The BK virus in renal transplant recipients��review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

The BK virus, a DNA virus from the Polyomavirus group, represents an opportunistic infection of immunosuppressed transplant recipients. Though the virus was discovered approximately 40 years ago, the emergence of BK virus nephropathy since 1995 onwards, with associated high graft loss rates, has revolutionized renal transplantation medicine. Kidney transplant professionals realized that the consequences of over-immunosuppression were as severe as the consequences of under-immunosuppression and we entered the era of immunosuppressive minimization. Despite this recognition, the optimal testing type for BK virus infections and frequency of testing are hotly debated. Similarly, optimal treatment strategies remain sources of intense controversy. The authors review the current strategies of screening, diagnosis, and possible treatment, and also review the amount and quality of evidence in favor or against. Similarities and differences between cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and BV virus, the three major viral infections in kidney transplantation, are highlighted.     

The effect of exercise on pQCT parameters of bone structure and strength in postmenopausal women—a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Summary  

Inconsistent study findings of exercise on areal bone density highlight the need to include parameters of bone geometry and volumetric bone density measurements. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found a decrease in bone loss through the maintenance of cortical and trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (BMD). Studies with longer exercise durations and larger sample sizes are needed.     

Do wound complications or lymphoceles occur more often in solid organ transplant recipients on mTOR inhibitors? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

mTOR inhibitors have been associated with wound complications and lymphoceles. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare these outcomes for solid organ transplant recipients. Relevant medical databases were searched to identify RCTs in solid organ transplantation comparing mTOR inhibitors with an alternative therapy reporting on wound complications and/or lymphoceles. Methodological quality of RCTs was assessed. Pooled analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Thirty-seven RCTs in kidney, heart, simultaneous pancreas-kidney and liver transplantation were included. Pooled analyses showed a higher incidence of wound complications (OR 1.77, CI 1.31-2.37) and lymphoceles (OR 2.07, CI 1.62-2.65) for kidney transplant recipients on mTOR inhibitors together with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). There was also a higher incidence of wound complications (OR 3.00, CI 1.61-5.59) and lymphoceles (OR 2.13, CI 1.57-2.90) for kidney transplant recipients on mTOR inhibitors together with antimetabolites. Heart transplant patients receiving mTOR inhibitors together with CNIs also reported more wound complications (OR 1.82, CI 1.15-2.87). We found a higher incidence of wound complications and lymphoceles after kidney transplantation and a higher incidence of wound complications after heart transplantation for immunosuppressive regimens that included mTOR inhibitors from the time of transplantation.     

Is tranexamic acid effective and safe in spinal surgery? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose

The present meta-analysis aimed at assessing the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss and transfusion in spinal surgery.

Methods

Systematic searches of all studies published through March 2012 were identified from PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane library, Science Direct, and other databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the present study. Two independent reviewers searched and assessed the literature. Mean difference (MD) of blood loss and blood transfusions, risk ratios (RR) of transfusion rate and of deep vein thrombosis rate in the TXA-treated group versus placebo group were pooled throughout the study. The meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.1 software.

Results

Six placebo-controlled RCTs encompassing 411 patients met the inclusion criteria for our meta-analysis. The use of TXA significantly reduced both total blood loss [MD = −285.35, 95 % CI (−507.03 to −63.67), P = 0.01] as well as the number of patients requiring blood transfusion [RR = 0.71, 95 % CI (0.54–0.92), P = 0.01]. None of the patients in the treatment group had deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions

Intravenous use of TXA for patients undergoing spinal surgery is effective and safe. It reduces total blood loss and the need for blood transfusion, particularly in the using of high dosage of TXA (≥15 mg/kg), yet does not increase the risk of postoperative DVT. Due to the limitation of the quality of the evidence currently available, high-quality RCTs are required.     

Do hip protectors decrease the risk of hip fracture in institutional and community-dwelling elderly? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Hip fractures are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Hip protectors are padded undergarments designed to decrease the impact of a fall on the hip. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials of hip protectors to determine if they reduce hip fractures in the elderly. Analyses were pooled according to participant residence—community or institutional (the latter, included nursing homes, residential group homes or seniors hostels). We included individually randomized and statistically adjusted cluster randomized trials. Seven trials of 12- to 28-month duration were included. The Safehip brand of hip protector was used in most studies. Compliance rates in the treatment groups varied from 31 to 68%. In four trials including a total of 5,696 community-dwelling seniors, the hip fracture rates in control groups ranged from 1.1 to 7.4%, and the pooled risk difference with hip protector allocation was 0% [95% confidence intervals (CI), –1%, +1%), with a relative risk of 1.07 (0.81, 1.42). In three trials including 1,188 institutionalized elderly participants, hip fracture rates in the control groups varied from 8 to 19.4%, and the pooled risk difference for sustaining one or more hip fractures with hip protector allocation was –3.7% (95% CI, –7.4%, 0.1%), with a relative risk of 0.56 (0.31, 1.01) (with statistically significant heterogeneity of treatment effect). In a post-hoc subgroup analysis of two trials comprised of exclusively nursing home residents, the risk difference with hip protector allocation was –4.4% (–8.09, –0.76) with a relative risk of 0.50 (0.28, 0.91) ( n =1,014). Thus, there is little evidence to support the use of hip protectors outside the nursing home setting. The potential benefit of hip protectors in reducing hip fractures in nursing home residents requires further confirmation.     

Growth, chronic kidney disease and pediatric kidney transplantation: is it useful to use recombinant growth hormone in Colombian children with renal transplant?

Kidney transplantation has become the best treatment for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In recent times, knowledge concerning the effect of CKD and kidney transplantation over the normal growth rate has increased; now it is known that 40% of children with CKD do not reach the expected height for age. Growth retardation has been associated with the type of nephropathy, metabolic and endocrine disorders that are secondary to kidney disease, immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticoids, and suboptimal function of renal allograft. Nowadays, we know better the role of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis in growth retardation we can see it in children with CKD or recipients of renal allograft. Several studies have shown that administration of recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) has a positive effect on the longitudinal growth of children and teenagers who have received a kidney transplant. On the other hand, there have been reported side effects associated with using rhGH; however, these are not statistically significant. In this article, we show a small review about growth in children with CKD and/or recipients of renal allografts the growth pattern of three children who were known by the Transplant Group of National University of Colombia, and the results obtained with the use of rhGH in one of these cases. We want to show the possibility of achieving a secure use of rhGH in children with CKD and its use as a therapeutic option for treating the growth retardation in children with kidney transplantation, and set out the need of typifying the growth pattern of Colombian children with CKD and/or who are recipients of renal allografts through multicenter studies to propose and analyze the inclusion of rhGH in the therapeutic scheme of Colombian children with these two medical conditions. rhGH could be a useful tool for treating children with CKD or kidney transplantation who have not reached the expected longitudinal growth for age. However, it is necessary to know the growth pattern standards for Colombian children with CKD or kidney transplant in Bogotá-Colombia to include the rhGH in clinical protocols for treatment of these patients.     

Is wound drainage necessary in hip arthroplasty? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose

The use of closed suction drainage systems for hip arthroplasty (HA) is a common practice. However, the effectiveness and safety are still questionable. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to review the advantages and adverse effects of closed suction drainage systems in hip arthroplasty.

Methods

All randomized or quasi-randomized trials comparing the use of closed suction drainage systems with no drainage systems for hip arthroplasty were searched in PubMed, Medicine, EMBASE and other internet databases. We assessed the methodological quality of the studies and abstracted the relevant data independently.

Results

Sixteen studies involving 1,663 participants with surgical wounds comparing HA with and without the use of drainage were included in our analysis. Our results demonstrated blood transfusion was required more frequently the same as the persistent discharge in those who received drains. No significant differences in the incidence of wound hematoma, dehiscence or deep vein thrombosis were found between those allocated to drains and the non-drained wounds. Wound infection and the range of movement of the joint after surgery were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Based on the current evidence, there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of closed suction drainage in hip arthroplasty. At the same time, our meta-analysis study suggested that using of closed suction drainage in HA increased requirement for postoperative blood transfusion. However, there is a moderate possibility of selection bias and publication bias in this review. Because of the limited number of studies which may weaken the strength of the evidence of our results, more samples, high-quality randomized trials are needed to increase the reliability of evidences.

Level of evidence

II.     

Is low pre-transplant parathyroid hormone a risk marker for cardiovascular disease in long-term follow-up of renal transplant recipients?

Background

Secondary hyperparathyroidism and altered levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) are associated with vascular events in chronic kidney disease. After renal transplantation, this association is not clear. Pre-transplant parathyroidectomy (PTX) is common, but post-transplant data are scarce. We aimed to study the effect of PTH at the time of transplantation on risk of post-transplant vascular events in renal transplant recipients with and without pre-transplant PTX.

Methods

258 patients from two Swedish transplant units were followed for 6 years. Separate analyses were made for patients with or without pre-transplant PTX. Patients with no pre-transplant PTX were stratified by quartiles of PTH at time of transplantation and patients with pre-transplant PTX were stratified by above and below median levels of PTH at time of transplantation. Hazard ratios for vascular events, mortality, and graft failure were calculated in adjusted Cox regression models.

Results

In patients with no pre-transplant PTX, the lowest quartile of PTH at transplantation had a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to quartile 3 with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 2.63 (1.04–6.67). In patients with pre-transplant PTX, the group below median of PTH had a higher risk of cardiovascular events with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 18.15 (1.62–203.82) compared to patients above median of PTH.

Conclusion

Low levels of parathyroid hormone before transplantation were associated with increased risk of post-transplant vascular events both in patients with and without pre-transplant parathyroidectomy. Any conclusions on causal or direct effect of PTH on outcome cannot be drawn from this observational study.

     

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.     

Desarda’s technique versus Lichtenstein technique for the treatment of primary inguinal hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose

The Lichtenstein technique (LT) has been recognized as the standard treatment for inguinal hernia in adults owing to the high recurrence rates of tissue-based repairs. However, Desarda technique (DT) appeared as promising tissue-based repair that provided low incidence of recurrence without the need for implanting prosthetic or foreign materials in the inguinal canal. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DT and LT for primary inguinal hernia in adults aimed to determine which technique had better clinical outcome regarding recurrence and complication rates.

Methods

A systematic literature search for RCTs comparing between DT and LT was conducted using electronic databases and Google scholar service. Patients’ characteristics, technical details, recurrence and complication rates, and time to resume daily activities were extracted from the original studies and analyzed.

Results

Six RCTs comprising 2159 patients (89% males) were included. No significant difference in the incidence of recurrence between both techniques was detected (OR = 0.946; P = 0.91). The overall complication rate of LT was significantly higher than DT (OR = 1.86; P < 0.001). LT had significantly higher rates of seroma formation and surgical site infection (OR = 2.17; P = 0.007) and (OR = 2.17; P = 0.029), respectively. Postoperative pain, operation time, and time to resume normal activities were comparable in both groups.

Conclusion

Both DT and LT provided satisfactory treatment for primary inguinal hernia with low recurrence rates and acceptable rates of complications that were significantly less after DT. More well-designed RCTs with longer follow-up are required for further validation of the DT.

     

Metabolic effects of testosterone replacement therapy on hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes mellitus： a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review was aimed at assessing the metabolic effects of testosterone replacement therapy （TRT） on hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）. A literature search was performed using the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and PubMed. Only randomized controlled trials （RCTs） were included in the meta-analysis. Two reviewers retrieved articles and evaluated the study quality using an appropriate scoring method. Outcomes including glucose metabolism, lipid parameters, body fat and blood pressure were pooled using a random effects model and tested for heterogeneity. We used the Cochrane Collaboration＇s Review Manager 5.2 software for statistical analysis. Five RCTs including 351 participants with a mean follow-up time of 6.5months were identified that strictly met our eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis of the extractable data showed that testosterone reduced fasting plasma glucose levels （mean difference （MD）. -1.10; 95% confidence interval （CI） （-1.88, -0.31））, fasting serum insulin levels （MD： -2.73; 95% CI （-3.62, -1.84））, HbAlc % （MD.. -0.87; 95% CI （-1.32, -0.42）） and triglyceride levels （MD： -0.35; 95% CI （-0.62, -0.07））. The testosterone and control groups demonstrated no significant difference for other outcomes. In conclusion, we found that TRT can improve glycemic control and decrease triglyceride levels of hypogonadal men with T2DM. Considering the limited number of participants and the confounding factors in our systematic review; additional large, well-designed RCTs are needed to address the metabolic effects of TRT and its long-term influence on hypogonadal men with T2DM.     

The quality of placebos used in randomized,controlled trials of lumbar and pelvic joint thrust manipulation—a systematic review

Background Context

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been attributed with substantial non-specific effects. Accurate assessment of the non-specific effects of SMT relies on high-quality studies with low risk of bias that compare with appropriate placebos.