Quimioterapia con estramustina en el manejo del cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración: metaanálisis de ensayos controlados aleatorizados

ObjectiveEstramustine, an agent with both hormonal and non-hormonal effects in men, is supposed to be effective in treating castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, previous studies have reported conflicting results. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of additional estramustine to chemotherapy.MethodsData sources including PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched to identify potentially relevant randomized controlled trials. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) response, overall survival, and grade 3 to 4 toxicity were analyzed.ResultsSeven randomized controlled trials, a total of 839 patients, were enrolled. The pooled odds ratio for PSA response was 3.02 (95% CI = 1.69-5.39, P = .0002); the pooled hazard ratio for overall survival was .95 (95% CI = .80-1.14, P = .58); the pooled odds ratio for nausea/vomiting and cardiovascular toxicity were 3.90 (95% CI = 1.05-14.45, P = .04) and 2.22 (95% CI = 1.15-4.30, P = .02). No significant difference was detected for neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, fatigue, or neuropathy (P > .05).ConclusionsAccording to this meta-analysis, chemotherapy with additional estramustine increased the PSA response rate. However, it increased the risk of grade 3 or 4 adverse effects such as nausea/vomiting and cardiovascular events, and the overall survival was not improved for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.     

Efficacy of repair techniques of the Achilles tendon: A meta-analysis of human cadaveric biomechanical studies

PurposeAchilles injuries are very common, mainly among young athletes. When indicated, the surgical treatment aims for strong repairs that can resist distraction and consequently ruptures. The majority of the published clinical meta-analyses reported comparisons between broad treatment modalities such as conservative treatment, open, and minimally invasive surgery.MethodsA meta-analysis has been conducted to assess further clinical and biomechanical variables on human cadavers related to the efficacy of Achilles repair. A total of 26 studies with 596 legs met the inclusion criteria. The maximal load to failure was set as the primary outcome. Eleven studies were amenable to meta-analysis.ResultsIn the reinsertion group, the analysis of the single row vs. double row subgroup showed a significantly higher strength for the latter (1.27, 95% CI = 0.748–1.806, I² = 81%, P < 0.0001). In the mid-tendon repair group, the Achillon vs. Krackow sutures and the Bunnell vs. Krackow sutures subgroups showed no difference while the Bunnell and Krakow sutures were significantly stronger than the Kessler sutures (0.96, 95% CI = 0.510–1.405, I² = 63.3%, P < 0.0001 and 1.37, 95% CI = 2.286–0.468, I² = 83.4%, P = 0.003; respectively).ConclusionsThe assessment of heterogeneity located variables such as age, suture/material type, number of strands, type of testing machine and software, preloading, ankle position and loading type as potential confounders. The results of this meta-analysis are likely to have a significant impact in clinical practice.     

Suture button versus syndesmosis screw constructs for acute ankle diastasis injuries: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised controlled trials

BackgroundAnkle syndesmotic injuries can be surgically managed with syndesmosis screws (SS) or suture button (SB) fixation. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to compare the clinical and complication profiles of both modalities.MethodsA multi-database search up to 4th of March 2018 was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All RCTs comparing both techniques and published in English were included.ResultsFive RCTs with a total of 280 patients (140 SB, 140 SS) were included for analysis. SB had a statistically significant higher AOFAS score at 1 year (mean difference = 5.46, 95% CI = 0.40–10.51, p = 0.03) and lower implant failure rate (OR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01–0.15, p < 0.001). Infection and wound issues were marginally higher with SB (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 0.4–4.85, p = 0.60). No other parameters showed statistically significant difference.ConclusionsBoth constructs yielded similar clinical outcomes. The 1 year AOFAS score was higher in SB but clinical significance is unlikely. SB had significantly fewer implant failures.Level of evidence: Level I.     

Cistectomía radical asistida por robot vs. cistectomía radical abierta: revisión sistemática de ensayos controlados aleatorizados

IntroductionSeveral randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been launched in the last decade to examine the surgical safety and oncological efficacy of robot-assisted (RARC) vs. open radical cystectomy (ORC) for patients with bladder cancer. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of RARC vs. ORC.MethodsA literature search was conducted through July 2022 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The outcomes were intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological outcomes of RARC vs. ORC.ResultsA total of 8 RCTs comprising 1,024 patients met our inclusion criteria. RARC was associated with longer operative time (mean 92.34 min, 95% CI: 83.83-100.84, P < 0.001) and lower blood transfusion rate (Odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% CI: 0.30-0.61, P < 0.001). No differences emerged in terms of 90-day overall (P = 0.28) and major (P = 0.57) complications, length of stay (P = 0.18), bowel recovery (P = 0.67), health-related quality of life (P = 0.86), disease recurrence (P = 0.77) and progression (P = 0.49) between the 2 approaches. The main limitation is represented by the low number of patients included in half of RCTs included.ConclusionsThis study supports that RARC is not inferior to ORC in terms of surgical safety and oncological outcomes. The benefit of RARC in terms of lower blood transfusion rate need to be balanced with the cost related to the procedure.     

A meta-analysis of the efficacy of raloxifene on all clinical and vertebral fractures and its dependency on FRAX®

IntroductionMultiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation (MORE), a placebo controlled phase III study of raloxifene in postmenopausal osteoporosis, showed that both doses tested (60 mg and 120 mg daily) reduced the risk of vertebral fracture. There was no significant effect on non-vertebral fracture.AimsThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution of fracture risk assessed at baseline using the FRAX® tool in MORE and to determine the efficacy of raloxifene as a function of baseline fracture risk. The effects of raloxifene (60 and 120 mg daily combined) with placebo on the risk of all clinical fractures as well as the risk of morphometric vertebral fracture were examined as a function of baseline fracture risk.MethodsBaseline clinical risk factors and BMD were entered in the FRAX® model to compute the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures. The interaction between fracture probability and treatment efficacy was examined by Poisson regression.ResultsThe 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (with BMD) ranged from 0.9% to 77.2%. The incidence of clinical fractures and morphometric vertebral fractures increased with increasing baseline fracture probabilities. Treatment with raloxifene was associated with an 18% decrease in all clinical fractures compared to placebo treatment (hazard ratio HR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.71–0.95; p = 0.0063) and a 42% decrease in incident morphometric vertebral fractures (HR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.48–0.69; p < 0.001). Efficacy was shown over the whole range of fracture probability and the interaction between fracture probability and treatment was not significant. The efficacy or raloxifene on vertebral fracture risk was significantly greater at lower ages. At the 90th percentile of age (75 years) vertebral fracture risk was reduced by 31% irrespective of FRAX® probabilities. In contrast at younger ages, efficacy was higher and increased further still with decreasing fracture probability.ConclusionWe conclude that raloxifene (60 and 120 mg doses combined) significantly decreased the risk of all clinical fractures and morphometric fractures in women. Overall, there was no significant interaction between efficacy and fracture probability. In the case of morphometric vertebral fractures efficacy decreased significantly with increasing age.     

Effects of soy isoflavone supplements on bone turnover markers in menopausal women: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

IntroductionEffects of soy isoflavone supplements on bone turnover markers remain unclear. This up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed primarily to more completely and precisely clarify the effects on urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and secondarily to evaluate the effects on other bone turnover markers, compared with placebo in menopausal women.MethodsPubMed, CENTRAL, ICHUSHI, and CNKI were searched in June 2009 for relevant studies of RCTs. Data on study design, participants, interventions, and outcomes were extracted and methodological quality of each included trial was assessed.ResultsFrom 3740 identified relevant articles, 10 (887 participants), 10 (1210 participants), and 8 (380 participants) RCTs were selected for meta-analysis of effects on DPD, BAP, and serum osteocalcin (OC), respectively, using Review Manager 5.0.22. Daily ingestion of an average 56 mg soy isoflavones (aglycone equivalents) for 10 weeks to 12 months significantly decreased DPD by 14.1% (95% CI: ? 26.8% to ? 1.5%; P = 0.03) compared to baseline (heterogeneity: P < 0.00001; I² = 93%; random effects model). The overall effect of soy isoflavones on DPD compared with placebo was a significant decrease of ? 18.0% (95% CI: ? 28.4% to ? 7.7%, P = 0.0007; heterogeneity: P = 0.0001; I² = 73%; random effects model). Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions revealed that isoflavone dose and intervention duration did not significantly relate to the variable effects on DPD. Daily supplementation of about 84 mg and 73 mg of soy isoflavones for up to 12 months insignificantly increased BAP by 8.0% (95% CI: ? 4.2% to 20.2%, P = 0.20; heterogeneity: P < 0.00001; I² = 98%) and OC by 10.3% (95% CI: ? 3.1% to 23.7%, P = 0.13; heterogeneity: P = 0.002; I² = 69%) compared with placebo (random effects model), respectively.ConclusionsSoy isoflavone supplements moderately decreased the bone resorption marker DPD, but did not affect bone formation markers BAP and OC in menopausal women. The effects varied between studies, and further studies are needed to address factors relating to the observed effects of soy isoflavones on DPD and to verify effects on other bone turnover markers.     

Is gabapentin effective and safe in open hysterectomy? A PRISMA compliant meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundPain management after open hysterectomy has been investigated for years. Owing to the effect of significant analgesic, gabapentin was often administrated for pre-emptive analgesia. However, the relationship between gabapentin and postoperative pain after open hysterectomy is still controversial. This meta-analysis was applied to assess the efficacy of pre-emptive use of gabapentin in open hysterectomy.MethodsThis meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to compare the use of gabapentin with placebo in open hysterectomy regarding (1) the mean difference (MD) of postoperative opioid requirements; (2) the changes of visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in two groups; and (3) incidence rate of adverse effects. Systematic searches of all related literatures was conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov and Web of Science. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for open hysterectomy were included. The MD of postoperative opioid requirements and VAS scores, relative risk (RR) of incidence rate of adverse effects in the gabapentin group versus placebo group were extracted throughout the study.ResultsFourteen trials were included in this meta-analysis. The total opioid consumption at 24 h was a less in gabapentin group. (MD = − 11.61, 95% CI: − 16.71 to − 6.51, P = 0.00) The visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 4, 12 and 24 h were less in the gabapentin group. (MD = − 16.83, 95% CI: − 22.88 to − 10.77, P = 0.00), (MD = − 17.45, 95% CI: − 21.83 to − 13.08, P = 0.00), (MD = − 9.83, 95% CI: − 13.31 to − 6.35, P = 0.00) The incidence rate of vomiting and nausea were significantly less in gabapentin groups. (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.73, P = 0.00), (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.93, P = 0.02). Compared with placebo, gabapentin achieved higher patient satisfaction. (MD = 20.43, 95% CI: 12.42 to 28.44, P < 0.00).ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggested that the employment of gabapentin was efficacious in reduction of postoperative opioid consumption, VAS score and some side effects after open hysterectomy.     

BsmI,TaqI, ApaI and FokI polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and risk of fracture in Caucasians: A meta-analysis

ContextVitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms have been strongly associated with bone mineral density in some studies. However, in a recent meta-analysis, no relationship of the VDR BsmI or TaqI polymorphism and fracture risk was found in the meta-analysis of published data.Objective and designOur meta-analysis studied whether a relationship exists between BsmI, TaqI, ApaI and FokI polymorphisms in the VDR gene and risk of fracture.Data sourcesRelevant studies were identified from the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Current Contents before January 2010.Data synthesisThis meta-analysis included 17 studies with a total of 21 eligible comparisons, which included 2112 fracture cases and 4521 controls. All of these studies reported on Caucasians. The combined results based on all studies showed that fracture cases had a significantly lower frequency of bb genotype of BsmI [odds ratio (OR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.76, 0.98]. When stratifying by fracture type, we found that (1) hip fracture cases had a significantly lower frequency of bb genotype of BsmI (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.70, 0.97); (2) hip fracture cases had a significantly lower frequency of Tt genotype of TaqI (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.97); (3) hip fracture cases had a significantly higher frequency of tt genotype of TaqI (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.91); (4) vertebral fracture cases had a significantly higher frequency of Aa genotype of ApaI (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.03, 2.59). No significant difference was found in any genotype of FokI.ConclusionOur meta-analysis suggests that there is a modest but statistically significant association between the BsmI bb genotypes and fracture.     

Reamed or unreamed intramedullary nailing for tibial fractures: a meta-analysis

Objective：To compare the treating effects of different intramedullary nailing methods on tibial fractures in adults.Methods：Literature reports in both Chinese and English languages were retrieved （from the earliest available records to October 1,2013） from the PubMed,FMJS,CNKI,Wanfang Data using randomized controlled trials （RCTs） to compare reamed and unreamed intramedullary nailing for treatment of tibial fractures.Methodological quality of the trials was critically assessed,and relevant data were extracted.Statistical software Revman 5.0 was used for data-analysis.Results：A total of 12 randomized controlled trials,comprising 985 patients （475 in the unreamed group and 510 in the reamed group）,were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis.The results of metaanalysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the two methods in the reported outcomes of infection （RR=0.64; 95％CI,0.39 to 1.07;P=0.09）,compartment syndrome （RR=1.44; 95％CI,0.8to 2.41; P=0.16）,thrombosis （RR=1.29; 95％CI,0.43to 3.87; P=0.64）,time to union （WMD=5.01; 95％CI,-1.78 to 11.80; P=0.15）,delayed union （nonunion）（RR=1.56; 95％CI,0.97 to 2.49; P=0.06）,malunion （RR=1.75; 95％CI,1.00 to 3.08; P=0.05） and knee pain （RR=0.94; 95％CI,0.73 to 1.22; P=0.66）.But there was a significantly higher fixation failure rate in the unreamed group than in the reamed group （RR=4.29; 95％CI,2.58to 7.14; P＜0.00001）.Conclusion：There is no significant difference in the reamed and unreamed intramedullary nailing for the treatment of tibial fractures,but our result recommends reamed nails for the treatment of closed tibial fractures for their lower fixation failure rate.     

Frailty as a predictor of fractures among community-dwelling older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeTo identify prospective studies examining associations between frailty and fractures and to combine the risk measures to synthesize pooled evidence on frailty as a predictor of fractures among community-dwelling older people.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using five databases: Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library for prospective studies on associations between frailty and fracture risk published from 2000 to August 2015 without language restriction. Odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) extracted from the studies or calculated from available data were combined to synthesize pooled effect measures using random-effects or fixed-effects models. Heterogeneity, methodological quality, and publication bias were assessed. Meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the cause of high heterogeneity.ResultsOf 1305 studies identified, six studies involving 96,564 older people in the community were included in this review. Frailty and prefrailty were significantly associated with future fractures among five studies with OR (pooled OR = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.34–2.15, p < 0.0001; pooled OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.18–1.46, p < 0.00001, respectively) and four studies with HR (pooled HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.31–1.89, p < 0.00001; pooled HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.12–1.51, p = 0.0006, respectively). High heterogeneity was observed among five studies with OR of frailty (I² = 66%). The studies from the United States were found to have a higher fracture risk than from those from other countries in a meta-regression model (regression coefficient = 0.39, p = 0.04). No evidence of publication bias was identified.ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis showed evidence that frailty and prefrailty are significant predictors of fractures among community-dwelling older people. Treating frailty may potentially lead to lowering fracture risks.     

Efficacy and safety of sugammadex compared to neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular blockade: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and objectiveSugammadex has been introduced for reversal of rocuronium (or vecuronium)–induced neuromuscular blockade (NMB). Although its efficacy has been established, data are conflicting whether it is safer than neostigmine traditionally used for reversing NMB.DesignMeta-analysis of data about effectiveness and safety of sugammadex compared to neostigmine for reversing NMB in adults was performed using the PRISMA methodology.SettingUniversity medical hospital.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library electronic databases to identify English-language randomized controlled trials. Two reviewers independently selected the trials; extracted data on reversal times, incomplete reversals of NMB, and adverse events (AEs); and assessed the trials' methodological quality and evidence level. Only AEs that were related to study drug by a blinded safety assessor were considered for meta-analysis.PatientsA total of 1384 patients from 13 articles were included in this meta-analysis.Main resultsCompared to neostigmine, sugammadex was faster in reversing NMB (P < .0001) and more likely to be associated with higher train-of-four ratio values at extubation (mean difference, 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-0.22; P < .0001) and lower risk of postoperative residual curarization after extubation (odds ratio [OR], 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.43; P = .0068). Compared to neostigmine, sugammadex was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of global AEs (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.34-0.66; P < .0001), respiratory AEs (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14-0.95; P = .0386), cardiovascular AEs (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08-0.61; P = .0036), and postoperative weakness (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21-0.97; P = .0409). Sugammadex and neostigmine were associated with a similar likelihood of postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.70-2.15; P = .4719), pain (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.15-7.36; P = .9559), neurologic AEs (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.52-4.17; P = .4699), general AEs (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.47-1.21; P = .2448), and changes in laboratory tests' values (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.18-1.78; P = .3368).ConclusionsResults from this meta-analysis suggest that sugammadex is superior to neostigmine, as it reverses NMB faster and more reliably, with a lower risk of AEs.     

Osteoporosis risk and bone mineral density levels in patients with Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis

IntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) and osteoporosis are common diseases which affect a substantial portion of the elderly population. Accumulating evidence supports that PD patients have a high risk for osteoporosis in recent years. The purpose of the present study is to perform a meta-analysis on the risk of osteoporosis and bone mineral density (BMD) levels in PD patients.MethodsWe searched all articles indexed in Medline, SciVerse Scopus and Cochrane Library published up to January 2012 concerning the association between PD and risk of osteoporosis or BMD levels. In total, 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that PD patients are at higher risk for osteoporosis (summary OR = 1.18, 95% CI = [1.09, 1.27]) than healthy controls. The gender subgroup analysis suggested that PD male patients have a higher risk for osteoporosis than female patients (female patients: summary OR = 1.16, 95% CI = [1.07, 1.26]; male patients: summary OR = 2.44, 95% CI = [1.37, 4.34]). Further meta-analysis showed that PD patients have a lower hip, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD than healthy controls. The gender subgroup analysis found a lower BMD in PD female patients than controls, while no obvious difference was observed in PD male patients and controls.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggested that PD patients are at higher risk for osteoporosis and have lower BMD levels than healthy controls overall.     

A meta-analysis of the efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation for upper limb motor recovery in stroke survivors

Study DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.IntroductionPrior reviews on the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) have shown the effectiveness of a-tDCS on corticomotor excitability and motor function in healthy individuals but nonsignificant effect in subjects with stroke.PurposeTo summarize and evaluate the evidence for the efficacy of a-tDCS in the treatment of upper limb motor impairment after stroke.MethodsA meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared a-tDCS with placebo and change from baseline.ResultsA pooled analysis showed a significant increase in scores in favor of a-tDCS (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.10–0.70, p = 0.010, compared with baseline). A similar effect was observed between a-tDCS and sham (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.18–0.81, p = 0.005).ConclusionThis meta-analysis of eight randomized placebo-controlled trials provides further evidence that a-tDCS may benefit motor function of the paretic upper limb in patients suffering from chronic stroke.Level of EvidenceLevel 1a.     

Oral health-related quality of life in Iranian patients with spinal cord injury: A case–control study

IntroductionThe study aimed to compare the oral health variables, general, and oral health-related quality of life (QoL), depression, and anxiety between spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and healthy controls and also to determine the key factors related to the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the SCI patients.MethodsA total of 203 SCI patients and 203 healthy controls were enrolled. Patients and healthy adults were invited to attend a dental clinic to complete the study measures and undergo oral clinical examinations. OHRQoL was assessed by the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and the general health-related quality of life (GHRQoL) was evaluated by SF-36. In SCI patients, depression and anxiety were recorded using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while Functional Assessment Measure (FAM) was used to assess dependence and disability. All the subjects were examined for caries which was quantified using the decayed, missing, and filled Teeth (DMFT) index, gingival bleeding index (GI), plaque index, and periodontal status by community periodontal index (CPI).ResultsThe analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant differences between the two groups in terms of oral health expressed in DMFT, oral hygiene, and periodontal status, controlled for age, gender, family income, and occupational status (p < 0.001). Using the hierarchical linear regression analyses, in the final model, which accounted for 18% of the total variance (F(126.7), p < 0.01), significant predictors of OHRQoL were irregular tooth brushing (β = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.06; 1.41), smoking (β = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.66; 0.97), dry mouth (β = 0.37; 95% CI = −0.65 to 0.10) functional and motor functioning (β = 0.32; 95% CI = −0.45 to 0.17), DMFT (β = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.02; 0.09), CPI (β = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.04; 0.04), physical component measure of GHRQoL (β = −0.275; 95% CI = −0.42 to 0.13), lesion level at the lumbar–sacral (β = −0.18; 95% CI = −0.29 to −0.06) and thoracic level (β = −0.09; 95% CI = −0.11 to −0.06).ConclusionSCI patients had poor oral hygiene practices, greater levels of plaque, gingival bleeding, and caries experience than the healthy controls. In addition, more number of SCI patients had periodontal pockets and dry mouth than the comparative group. SCI patients experienced more depression and anxiety, poor GHRQoL, and OHRQoL than the healthy control group. The factors that influenced OHRQoL in SCI patients were age, toothbrushing frequency, smoking, oral clinical status, depression, physical component of GHRQoL, and level of lesion.     

Role of sugammadex in accelerating postoperative discharge: A meta-analysis

Study objectiveSugammadex has been introduced for reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) induced by rocuronium (or vecuronium). Although its efficacy and safety have been established, data are conflicting as to whether it accelerates discharge to the surgical ward compared with neostigmine, which is traditionally used for reversing NMB. The object of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to review the research comparing sugammadex and neostigmine in the context of patient discharge after general anesthesia.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.SettingUniversity medical hospital.PatientsFive-hundred eighteen patients from six studies were included.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials written in English. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted data regarding postoperative discharge, and assessed the trials' methodological quality and evidence level. Postoperative discharge time was determined from the operating room (OR) to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and from the PACU to the surgical ward. This study was conducted using PRISMA methodology.MeasurementsTime to discharge after NMB reversal with sugammadex or neostigmine.Main resultsCompared with neostigmine, sugammadex was associated with a significantly faster discharge from the OR to the PACU (mean difference [MD] = 22.14 min, 95% CI (14.62, 29.67), P < 0.0001, I² = 0%) and from the PACU to the surgical ward (MD = 16.95 min, 95% CI (0.23, 33.67), P = 0.0469, I² = 98.4%). Similarly, discharge-readiness was shorter for sugammadex than for neostigmine from the OR to the PACU (MD = 5.58 min, 95% CI (3.03, 8.14), P ≤ 0.0001, I² = 0%). However, discharge-readiness was similar in both groups for patients moving from the PACU to the surgical ward (MD = − 1.10 min, 95% CI (− 5.69, 3.50), P = 0.6394, I² = 25.3%).ConclusionsResults from this meta-analysis suggest that sugammadex accelerates postoperative discharge of patients after general anesthesia compared with neostigmine.     

Outcomes of partial and total calcanectomies for the treatment of diabetic heel ulcers complicated with osteomyelitis. A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundInfected diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) complicated with calcaneal osteomyelitis are a real challenge for limb preservation. Very few alternatives to amputation are available, mainly the resection of a part or the totality of the calcaneal bone. Calcanectomies were advanced as limb-sparing procedures in patients with heel osteomyelitis. However, there is a lack of pooled quantitative evidence on their efficacy and complications.ObjectivesThe present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the primary outcome of healing rates following partial (PC) and total calcanectomies (TC) in treating calcaneal osteomyelitis due to diabetic heel ulcers. Additionally, secondary outcomes such as secondary TC following PC, secondary below knee amputation (BKA), mortality and the change in the ambulation status were analyzed.MethodsMedline, Scopus, Web of science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched since inception. All types of study design were included. Single case report studies and studies reporting osteomyelitis due to other etiologies than DFU were excluded.ResultsTwenty studies met the inclusion criteria comprising 295 patients with 300 calcanectomies (270 PC and 30 TC). With a mean follow-up period of 29.3 ± 17.7 months, the weighted results were as follows: a) the osteomyelitis healing rate was of 80% (95% CI = 0.728 to 0.861, I² = 48.3%), b) the rate of secondary total calcanectomy was of 5.4% (95% CI = 0.022 to 0.097, I² = 7.5%), c) the rate of secondary BKA was of 17.1% (95% CI = 0.111 to 0.241, I² = 50.6%) with no difference between subgroups of TC and PC, and d) the combined mortality rate of both calcanectomies was of 13.4% (95% CI = 0.064 to 0.224, I² = 73.6%); however, significant higher mortality was found following TC compared to PC (p < 0.0001).ConclusionPartial and total calcanectomies were found to yield very good healing rates with acceptable complication frequencies. When compared to the reported outcomes of below and above-knee amputations in the literature, calcanectomies could be fairly considered as good alternatives to above ankle amputations.     

The sedative effects of the intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine in children undergoing surgeries compared to other sedation methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Study objectiveAdministration of intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation is comfortable and effective in children who are afraid of needles, and it offers efficient sedation similar to that of intravenous administration. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical effects of the pre-procedural administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine.DesignWe identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared intranasal dexmedetomidine administration to other administration methods of various sedatives or placebo from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, KoreaMed and hand searches of trial registries.SettingPediatrics who underwent interventional procedures and surgeries.PatientsChildren under the age of 18.InterventionsStudies were included if they were compatible with the criteria that dexmedetomidine was administered intranasally.MeasurementsWe pooled data on the sedation status as the primary outcome and considered the behavioral score, blood pressure, heart rate and side effects to be secondary outcomes. Risk ratio (RR) and the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively.Main resultsThis meta-analysis included 11 RCTs. The SMD for the sedative effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine was − 2.45 (random, 95% CI; − 3.33, − 1.58) for continuous outcomes and RR of unsatisfactory patient outcome was 0.42 (M-H, random 95% CI; 0.26, 0.68 I² = 45%) for dichotomous outcomes compared to that of intranasal saline. The SMD for the sedative effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine was − 0.41 (random, 95% CI; − 1.09, 0.27 I² = 69%) for continuous outcomes and RR was 0.43 (M-H, random 95% CI; 0.32, 0.58 I² = 0%) for dichotomous outcomes compared to that of per os benzodiazepines.ConclusionsThis review suggests that intranasal dexmedetomidine is associated with better sedative effects than oral benzodiazepines without producing respiratory depression, but it had a significantly delayed onset of effects.     

Efficacy and safety of nano-silver dressings combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor for deep second-degree burns: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor for deep second-degree burns.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and other databases were searched to identify relevant randomised controlled trials.ResultsTwelve studies that assessed nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor were identified. Nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor for deep second-degree burns could significantly reduce the duration of wound healing (mean difference ?5.68, 95% CI ?7.38 – ?3.99, P < 0.00001), the wound healing rate (risk ratio [RR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.23–0.48, P < 0.00001), the rate of scar hyperplasia (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54–0.84, P = 0.0004), the wound bacterial positive rate (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.89, P = 0.02), and the adverse reactions rate (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.58, P = 0.0003).ConclusionThis comprehensive meta-analysis of the available evidence suggest that the use of nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor results in shorter duration of wound healing, reduced wound bacterial positive rates and adverse reactions rate, and improved wound healing rates.     

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is an independent risk factor for non-vertebral fractures in women and men: The Tromsø Study

Low-grade inflammation is associated with fractures, while the relationship between inflammation and bone mineral density (BMD) is less clear. Moreover, any gender differences in the sensitivity to inflammation are still poorly elucidated. We therefore tested the hypothesis that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent risk factor for low BMD and non-vertebral fractures, in both genders, and whether there are gender differences in these associations.CRP levels and BMD at the total hip and femoral neck were measured in 1902 women and 1648 men between 55 and 74 years of age, at baseline in the Tromsø Study, Norway, in 2001–2002. Non-vertebral fractures were registered from hospital X-ray archives during an average of 7.2 years follow-up. Linear regression analyses were used for CRP association with BMD and Cox proportional hazards model for fracture prediction by CRP.During 25 595 person-years follow-up, 366 (19%) women and 126 (8%) men suffered a non-vertebral fracture. There was no association between CRP and BMD in women, but an inverse association in men (p = 0.001) after adjustment for age and body mass index. Each standard deviation (SD) increase in log-CRP was associated with an increased risk for non-vertebral fracture by 13% in women and 22% in men (hazard ratios (HRs) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.26, p = 0.026 and 1.22, 95% CI = 1.00–1.48, p = 0.046, respectively). After adjustment for BMD and other risk factors, women with CRP in the upper tertile exhibited 39% higher risk for fracture than those in the lowest tertile of CRP (HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.06–1.83, p = 0.017), while men in the upper tertile exhibited 80% higher risk (HR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.10–2.94, p = 0.019).In summary, CRP was not associated with BMD in women but inversely associated in men, and predicted fractures in both genders. We infer that inflammation influence fracture risk in both women and men, although the biological mechanisms may differ between the genders.     

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.