Effects of vitamin E-coated dialyzer on oxidative stress and inflammation status in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Vitamin E-coated dialyzer may have an effect on oxidative stress and inflammation status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to assess the anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin E-coated dialyzer in HD patients. Methods: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of vitamin E-coated dialyzer versus conventional dialyzer for HD patients were searched from multiple databases. We screened relevant studies according to predefined inclusion criteria and performed meta-analyses using RevMan 5.1 software. Results: Meta-analysis showed vitamin E-coated dialyzer therapy could significantly decrease the serum thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) (SMD, ?0.95; 95% CI, ?1.28 to ?0.61; p?p?=?0.005), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD, ?0.65; 95% CI, ?0.97 to ?0.32; p?p?=?0.03) compared with that of the control group. However, vitamin E-coated dialyzer did not result in increasing the total antioxidant status (TAS) (SMD, 0.23; 95% CI, ?0.16 to 0.61; p?=?0.25) and the fractional clearance of urea index (Kt/v) levels (MD, ?0.07; 95% CI, ?0.14 to 0.00; p?=?0.06), in addition, there was no significant difference in plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) level compared with that of the conventional dialyzer &; oral vitamin E group (SMD, 0.28; 95% CI, ?0.20 to 0.75; p?=?0.26). Conclusions: Vitamin E-coated dialyzer can reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation status reflected by the decreasing of serum TBARS, oxLDL, CRP, and IL-6 levels, and this new dialyzer does not affect the dialysis adequacy.     

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio predicts cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation that has been shown to predict mortality in patients with malignancies, ischemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Its prognostic value in hemodialysis patients is unclear. The aims of this study were to: (i) explore the relationship between NLR and other biochemical parameters and (ii) to examine the value of NLR as a predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients. The study included all the incident hemodialysis patients from a single center between 2007 and 2012. NLR was calculated using samples obtained 3 months after commencing hemodialysis. One hundred seventy hemodialysis patients were included with a median follow-up of 37 months. There were 54 deaths (32%). NLR was positively correlated with C-reactive protein (r?=?0.24, p?=?0.0023) and negatively correlated with hemoglobin (r?=??0.27, p?=?0.00048), albumin (r?=??0.23, p?=?0.0034) and total cholesterol (r?=??0.17, p?=?0.049) levels. In multivariate Cox regression, NLR was independently associated with both all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–1.6; p?≤?0.0001) and cardiovascular death (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6, p?=?0.0032). Other predictors of all-cause mortality were age (HR 1.6 per decade; 95% CI, 1.2–2.1; p?=?0.0017), body mass index (HR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88–0.98; p?=?0.0047), albumin (HR 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86–0.97; p?=?0.0035) and peripheral vascular disease (HR 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4–5.1; p?=?0.0023). NLR is a practical, cost-efficient and easy to use predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in incident hemodialysis patients.     

Vitamin E-coated dialyzer and antioxidant defense parameters: three-month study

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease who have undergone dialysis treatment. Oxidative stress, increased lipid peroxidation, and impaired function of antioxidant systems may contribute to the accelerated development of atherosclerosis in chronic renal failure patients during renal replacement therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a vitamin E-coated dialyzer on antioxidant defense parameters in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In 14 HD patients, hemodialysis was performed using a vitamin E-coated dialyzer (Terumo CL-E15NL; Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) during a 3-month study. In these patients, erythrocyte (ER) antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT), plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), RBC glutathione (GSH), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma, and RBC vitamin E were investigated. Each parameter was measured at the beginning of the study, after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd month of the study, and 10 weeks after the interruption of the use of vitamin E-coated dialyzer. All HD patients were treated by erythropoietin (EPO) and received vitamin C 50 mg/d, pyridoxine 20 mg/d, and folic acid 5 mg/wk during the entire study. The 3-month treatment with the vitamin E-coated dialyzer led to a significant decrease of plasma MDA level (from 2.85 +/- 0.44 to 2.25 +/- 0.37 micromol/L) and to an increase of plasma TAC, RBC, GSH, and the vitamin E levels both in plasma (from 25.9 +/- 2.8 to 33.6 +/- 3.8 micromol/L) and in the RBCs (from 6.7 +/- 0.8 to 7.4 +/- 0.7 micromol/L) by 30% and 10.5%, respectively. Ten-week interruption of the use of the vitamin E-coated dialyzer led to near initial values of MDA (2.90 +/- 0.28 micromol/L), plasma (28.6 +/- 3.5 micromol/L), and RBC (6.9 +/- 0.7 micromol/L) vitamin E and of other investigated parameters. Statistical analysis of results was performed by conventional methods and analysis of variance. The findings of the current study confirm the beneficial effect of the vitamin E-coated dialyzer against oxidative stress in HD patients.     

Meta-analysis of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of chronic heart failure

Objectives. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Design. Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Results. Vitamin D supplementation in patients with CHF improved health-related quality of life and C-reactive protein levels [weighted mean difference (WMD): 6.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.87 to 10.64, p?p?=?.007]. However, this supplementation was not superior to conventional treatment in terms of mortality, changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (ΔLVEF), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide or B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and 6-minute walk distance (risk ratio: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.57, p?=?.53; WMD: 2.56, 95% CI: ?2.18 to 7.31, p?=?.29; SMD: ?0.18, 95% CI: ?0.42 to 0.06, p?=?.15; WMD: ?23.30, 95% CI: ?58.31 to 11.72, p?=?.19). In contrast, ΔLVEF significantly improved (WMD: 6.75, 95% CI: 4.16 to 9.34, p?Conclusions. Vitamin D supplementation decreases serum levels of inflammatory markers and improves quality of life in CHF patients. Pooled analysis of vitamin D supplementation did not show reduced mortality or improved left ventricular function perhaps because of excessive increase in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium levels. Future studies should pay attention to vitamin D and calcium levels achieved.     

Effects of far infrared therapy on arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis

Background: Far infrared (FIR) therapy may have a beneficial effect on maturity and function of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Therefore, we performed this pooled analysis to assess the protective effects of FIR therapy in HD patients.

Methods: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of FIR therapy for HD patients were searched from multiple databases. Relevant studies were screened according to the predefined inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.2 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK).

Results: Meta-analysis showed that FIR therapy could significantly increase the vascular access blood flow level (MD, 81.69?ml/min; 95% CI, 46.17–117.21; p?p?p?p?p?Conclusions: FIR therapy can reduce AVFs occlusion rates and needling pain level, while significantly improve the level of vascular access blood flow, AVFs diameter and the primary AVFs patency.     

Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous Curved Vertebroplasty in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed to provide higher quality evidence regarding the efficacy and safety between PCVP and PVP/KP in OVCFs. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (cohort or case–control studies) that compare PCVP to PVP/KP for OVCFs. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used to evaluate the quality of the RCTs and non-RCTs, respectively. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. A total of seven articles consisting of 562 patients with 593 diseased vertebral bodies were included. Statistically significant differences were found in the postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) at 1 day (MD = −0.11; 95% CI: [−0.21 to −0.01], p = 0.03), but not at 3 months (MD = −0.21; 95% CI: [−0.41–0.00], p = 0.05) or 6 months (MD = 0.03; 95% CI: [−0.13–0.20], p = 0.70). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) at 1 day (MD = −0.28; 95% CI: [−0.62–0.05], p = 0.10), 3 months (MD = −1.52; 95% CI: [−3.11–0.07], p = 0.06), or 6 months (MD = 0.18; 95% CI: [−0.13–0.48], p = 0.25). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in Cobb angle (MD = 0.30; 95% CI: [−1.69–2.30], p = 0.77) or anterior vertebral body height (SMD = −0.01; 95% CI: [−0.26–0.23], p = 0.92) after surgery. Statistically significant differences were found in surgical time (MD = −8.60; 95% CI: [−13.75 to −3.45], p = 0.001), cement infusion volume (MD = −0.82; 95% CI: [−1.50 to −0.14], P = 0.02), and dose of fluoroscopy (SMD = −1.22; 95% CI: [−1.84 to −0.60], p = 0.0001) between curved and noncurved techniques, especially compared to bilateral PVP. Moreover, cement leakage showed statistically significant difference (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: [0.27–0.60], p < 0.0001). Compared with PVP/KP, PCVP is superior for pain relief at short-term follow-up. Additionally, PCVP has the advantages of significantly lower surgical time, radiation exposure, bone cement infusion volume, and cement leakage incidence compared to bilateral PVP, while no statistically significant difference is found when compared with unilateral PVP or PKP. In terms of quality of life and radiologic outcomes, the effects of PCVP and PVP/KP are not significantly different. Overall, this meta-analysis reveals that PCVP was an effective and safe therapy for patients with OVCFs.     

Serum levels of malondialdehyde,vitamin C and E in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a meta-analysis

It is well documented that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a measurement of lipid oxidation; vitamin C and E are important components of antioxidants. However, the association between MDA, vitamin C or E levels and INS remains elusive. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the alteration of serum levels of MDA, vitamin C and E in INS compared with controls. Eight studies were included in our meta-analysis according to predefined criteria. Active INS patients demonstrated significantly higher level of serum MDA (SMD: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.511 to 2.749, p?10^?4), markedly lower levels of serum vitamin C (SMD: ?1.449, 95% CI: ?2.616 to ?0.281, p?=?0.015) and E (SMD: ?1.45, 95% CI: ?2.544 to ?0.356, p?=?0.009) compared with those in controls. Active steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) patients showed comparable levels of serum vitamin C and E to those in controls. INS subjects in the remission stage demonstrated significantly higher level of serum MDA (SMD: 1.028, 95% CI: 0.438 to 1.617, p?10^?4), markedly lower level of serum vitamin C (SMD: ?2.235, 95% CI: ?3.048 to ?1.421, p?10⁴) and similar level of serum vitamin E compared with those in controls. No significant publication bias was observed. In conclusion, the disorder of MDA and vitamin C persists in the remission stage of INS. It seems that the serum levels of vitamin C and E is associated with the responsiveness of INS to steroids. However, more studies should be performed in the future.     

Association between calcium-phosphorus balance and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A meta-analysis

Study designA systematic review and meta-analysis.ObjectiveThe objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between calcium-phosphorus balance and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).MethodsDatabases, including PubMed, OVID database, Web of Science, CBM database and CNKI database were searched for the relevant case control studies and cross-sectional studies. Two authors selected studies and extracted data independently. Data analysis was performed by Review Manager Software 5.0. Subgroup analysis was performed on the serum level of vitamin D according to gender and menstruation.ResultsFive studies were included, with a total of 646 cases of AIS and 791 controls. AIS group had a lower serum level of vitamin D compared to control group [MD = ?6.74, 95% CI (?9.47, ?4.00)]. Gender and menstruation condition were thought to have no effect on the primary outcome of vitamin D level by subgroup analysis [MD = ?5.97, 95% CI (7.61, ?4.34)]. The AIS group had a lower calcium level [SMD= ?0.77, 95% CI (?1.51, ?0.02)] and calcitonin level compared to control group. There was no statistical difference in phosphorus level [SMD=0.5, 95% CI (?0.46, 0.57)] and parathyroid hormone level [SMD = ?0.11, 95% CI (?0.54, ?0.31)]. Meanwhile, the observational indexes, including serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and calcitonin were within normal limits.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency may be involved in the pathogenesis of AIS by influencing the regulation of calcium-phosphors metabolism on human bone. Therefore, we suggest to screen vitamin D level in AIS patients.Level of EvidenceLevel III, Therapeutic Study     

The effects of magnesium and vitamin E co‐supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled trial

This study was carried out to determine the effects of magnesium and vitamin E co‐supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). The current randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted among 57 patients with grade 3 DFU. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to take either 250 mg magnesium oxide plus 400 IU vitamin E (n = 29) or placebo per day (n = 28) for 12 weeks. Compared with the placebo, taking magnesium plus vitamin E supplements reduced ulcer length (β [difference in the mean of outcomes measures between treatment groups] ?0.56 cm; 95% CI, ?0.92, ?0.20; p = 0.003), width (β ?0.35 cm; 95% CI, ?0.64, ?0.05; p = 0.02) and depth (β ?0.18 cm; 95% CI, ?0.33, ?0.02; p = 0.02). In addition, co‐supplementation led to a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (β ?13.41 mg/dL; 95% CI, ?20.96, ?5.86; p = 0.001), insulin (β ?1.45 μIU/ml; 95% CI, ?2.37, ?0.52; p = 0.003), insulin resistance (β ?0.60; 95% CI, ?0.99, ?0.20; p = 0.003) and HbA1c (β ?0.32%; 95% CI, ?0.48, ?0.16; p < 0.003), and a significant elevation in insulin sensitivity (β 0.007; 95% CI, 0.003, 0.01; p < 0.001) compared with the placebo. Additionally, compared with the placebo, taking magnesium plus vitamin E supplements decreased triglycerides (β ?10.08 mg/dL; 95% CI, ?19.70, ?0.46; p = 0.04), LDL‐cholesterol (β ?5.88 mg/dL; 95% CI, ?11.42, ?0.34; p = 0.03), high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) (β ?3.42 mg/L; 95% CI, ?4.44, ?2.41; p < 0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (β ?0.30 μmol/L; 95% CI, ?0.45, ?0.15; p < 0.001), and increased HDL‐cholesterol (β 2.62 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.60, 4.63; p = 0.01) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (β 53.61 mmol/L; 95% CI, 4.65, 102.57; p = 0.03). Overall, magnesium and vitamin E co‐supplementation for 12 weeks to patients with DFU had beneficial effects on ulcer size, glycemic control, triglycerides, LDL‐ and HDL‐cholesterol, hs‐CRP, TAC, and MDA levels.     

Vertebral augmentation plus short-segment fixation versus vertebral augmentation alone in Kümmell’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine can progress to Kümmell’s disease, an avascular vertebral osteonecrosis. Vertebral augmentation (VA)—vertebroplasty and/or kyphoplasty—is the main treatment modality, but additional short-segment fixation (SSF) has been recommended concomitant to VA. The aim is to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of VA?+?SSF versus VA alone. Systematic review, including comparative articles in Kümmell’s disease, was performed. This study assessed the following outcome measurements: visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), anterior vertebral height (AVH), local kyphotic angle (LKA), operative time, blood loss, length of stay, and cement leakage. Six retrospective studies were included, with 126 patients in the VA?+?SSF group and 152 in VA alone. Pooled analysis showed the following: VAS, non-significant difference favoring VA?+?SSF: MD –0.61, 95% CI (–1.44, 0.23), I² 91%, p?=?0.15; ODI, non-significant difference favoring VA?+?SSF: MD –9.85, 95% CI (–19.63, –0.07), I² 96%, p?=?0.05; AVH, VA?+?SSF had a non-significant difference over VA alone: MD –3.21 mm, 95% CI (–7.55, 1.14), I² 92%, p?=?0.15; LKA, non-significant difference favoring VA?+?SSF: MD –0.85°, 95% CI (–5.10, 3.40), I² 95%, p?=?0.70. There were higher operative time, blood loss, and hospital length of stay for VA?+?SSF (p?<?0.05), but with lower cement leakage (p?<?0.05). VA?+?SFF and VA alone are effective treatment modalities in Kümmell’s disease. VA?+?SSF may provide superior long-term results in clinical and radiological outcomes but required a longer length of stay.

     

Surgical versus conservative treatment of primary patellar dislocation. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of surgical and conservative treatment in the prevention of recurrence after primary patellar dislocation.

Methods

Studies were searched on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CINHAL from their inception to April 2015. All randomized controlled clinical trials comparing surgical versus conservative treatment after first patellar dislocation were included. Primary outcomes were: recurrent dislocation, subluxation, overall instability and subsequent surgery. Secondary outcomes included imaging, and subjective and objective clinical assessment tools. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s “Risk of Bias” tool. Pooled analyses were reported as risk ratio (RR) using a random effects model. Continuous data were reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using I².

Results

Nine studies were included in the meta-analyses. Methodological quality of the studies was moderate to low. Meta-analyses showed that surgical treatment significantly reduces the redislocation rate (RR?=?0.62; 95% CI?=?0.39, 0.98, p?=?0.04) and provides better results on Hughston VAS score (SMD?=??0.32; 95% CI?=??0.61, ?0.03; p?=?0.03) and running (OR?=??0.52; 95% CI?=?0.31, 0.88; p?=?0.01). Conservative treatment showed less occurrence of minor complications (OR?=?3.46; 95% CI?=?2.08, 5.77; p?=?0.01) and better results in the figure-of-8 run test (SMD?=?0.42; 95% CI?=?0.06, 0.77; p?=?0.02) and in the squat down test (SMD?=??0.45; 95% CI?=??0.81, ?0.10; p?<?0.00001). No other significant differences could be found.

Conclusions

Based on the available data, surgical treatment of primary patella dislocation significantly reduces the risk of patella redislocation.

     

Effectiveness of intravesical hyaluronic acid with or without chondroitin sulfate for recurrent bacterial cystitis in adult women: a meta-analysis

Introduction and hypothesis

Glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) protect the urothelium. Damage to the urothelium may increase bacterial adherence and infection risk. This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of intravesical HA and HA and CS (HA-CS) combination therapy in recurrent bacterial cystitis (RBC) in adult women.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed. Primary outcomes were urinary tract infection (UTI) rate per patient-year, and UTI recurrence time (days). Secondary outcomes were 3-day voids and Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency (PUF) symptom scale total score.

Results

Four studies involving a total of 143 patients were retrieved and assessed in this analysis. Two were randomized, and two were nonrandomized. A significantly decreased UTI rate per patient-year [mean difference (MD) ?3.41, 95 % confidence interval (CI) ?4.33 to ?2.49, p?<?0.00001) was found. Similarly, pooled analysis showed a significantly longer mean UTI recurrence time (days) using either HA or HA-CS therapy (MD 187.35, 95 % CI 94.33–280.37, p?<?0.0001). Two studies using HA and HA-CS therapy reported outcomes on 3-day voids, which were not significantly improved after therapy (MD ?3.59, 95 % CI ?8.43–1.25, p?=?0.15), but a significantly better PUF total score (MD ?7.17, 95 % CI ?9.86 to ?4.48, p?<?0.00001) was detected in HA-CS groups.

Conclusions

Intravesical HA and HA-CS in combination significantly reduced cystitis recurrence, mean UTI recurrence time, and PUF total score. Study limitations include the small number of patients and possible bias. Further studies are needed to validate this promising treatment modality.     

Aortic pulse wave velocity is a strong predictor of all – cause and cardiovascular mortality in chronic dialysis patients

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients (CHP) and to identify the determinants of mortality predictors. Methods: In this study with 3 years of follow-up period, we studied a cohort of 80 CHPs. Mean age at entry was 59.3?±?11.8 years (duration of dialysis 5.47?±?5.16 years). At entry, together with standard clinical and biochemical analyses, pulse wave velocity (PWV) was determined from time diversity propagation of the common carotid artery and common femoral artery flow signals by Doppler ultrasound. Results: The mean PWV (m/s) was presented at entry: in survived (12.5?±?2.01) and deceased (13.13?±?1.70) patients. The PWV cutoff point (by ROC curves) was 11.8. The regression coefficients (b) and Exp (b) hazard ratio coefficients of covariates in Cox-regression survival analysis in all-cause and CV outcomes was: PWV (b?=?0.2617, Exp[b]?=?1.2992, p?=?0.0027; b?=?0.3569, Exp[b]?=?1.4289, p?=?0.0005), CRP (b?=?0.0776, Exp[b]?=?1.0807, p?=?0.0001; b?=?0.0832, Exp[b]?=?1.0868, p?=?0.0001) and albumin (b?=??0.1302, Exp[b]?=?0.8779, p?=?0.0089; b?=??0.1881, 0.8285, p?=?0.0030), respectively. Relative risk for exposed groups according to all-cause and CV events was 4.2976 (95% CI?=?1.6051–11.5071) and 14.3590 (95% CI?=?1.6051–11.5071), p?=?0.0037, respectively. Conclusions: We conclude that PWV, CRP and serum albumin are strong independent predictors of overall and CV mortality in patients undergoing dialysis.     

Is Resection Equivalent to Transplantation for Early Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma? A Meta-Analysis

Background

Whether liver resection or liver transplantation is optimal therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains undefined. A meta-analysis was conducted to answer this question.

Study Design

This study performed a systematic review of the published literature between January 2000 and April 2012.

Results

Nine retrospective studies, totaling 2,279 patients (989 resected and 1,290 transplanted), met the selection criteria. Older patients with larger tumors and less severe cirrhosis were identified in the resection group. At 1?year, resection demonstrated significantly higher overall [odds ratio (OR)?=?1.54; 95?% confidence interval (CI), 1.19?C1.98; p?=?0.001], but equivalent disease-free survival (OR?=?0.93; 95?% CI, 0.53?C1.63; p?=?0.80). At 5?years, there was no difference in overall survival (OR?=?0.86; 95?% CI, 0.61?C1.21; p?=?0.38), but a higher disease-free survival in transplanted patients was observed (OR?=?0.39; 95?% CI, 0.24?C0.63; p?<?0.001). When limiting our analysis to studies conducted in an intent-to-treat fashion, there was no difference in 5?year overall survival (OR?=?1.18; 95?% CI, 0.92?C1.51; p?=?0.19), but a significantly higher disease-free survival (OR?=?0.76; 95?% CI, 0.57?C1.00; p?=?0.05) in transplanted patients. At 10?years, transplantation had higher overall and disease-free survival rates.

Conclusion

Liver transplantation in patients with HCC results in increased late disease-free and overall survival when compared with liver resection. Nonetheless, the benefit of liver transplantation is offset by higher short-term mortality, donor organ availability, and long transplant wait times associated with more patient deaths. Understanding these differences in survival is helpful in guiding treatment. However, a properly controlled prospective trial is needed to define how best to treat HCC patients who are candidates for either therapy.     

Effectiveness of renal-specific oral nutritional supplements compared with diet counseling in malnourished hemodialysis patients

Background

Malnutrition is highly prevalent and a consequence of inflammation and related comorbidities among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) is recommended for malnourished patients with kidney failure. The study aimed to evaluate renal-specific oral nutrition (ONCE dialyze) supplement on nutritional status in patients on hemodialysis.

Methods

Patients were randomized into 3 groups; treatment groups received 370 kcal/day of ONCE Dialyze (N?=?26) or 370 kcal/day of NEPRO (N?=?30) for 30 days. The control group (N?=?24) received no intervention. All patients were counseled by the same registered dietitian during the study. The nutritional status was evaluated using malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) assessment, body compositions, serum albumin and pre-albumin levels at baseline and 30 days.

Results

Eighty patients were analyzed with mean age of 57.2?±?15.9 years. The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in energy, protein, fat, fiber and magnesium intake by dietary interview compared with the control group. Percentage of changes in MIS was ? 29.0% (95% CI ? 40.5 to ? 17.4), ? 23.9% (95% CI ? 37.2 to ? 10.6) and 12.1% (95% CI ? 19.2 to 43.4) for the ONCE dialyze, NEPRO and control groups, respectively (overall P?=?0.006). Percentage of changes in serum albumin was 5.3% (95% CI 1.9–8.7), 3.3% (95% CI ? 0.1 to 6.7) and ? 0.8% (95% CI ? 4.3 to 2.7) for the ONCE dialyze, NEPRO, and control groups, respectively (overall P?=?0.039; P?=?0.043 for ONCE dialyze vs. control). No serious adverse effects were reported in any group.

Conclusion

Dietary advice combined with ONS especially ONCE dialyze was associated with improved MIS, serum albumin, dietary energy and macronutrient intake among patients with kidney failure on maintenance hemodialysis.

Clinical trial registration

TCTR20200801001.

     

Preoperative serum cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria predicts acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common following cardiac surgery and is associated with poor outcomes. However, the detection of those preoperative patients who will develop AKI is still difficult. In this study, we compared serum cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria as early markers to predict AKI available before surgery. Methods: We prospectively followed 616 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and identified 179 that developed AKI, defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) of ≥?0.3?mg/dL or ≥?50% increase in creatinine level. Preoperative values for cystatin C were categorized into quartiles. We defined proteinuria, measured with a dipstick, as mild (trace to 1+) or heavy (2?+?to 4+). Univariate as well as multivariate regression was performed. Cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria before surgery was assessed for its' predictive value of AKI using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: The final cohort consisted of 616 patients aged 60.7?±?13.2 years, and baseline SCr was 75.8?±?26.4?μmol/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 96.3?±?29.0?mL/min/1.73?m² and cystatin C 1.05?±?0.33?mg/L. Patients in higher cystatin C quartiles were older (p?p?=?0.021), hyperuricemia (p?p?p?=?0.002). Those with heavy proteinuria were more often to have diabetes mellitus (p?=?0.010), hyperuricemia (p?=?0.043), worse cardiac function (p?p?p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusion: These data suggest that preoperative serum cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria may improve prediction of AKI among patients undergoing cardiac surgery.     

Efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids for patients with IgA nephropathy: a meta-analysis

Background

The efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids for the treatment of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) remains controversial. The aim of the study is to perform a metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids for patients with IgAN.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library and article reference lists of Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trial Registries for randomized controlled trials comparing glucocorticoids with other non-immunosuppressive agents in patients with IgAN.

Results

The present meta-analysis, including 10 RCTs and 791 patients from 12 published studies, showed that using glucocorticoids agents relatively preserves kidney function(RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.14–0.61) and plays an effective role on reducing the proteinuria(SMD, ??0.69; 95% CI 0.85 to ??0.53, p?<?0.00001; heterogeneity I2?=?0%; p?=?0.09) compared with a control group. Moreover, adverse events cannot be neglected, especially gastrointestinal tract (RR 3.10, 95% CI 1.37–6.98, p?=?0.006; heterogeneity I2?=?0%, p?=?0.86), and corticosteroid regimens in IgAN should be reviewed with regard to safety.

Conclusions

Glucocorticoids were wildly used to treat various diseases including IgAN. Meanwhile, adverse events cannot be neglected, such as gastrointestinal adverse events, infection and so on. Corticosteroid should be used with reserve, especially in those patients with hypertension and impaired renal function or older patients.

     

Preservation or Ligation of Splenic Vessels During Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy: A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Purpose/aim: Spleen preservation distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) can be achieved by either splenic vessel preservation distal pancreatectomy (SVP-DP) or Warshaw technique (WT). Although studies comparing SVP-DP with WT have been reported, controversies exist. The aim of our study is to assess and compare the safety and feasibility of SVP-DP and WT. Materials and methods: Two authors searched the online database independently till April 30, 2017. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. Short- and long-term outcomes of WT and SVP-DP were evaluated. Subgroup analysis was performed on laparoscopic surgery. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and mean difference (MD) with 95% CI were estimated. Results: A total of 664 patients from 11 retrospective cohort studies were included. Meta-analysis showed the WT group had a significantly higher incidence of splenic infarction (OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.07–0.20; p < 0.00001) and gastric/epigastric varices (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.05–0.24; p < 0.00001). And more patients suffering from splenic infarction from WT group needed further splenectomy (OR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02–0.84; p = 0.03). While there was no difference between the two procedures in terms of pancreatic fistula (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.25–1.19; p = 0.13), overall morbidity (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.59–1.30; p = 0.50) and hospital stay (MD = ?0.45; 95% CI: ?1.73-0.82; p = 0.49). Conclusions: Due to relatively higher risk of postoperative splenic infarction, gastric/epigastric varices and Clavien–Dindo III–V complications, WT is not as safe as SVP-DP. However, well-conducted randomized clinical trials are still needed due to the limitations of current studies.     

Balloon kyphoplasty versus percutaneous vertebroplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs)

Summary

The study investigated whether kyphoplasty (KP) was superior to vertebroplasty (VP) in treating patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). KP may be superior to VP for treating patients with OVCFs based on long-term VAS and ODI but not short-term VAS. Further large-scale trials are needed to verify these findings due to potential risk of selection bias.

Introduction

This study aimed to assess whether KP was superior to VP in treating patients with OVCFs.

Methods

The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases and references within articles and proceedings of major meetings were systematically searched. Eligible studies included patients with OVCFs who received either KP or VP. Standard mean differences (SMDs) and relative risks (RRs) were used as measures of efficacy and safety in a random-effects model.

Results

Eleven studies enrolling 869 patients with OVCFs were identified as eligible for final analysis. Compared with VP, KP was associated with significant improvements in long-term (SMD, ?0.70; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: ?1.30, ?0.10; P?=?0.023) visual analog scale (VAS); short-term (SMD, ?1.50; 95 % CI: ?2.94, ?0.07; P?=?0.040) and long-term (SMD, ?1.03; 95 % CI: ?1.88, ?0.18; P?=?0.017) Oswestry Disability Indexes (ODIs); short-term (SMD, ?0.74; 95 % CI: ?1.42, ?0.06; P?=?0.032) and long-term (SMD, ?0.71; 95 % CI: ?1.19, ?0.23; P?=?0.004) kyphosis angles; and vertebral body height (SMD, 1.56; 95 % CI: 0.62, 2.49; P?=?0.001) and anterior vertebral body height (SMD, 3.04; 95 % CI: 0.53, 5.56; P?=?0.018). KP was also associated with a significantly longer operation time (SMD, 0.73; 95 % CI: 0.26, 1.19; P?=?0.002) and a lower risk of cement extravasation (RR, 0.68; 95 % CI: 0.48, 0.96; P?=?0.030) compared with VP. No significant differences were found in the short-term VAS, posterior vertebral body height, and adjacent-level fractures.

Conclusion

Acknowledging some risk of selection bias, KP displayed a significantly better performance compared with VP only in one of the two primary endpoints, that is, for ODI but not for short-term VAS. Further randomized studies are required to confirm these results.