its subtypes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the associations between body composition measures and risk of incident heart failure (HF) and its subtypes in the general population. Methods and Results We searched Medline, Embase, and Global Health databases from each database inception to January 19, 2023 for prospective studies reporting on body composition and HF risk. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. Fixed-effects models were used for meta-analysis. Thirty-five studies were included (n=1 137 044; n=34 422). Summary relative risk (RR) per 5-kg/m higher body mass index was 1.42 (95% CI, 1.40-1.42; 𝜁=0.02, =94.4%), 1.28 (95% CI, 1.26-1.31; 𝜁=0.01, =75.8%) per 10-cm higher waist circumference, and 1.33 (95% CI, 1.28-1.37; 𝜁=0.04, =94.9%) per 0.1-unit higher waist-hip ratio. Pooled estimates of the few studies that reported on regional fat suggested significant positive association between HF risk and both visceral fat (RR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.04-1.12]) and pericardial fat (RR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.06-1.10]). Among HF subtypes, associations were stronger for HF with preserved ejection fraction than HF with reduced ejection fraction. No study reported on lean mass. Conclusions Pooled data suggested strong associations between adiposity and HF. The association with adiposity is stronger for HF with preserved ejection fraction than HF with reduced ejection fraction, indicating that different mechanisms may be at play in etiopathogenesis of HF subtypes. Future studies are needed to investigate role of regional fat mass and lean mass in HF risk. Registration Information REGISTRATION: URL: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. Unique identifier: CRD42020224584.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Prospective Studies; Heart Failure; Obesity; Waist-Hip Ratio; Adiposity; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Stroke Volume
PubMed: 37345755
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.122.029062 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2012Approximately one-fifth of women who develop early breast cancer have HER2-positive tumours, which if untreated, have a worse prognosis than HER2-negative tumours.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Approximately one-fifth of women who develop early breast cancer have HER2-positive tumours, which if untreated, have a worse prognosis than HER2-negative tumours. Trastuzumab is a selective treatment targeting the HER2 pathway. Although the results on efficacy seem to support its use, there are potential cardiac toxicities which need to be considered, especially for women at lower risk of recurrence, or those at increased cardiovascular risk.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the evidence on the efficacy and safety of therapy with trastuzumab, overall and in relation to its duration, concurrent or sequential administration with the standard chemotherapy regimen in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group's (CBCGs) Specialised Trials Register, and used the search strategy developed by the CBCG to search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, TOXNET, and the WHO ICTRP search portal (up to February 2010).
SELECTION CRITERIA
RCTs comparing the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab alone, or in combination with chemotherapy, or no treatment, or standard chemotherapy alone, in women with HER2-positive early breast cancer including women with locally advanced breast cancer.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We collected data from published and unpublished trials. We used hazard ratios (HRs) for time-to-event outcomes and risk ratio (RRs) for binary outcomes. Subgroup analyses included duration (less or greater than six months) and concurrent or sequential trastuzumab administration.
MAIN RESULTS
We included eight studies involving 11,991 patients. The combined HRs for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) significantly favoured the trastuzumab-containing regimens (HR 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57 to 0.77, P < 0.00001; and HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.71, P < 0.00001, respectively). Trastuzumab significantly increased the risk of congestive heart failure (CHF: RR 5.11; 90% CI 3.00 to 8.72, P < 0.00001); and left ventricular ejection fraction decline (LVEF: RR 1.83; 90% CI 1.36 to 2.47, P = 0.0008). For haematological toxicities, risks did not differ. The two small trials that administered trastuzumab for less than six months did not differ in efficacy from longer studies, but found fewer cardiac toxicities. Studies with concurrent administration gave similar efficacy and toxicity results to sequential studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Trastuzumab significantly improves OS and DFS in HER2-positive women with early and locally advanced breast cancer, although it also significantly increases the risk of CHF and LVEF decline. The available subgroup analyses are limited by the small number of studies. Studies that administered trastuzumab concurrently or sequentially did not differ significantly in efficacy. Shorter duration of therapy may reduce cardiotoxicity and maintain efficacy, however there is insufficient evidence at present to conclude this due to small numbers of patients in these trials.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Breast Neoplasms; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Receptor, ErbB-2; Stroke Volume; Time Factors; Trastuzumab; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left
PubMed: 22513938
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006243.pub2 -
QJM : Monthly Journal of the... Feb 2023Variable clinical criteria taken by medical professionals across the world for myocarditis following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination along with wide...
Variable clinical criteria taken by medical professionals across the world for myocarditis following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination along with wide variation in treatment necessitates understanding and reviewing the same. A systematic review was conducted to elucidate the clinical findings, laboratory parameters, treatment and outcomes of individuals with myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination after registering with PROSPERO. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, LitCovid, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and Web of Science were searched. A total of 85 articles encompassing 2184 patients were analysed. It was a predominantly male (73.4%) and young population (mean age: 25.5 ± 14.2 years) with most having taken an mRNA-based vaccine (99.4%). The mean duration from vaccination to symptom onset was 4.01 ± 6.99 days. Chest pain (90.1%), dyspnoea (25.7%) and fever (11.9%) were the most common symptoms. Only 2.3% had comorbidities. CRP was elevated in 83.3% and cardiac troponin in 97.6% patients. An abnormal ECG was reported in 979/1313 (74.6%) patients with ST-segment elevation being most common (34.9%). Echocardiographic data were available for 1243 patients (56.9%), of whom 288 (23.2%) had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (76.5%), steroids (14.1%) followed by colchicine (7.3%) were used for treatment. Only 6 patients died among 1317 of whom data were available. Myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination is often mild, seen more commonly in young healthy males and is followed by rapid recovery with conservative treatment. The emergence of this adverse event calls for harmonizing case definitions and definite treatment guidelines, which require wider research.
Topics: Humans; Male; Child; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Female; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Myocarditis; SARS-CoV-2; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 35238384
DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcac064 -
Heart Failure Reviews Jan 2023The impact of exercise training and physiotherapy on heart function and pulmonary circulation parameters in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)... (Review)
Review
The impact of exercise training and physiotherapy on heart function and pulmonary circulation parameters in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients is uncertain. Hence, we performed a systematic review of published trials studying physical training in HFpEF population, with a focus on exercise and physiotherapy effect on left ventricular (LV), right ventricular (RV) morphological, functional, and pulmonary circulation parameters. We searched Cochrane Library and MEDLINE/PubMed for trials that evaluated the effect of exercise training and/or physiotherapy in adult HFpEF patients (defined as LVEF ≥ 45%), including publications until March 2021. Our systematic review identified eighteen articles (n = 418 trained subjects, 4 to 52 weeks of training) and covered heterogeneous trials with various populations, designs, methodologies, and interventions. Five of twelve trials revealed a significant reduction of mitral E/e' ratio after the training (- 1.2 to - 4.9). Seven studies examined left atrial volume index; three of them showed its decrease (- 3.7 to - 8 ml/m). Findings were inconsistent regarding improvement of cardiac output, E/A ratio, and E wave DecT and uncertain for RV function and pulmonary hypertension parameters. For now, no reliable evidence about rehabilitation effect on HFpEF cardiac mechanisms is available. There are some hypotheses generating findings on potential positive effects to parameters of LV filling pressure (E/e'), left atrium size, cardiac output, and RV function. This encourages a broader and more complex assessment of parameters reflecting cardiac function in future HFpEF exercise training studies.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Heart Failure; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left; Exercise; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 35831689
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-022-10259-1