Mediastinitis in open heart surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors

Abstract

Objective. We aimed to summarize the evidence from observational studies examining the risk factors of the incidence of mediastinitis in open heart surgery. Design. The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohorts and case-control studies. Material and methods. We searched the literature and 74 studies with at least one risk factor were identified. Both fixed and random effects models were used. Heterogeneity between studies was examined by subgroup and meta-regression analysis. Publication bias or small study effects were evaluated and corrected by limit meta-analysis. Results. When correcting for small study effect, presence of obesity as estimated from 43 studies had Odds Ratio OR = 2.26. (95% CI: 2.17–2.36). This risk was increasing with decreasing latitude of study place. Presence of diabetes mellitus from 63 studies carried an OR = 1.90 (95% CI: 1.59–2.27). Presence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) from 30 studies had an OR = 2.59 (95% CI: 2.22–2.85). Presence of bilateral intramammary graft (BIMA) from 23 studies carried an OR = 2.54 (95% CI: 2.07–3.13). This risk was increasing with increasing frequency of female patients in the study population. Conclusion. Evidence from this study showed the robustness of the risk factors in the pathogenesis of mediastinitis. Preventive measures can be implemented for reducing obesity, especially in lower latitude countries. Furthermore, it is mandatory to monitor perioperative hyperglycemias with continuous insulin infusion. Use of skeletonized BIMA carries higher risk of mediastinitis especially in female patients without evidence of beneficial effect on survival for the time being.     

Incidence and risk factors for postoperative shoulder imbalance in scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to detect the incidence and risk factors for postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) in scoliosis.

Methods

A systematic online search was conducted to identify eligible studies. ES, OR and WMD with 95% CI were used to assess the incidence and risk factors associated with PSI.

Results

Twenty-six studies were recruited. The pooled incidence of PSI was 25% (95% CI 20–31%). The incidence in Lenke 1 AIS, Lenke 2 AIS, Lenke 5 AIS and mixed AIS was 20% (9–31%), 26% (15–37%), 31% (17–45%) and 27% (19–35%), respectively. Using RSH ≥10 mm as the criterion of PSI, we found that preoperative LC, postoperative RSH, correction rate of MTC at follow-up were primary risk factors for PSI at follow-up. In the analysis of using RSH ≥20 mm as the criterion of PSI, our results showed that Risser sign, postoperative RSH, correction rate of PTC at follow-up, and LC at follow-up were contributing to PSI. Besides, scoliosis patients with PSI were more likely to suffer from adding-on.

Conclusions

The pooled incidence of PSI in scoliosis was 25%. Risser sign, preoperative LC, postoperative RSH, correction rate of PTC at follow-up, correction rate of MTC at follow-up, and LC at follow-up were risk factors for PSI in patients with scoliosis. Adding-on might be a compensatory mechanism for PSI. It is recommended that (1) sufficient correction of PTC and moderate correction of MTC and LC in the operation should be performed; (2) PSI should be prevented not only for the patients’ postoperative appearance, but also for preventing the adding-on phenomenon.

     

Prognostic factors in patients with spinal metastasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Context

Incidence of symptomatic spinal metastasis has increased owing to improvement in treatment of the disease. One of the key factors that influences decision-making is expected patient survival. To our knowledge, no systematic reviews or meta-analysis have been conducted that review independent prognostic factors in spinal metastases.

Perinatal risk factors for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundInfantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is one of the most common diseases that require surgical intervention amongst the paediatric population. Although the treatment and the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis are well established, the perinatal risk factors associated with it still need further investigation.MethodsWe searched the following databases: Cochrane, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Studies were included if they were case-control or cohort in design and studied the perinatal risk factors associated with IHPS. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).ResultsTwenty-one articles were included in this meta-analysis, including 18,104,753 participants. Our analysis showed a significant association between IHPS and male sex (RR=2.71, 95% CI:1.93–3.78), maternal smoking (RR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.54 - 2.00), bottle-feeding (RR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.42 - 1.98), being first born (RR=1.23, 95% CI:1.07–1.40), African ethnicity (RR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.35–0.75), and cesarean section (RR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.49–1.66). On the contrary, there was no significant association between IHPS and multiple gestations, preterm labour, being born in summer, and small for gestational age (SGA).ConclusionIn conclusion, our analysis showed that male sex, bottle feeding, maternal smoking and African ethnicity were significantly associated with the risk of IHPS. However, most of the included articles were retrospective in design which necessitates conducting future prospective well-designed studies to further investigate the risk factors of IHPS.     

Epidemiology and socio-demographic risk factors of self-immolation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Self-immolation or self-inflicted burn is the most tragic and violent method of suicide. The higher prevalence of this dramatic phenomenon in Iran is a serious social and health problem. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to combine the results from available studies to examine the epidemiology and socio-demographic characteristics of individuals who attempted self-immolation in Iran.

Risk factors for mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AimInconsistent investigations of the risk factors for all-cause mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) were reported. The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of some clinical characteristics on the risk of mortality in PD patients.MethodsPubMed and Embase were systematically searched for studies evaluating the risk factors for all-cause mortality in PD patients. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived using a random-effect or fixed-effect model considering the heterogeneity across studies.ResultA total of 26 studies were included in this meta-analysis in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Age, primary cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and high level of alkaline phosphatase showed significant positive associations with elevated risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in PD patients, while hemoglobin acted as a benefit factor. Furthermore, early onset of peritonitis, high peritoneal transport status, elevated body mass index and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein could also considerably increase the risk of all-cause mortality. The absolute serum level of magnesium, potassium, and uric acid required to improve survival in PD patients should be verified further.ConclusionsMultiple factors could affect the risk of mortality in PD patients.     

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology - As a novel antineoplastic drug, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with a spectrum of autoimmune-related side effects, including acute kidney...     

Risk factors for prolapse recurrence: systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction and hypothesis

Female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition, with a lifetime risk for surgery of 10–20%. Prolapse procedures are known to have a high reoperation rate. It is assumed that etiological factors for POP may also be risk factors for POP recurrence after surgery. There are few reviews available evaluating risk factors for prolapse and recurrence or recently updated meta-analysis on this topic. Our aim was to perform a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis to determine risk factors for prolapse recurrence after reconstructive surgery.

Methods

Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar) were searched between 1995 and 1 January 2017, with no language restrictions.

Results

Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria for a total of 5082 patients with an average recurrence rate of 36%. Variables on which a meta-analysis could be performed were body mass index (BMI) (n = 12), age (n = 11), preoperative stage (n = 9), levator avulsion (n = 8), parity (n = 8), constipation/straining (n = 6), number of compartments involved (n = 4), prior hysterectomy (n = 4), familiy history (n = 3), and several other predictors evaluated in only three studies. The following meta- analyses identified significant predictors: levator avulsion [odds ratio (OR) 2.76, P <?0.01], preoperative stage 3–4 (OR 2.11, P <?0.001), family history (OR 1.84, P = 0.006), and hiatal area (OR 1.06/cm², P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Levator avulsion, prolapse stage, and family history are significant risk factors for prolapse recurrence.

     

Risk factors for mortality in hemodialysis patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundNew evidence from studies on risk factors for mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients with COVID-19 became available. We aimed to review the clinical risk factors for fatal outcomes in these patients.MethodsWe performed meta-analysis using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. A fixed- or random-effects model was used for calculating heterogeneity. We used contour-enhanced funnel plot and Egger’s tests to assess potential publication bias.ResultsTwenty-one studies were included. The proportion of males was lower in the survivor group than in the non-survivor group (OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.61, 0.94]). The proportion of respiratory diseases was significantly lower in the survivor group than in the non-survivor group (OR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.29, 0.60]). The proportion of patients with fever, cough, and dyspnea was significantly lower in the survivor group (fever: OR = 0.53, 95% CI [0.31, 0.92]; cough: OR = 0.50, 95% CI [0.38, 0.65]; dyspnea: OR = 0.25, 95% CI [0.14, 0.47]) than in the non-survivor group. Compared with the non-survivor group, the survivor group had higher albumin and platelet levels and lower leucocyte counts.ConclusionsMale patients might have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. Comorbidities, such as respiratory diseases could also greatly influence the clinical prognosis of COVID-19. Clinical features, such as fever, dyspnea, cough, and abnormal platelet, leucocyte, and albumin levels, could imply eventual death. Our findings will help clinicians identify markers for the detection of high mortality risk in HD patients at an early stage of COVID-19.     

Rheumatoid arthritis risk in periodontitis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveMany clinical studies have been carried out to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Owing to limited evidence and inconsistent findings among these studies, it is unclear whether periodontitis would increase the risk for RA. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate whether periodontitis represents a risk factor for RA.MethodsPubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Wanfang were searched for eligible studies that compared periodontitis patients with controls. A pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the association between periodontitis and RA.ResultsThirteen studies including a total of 706611 periodontitis patients and 349983 control subjects were included. The pooled OR of RA risk between periodontitis and controls was (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.31–2.17; P < 0.0001), indicating that the patients in periodontitis group had a 69% greater risk for RA than people in control group. When stratified by disease type, the pooled results showed periodontitis represents a risk factor for incident RA (OR = 1.70, 95%CI: 0.75–3.85, P < 0.001) and mixed RA (OR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.26–2.06; P < 0.001). When stratified by disease duration, the pooled results showed periodontitis represents a risk factor for RA disease duration > 5 years (OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 0.66–12.62, P = 0.018), disease duration < 5 years (OR = 2.59, 95%CI: 0.83–8.11, P < 0.001), mixed disease duration (OR = 1.53; 95%CI: 1.05–2.22, P < 0.001).ConclusionOur meta-analysis revealed an increased risk of RA in patients with periodontitis compared to healthy controls. Moreover, when stratified by disease type, there was a higher risk between incident RA and periodontitis. When stratified by disease duration, the patients with periodontitis might be more closely associated with the RA patients with disease duration >5 years.     

Incidence and risk factors of suicide among patients diagnosed with bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Patients with bladder cancer have a high risk of suicide. This study aimed to assess how bladder cancer increases suicide risk and to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with suicidal death among patients with bladder cancer. Methods: Literature search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Sciences and Cochrane Library databases was conducted up to April 2020 to identify eligible studies related to the incidence and risk factors of suicide after bladder cancer diagnosis. Summary multivariate-adjusted risk estimates and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using inverse variance method with random or fixed-effect modeling. Results: Five retrospective cohorts comprising 563,680 patients with bladder cancer were included. Higher risk of suicide by 1.90-fold was observed among patients with bladder cancer (hazard ratio, HR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.29–2.81; P = 0.001; I² = 81.2%), especially in those aged 70 years or older (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.29–1.43; P < 0.001; I² = 0%), unmarried (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.61–1.83; P < 0.001; I² = 0%), and those with regional bladder cancer (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10–3.21; P = 0.021; I² = 96.3%), compared with those without bladder cancer. Furthermore, gender and race were not associated with increased suicide risk among patients with bladder cancer. Conclusions: Suicide risk is increased among patients with bladder cancer, particularly those aged 70 years or older, unmarried and those with regional bladder cancer. Hence, early psychological support must be provided during the follow-up period of these special populations with a high suicide risk.     

Zolpidem use and risk of fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Summary

Zolpidem is a representative of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Recent epidemiologic studies have reported increased fracture risk in patients taking zolpidem, but the results have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis shows that the use of zolpidem is associated with an increased risk of fractures.

Purpose

Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association between the use of zolpidem and the risk of fractures. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess the association.

Methods

We identified relevant studies by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO without language restrictions (until August 2014). Methodological quality was assessed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

A total of 1,092,925 participants (129,148 fracture cases) were included from 9 studies (4 cohort, 4 case-control, and 1 case-crossover study). Overall, the use of zolpidem was associated with an increased risk of fracture (relative risk [RR] 1.92, 95 % CI 1.65–2.24; I ²?=?50.9 %). High-quality subgroups (cohort studies, high NOS score, adjusted for any confounder, or adjusted for osteoporosis) had higher RRs than the corresponding low-quality subgroups (high quality, 1.94–2.76; low quality, 1.55–1.79). Of note, the risk for hip fracture was higher than that for fracture at any site (hip fracture, RR 2.80, 95 % CI 2.19–3.58; fracture at any site, RR 1.84, 95 % CI 1.67–2.03; P?<?0.001).

Conclusions

The use of zolpidem may increase the risk of fractures. Clinicians should be cautious when prescribing zolpidem for patients at high risk of fracture.

     

Multi-disciplinary and pharmacological interventions to reduce post-operative delirium in elderly patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Study objectiveAn estimated 80% of older people undergoing surgery develop postoperative delirium (POD) making them a high-risk group. Research in this area is growing fast but there is no established consensus on strategies for POD prevention or management. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesise data on clinical interventions used to reduce POD among older people undergoing elective and emergency surgery.MethodsA range of database searches generated 336 papers. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. The studies were undertaken across the world.ResultsThis review identified a range of intervention approaches: comparisons between anaesthetic and sedatives agents, medication-specific interventions and multidisciplinary models of care. Results found more consistencies across multidisciplinary interventions than the pharmacological interventions. In pooled analyses, haloperidol (OR 0.74; 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.44, 1.26) was not statistically significantly associated with reduced POD incidence any more than a placebo.ConclusionThere is a need to implement multidisciplinary interventions, as well as collaboration between clinicians on pre- and postoperative care practices regarding pharmacological interventions to more effectively reduce and manage POD in older people.     

Patient-related risk factors for urinary retention following ambulatory general surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a source of avoidable patient harm. The aim of this review is to identify and quantify the role of patient-related risk factors in the development of POUR following ambulatory general surgery.

Methods

Studies published until December 2014 were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Risk factors assessed in 3 or more studies were meta-analyzed.

Results

Twenty-one studies were suitable for inclusion consisting of 7,802 patients. The incidence of POUR was 14%. Increased age and the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms significantly increased risk with odds ratios [ORs] of 2.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15 to 3.86) and 2.83 (1.57 to 5.08), respectively. Male sex was not associated with developing POUR (OR .96, 95% CI .62 to 1.50). Preoperative α-blocker use significantly decreased the incidence of POUR with an OR of .37 (95% CI .15 to .91).

Conclusions

Increased age and the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms increase the risk of POUR, while α-blocker use confers protection. Male sex was not associated with POUR. These findings assist in preoperative identification of patients at high risk of POUR.     

Risk factors of microtia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The pathogenesis of microtia is still unclear. Various risk factors have been studied but they remain inconclusive. We conducted the first ever systematic review and meta-analysis to look for the association between microtia and various environmental risk factors.

Methods

Relevant case-control studies published between January 2000 to October 2014 were identified through a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE. Reference lists from relevant review articles were also searched. Studies were included if they meet our selection criteria. Out of 1706 potential articles, 12 were included in the systematic review and 8 in the meta-analysis.

Results

Risk factors which showed significant positive association with microtia were: cold-like syndrome during pregnancy (OR?=?2.15; 95 % CI?=?1.36, 3.41, P?=?0.001); multiple gestation (OR?=?1.55; 95 % CI?=?1.05, 2.29, P?=?0.03); and gestational diabetes (OR?=?1.48; 95 % CI?=?1.04, 2.10, P?=?0.03). Risk factors which showed positive association but statistically insignificant were: threatened abortion (OR?=?1.22; 95 % CI?=?0.69, 2.15, P?=?0.50); smoking during pregnancy (OR?=?1.05; 95 % CI?=?0.63, 1.77, P?=?0.84); alcohol during pregnancy (OR?=?1.08; 95 % CI?=?0.65,1.80 P?=?0.77); urinary tract infection (OR?=?1.04; 95 % CI?=?0.59, 1.84, P?=?0.89); essential hypertension (OR?=?1.04; 95 % CI?=?0.74, 1.47, P?=?0.82); maternal diabetes (OR?=?3.98; 95 % CI?=?0.72, 21.96, P?=?0.11); respiratory tract infection (OR?=?1.26,95 % CI?=?0.84,1.88, P?=?0.26); chronic disease during pregnancy (OR?=?1.29,95 % CI?=?0.99,1.69, P?=?0.06); severe nausea/vomiting (OR?=?1.16; 95 % CI?=?0.66, 2.04, P?=?0.61); NSAIDs during pregnancy (OR?=?1.17, 95 % CI?=?0.61,2.22, P?=?0.64); antihypertensives during pregnancy (OR?=?1.84,95 % CI?=?0.94,3.62, P?=?0.08); and illegal drugs during pregnancy (OR?=?1.69; 95 % CI?=?0.65, 4.39, P?=?0.28). Reduced risk for microtia was found with these factors: folic acid (OR?=?0.55; 95 % CI?=?0.33, 0.92, P?=?0.02); advanced maternal age (OR?=?0.94; 95 % CI?=?0.79, 1.11, P?=?0.45); ampicillin during pregnancy (OR?=?0.80,95 % CI?=?0.50, 1.28, P?=?0.35); and metronidazole during pregnancy (OR?=?0.77,95 % CI?=?0.40, 1.48 P?=?0.44).

Conclusions

Our study indicates cold-like syndrome, multiple gestation, and gestational diabetes as significant risk factors for microtia; whereas folic acid consumption during pregnancy is shown to be a protective factor. Studies on risk factors for microtia are still very limited to establish the definitive risk factors. Further large-scale and multicentre studies are needed to clarify the role of key risk factors for the development of microtia.Level of Evidence: Level II, risk / prognostic study.

     

Intracranial aspergillosis in immunocompetent adult patients without risk factors: a systematic review

The clinical features and prognostic factors of intracranial aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients without risk factors are not well known. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched for all relevant case reports/series on adult patient (≥?18 years) with aspergillosis published from 1976 to 2018. One hundred eighty-two patients (median age, 40 years; range, 18–83 years; male:female, 115:67) were identified. Types of intracranial aspergillosis included intracranial mass from the skull base (54.9%), pure intraparenchymal disease (23.6%), meningoencephalitis (13.2%), and dural-based mass (8.2%). Vascular complications occurred in 44 patients (26.3%). Eighty-one patients (44.5%) had favourable final clinical outcomes without any deficits, whereas 58 (31.9%) died. Disease-related mortality improved significantly over time (43.1% [28/65] before 2000, 25.9% [30/116] after 2001; p?=?0.021). Patients with meningoencephalitis demonstrated the highest mortality rate (79.2%, 19/24). Medical non-responders (patients whose disease course worsened after receiving the initial medication regimen) and vascular complications (the presentation of subarachnoid haemorrhage, intracerebral haemorrhage, or infarction related to the rupture or occlusion of intracranial vessels) were significantly associated with mortality (p?<?0.001). Findings from the current review may help predict patient prognosis at the initial assessment and determine potential prognostic factors.

     

Association of histological subtype with risk of recurrence in craniopharyngioma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

It is controversial whether there is a different risk of recurrence between two histological subtypes in craniopharyngioma (CP) patients. Some reported that adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) had a higher risk of recurrence than papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP), but others reported that there is no significant difference between them. So, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between the histological subtype of CP and the rate of recurrence. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for all English articles published up to November 2020. Recurrence data stratified by ACP and PCP were extracted from studies meeting inclusion criteria. A pooled analysis of the association between the histological subtype of craniopharyngioma and rates of recurrence was performed. Thirteen articles containing 974 patients were included. When stratified by two pathological subtypes, the total recurrence rate of ACP was 26.0% and PCP was 14.1%, which showed ACP associated with a higher risk of tumor recurrence than PCP (odds ratio [OR]?=?2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]?=?1.36, 3.30, P?=?0.00). This is the first meta-analysis focusing on histological subtypes of CP. PCP associates with a lower risk of recurrence than ACP, indicating that ACP could act as one of recurrence risk factors for CP patients. Nevertheless, large sample size and well-designed multicenter studies in which the other clinical variables are controlled to determine the histological subtype of CP as an independent recurrence risk factor are needed.