Weight loss specific to indication,remission of diabetes,and short-term complications after sleeve gastrectomy conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure worldwide. Long-term complications such as insufficient weight loss (IWL) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may necessitate SG conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The aim of this review was to determine the indication-specific weight loss and diabetes remission after SG conversion to RYGB (STOBY). Our objective was to extract all available published data on indication for conversion, weight loss, remission of diabetes, and short-term complications after STOBY. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies reporting outcomes following STOBY. A random effects model was used for meta-analysis. The search identified 44 relevant studies. Overall short-term (12-mo) excess weight loss (EWL) was 54.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 46%–63%) in 23 studies (n = 712) and total weight loss (TWL) was 19.9% (95% CI, 14%–25%) in 21 studies (n = 740). For IWL, short-term (12-mo) pooled weight loss outcomes were 53.9% EWL (95% CI, 48%–59%) in 14 studies (n = 295) and 22.7% TWL (95% CI, 17%–28%) in 12 studies (n = 219), and medium-term (2–5 yr) outcomes were 45.8% EWL (95% CI, 38%–53%) in 7 studies (n = 154) and 20.6% TWL (95% CI, 15%–26%) in 9 studies (n = 206). Overall diabetes remission was 53% (95% CI, 33%–72%), and the perioperative complication rate was 8.2% (95% CI, 7.6%–8.7%). Revisional SG conversion to RYGB for IWL can achieve good weight loss outcomes and diabetes remission.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinician-reported versus patient-reported outcomes of radiation dermatitis

Radiation dermatitis is a common adverse effect of radiotherapy (RT) in breast cancer patients. Although radiation dermatitis is reported by either the clinician or the patient, previous studies have shown disagreement between clinician-reported outcomes (CROs) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This review evaluated the extent of discordance between CROs and PROs for radiation dermatitis. Studies reporting both clinician and patient-reported outcomes for external beam RT were eligible. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, while 8 of these studies were eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis of acute and late skin toxicities. We found an overall agreement between CROs and PROs of acute skin colour change, fibrosis and/or retraction, and moist desquamation (p > 0.005). Reporting of late breast pain, breast edema, skin colour change, telangiectasia, fibrosis and/or retraction and induration/fibrosis alone (p > 0.005) were also in agreement between clinicians and patients. Our meta-analysis revealed a greater reporting of acute breast pain by patients (RR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.87–0.92, p < 0.001), greater reporting of acute breast edema by physicians (RR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.65–1.97, p < 0.001) and a greater reporting of late breast shrinkage by patients (RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.86, p = 0.005). However, our review was limited by the discrepancies between PRO and CRO measurement tools as well as the absence of standard time points for evaluation of radiation dermatitis. Given potential discrepancies between CROs and PROs, both measures should be reported in future studies. Ultimately, we advocate for the development of a single tool to assess symptoms from both perspectives.     

Synchronous Carotid Endarterectomy and Off-pump Coronary Bypass: An Updated,Systematic Review of Early Outcomes

ObjectivesTo update our previous systematic review of outcomes following synchronous carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OFF-CABG).DesignA systematic review of operative risks reported in published studies of synchronous CEA plus OFF-CABG procedures.ResultsWe identified 12 eligible studies, including data on 324 synchronous CEA plus OFF-CABG procedures. Operative mortality was 1.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.3–2.8), the risk of death or ipsilateral stroke was 1.6% (0.4–2.8%), risk of death or any stroke was 2.2% (95% CI: 0.7–3.7) and the risk of death, stroke or myocardial infarction was 3.6% (95% CI: 1.6–5.5).ConclusionsLimited published data on 324 patients suggest that early outcomes after synchronous CEA plus OFFCABG are better than those following staged or synchronous CEA plus CABG where the cardiac procedure was performed on-pump. This may, however, be attributed to publication bias, case selection or the fact that the aorta was not manipulated or cannulated, rather than CEA being primarily responsible for the lower stroke risk. Colleagues with unpublished experience of CEA plus OFF-CABG are encouraged to submit their data to further inform the debate.     

Comparison of Outcomes Following Ileostomy versus Colostomy for Defunctioning Colorectal Anastomoses

Background The present study evaluated outcomes of patients undergoing proximal diversion using either a loop ileostomy or loop colostomy following distal colorectal resection for malignant and non-malignant disease. Methods A literature search of the Medline, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies published between 1966 and 2006, comparing loop ileostomy and loop colostomy to protect a distal colorectal anastomosis. A random effect meta-analytical technique was used and sensitivity analysis performed on studies published since 2000, higher quality papers, those reporting on 70 or more patients, and those reporting outcomes following colorectal cancer resections. Results Seven studies, including three randomised controlled trials, satisfied the inclusion criteria. Outcomes of a total of 1,204 patients were analysed, of whom 719 (59.7%) underwent defunctioning loop ileostomy. High stoma output was more common following ileostomy formation (OR = 5.39, 95% CI: 1.11, 26.12, P = 0.04), but wound infections following their reversal were significantly fewer (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.62, P = 0.004). Overall complications were less frequent for ileostomy patients in the subgroup of high quality studies (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.59, P = 0.003). Conclusion The results of this meta-analysis suggest that ileostomy may be preferable to colostomy when used to defunction a distal colorectal anastomosis. Wound infections following stoma reversal were reduced, as were overall stoma-related complications and incisional hernia following stoma reversal for ileostomy patients in high quality studies.     

A meta-analysis on the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms: exposing critical treatment gaps

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are a significant cause of anxiety and depression. Though the annual rupture rate is relatively low, ensuing mortality and morbidity may be high. Most published studies have focused on functional outcomes; however, limited studies have explored and reported on psychiatric outcomes, which are equally important. We aimed to review existing data on anxiety and depression in patients with UIAs. We systematically searched the databases of Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, EBSCOHOST, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies that reported on anxiety and depression in patients with UIAs. Where available, we also reported data on aneurysm characteristics, treatment modalities, and functional outcomes of these populations. We performed a meta-analysis of proportions by random-effects modeling to compute the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with UIAs. Eighteen studies reporting a total of 1413 patients with UIAs were included in the systematic review. The mean age was 57.8 (range 27–79); 64% of whom were female. Random-effect modeling analysis showed an overall estimated prevalence of 28% [95% CI: 0.17–0.42] for anxiety and 21% [95% CI: 0.13–0.33] for depression among patients with UIAs. No significant difference was found in the prevalence of these conditions between treated vs untreated aneurysms. Our review highlights the heterogeneity of data from existing studies and the lack of standardized methodologies in determining psychiatric outcomes in patients with UIAs. It was also limited by the small sample sizes and patient counseling bias in the included studies. Larger, well-designed epidemiologic studies on patients with UIA should include more representative samples, assess for predictors of psychological outcomes, and explore the most optimal psychiatric assessment tools.

     

Risk of Colorectal Carcinoma in Post‐Liver Transplant Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis

Liver transplant patients (LTx) have an increased risk for developing de novo malignancies, but for colorectal cancer (CRC) this risk is less clear. We aimed to determine whether the CRC risk post‐LTx was increased. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE and Cochrane databases to identify studies published between 1986 and 2008 reporting on the risk of CRC post‐LTx. The outcomes were (1) CRC incidence rate (IR per 100 000 person‐years (PY)) compared to a weighted age‐matched control population using SEER and (2) relative risk (RR) for CRC compared to the general population. If no RR data were available, the RR was estimated using SEER. Twenty‐nine studies were included. The overall post‐LTx IR was 119 (95% CI 88–161) per 100 000 PY. The overall RR was 2.6 (95% CI 1.7–4.1). The non‐primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) IR was 129 per 100 000 PY (95% CI 81–207). Compared to SEER (71 per 100 000 PY), the non‐PSC RR was 1.8 (95% CI 1.1–2.9). In conclusion, the overall transplants and the subgroup non‐PSC transplants have an increased CRC risk compared to the general population. However, in contrast to PSC, non‐PSC transplants do not need an intensified screening strategy compared to the general population until a prospective study further defines recommendations.     

Clinical application and outcomes of reconstructive microsurgery in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundReconstructive microsurgical free flap techniques are often the treatment of choice for a variety of complex tissue defects across multiple surgical specialties. However, the practice is underdeveloped in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the clinical application and outcomes of reconstructive microsurgery performed in Africa.MethodsSeven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Embase, and Google Scholar) were searched for studies reporting microsurgical procedures performed in Africa. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools and quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to estimate the pooled proportion of events with 95% confidence intervals. The primary outcome was free flap success rate, and the secondary outcomes were the complication and flap salvage rates.ResultsNinety-two studies were included in the narrative synthesis and nine in the pooled meta-analysis. In total, 1376 free flaps in 1327 patients from 1976 to 2020 were analyzed. Head and neck oncologic reconstruction made up 30% of cases, while breast reconstruction comprised 2%. The pooled flap survival rate was 89% (95% CI: 0.84, 0.93), complication rate 51% (95% CI: 0.36, 0.65), and free flap salvage rate was 45% (95% CI: 0.08, 0.84).ConclusionThis meta-analysis showed that the free flap success rates in Africa are high and comparable to those reported in high-income countries. However, the comparatively higher complication rate and lower salvage rate suggest a need for improved perioperative care.Review registrationRegistered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 25th September 2020, ID: CRD42020192344.     

The Association of Frailty with Outcomes after Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Background

Cancer is common in older adults, who often have concurrent frailty. Frailty is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in surgical patients. Our objective is to systematically review the association of frailty with postoperative mortality and other adverse outcomes in adult patients who have undergone nonemergency cancer surgery.

Methods

After registration (CRD42020171163), we systematically reviewed PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases to identify all studies reporting an association between a preoperative frailty measurement and a relevant outcome (primary: all-cause mortality in-hospital or within 30 days of surgery; secondary outcomes: postoperative complications, length of stay, discharge disposition, mortality between 30 days and 1 year, postoperative function, and delirium). All stages of the review were completed in duplicate. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. Metaanalysis was used to pool effect estimates using random-effects models.

Results

A total of 2877 studies were identified, and 71 were included. Frailty was significantly associated with mortality within 30 days (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.77–5.15), adverse discharge disposition (adjusted OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.52–3.02), postoperative complications (adjusted OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.64–3.49), longer-term mortality (unadjusted OR 4.32, 95% CI 2.15–8.67), and length of stay (mean difference 2.30, 95% CI 1.10–3.50). The number of studies presenting adequately adjusted estimates was small. Findings may be limited due to publication bias.

Conclusions

In adults having elective cancer surgery, frailty is strongly associated with adverse health outcomes. Preoperative frailty assessment should be considered in prognostication.

     

Predictors of postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe present study aimed to summarize the predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients after hip surgery.MethodsA literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies assessing the predictors of AKI after hip fracture surgery. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) of those who experienced AKI compared to those who did not were calculated for each variable. Evidence was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.ResultsTen studies with 34 potential factors were included in the meta-analysis. In the primary analysis, 12 factors were associated with AKI, comprising males (OR 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.36), advanced age (MD 2.28; 95% CI 0.80–3.75), myocardial infarction (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.18–1.63), hypertension (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.13–1.89), diabetes (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.40–2.42), chronic kidney disease (OR 3.66; 95% CI 2.21–6.07), hip arthroplasty (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.22–1.50), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers use (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.68–3.08), more intraoperative blood loss (MD 44.06; 95% CI 2.88–85.24), higher preoperative blood urea nitrogen levels (MD 5.29; 95% CI 3.38–7.20), higher preoperative serum creatinine levels (MD 0.4; 95% CI 0.26–0.53), and lower preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (MD −19.59; 95% CI −26.92–−12.26). Another 13 factors related to AKI in individual studies were identified in the systematic review.ConclusionRelated prophylaxis strategies should be implemented in patients involved with the above-mentioned characteristics to prevent AKI after hip surgery.     

Impact of Preoperative Diabetes on Long-Term Survival After Curative Resection of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is coupled to the risk and symptomatic onset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The important question whether DM influences the prognosis of resected PDAC has not been systematically evaluated in the literature. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the impact of preoperative DM on survival after curative surgery.

Methods

The databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies reporting on the impact of preoperative DM on survival after PDAC resection. Hazard ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were extracted. The meta-analysis was calculated using the random-effects model.

Results

The data search identified 4,365 abstracts that were screened for relevant articles. Ten retrospective studies with a cumulative sample size of 4,471 patients were included in the qualitative review. The mean prevalence of preoperative DM was 26.7 % (1,067 patients), and all types of pancreatic resections were considered. The meta-analysis included 8 studies and demonstrated that preoperative DM is associated with a worse overall survival after curative resection of PDAC (hazard ratio 1.32, 95 % CI 1.46–1.60, P = 0.004). Only 2 studies reported separate data for new-onset and long-standing DM.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis evaluating long-term survival after PDAC resection in normoglycemic and diabetic patients, demonstrating a significantly worse outcome in the latter group. The mechanism behind this observation and the question whether different antidiabetic medications or early control of DM can improve survival in PDAC should be evaluated in further studies.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the treatment of acute lisfranc injuries: Open reduction and internal fixation versus primary arthrodesis

BackgroundInjuries to the Lisfranc complex, although relatively rare carry a high morbidity and are often associated with other injuries. Despite a number published studies to determine the best operative management, there is an ongoing debate to whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or primary arthrodesis (PA) produces the best outcomes for patients. There have been further studies published in the last few years that have not been assessed as part of the wider literature and therefore we wished to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis with inclusion of outcomes not assessed in the previous studies.MethodsWe performed a structured search for retrospective and prospective comparative papers and identified 8 relevant articles (2 RCT studies and 6 non-RCT studies) that compared the outcomes of ORIF versus PA; these studies included a total of 547 patients. Each of the studies was assessed for suitability and quality before inclusion. We performed a statistical analysis of the aggregated results as part of the review.ResultsWe found no statistically significant difference between the outcomes of ORIF versus PA in terms of return to work or activity (Odds Ratio 0.80 (CI 95%, 0.32–2.02, P = 0.64)) and satisfaction rates (Odds Ratio 0.15 (CI 95%, 0.01–.00, P = 0.25)). Patients undergoing ORIF have a higher risk of undergoing further surgery to remove the metalwork (Odds Ration 13.13 (CI 95%, 7.65–22.54, P < 0.00001)) or to undergo secondary fusion, but, the overall complication rates appear to be equivalent in both groups (risk difference 0.03 (CI 95%, –0.15–0.21, P = 0.76)).ConclusionsAlthough there were no significant differences in the functional outcomes, the overall power of the studies is low. The rates of metalwork removal and secondary fusion were higher in the ORIF group and this risk should be presented to the patient when counselling them for any procedure. We noted that there is a high level of heterogeneity in the type of injuries and measured outcomes included in each study and, therefore, further trials are needed to determine the best treatment across the spectrum of Lisfranc complex injuries.     

The prognostic value of elevated neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are at significant risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a widely available inflammatory biomarker which may be of prognostic value in this setting.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting associations between perioperative NLR with postoperative AKI. We searched Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library, without language restriction, from inception to May 2022 for relevant studies. We meta-analysed the reported odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for both elevated preoperative and postoperative NLR with risk of postoperative AKI and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). We conducted a meta-regression to explore inter-study statistical heterogeneity.

Results

Twelve studies involving 10,724 participants undergoing cardiac surgery were included, with eight studies being deemed at high risk of bias using PROBAST modelling. We found statistically significant associations between elevated preoperative NLR and postoperative AKI (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.18–1.77), as well as postoperative need for RRT (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.50–3.72). Postoperative NLR measurements were not of prognostic significance.

Conclusions

Elevated preoperative NLR is a reliable inflammatory biomarker for predicting AKI following cardiac surgery.     

Microsurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformation management: a Siberian experience

Cerebral vascular malformations remain among the most difficult neurosurgical entities to treat. We report a retrospective study of the outcome in 95 consecutive patients with angiographically revealed arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Fifty-four patients underwent microsurgical total AVM removal (group I). Forty-one patients who refused open surgery (group II) were managed either by endovascular embolisation (16 cases), radiosurgery (three) or followed up with medical treatment for their symptoms. In the first group pretreatment with the non-selective -blocker propranolol before surgery, the current neuronavigation techniques, intraoperative embolisation and AVM nidus colouring in high flow AVM were used for total microsurgical excision of the lesions. All AVM patients but one survived microsurgery. The mortality rate was 1.8% for group I. Six patients with grade IV–V AVM developed new temporal neurological symptoms following surgery. Four of them recovered completely in 3–6 weeks; two patients remained with mild persistent monoparesis and with homonymous hemianopsia postoperatively. In ten of 13 epileptic patients surgery produced a cure. No patient re-bled following surgery. No postoperative normal perfusion pressure breakthrough occurred. In the second group ten patients (24%) developed intracerebral haemorrhages, six of ten patients demonstrated progressive seizures. The mortality rate in group II totalled 17% over 6 years. Microsurgical management approaches must consider preoperative correction of impaired cerebral autoregulation, neuronavigation for preoperative planning and intraoperative orientation, intraoperative embolisation and dying of the nidus for large high-flow AVMs.     

Predicting fluid responsiveness with transthoracic echocardiography is not yet evidence based

An essential part of intensive care is to accurately identify fluid responders among patients with circulatory failure. Over the past few years, new techniques have been assessed for rapid and non‐invasive prediction of fluid responsiveness. As transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is becoming an integrated tool in the intensive care unit, this systematic review examined studies evaluating the predictive value of TTE for fluid responsiveness. In October 2012, we searched Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science for studies evaluating the predictive value of TTE‐derived variables for fluid responsiveness defined as change in thermodilution cardiac output or stroke volume after a fluid challenge or a passive leg raising test. The use of thermodilution was used as inclusion criterion because it is the only method validated to show the change in cardiac output or stroke volume, which defines fluid responsiveness. Of the 4294 evaluated citations, only one study fully met our inclusion criteria. In this study, the predictive value of variations in inferior vena cava diameter (> 16%) for fluid responsiveness was moderate with sensitivity of 71% [95% confidence interval (CI) 44–90], specificity of 100% (95% CI 73–100) and an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.90 (95% CI 0.73–0.98). Only one study of TTE‐based methods fulfilled the criteria for valid assessment of fluid responsiveness. Before recommending the use of TTE in predicting fluid responsiveness, proper evaluation including thermodilution technique as the gold standard is needed.     

Diagnostic precision of magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative prediction of the circumferential margin involvement in patients with rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE: Circumferential margin involvement (CMI) is an important prognostic indicator for patients with rectal cancer. This meta-analysis aims at evaluating the diagnostic precision of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the preoperative evaluation of CMI in patients with rectal cancer. METHOD: Quantitative meta-analysis was performed comparing MRI against histology after total mesorectal excision. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated for each study. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves and subgroup analysis were undertaken. Study quality and heterogeneity were evaluated. Meta-regression meta-analysis was used to evaluate the significance of the difference in relative DORs. RESULTS: Nine studies evaluating 529 patients were included. Pooled results showed an overall sensitivity and specificity for MRI detecting CMI preoperatively of 94% and 85% respectively. The SROC analysis demonstrated an overall weighted area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92 (DOR 57.21, 95% CI 18.21-179.77), without significant heterogeneity between the studies (Q-value 14.66, P = 0.06). Good study quality further increased the sensitivity and specificity of MRI. The use of a 1.5 Tesla coil, a phased array coil and the inclusion of two interpreters also resulted in high preoperative diagnostic precision. Meta-regression meta-analysis showed a significant difference in the DOR for studies published in or since 2003 (P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging can accurately predict CMI preoperatively for rectal cancer in single units and this is reproducible across different centres. This strategy has important implications for selection of patients for adjuvant therapy prior to surgery.     

Sex-specific Analysis of Data in High-impact Orthopaedic Journals: How Are We Doing?

Background

In 2001, the Institute of Medicine released a report stating that sex must be considered in all aspects and at all levels of biomedical research. Knowledge of differences between males and females in responses to treatment serves to improve our ability to care for our patients.

Questions/purposes

The purpose of our study was to determine (1) if there is an increase in the proportion of sex-specific reporting from 2000 to 2005 and to 2010; and (2) whether there is a proportional difference in such reporting based on journal type: subspecialty versus general orthopaedics. We hypothesize that assessment of the role of sex in outcomes has improved during the past 15 years and that the proportion of studies with of sex-specific analyses has increased with awareness of the role of sex in clinical outcomes and disease states. We additionally hypothesized that the reporting of sex would be similar between subspecialty and general orthopaedic journals.

Methods

Five high-impact orthopaedic journals, consisting of two general and three subspecialty journals, were chosen for review. Issues from even-numbered months during three calendar years (2000, 2005, 2010) were critically assessed for the presence of sex-specific analyses and reporting by two separate reviewers. Retrospective and prospective clinical studies, with a minimum of 20 patients, were included for analysis. Cadaveric, biomechanical, and in vitro studies were excluded. Review articles and clinical studies with less than 20 patients were excluded. A total of 821 studies that met inclusion criteria were analyzed: 206 in 2000, 277 in 2005, and 338 in 2010.

Results

Overall, the proportion of sex-specific analyses increased during the three times studied (19%, 40/206, [95% CI, 0.14–0.25] of the studies in 2000; 27%, 77/277, [95% CI, 0.23–0.33] in 2005; and 30%, 102/338, [95% CI, 0.25–0.35] in 2010). The increase in the proportion of sex-specific analysis was significant between 2000 and 2005 (p = 0.033), but was not significant between 2005 and 2010 (p = 0.518). During each of the three specific years studied, general and subspecialty journals increased in the proportions that reported sex-based analyses, but specialty journals had significantly higher reporting rates only in 2000 (2000: 11.9%, 13/109, [95% CI, 0.06–0.18] and 27.8%, 27/97, [95% CI, 0.19–0.37], p = 0.004; 2005: 22.9%, 33/144, [95% CI, 0.16–0.30], and 33.1%, 44/133, [95% CI, 0.25–0.41], p = 0.059; 2010: 28.2%, 51/181, [95% CI, 0.22–0.35] and 32.5%, 51/157, [95% CI, 0.25–0.40], p = 0.390).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that inclusion of sex-specific analysis and reporting in the orthopaedic literature improved during our study period, but are present in less than 1/3 of the studies. Although subgroup analysis and reporting are required by NIH guidelines, it is important that such analyses be published in non-NIH-funded studies to generate hypotheses regarding sex differences for subsequent research. These data also are important as they can be used in systematic reviews where large independent studies may not be available in the literature.

Clinical Relevance

Where evaluating conditions that affect males and females, studies should be designed with sufficient sample size to allow for subgroup analysis by sex to be performed, and they should include sex-specific differences among the a priori research questions.     

The association of preoperative delirium with postoperative outcomes following hip surgery in the elderly

Study objectiveTo determine the association of preoperative delirium with postoperative outcomes following hip surgery in the elderly.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingPostoperative recovery.Patients8466 patients all of whom were 65 years of age or older undergoing surgical repair of a femoral fracture. Of the total population studied, 1075 had preoperative delirium. Of those with preoperative delirium, 746 were ASA class 3 or below and 327 were ASA class 4 or above. Of the 7391 patients without preoperative delirium, 5773 were ASA class 3 or below and 1605 were ASA class 4 or above. The remainder in each group was of unknown ASA class.InterventionsWe used multivariable logistic regression to explore the association of preoperative delirium with 30-day postoperative outcomes. The odds ratio (OR) with associated 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported for each covariate.Measurements.Data was collected regarding the incidence of postoperative outcomes including: delirium, pulmonary complications, extended hospital stay, infection, renal complications, vascular complications, cardiac complications, transfusion necessity, readmission, and mortality.Main Results.After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of postoperative delirium (OR 9.38, 95% CI 7.94–11.14), pulmonary complications (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.4–2.36), extended hospital stay (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.26–1.72), readmission (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01–1.59) and mortality (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.54–2.39) were all significantly higher in patients with preoperative delirium compared to those without.ConclusionsAfter controlling for potential confounding variables, we showed that preoperative delirium was associated with postoperative delirium, pulmonary complications, extended hospital stay, hospital readmission, and mortality. Given the lack of studies on preoperative delirium and its postoperative outcomes, our data provides a strong starting point for further investigations as well as the development and implementation of targeted risk-reduction programs.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin for post-operative sepsis/infection in liver transplantation

BackgroundPost-operative infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Liver Transplantation (LT). Early diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment improves outcomes and ruling out sepsis aids immunosuppression decisions. Procalcitonin (PCT) has recently become part of such decision making in COVID-19 pneumonia but its role in LT is not established. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of PCT as a diagnostic biomarker for infection or sepsis following LT.MethodsA systematic search was conducted for studies reporting diagnostic performance of PCT for infection/sepsis following LT. Studies were assessed for reporting of diagnostic accuracy, relevance and quality.ResultsEight studies with 363 participants reported data on the diagnostic accuracy of PCT, with pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio and summary receiver operator curve of 70% (95% CI 62–78), 77% (95% CI 73–83), 15.82 (95% CI 5.82–43.12) and 0.871 respectively. There was variability in the timing of sampling (post-operative day 1–8) and range of cut-off values (0.48 to 42.8 ng/mL). Heterogeneity was reduced when only studies with adult LT recipients were considered.ConclusionsPCT performs moderately well as a diagnostic test for postoperative infection/sepsis following LT. This marker is more suited for use in adult LT populations.     

A systematic review of synthetic and biologic materials for abdominal wall reinforcement in contaminated fields

Background

Guidelines recommend the use of bioprosthetics for abdominal wall reinforcement in contaminated fields, but the evidence supporting the use of biologic over synthetic non-absorbable prosthetics for this indication is poor. Therefore, the objective was to perform a systematic review of outcomes after synthetic non-absorbable and biologic prosthetics for ventral hernia repair or prophylaxis in contaminated fields.

Methods

The systematic literature search identified all articles published up to 2013 that reported outcomes after abdominal wall reinforcement using synthetic non-absorbable or biologic prosthetics in contaminated fields. Studies were included if they included at least 10 cases (excluding inguinal and parastomal hernias). Quality assessment was performed using the MINORS instrument. The main outcomes measures were the incidence of wound infection and hernia at follow-up. Weighted pooled proportions were calculated using a random effects model.

Results

A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for synthesis. Mean sample size was 41.4 (range 10–190), and duration of follow-up was >1 year in 72 % of studies. Overall quality was low (mean 6.2, range 1–12). Pooled wound infection rates were 31.6 % (95 % CI 14.5–48.7) with biologic and 6.4 % (95 % CI 3.4–9.4) with synthetic non-absorbable prosthetics in clean-contaminated cases, with similar hernia rates. In contaminated and/or dirty fields, wound infection rates were similar, but pooled hernia rates were 27.2 % (95 % CI 9.5–44.9) with biologic and 3.2 % (95 % CI 0.0–11.0) with synthetic non-absorbable. Other outcomes were comparable.

Conclusions

The available evidence is limited, but does not support the superiority of biologic over synthetic non-absorbable prosthetics in contaminated fields.