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.     

Relationship between GSTM1/GSTT1 Null Genotypes and Renal Cell Carcinoma Risk: A Meta-Analysis

The results from the published studies on the relationship between GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk are still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes and RCC susceptibility. Association studies were identified from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) on 1 February 2012, and eligible investigations from 1950 to 2012 were synthesized using meta-analysis method. Results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous data, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were also calculated. Six studies were identified for the analysis of association between polymorphic deletion of GSTM1/GSTT1 and RCC risk. There was no association between GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotype and RCC susceptibility (GSTM1: N = 6, p-heterogeneity = 0.07, OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.85–1.35, p = 0.57; GSTT1: N = 6, p-heterogeneity < 0.00001, OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.58–1.65, p = 0.94). Interestingly, null genotype of GSTT1 was associated with RCC risk in Caucasians and Asians (Caucasians: N = 4, p-heterogeneity = 0.38, OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61–0.95, p = 0.01; Asians: N = 1, OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.63–3.51, p < 0.00001). For the GSTM1–GSTT1 interaction analysis, the dual null genotype of GSTM1/GSTT1 was not significantly associated with RCC susceptibility (N = 4, p-heterogeneity = 0.006, OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.98–1.39, p = 0.09). However, the dual null genotype of GSTM1–GSTT1 was associated with RCC risk in Asians (N = 1, OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.36–3.13, p = 0.007). In conclusion, our study results suggest that GSTT1 null genotype is associated with the RCC susceptibility in Caucasians and Asians, and the dual null genotype of GSTM1–GSTT1 is associated with RCC risk in Asians. However, more genetic epidemiological investigations are required to further explore this relationship.     

Laparoscopic versus traditional peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion: a meta analysis

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the catheter-related complications as well as catheter survival between laparoscopic and traditional surgery in peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion. Results: Five randomized controlled trials and 11 cohort studies were identified. Meta-analysis showed laparoscopic catheter is superior to traditional surgery in terms of controlling catheter migration (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.08–0.33; p?p?=?0.0001; 2-year survival rate: OR 2. 07, 95% CI 1.29–3.33, p?=?0.0001), but slightly increases the risk of bleeding (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.07–4.23, p?=?0.03). The two groups were not significantly different in other catheter-related complications. As regards the quality of the analysis, only the migration analysis ranked A-level, while the rest fell into Class B or C. The overall research quality was moderate. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery is superior to traditional surgery on reducing catheter migration and prolonging catheter survival rate according to our analysis.     

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism with type 1 diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis

Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism on type 1 diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of science, Wanfang data, VIP database, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and SinoMed were searched. A total of 17 case–control studies analyzing ACE I/D polymorphism and type 1 DN risk were included in the present meta-analysis.

Results: Overall, a significant increased risk was found in allele comparison (OR?=?1.16, 95% CI?=?1.05–1.28, p?=?0.04), dominant comparison (OR?=?1.56, 95% CI?=?1.14–2.15, p?=?0.006) and homozygote comparison (OR?=?1.52, 95% CI?=?1.06–2.19, p?=?0.02). In subgroup analyses according to ethnicity, the risk of type 1 DN in Asian population was increased in allele comparison (OR?=?1.98, 95% CI?=?1.15–3.42, p?=?0.01), recessive comparison (OR?=?2.48, 95% CI?=?1.51–4.10, p?=?0.0004), dominant comparison (OR?=?3.15, 95% CI?=?1.90–5.23, p?p?=?0.05). However, there was no association between the ACE I/D genetic variants and type 1 DN in Caucasian populations.

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis results indicate that the ACE I/D polymorphism may contribute to type 1 DN development, especially in the Asian groups with type 1 diabetes. The current findings need to be confirmed by future well-designed and larger sample size primary studies in populations with different ethnicities.     

The Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgery for Chinese Obesity in 2 Years: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Aim: Bariatric surgery is becoming an acceptable option for treatment of obesity worldwide, but there is no systemic review and meta-analysis focusing on obese patients in China. This study is to quantify the overall effects of bariatric surgery for Chinese obesity using up-to-date, comprehensive data. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and CNKI databases in English and Chinese. The weighted mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated from the original literature. Obese Chinese adults (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m²) with a minimum six-month follow-up were included. Results: The meta-analysis included 23 literature reviews with 1,316 morbidly Chinese obese adults. Bariatric surgery could significantly decrease the levels of BMI (MD = 10.75 kg/m², 95% CI: 8.65–12.85, p <.01) and hemoglobin A1c (MD = 2.15%, 95% CI: 1.55–2.75, p <.00001), and improve lipid profile dramatically. In the subgroup analysis by BMI values, subjects lost more weight in BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² group (MD = 14.01 kg/m², 95% CI: 11.20–16.82) than BMI < 40 kg/m² group (MD = 8.09 kg/m², 95% CI: 6.49–9.68, p <.00001) after surgery. When we stratified analysis by surgical procedures, fasting blood glucose decreased more in gastric bypass group (MD = 3.08 mmol/L, 95% CI: 2.18–3.98) than restrictive procedures (MD = 1.27 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.45–2.09, p =.008) and postprandial blood glucose levels (gastric bypass procedures: 8.44 mmol/L, 95% CI: 6.83–10.04; restrictive procedures: MD = 2.80 mmol/L, 95% CI: 1.86–3.74, p <.00001). Conclusions: Bariatric surgery provides substantial metabolic effects for Chinese morbid obese adults at least in a relative short term. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with long follow-up periods are needed to provide more reliable evidence.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy versus open thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis: a meta-analysis

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) thymectomy has become a feasible treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG) in recent years. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the perioperative characteristics, safety, and completely stable remission rate in patients with MG who received VATS or open thymectomy (OT).

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and CNKI for related articles using combinations of the search terms video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy, transsternal thymectomy, and MG. The inter-study heterogeneity was assessed by χ²-based Q statistics, and the extent of inconsistency was generated by I² statistics.

Results: A total of 12 studies with 1173 patients were included, and there was no difference in the operation time (p?=?0.08) and ICU time (p?=?0.14) between the two groups, but VATS thymectomy was associated with less intra-operation blood loss and hospital time (p?p?=?0.03) and myasthenic crisis (OR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28–0.92; p?=?0.03), but the rates of pneumonia (OR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.29–1.32; p?=?0.21) and complete remission rate (CSR) (OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.38–1.09; p?=?0.10) had no obvious differences between the VATS and OT groups.

Conclusion: Patients with MG undergoing VATS thymectomy achieved better surgical outcomes and fewer complications than those who received OT.     

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap safety profile in slim versus non-slim BMI patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background/PurposeThe complications of breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps in non-slim patients are well recognized. However, the effects of this surgery performed on slim patients are yet to be consolidated. This study aims to compare the outcomes of performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction in slim and non-slim body mass index (BMI) patients.MethodsMeta-analysis was performed with a multi-database search (Cochrane, EMBASE, OVID Medline, PubMed, and Web of Sciences) according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on 1 February 2021. Data from articles meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed with an inverse variance statistical model.ResultsSeven studies were included, comprising 574 slim patients and 901 non-slim BMI patients who underwent autologous DIEP flap breast reconstruction. When comparing between the slim and non-slim groups, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of complete flap loss (OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.11–2.68, p=0.44), partial flap loss (OR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.3–2.82, p=0.88), and fat necrosis (OR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.61–1.37, p=0.66). Similarly, in terms of general surgical complications, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of all complications (OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.45–1.51, p=0.54), abdominal wound healing complications (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.59–1.73, p=0.97), infections (OR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.41–1.37, p=0.34), and seroma (OR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.35–227, p=0.81).ConclusionThere is no increased risk of postoperative complications in either group. DIEP flaps can be safely performed in slim patients, though higher quality research may be required to further confirm this.     

Effect of diabetic foot ulcers and other risk factors on the prevalence of lower extremity amputation: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis study was conducted to measure the consequence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and other risk factors (RFs) on the prevalence of lower extremity amputation (LEA). A comprehensive literature inspection till February 2023 was applied and 2765 interrelated studies were reviewed. Of the 32 chosen studies enclosed, 9934 subjects were in the chosen studies' starting point, and 2906 of them were with LEA. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compute the value of the effect of DFUs and other RFs on the prevalence of LEA by the continuous and dichotomous approaches and a fixed or random effect model. Male gender (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.17–1.44, P < .001), smoking (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01–1.53, P = .04), previous foot ulcer (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.93–3.74, P < .001), osteomyelitis (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.28–6.57, P < .001), gangrene (OR, 14.45; 95% CI, 7.03–29.72, P < .001), hypertension (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03–1.33, P = .01), and white blood cells count (WBCC) (MD, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.37–2.74, P < .001) were significantly shown to be an RF in LEA in subjects with DFUs. Age (MD, 0.81; 95% CI, −0.75 to 2.37, P = .31), body mass index (MD, −0.55; 95% CI, −1.15 to 0.05, P = .07), diabetes mellitus type (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.63–1.56, P = .96), and glycated haemoglobin (MD, 0.33; 95% CI, −0.15 to 0.81, P = .17) were not shown to be an RF in LEA in subjects with DFUs. Male gender, smoking, previous foot ulcer, osteomyelitis, gangrene, hypertension, and WBCC were significantly shown to be an RF in LEA in subjects with DFUs. However, age and diabetes mellitus type were not shown to be RF in LEA in subjects with DFUs. However, caused of the small sample sizes of several chosen studies for this meta-analysis, care must be exercised when dealing with its values.     

Skin Autofluorescence,a Noninvasive Biomarker for Advanced Glycation End-Products,Is Associated With Prevalent Vertebral and Major Osteoporotic Fractures: The Rotterdam Study

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which bind to type 1 collagen in bone and skin, have been implicated in reduced bone quality. The AGE reader™ measures skin autofluorescence (SAF), which might be regarded as a marker of long-term accumulation of AGEs in tissues. We investigated the association of SAF with bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures in the general population. We studied 2853 individuals from the Rotterdam Study with available SAF measurements (median age, 74.1 years) and with data on prevalent major osteoporotic (MOFs: hip, humerus, wrist, clinical vertebral) and vertebral fractures (VFs: clinical + radiographic Genant’s grade 2 and 3). Radiographs were assessed 4 to 5 years before SAF. Multivariate regression models were performed adjusted for age, sex, BMI, creatinine, smoking status, and presence of diabetes and additionally for BMD with interaction terms to test for effect modification. Prevalence of MOFs was 8.5% and of VFs 7%. SAF had a curvilinear association with prevalent MOFs and VFs and therefore, age-adjusted, sex stratified SAF quartiles were used. The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of the second, third and fourth quartiles of SAF for MOFs were as follows: OR 1.60 (95% CI, 1.08–2.35; p = .02); OR 1.30 (95% CI, 0.89–1.97; p = .20), and OR 1.40 (95% CI, 0.95–2.10; p = .09), respectively, with first (lowest) quartile as reference. For VFs the ORs were as follows: OR 1.69 (95% CI, 1.08–2.64; p = .02), OR 1.74(95% CI, 1.11–2.71; p = .01), and OR 1.73 (95% CI, 1.12–2.73; p = .02) for second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively. When comparing the top three quartiles combined with the first quartile, the OR (95% CI) for MOFs was 1.43 (95% CI, 1.04–2.00; p = .03) and for VFs was 1.72 (95% CI, 1.18–2.53; p = .005). Additional adjustment for BMD did not change the associations. In conclusion, there is evidence of presence of a threshold of skin AGEs below which there is distinctly lower prevalence of fractures. Longitudinal analyses are needed to confirm our cross-sectional findings. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Thyroid hormone replacement for nephrotic syndrome patients with euthyroid sick syndrome: a meta-analysis

Objective: To assess the efficacy of thyroid hormone replacement therapy for nephrotic syndrome (NS) patients associated with euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS). Materials and methods: The Cochrane library, ISI, Ovid, PubMed, Chinese Biomedicine Database were searched, and reference list of relevant articles were selected. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs with thyroid hormone replacement on NS patients associated with ESS were included in this analysis. Results: Six trials (329 participants) were included. Meta-analysis showed that thyroid hormone replacement therapy can significantly increase the completely remission rate [OR?=?3.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.04–1.88, p?p?Conclusions: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy significantly increases the remission of ESS in patients with NS.     

Use of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis) combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) versus ACEI/ARB alone in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis; syn. Cordyceps sinensis) has been used in clinical therapy for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) for more than 15 years. O. sinensis is a household name in china and it is available even in supermarket. However, the precise role of O. sinensis has not been fully elucidated with meta-analysis. The aim of this study was to review existing evidence on the effectiveness of O. sinensis for the treatment of DKD. We identified 60 trials involving 4288 participants. Overall, O. sinensis combined with ACEI/ARB had a better effect when compared to ACEI/ARB alone on 24?h UP (MD?=??0.23?g/d, 95%?CI:???0.28 to ?0.19, p?<?0.00001), UAER (MD?=??19.71?μg/min, 95%?CI: ?22.76 to ?16.66, p?<?0.00001), MAU (MD?=??45.09?mg/d, 95%?CI: ?55.68 to ?34.50, p?<?0.00001), BUN (MD?=??0.70?mmol/L, 95%?CI: ?1.02 to ?0.39, p?<?0.0001), SCr (MD?=??8.37?μmol/L, 95%?CI: ?12.41 to ?4.32, p?<?0.0001), CRP (MD?=??1.32?mg/L; 95%?CI: ?1.78 to ?0.86; p?<?0.00001), TG (MD?=??0.51?mmol/L; 95%?CI: ?0.69 to ?0.34, p?<?0.00001), TC (MD?=??0.64?mmol/L; 95%?CI: ?0.91 to ?0.37, p?<?0.00001), and SBP (MD?=??2.01?mmHg; 95%?CI: ?3.45 to ?0.58, p?=?0.006). However, no effects were found for DBP, FBG, and HbA1C. This meta-analysis suggested that use of O. sinensis combined with ACEI/ARB may have a more beneficial effect on the proteinuria, inflammatory, dyslipidemia status as compared to ACEI/ARB alone in DKD III–IV stage patients, while there is no evidence that O. sinensis could improve the hyperglycemia status. However, with regard to low-quality and significant heterogeneity of included trials, to further verify the current results from this meta-analysis, long-term and well-designed RCTs with high-quality study are warranted to ascertain the long-term efficacy of O. sinensis.     

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.     

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.     

Three Preservation Solutions for Cold Storage of Heart Allografts: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Organ preservation solution has been designed to attenuate the detrimental effects during the ischemic period. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the evidence comparing preservation solutions for heart preservation. Studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Transplant Library, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The primary outcomes were patient survival and donor heart dysfunction. The secondary outcomes were in‐hospital mortality and enzyme gene expression. The University of Wisconsin solution (UW) was associated with a significantly improved survival at 30 days and 90 days (hazard ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–1.22, P < 0.00001; risk difference [RD] = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01–0.05, P = 0.002), compared with Celsior. Hearts preserved with UW exhibited less ischemic necrosis than those preserved with Celsior (RD = ?0.07, 95% CI = ?0.08 to 0.05, P < 0.00001). UW was associated with better survival compared with histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate solution (HTK). There was no statistical difference in donor heart dysfunction and in‐hospital mortality outcomes when comparing HTK with Celsior solution. During static cold storage preservation, this study suggests that UW solution has better clinical outcomes for heart transplantation compared with the other two organ preservation solutions. Besides, the protective effect of Celsior solution is similar to HTK solution in donor heart preservation.     

Eficácia e segurança de antifibrinolíticos em cirurgia oncológica: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

Background and objectivesThe administration of antifibrinolytics has been shown to be effective in reducing blood loss and the need for transfusions in surgeries. However, few studies have evaluated these drugs in cancer surgery. The objective was to review the efficacy and safety of the treatment with antifibrinolytics in patients who underwent oncologic surgeries.ContentsAn electronic bibliographic research was conducted in PubMed, OVID, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO and in the Cochrane Library data basis in order to identify randomized clinical trials performed in any type of oncologic surgery. The data evaluated were blood loss, need for transfusion and incidence of arteriovenous thromboembolism. Five randomized controlled trials evaluating 838 patients met the inclusion requirements. In the analysis of the incidence of thromboembolic events in the five RCTs, there was no statistically significant difference between the administration of tranexamic acid when compared with the placebo (OR = 0.36, 95% IC: 0.11–1.19, p = 0.09, I² = 0%). However, when total estimated blood loss and need for blood transfusion are analyzed, the use of tranexamic acid was associated with a significant reduction over placebo (MD = ‐135.79, 95% CI: ‐179.50 to ‐92.08, p < 0.00001, I² = 68%) and (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32–0.65, p < 0.00001, I² = 60%), respectively.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis found no evidence that the administration of antifibrinolytics increases the risk of thromboembolic complications in patients submitted to oncologic surgery, and has shown evidence that it is effective in reducing total perioperative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion.     

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for chronic wounds: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

A growing number of clinical studies demonstrate that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a feasible noninvasive method for improving chronic wound healing. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of ESWT compared with that of the standard care treatment for the healing of chronic wounds, irrespective of etiology, in clinical practice. Randomized controlled trials that investigated the effect of ESWT on chronic wounds with different etiologies from 2000 to 2017 were included in this review. The methodological quality of each selected article was rated using the Jadad scale. A fixed or random effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes according to the heterogeneity of the studies. The cumulative effect of ESWT on each outcome was illustrated using forest plots. Seven randomized controlled trials involving 301 subjects were included in this review. Meta‐analyses revealed that the use of ESWT as an adjunct to wound treatment could significantly accelerate the impaired healing process of chronic wounds. Compared with the control treatment, ESWT markedly increased the wound healing rate by 1.86‐fold (OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.63–5.03, p = 0.0003) and the percentage of the wound healing area by 30.46% (SMD = 30.46; 95% CI: 23.80–37.12; p < 0.00001). In addition, the wound healing time was reduced by 19 days (SMD = ?19.11, 95% CI: ?23.74–(–14.47), p < 0.00001) in chronic wound patients. No serious complications or adverse effects were observed secondary to the application of ESWT. The above data suggested that ESWT as an adjunct to wound treatment, could more significantly improve the healing process of chronic wounds than the standard care treatment alone. More high‐quality, well‐controlled randomized trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of ESWT in clinical practice.     

High on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity and chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis of literature studies

Background. The efficacy of clopidogrel is often attenuated in the setting of renal impairment. High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) is an independent correlate of adverse event. Here we performed a quantitative evaluation of the prevalence and impact of HPR in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from their inception to 1 March 2018 for cohort studies assessing the risk ratio (RR) of prevalence of HPR in CKD versus non-CKD patients and association of cardiovascular outcome with HPR in CKD patients treated with clopidogrel. Outcome measures included major adverse cardiac event, myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis. RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as estimates of effect size in random-effect models. Results. Ten studies comprising a total of 3028 CKD patients and 11138 non-CKD patients were included in the evaluation. Compared to patients with normal renal function, patients with CKD had a significantly higher risk of HPR (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.23–1.46). In CKD patients, HPR was associated with increased risk of MACE (RR 2.99, 95% CI 1.19 to 7.53; p?p?=?0.0002), and stent thrombosis (RR 2.98, 95% CI 1.42 to 6.26; p?=?0.004). Conclusions. Based on pooled analysis, CKD appeared correlated with HPR and this association had prognostic significance. Further studies with standardised laboratory methods and specifically defined protocols are required to validate the clinical relevance of such response variability to clopidogrel in CKD patients.     

Simple tumor enucleation may not decrease oncologic outcomes for T1 renal cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of simple tumor enucleation (TE) for clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma.

The efficacy of combined l-carnitine and l-acetyl carnitine in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of our analysis is to identify the effect of l -carnitine (LC) and l -acetyl carnitine (LAC) on the semen parameters of men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT). We performed a comprehensive search to ascertain all the trials about LC and LAC in the treatment of iOAT and compared the results, including percentage of total sperm motility, sperm concentration, percentage of forward sperm motility, semen volume, percentage of atypical forms, total motile spermatozoa, forward motile spermatozoa and the number of pregnancies between the two groups that treated with LC + LAC or placebo respectively. Seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 693 patients were included in our analysis. We found that patients who treated with LC and LAC had significantly increased the percentage of forward sperm motility (MD 6.98; 95% CI 1.06–12.90; p = .02), total motile spermatozoa (MD 16.45; 95% CI 8.10–24.79; p = .0001), forward motile spermatozoa (MD 13.01; 95% CI 11.08–14.94; p < .00001) and the number of pregnancies (OR 3.76; 95% CI 1.66–8.50; p = .002). However, no significant differences were found in other semen indicators between the two groups. LC and LAC can significantly increase part of the semen parameters. The combination therapy of LC and LAC is effective in the men with iOAT.     

Comparison of wound complications between one-stage and two-stage brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula: A meta-analysis

Research assessing the outcome of brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas (BB-AVF) after a one- and two-stage technique was conducted. A strict review of the comprehensive literature up to May 2023 was carried out using four databases-PubMed，Embase, Cochrane Library and web of science. Inclusion and exclusion criteria developed for the study were then applied to assess the quality of the literature, it was decided to review 12 interrelated studies.95% confidence intervals (Cl) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated using fixed effects models. The data were meta-analysed using RevMan 5.3 software. The results showed that two-stage technique with BB-AVF reduced surgical site haematoma (SSH) formation, (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.24–4.17, p = 0.008), and also reduced surgical site wound infection (SSWI) (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.17–2.94, p = 0.008). There are, however, several small sample sizes in the selected studies for this meta-analysis, so caution should be used when processing their values. There are more high-quality studies with large sample sizes that should be considered for future meta-analyses.