Seriously misleading results using inverse of Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation in meta-analysis of single proportions

Resistance profiles to antifungal agents in Candida albicans isolated from human oral cavities: systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim

To identify the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida spp. isolated from the human oral cavity was assessed with meta-analyses of observational studies that collected samples from the oral cavity of human subjects.

Material and methods

Isolated Candida albicans tested by E-test®; disk diffusion test; microdilution and macrodilution; Sensititre YeastOne; and/or FungiTest. Search strategies were conducted on the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Dentistry, and Oral Sciences, Central, Scopus, and LILACS databases, and gray literature sources. Articles were initially screened by title and then their abstracts. Articles that met the conditions for inclusion were read in full, followed by data extraction. A descriptive analysis was conducted of each study, and the data were tabulated. A first meta-analysis was conducted to assess the resistance of antifungals regardless of systemic comorbidities. An additional stratified analysis was conducted by systemic comorbidity groups for the outcome “resistance” to the antifungals.

Results

When not grouping Candida albicans isolates by systemic conditions, the lowest resistance rates to the antifungals tested were observed for amphotericin B, nystatin, flucytosine, and caspofungin. In contrast, the highest resistance rates were observed for miconazole and econazole. There was a high degree of heterogeneity and low resistance in general in all analyses, except for the “several associated comorbidities” group, which had high resistance rates.

Conclusions

Clinical C. albicans isolates had low antifungal resistance.

Clinical relevance

The presence of concomitant systemic comorbidities appears to be an essential factor that should be considered when evaluating resistance to antifungals for oral isolates.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-022-04716-2.

The Prevalence of Kashin-Beck Disease in China: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a serious degenerative chronic joint disease. However, there are few quantitative syntheses of KBD prevalence studies. In this study, an initial systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to study the prevalence of KBD in China. Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, and the China Science-Technology Journal Database (VIP)) were searched by performing an overall search method to identify studies of KBD prevalence in China that were published from the inception of the database to May 30, 2022. The risk of bias was assessed with the standardized risk of bias tool. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to study the prevalence of KBD through an analysis of published studies. A total of 34 studies involving 24,820 patients with KBD were included in this meta-analysis. These studies were geographically divided into 3 endemic areas. The pooled overall prevalence rate for KBD was 0.06% (95% CI, 0.04-0.08%). The pooled prevalence estimates were 0.05% (95% CI, 0.01-0.12%) for northeast endemic areas, 0.06% (95% CI, 0.03-0.09%) for northwest endemic areas, and 0.04% (95% CI, 0-0.14%) for southwest endemic areas. There was a negative correlation between KBD prevalence and the publication year. No potential risk of publication bias was found by Begg's test and Egger's test. The publication year and quality score were significantly associated with the detected heterogeneity. Our study indicates that the occurrence and development of KBD have been effectively controlled in recent decades. More effective strategies are needed to prevent and treat KBD.

Meta-analysis of the Placebo and Nocebo Effects Associated with Placebo Treatment in Randomized Trials of Lipid Lowering Therapy

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in which the control groups received placebo without background LLT offer unique insights into the placebo and nocebo effects of lipid-lowering RCTs.

METHODS

Embase and Medline were searched for hyperlipidemia RCTs with placebo-controlled arms. Placebo arms with background LLT were excluded. A single arm meta-analysis of proportions was used to estimate major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and adverse events (AE). A meta-analysis of means was used to estimate the pooled mean differences of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and triglycerides.

RESULTS

A total of 40 RCTs and 37 668 placebo-treated participants were included. The pooled mean changes for TC, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides were -0.019 mmol/L, -0.028 mmol/L, 0.013 mmol/L and 0.062 mmol/L respectively among placebo-treated participants, indicating a modest placebo effect. The pooled average nocebo effect among placebo-treated participants was 42.62% for all AEs and 3.38% for musculoskeletal-related AEs, 11.36% for gastrointestinal-related AEs and 6.62% for headaches. Placebo-treated participants in secondary prevention RCTs had a far higher incidence of these nocebo effects than primary prevention RCTs: any AEs (OR 6.76, 95%CI: 5.56-8.24, P < 0.001), and gastrointestinal-related AE (OR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.00-1.51, P = 0.049). No differences in nocebo effects were found between the placebo arms of statin and non-statin trials.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis of placebo-treated participants in RCTs with no background LLT indicate a modest placebo effect but prominent nocebo effect of musculoskeletal, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms that was greatest among secondary prevention RCTs. These findings may inform the design of future LLT RCTs.

Concomitant transcatheter occlusion versus thoracoscopic surgical clipping for left atrial appendage in patients undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis

Background

Both catheter left atrial appendage occlusion combined with ablation (COA) and thoracoscopic surgical left atrial appendage clipping combined with ablation (TCA) have shown favorable outcomes in management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). However, studies comparing the endpoints of both techniques are still lacking. Herein, a meta-analysis of safety and efficacy outcomes of COA versus TCA was performed in patients with AFib.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched for retrieving potential publications. The primary outcome was the incidence of stroke during follow-up period of at least 12 months. Secondary outcomes were acute success rate of complete left atrial appendage (LAA) closure by COA or TCA, postprocedural mortality and complications, and all-cause mortality during follow-up period of at least 12 months.

Results

19 studies of COA containing 1,504 patients and 6 studies of TCA with 454 patients were eligible for analysis. No significant difference in stroke and all-cause mortality was found in patients undergoing COA versus TCA after at least a 12-month follow-up (stroke: p = 0.504; all-cause mortality: p = 0.611). COA group had a higher acute success rate compared with TCA group (p = 0.001). COA placed the patients at a higher risk of hemorrhage during the postprocedural period compared with TCA (p = 0.023). A similar risk of other postprocedural complications (stroke/transient ischemic attack and pericardial effusion) and mortality was found in the COA group in comparison with TCA group (p>0.05).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed that COA and TCA did not differ in stroke prevention and all-cause mortality in patients with AFib after a follow-up of at least 12 months. Postprocedural complications and mortality were almost comparable between the two groups. In the near future, high-quality randomized controlled trials exploring the optimal surgical strategies for AFib and endpoints of different procedures are warranted.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [CRD42022325497].

12-month prevalence of atopic dermatitis in resource-rich countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

There is a lack of robust prevalence estimates of atopic dermatitis (AD) globally and trends over time due to wide variation of populations and age groups studied, different study methodologies and case definitions used. We sought to characterize 12-month AD prevalence across the life span and change over time in resource-rich countries focusing on population-based studies and using a standardized AD case definition. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Medline (Ovid), Embase, WOS core collection, Cinahl, and Popline were searched for studies published since inception through August 15, 2016. Studies were synthesized using random effects meta-analysis. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analyses and meta-regression. From 12,530 records identified, 45 studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis with random effects revealed the 12-month period prevalence of 9.2% (95% confidence interval 8.4-10.1%). The prevalence was significantly higher among 0-5-year-old children (16.2%; 95% confidence interval 14.2-18.7%) than in older age groups. Studies using a random sampling strategy yielded lower prevalence estimates than studies relying on other sampling methods. There was no clear time trend in AD prevalence over the period of 1992-2013.

Prevalence and gender distribution of trichotillomania: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Epidemiological studies have provided varying prevalence estimates of trichotillomania (TTM) and other hair-pulling behaviors. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide data-driven prevalence estimates of TTM and hair-pulling. PubMed, PsycInfo and Embase were searched on June 2020 (updated in November 2021). Studies reporting the frequency of TTM defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria or hair-pulling behaviors were included. Prevalence data was extracted for both genders, and female-to-male odds ratios (OR) were computed for TTM and any hair-pulling behaviors. Data were pooled through random-effects meta-analyses. Of the 713 records identified through database searches, 30 studies involving 38,526 participants were included. Meta-analyses indicated TTM had a prevalence of 1.14% (95% CI 0.66%, 1.96%), while any hair-pulling behavior had a prevalence of 8.84% (95% CI 6.33%, 12.20%). Meta-analyses demonstrated females were at an increased risk of any hair-pulling when noticeable hair loss was required (OR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.60, 3.10, p < 0.0001), but not of any hair-pulling when noticeable hair loss was not required (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.72, 1.64, p = 0.33). Meta-analyses did not indicate female preponderance in TTM (k = 10; N = 22,775; OR = 1.29; 95% CI 0.91, 1.83; I² = 28%, p = 0.15), although there was considerable heterogeneity across studies. This study demonstrates that TTM impacts ∼1% of the population, while general hair-pulling behaviors affects ∼8%, highlighting the significant public health impact of this understudied condition. Additional research should clarify the gender distribution of TTM in epidemiological samples.

The Role of 68 Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT in the Management and Prediction of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy Response for Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the role of 68 Ga-DOTA-somatostatin analog (SSA) PET/CT in guiding treatment for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) based on published literature, with specific focus on the ability of PET/CT to impact clinical management and predict peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) response.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search of articles up to December 2021 was performed using PubMed and Scopus. Eligible studies included ≥10 patients with confirmed or suspected NETs who had undergone pretreatment staging 68 Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT. A meta-analysis using the random-effects model was conducted to determine the overall change in management after PET/CT, whereas PET/CT-derived parameters that correlated with PRRT outcome were summarized from studies that assessed its predictive capabilities.

RESULTS

A total of 39 studies were included in this systemic review, of which 2266 patients from 24 studies were included for meta-analysis. We showed that PET/CT resulted in a change in clinical management in 36% (95% confidence interval, 31%-41%; range, 3%-66%) of patients. Fifteen studies consisting of 618 patients examined the prognostic ability of 68 Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT for PRRT. Of those, 8 studies identified a higher pretreatment SUV to favor PRRT, and 4 identified PET-based radiomic features for somatostatin receptor heterogeneity to be predictive of PRRT response.

CONCLUSIONS

Along with its diagnostic abilities, 68 Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT can impact treatment decision-making and may predict PRRT response in patients with NETs. More robust studies should be conducted to better elucidate the prognostic role of somatostatin receptor PET/CT in optimizing treatment for clinical outcome.

BURNOUT SYNDROME AMONG DENTISTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

OBJECTIVE

Burnout syndrome has negative consequences on the dentist's health and performance during work. This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence of Burnout syndrome in dentists.

METHODS

Searches were carried out in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE, LILACS databases, and searches in the gray literature on January 27, 2021. There were no restrictions on language and search period. For the diagnosis of Burnout, only studies that used the Maslach burnout inventory questionnaire and its subscales emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA) were included. Proportion meta-analyses were performed using the Stata 13.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 37 articles were included in the narrative and 31 in quantitative syntheses. The overall prevalence of Burnout syndrome in dentists was 13% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.006-0.21; I²: 97.07%) and the total prevalence in the subscales EE, DP, and PA, were, respectively: 28% (95% CI: 0.24-0.32; I²: 20.70%), 18% (95% CI: 0.08-0.28; I²: 85.61%) and 10% (95% CI: 0.08-0.13; I²: 0%). About the levels of Burnout syndrome in the subscales, 25% (95% CI: 0.19-0.31; I² 92.58%) presented high EE, 18% (95% CI: 0.10-0.26; I² 96.62%) high DP and 32% (95% 0.20-0.45; I² 97.86%) low PA. About continuous data, the mean of EE, DP and PA was respectively 17.90 (95% CI: 9.36-26.43; I² 94.8), 6.93 (95% CI: 3.41-10.45; I² 80.2) and, 34.69 (95% CI: 23.82-45.55; I² 98.8). No study presented all the positive criteria of the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklist.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there was a considerable prevalence of burnout syndrome in dentists, mainly in the subscale of emotional exhaustion.

Early neurologic deterioration with symptomatic isolated internal carotid artery occlusion: a cohort study, systematic review, and meta-analysis

Background

Acute endovascular revascularization for isolated internal carotid occlusion without tandem intracranial occlusion has been proposed to prevent early neurologic deterioration (END) and improve outcome, but has not been shown to be more effective than medical therapy. We aimed to evaluate prognosis with initial medical therapy alone, and also performed a systematic review to put these results in a broader context.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted over a 2-year period with acute stroke/TIA due to isolated internal carotid artery occlusion. Subjects with tandem intracranial occlusion or ASPECTS≤5 were excluded. The primary outcome was END within 48 hours (NIHSS increase ≥4 persisting for ≥24 hours). Secondary outcomes included discharge NIHSS and disposition. We also performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies along with the data from our cohort.

Results

Twenty-three patients met our inclusion criteria. Median age was 69 years, initial ASPECTS 10, and NIHSS score 3. END attributed to recurrent ischemia occurred in 5/23 patients (22%, 95%CI: 7-44%). At discharge, 78% had a favorable outcome with a median NIHSS of 2 (IQR 1-3). END appeared more frequent in those with higher baseline NIHSS. In our systematic review, 7 prior studies met our inclusion criteria. END occurred in 17% (95%CI:12-23%) of patients, 18% with medical therapy versus 13% with endovascular therapy, with substantial heterogeneity among studies.

Conclusions

In patients with acute stroke or TIA due to isolated internal carotid occlusion, END is relatively common (occurring in about 1 out of 6 patients). Further research is needed to evaluate the roles of maximal medical management or acute endovascular thrombectomy in these patients.

Intubation Rates following Prehospital Administration of Ketamine for Acute Agitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Ketamine is a fast-acting, dissociative anesthetic with a favorable adverse effect profile that is effective for managing acute agitation as a chemical restraint in the prehospital and emergency department (ED) settings. However, some previously published individual studies have reported high intubation rates when ketamine was administered prehospitally.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to determine the rate and settings in which intubation following prehospital administration of ketamine for agitation is occurring, as well as associated indications and adverse events.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, OpenGrey, Open Access Theses and Dissertation, and Google Scholar from the earliest possible date until 13/February/2022. Inclusion criteria required studies to describe agitated patients who received ketamine in the prehospital setting as a first-line drug to control acute agitation. Reference lists of appraised studies were screened for additional relevant articles. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Synthesis of results was completed via meta-analysis, and the GRADE tool was used for certainty assessment.

RESULTS

The search yielded 1466 unique records and abstracts, of which 50 full texts were reviewed, resulting in 18 being included in the analysis. All studies were observational in nature and 15 were from USA. There were 3476 patients in total, and the overall rate of intubation was 16% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8%-26%). Most intubations occurred in the ED. Within the studies, the prehospital intubation rate ranged from 0% to 7.9% and the ED intubation rate ranged from 0 to 60%. The overall pooled prehospital intubation rate was 1% (95% CI = 0%-2%). The overall pooled ED intubation rate was 19% (95% CI = 11%-30%). The most common indications for intubation were for airway protection and respiratory depression/failure.

CONCLUSIONS

There is wide variation in intubation rates between and within studies. The majority of intubations performed following prehospital administration of ketamine for agitation took place in the ED.

Gastrostomy and internal cerebrospinal fluid shunt in adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk of infection

BACKGROUND

Hydrocephalus is a frequent neurological condition, commonly treated by ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS), a neurosurgical procedure with significant risk of infection. Some severely brain-injured hydrocephalic patients with swallowing dysfunction may require percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). There are few data on the safety of PEG in patients with VPS, with contradictory results reported.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the rate of VPS infection in the setting of PEG.

METHODS

Six databases were searched for the period January 1990 to June 2022. Only original articles reporting the rate of shunt infection in the setting of PEG in adults were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to assess the rate of infection.

RESULTS

Fifteen of the 1,703 identified articles were selected, reporting 701 internal cerebrospinal fluid shunts, with 63 infections. The pooled rate of infection in patients with both PEG and VPS was 7.41% (95% CI [3.67-14.38]). There was a significantly higher risk of VPS infection in the PEG group vs. the control group with VPS without PEG: relative risk (RR)=2.33 (95% CI [1.11-4.89]). On the other hand, the risk of infection was the same whether the PEG was placed before or after the VPS surgery: RR=1.05 (95% CI [0.57-1.92]).

CONCLUSION

Gastrostomy tube placement is a significant risk factor for VPS infection. However, onset of infection was not related to the sequence of or interval between VPS and PEG.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This meta-analysis is registered in https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, PROSPERO ID: CRDCRD42022326774.

Impact of Moderate Aortic Stenosis on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The clinical course of patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) remains incompletely defined.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to analyze the clinical course of moderate AS and compare it with other stages of the disease.

METHODS

Multiple electronic databases were searched to identify studies on adult moderate AS. Random-effects models were used to derive pooled estimates. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. The secondary endpoints were cardiac death, heart failure, sudden death, and aortic valve replacement.

RESULTS

Among a total of 25 studies (12,143 moderate AS patients, 3.7 years of follow-up), pooled rates per 100 person-years were 9.0 (95% CI: 6.9 to 11.7) for all-cause death, 4.9 (95% CI: 3.1 to 7.5) for cardiac death, 3.9 (95% CI: 1.9 to 8.2) for heart failure, 1.1 (95% CI: 0.8 to 1.5) for sudden death, and 7.2 (95% CI: 4.3 to 12.2) for aortic valve replacement. Meta-regression analyses detected that diabetes (P = 0.019), coronary artery disease (P = 0.017), presence of symptoms (P < 0.001), and left ventricle (LV) dysfunction (P = 0.009) were associated with a significant impact on the overall estimate of all-cause death. All-cause mortality was higher in patients with reduced LV ejection fraction (<50%) than with normal LV ejection fraction: 16.5 (95% CI: 5.2 to 52.3) and 4.2 (95% CI: 1.4 to 12.8) per 100 person-years, respectively. Compared with moderate AS, the incidence rate difference of all-cause mortality was -3.9 (95% CI: -6.7 to -1.1) for no or mild AS and +2.2 (95% CI: +0.8 to +3.5) for severe AS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate AS appears to be associated with a mortality risk higher than no or mild AS but lower than severe AS, which increases in specific population subsets. The impact of early intervention in moderate AS patients having high-risk features deserves further investigation.

Global Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of 10 739 607 Individuals

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed as a better definition of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to encompass the metabolic dysregulation associated with NAFLD. This redefinition challenges our understanding of the disease. Hence, this study sought to conduct an updated analysis of the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and associated factors of MAFLD, with a further sensitivity analysis done based on lean and nonobese MAFLD individuals.

METHODS

Medline and Embase databases were searched to include articles on MAFLD. Meta-analysis of proportions was conducted using the generalized linear mix model. Associating factors were evaluated in conventional pairwise meta-analysis with sensitivity analysis on lean and nonobese MAFLD.

RESULTS

From pooled analysis involving 3 320 108 individuals, the overall prevalence of MAFLD was 38.77% (95% CI 32.94% to 44.95%); 5.37% (95% CI 4.36% to 6.59%) and 29.78% (95% CI 26.06% to 33.79%) of lean and nonobese individuals, respectively, had MAFLD. Metabolic complications such as hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 2.63, 95% CI 1.85 to 3.74, P < 0.0001 and OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.74 to 2.38, P < 0.0001, respectively] and diabetes (OR 3.80, 95% CI 2.65 to 5.43, P < 0.0001 and OR 3.46, 95% CI 2.81 to 4.27, P < 0.0001, respectively) were found as significant associating factors associated with lean and nonobese MAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis supports previous studies in reporting MAFLD to affect more than a third of the global population. While exploration of the pathogenic basis of fatty liver disease without metabolic dysregulation is required, the emphasis on management of concomitant metabolic disease in MAFLD can improve multidisciplinary efforts in managing the complex disease.

Urban-rural differences in hypertension prevalence in low-income and middle-income countries, 1990-2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The influence of urbanicity on hypertension prevalence remains poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the difference in hypertension prevalence between urban and rural areas in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the most pronounced urbanisation is underway.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, from 01/01/1990 to 10/03/2022. We included population-based studies with ≥400 participants 15 years and older, selected by using a valid sampling technique, from LMICs that reported the urban-rural difference in hypertension prevalence using similar blood pressure measurements. We excluded abstracts, reviews, non-English studies, and those with exclusively self-reported hypertension prevalence. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed by 2 independent reviewers following a standardised protocol. Our primary outcome was the urban minus rural prevalence of hypertension. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure as ≥90 mm Hg and could include use of antihypertensive medication, self-reported diagnosis, or both. We investigated heterogeneity using study-level and socioeconomic country-level indicators. We conducted meta-analysis and meta-regression using random-effects models. This systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018091671). We included 299 surveys from 66 LMICs, including 19,770,946 participants (mean age 45.4 ± SD = 9 years, 53.0% females and 63.1% from rural areas). The pooled prevalence of hypertension was 30.5% (95% CI, 28.9, 32.0) in urban areas and 27.9% (95% CI, 26.3, 29.6) in rural areas, resulting in a pooled urban-rural difference of 2.45% (95% CI, 1.57, 3.33, I-square: 99.71%, tau-square: 0.00524, Pheterogeneity < 0.001). Hypertension prevalence increased over time and the rate of change was greater in rural compared to urban areas, resulting in a pooled urban-rural difference of 5.75% (95% CI, 4.02, 7.48) in the period 1990 to 2004 and 1.38% (95% CI, 0.40, 2.37) in the period 2005 to 2020, p < 0.001 for time period. We observed substantial heterogeneity in the urban-rural difference of hypertension, which was partially explained by urban-rural definition, probably high risk of bias in sampling, country income status, region, and socioeconomic indicators. The urban-rural difference was 5.67% (95% CI, 4.22, 7.13) in low, 2.74% (95% CI, 1.41, 4.07) in lower-middle and -1.22% (95% CI, -2.73, 0.28) in upper-middle-income countries in the period 1990 to 2020, p < 0.001 for country income. The urban-rural difference was highest for South Asia (7.50%, 95% CI, 5.73, 9.26), followed by sub-Saharan Africa (4.24%, 95% CI, 2.62, 5.86) and reversed for Europe and Central Asia (-6.04%, 95% CI, -9.06, -3.01), in the period 1990 to 2020, p < 0.001 for region. Finally, the urban-rural difference in hypertension prevalence decreased nonlinearly with improvements in Human Development Index and infant mortality rate. Limitations included lack of data available from all LMICs and variability in urban and rural definitions in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hypertension in LMICs increased between 1990 and 2020 in both urban and rural areas, but with a stronger trend in rural areas. The urban minus rural hypertension difference decreased with time, and with country-level socioeconomic development. Focused action, particularly in rural areas, is needed to tackle the burden of hypertension in LMICs.

Postamputation Residual Limb Pain Severity and Prevalence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Individuals with an extremity amputation are predisposed to persistent pain that reduces their quality of life. Residual limb pain is defined as pain that is felt in the limb after amputation. Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review of 5 databases from inception to June 2020 was performed and is registered under the PROSPERO ID: CRD42020199297. Included studies were clinical trials with residual limb pain assessed at a minimum follow-up of 1 week. Meta-analyses of residual limb pain prevalence and severity were performed with subgroups of extremity and amputation etiology. Results: Twenty clinical trials met criteria and reported on a total of 1347 patients. Mean patient ages ranged from 38 to 77. Residual limb pain prevalence at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively, was 50%, 11%, 23%, 27%, 22%, and 24%. Mean residual limb pain severity at the 6 months or longer follow-up was 4.19 out of 10 for cancer amputations, 2.70 for traumatic amputations, 0.47 for vasculopathy amputations, 1.01 for lower extremity amputations, and 3.56 for upper extremity amputations. Conclusions: Residual limb pain severity varies according to the etiology of amputation and is more common after upper extremity amputation than lower extremity amputations. The most severe pain is reported by patients undergoing amputations due to cancer, followed by traumatic amputations, while vascular amputation patients report lower pain severity. Promising methods of reducing long-term pain are preoperative pain control, nerve or epidural blocks, use of memantine, calcitonin-containing blocks, and prophylactic nerve coaptations.

Alcohol Consumption and 15 Causes of Fatal Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The proportion of fatal nontraffic injuries that involve high levels of alcohol use or alcohol intoxication was assessed by cause of injury to generate alcohol-attributable fractions. Updated alcohol-attributable fractions can contribute to improved estimates of the public health impact of excessive alcohol use.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed and gray literature for 1995-2019 on 15 causes of fatal nontraffic injuries in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico were systematically reviewed, and state data systems were queried for available estimates of fatalities with recorded blood alcohol concentration levels and proportions of decedents with blood alcohol concentrations ≥0.10 g/dL by cause of injury. For each injury cause, alcohol-attributable fractions across studies were synthesized by meta-analysis of single proportions using generalized linear mixed models.

RESULTS

In total, 60 published studies and 40 additional population-level data points from 6 state data systems were included. The meta-analyzed alcohol-attributable fractions by cause of injury are as follows: air-space transport (0.03), aspiration (0.24), child maltreatment (0.09), drowning (0.31), fall injuries (0.37), fire injuries (0.34), firearm injuries (0.24), homicide (0.29), hypothermia (0.29), motor vehicle nontraffic crashes (0.42), occupational and machine injuries (0.08), other road vehicle crashes (railroad trespasser injuries) (0.63), poisoning (not alcohol) (0.20), suicide (0.21), and water transport (0.27), yielding an overall median alcohol-attributable fraction of 0.27.

DISCUSSION

Excessive alcohol use is associated with substantial proportions of violent and nonviolent injury deaths. These findings can improve the data used for estimating alcohol-attributable injury deaths and inform the planning and implementation of evidence-based strategies (e.g., increasing alcohol taxes, regulating alcohol outlet density) to prevent them.

Double arcsine transform not appropriate for meta-analysis

The variance-stabilizing Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transform was originally proposed for inference on single proportions. Subsequently, its use has been suggested in the context of meta-analysis of proportions. While some erratic behaviour has been observed previously, here we point out and illustrate general issues of monotonicity and invertibility that make this transform unsuitable for meta-analysis purposes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Endogenous Cushing Syndrome on All-cause and Cause-specific Mortality

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all-cause and cause-specific mortality of patients with benign endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS).

METHODS

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017067530). PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central searches were undertaken from inception to January 2021. Outcomes were the standardized mortality ratio (SMR), proportion, and cause of deaths. The I2 test, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were used to assess heterogeneity across studies.

RESULTS

SMR was reported in 14 articles including 3691 patients (13 Cushing disease [CD] and 7 adrenal CS [ACS] cohorts). Overall SMR was 3.0 (95% CI, 2.3-3.9; I2 = 80.5%) for all CS, 2.8 (95% CI, 2.1-3.7; I2 = 81.2%) for CD and 3.3 (95% CI, 0.5-6.6; I2 = 77.9%) for ACS. Proportion of deaths, reported in 87 articles including 19 181 CS patients (53 CD, 24 ACS, and 20 combined CS cohorts), was 0.05 (95% CI, 0.03-0.06) for all CS subtypes with meta-regression analysis revealing no differences between CS subtypes (P = .052). The proportion of deaths was 0.1 (10%) in articles published before 2000 and 0.03 (3%) in 2000 until the last search for CS (P < .001), CD (P < .001), and ACS (P = .01). The causes of death were atherosclerotic diseases and thromboembolism (43.4%), infection (12.7%), malignancy (10.6%), active disease (3.5%), adrenal insufficiency (3.0%), and suicide (2.2%). Despite improved outcomes in recent years, increased mortality from CS persists. The causes of death highlight the need to prevent and manage comorbidities in addition to treating hypercortisolism.

Etiology, Pathophysiology and Mortality of Shock in Children in Low (Middle) Income Countries: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Shock is a life-threatening condition in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with several controversies. This systematic review summarizes the etiology, pathophysiology and mortality of shock in children in LMIC.

METHODS

We searched for studies reporting on children with shock in LMIC in PubMed, Embase and through snowballing (up to 1 October 2019). Studies conducted in LMIC that reported on shock in children (1 month-18 years) were included. We excluded studies only containing data on neonates, cardiac surgery patients or iatrogenic causes. We presented prevalence data, pooled mortality estimates and conducted subgroup analyses per definition, region and disease. Etiology and pathophysiology data were systematically collected.

RESULTS

We identified 959 studies and included 59 studies of which six primarily studied shock. Definitions used for shock were classified into five groups. Prevalence of shock ranged from 1.5% in a pediatric hospital population to 44.3% in critically ill children. Pooled mortality estimates ranged between 3.9-33.3% for the five definition groups. Important etiologies included gastroenteritis, sepsis, malaria and severe anemia, which often coincided. The pathophysiology was poorly studied but suggests that in addition to hypovolemia, dissociative and cardiogenic shock are common in LMIC.

CONCLUSIONS

Shock is associated with high mortality in hospitalized children in LMIC. Despite the importance few studies investigated shock and as a consequence limited data on etiology and pathophysiology of shock is available. A uniform bedside definition may help boost future studies unravelling shock etiology and pathophysiology in LMIC.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increases risk of carotid atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke: An updated meta-analysis with 135,602 individuals

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. While existing studies have examined cardiac remodeling in NAFLD, there has been less emphasis on the development of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. We sought to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the prevalence, risk factors, and degree of risk increment of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke in NAFLD.

METHODS

Embase and Medline were searched for articles relating to NAFLD, carotid atherosclerosis, and stroke. Proportional data was analysed using a generalized linear mixed model. Pairwise meta-analysis was conducted to obtain odds ratio or weighted mean difference for comparison between patients with and without NAFLD.

RESULTS

From pooled analysis of 30 studies involving 7,951 patients with NAFLD, 35.02% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.36-43.53%) had carotid atherosclerosis with an odds ratio of 3.20 (95% CI, 2.37-4.32; P<0.0001). Pooled analysis of 25,839 patients with NAFLD found the prevalence of stroke to be 5.04% (95% CI, 2.74-9.09%) with an odds ratio of 1.88 (95% CI, 1.23-2.88; P=0.02) compared to non-NAFLD. The degree of steatosis assessed by ultrasonography in NAFLD was closely associated with risk of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. Older age significantly increased the risk of developing carotid atherosclerosis, but not stroke in NAFLD.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows that a stepwise increment of steatosis of NAFLD can significantly increase the risk of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke development in NAFLD. Patients more than a third sufferred from carotid atherosclerosis and routine assessment of carotid atherosclerosis is quintessential in NAFLD.

Myopericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination and non-COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Myopericarditis is a rare complication of vaccination. However, there have been increasing reports of myopericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, especially among adolescents and young adults. We aimed to characterise the incidence of myopericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, and compare this with non-COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching four international databases from Jan 1, 1947, to Dec 31, 2021, for studies in English reporting on the incidence of myopericarditis following vaccination (the primary outcome). We included studies reporting on people in the general population who had myopericarditis in temporal relation to receiving vaccines, and excluded studies on a specific subpopulation of patients, non-human studies, and studies in which the number of doses was not reported. Random-effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian and Laird) were conducted, and the intra-study risk of bias (Joanna Briggs Institute checklist) and certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach) were assessed. We analysed the difference in incidence of myopericarditis among subpopulations, stratifying by the type of vaccine (COVID-19 vs non-COVID-19) and age group (adult vs paediatric). Among COVID-19 vaccinations, we examined the effect of the type of vaccine (mRNA or non-mRNA), sex, age, and dose on the incidence of myopericarditis. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021275477).

FINDINGS

The overall incidence of myopericarditis from 22 studies (405 272 721 vaccine doses) was 33·3 cases (95% CI 15·3-72·6) per million vaccine doses, and did not differ significantly between people who received COVID-19 vaccines (18·2 [10·9-30·3], 11 studies [395 361 933 doses], high certainty) and those who received non-COVID-19 vaccines (56·0 [10·7-293·7], 11 studies [9 910 788 doses], moderate certainty, p=0·20). Compared with COVID-19 vaccination, the incidence of myopericarditis was significantly higher following smallpox vaccinations (132·1 [81·3-214·6], p<0·0001) but was not significantly different after influenza vaccinations (1·3 [0·0-884·1], p=0·43) or in studies reporting on various other non-smallpox vaccinations (57·0 [1·1-3036·6], p=0·58). Among people who received COVID-19 vaccines, the incidence of myopericarditis was significantly higher in males (vs females), in people younger than 30 years (vs 30 years or older), after receiving an mRNA vaccine (vs non-mRNA vaccine), and after a second dose of vaccine (vs a first or third dose).

INTERPRETATION

The overall risk of myopericarditis after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is low. However, younger males have an increased incidence of myopericarditis, particularly after receiving mRNA vaccines. Nevertheless, the risks of such rare adverse events should be balanced against the risks of COVID-19 infection (including myopericarditis).

FUNDING

None.

Optimizing antibiotic use in Indonesia: A systematic review and evidence synthesis to inform opportunities for intervention

Background

A major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and poor clinical outcomes is suboptimal antibiotic use, although data are lacking in low-resource settings. We reviewed studies on systemic antibiotic use (WHO ATC/DDD category J01) for human health in Indonesia, and synthesized available evidence to identify opportunities for intervention.

Methods

We systematically searched five international and national databases for eligible peer-reviewed articles, in English and Indonesian, published between 1 January 2000 and 1 June 2021 including: (1) antibiotic consumption; (2) prescribing appropriateness; (3) antimicrobial stewardship (AMS); (4) consumers' and providers' perceptions. Two independent reviewers included studies and extracted data. Study-level data were summarized using random-effects model meta-analysis for consumption and prescribing appropriateness, effect direction analysis for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions, and qualitative synthesis for perception surveys. (PROSPERO: CRD42019134641).

Findings

Of 9323 search hits, we included 100 reports on antibiotic consumption (20), prescribing appropriateness (49), AMS interventions (13), and/or perception (25) (8 categorized in >1 domain). The pooled estimate of overall antibiotic consumption was 134.8 DDD per 100 bed-days (95%CI 82.5-187.0) for inpatients and 121.1 DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (10.4-231.8) for outpatients. Ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, and ampicillin were the most consumed antibiotics in inpatients, and amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and cefadroxil in outpatients. Pooled estimates for overall appropriate prescribing (according to Gyssens method) were 33.5% (18.1-53.4) in hospitals and 49.4% (23.7-75.4) in primary care. Pooled estimates for appropriate prescribing (according to reference guidelines) were, in hospitals, 99.7% (97.4-100) for indication, 84.9% (38.5-98.0) for drug choice, and 6.1% (0.2-63.2) for overall appropriateness, and, in primary care, 98.9% (60.9-100) for indication, 82.6% (50.5-95.7) for drug choice and 10.5% (0.8-62.6) for overall appropriateness. Studies to date evaluating bundled AMS interventions, although sparse and heterogeneous, suggested favourable effects on antibiotic consumption, prescribing appropriateness, guideline compliance, and patient outcomes. Key themes identified in perception surveys were lack of community antibiotic knowledge, and common non-prescription antibiotic self-medication.

Interpretation

Context-specific intervention strategies are urgently needed to improve appropriate antibiotic use in Indonesian hospitals and communities, with critical evidence gaps concerning the private and informal healthcare sectors.

Funding

Wellcome Africa Asia Programme Vietnam.

Rate of D-alloimmunization in trauma does not depend on the number of RhD-positive units transfused: The BEST collaborative study

BACKGROUND

Evidence indicates the life-saving benefits of early blood product transfusion in severe trauma resuscitation. Many of these products will be RhD-positive, so understanding the D-alloimmunization rate is important.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective study whereby injured RhD-negative patients between 18-50 years of age who received at least one unit of RhD-positive red blood cells (RBC) or low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) during their resuscitation between 1 January, 2010 through 31 December, 2019 were identified. If an antibody detection test was performed ≥14 days after the index RhD-positive transfusion then basic demographic information was collected, including whether the patient became D-alloimmunized. The overall D-alloimmunization rate, and the rate stratified by the number of units transfused, were calculated.

RESULTS

Data were collected from nine institutions. Five institutions reported fewer than 10 eligible patients each and were excluded. From the remaining four institutions, all from the USA, there were 235 eligible patients; 77 (random effects estimate: 32.7%; 95% CI: 19.1-50.1%) became D-alloimmunized. Three of the institutions reported D-alloimmunization rates ≥38.6%, while the remaining institution's rate was 12.2%. In both random and fixed-effects models, the rate of D-alloimmunization was not significantly different between those who received one RhD-positive unit and those who received multiple RhD-positive units.

CONCLUSION

In this large, multicenter study of injured patients, the overall rate of D-alloimmunization fell within the range previously reported. The rate of D-alloimmunization did not increase as the number of transfused RhD-positive units increased. These data can help to inform RhD type selection decisions.

Safety of Provocative Testing With Intracoronary Acetylcholine and Implications for Standard Protocols

BACKGROUND

Heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria and provocation protocols has posed challenges in understanding the safety of coronary provocation testing with intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) for the contemporary diagnosis of epicardial and microvascular spasm.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the safety of testing and subgroup differences in procedural risks based on ethnicity, diagnostic criteria, and provocation protocols.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched in November 2021 to identify original articles reporting procedural complications associated with intracoronary ACh administration. The primary outcome was the pooled estimate of the incidence of major complications including death, myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, and shock.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies with 12,585 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled estimate of the incidence of major complications was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.0%-1.3%) without any reports of death. Exploratory subgroup analyses revealed that the pooled incidence of major complications was significantly higher in the studies that followed the contemporary diagnosis criteria for epicardial spasm defined as ≥90% diameter reduction (1.0%; 95% CI: 0.3%-2.0%) but significantly lower in Western populations (0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0%-0.45%). The rate of positive epicardial spasm and the incidence of major complications were similar between provocation protocols using the maximum ACh doses of 100 μg and 200 μg.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracoronary ACh administration for the contemporary diagnosis of epicardial and microvascular spasm is a safe procedure. Moreover, excellent safety records are observed in Western populations primarily presenting with myocardial ischemia and/or infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries. This study will help standardize ACh testing to improve clinical diagnosis and ensure procedural safety.

Prevalence and Correlates of Self-Medication Practices for Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

It has been suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in self-medication practices across the world. Yet, there is no up-to-date synthesized evidence on the prevalence of self-medication that is attributable to the pandemic. This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on the prevalence and correlates of self-medication for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 globally. The review was registered with the PROSPERO database. Searches were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, and relevant articles published between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2022 were included. Pooled prevalence rate was conducted using the Meta package in R. A total of 14 studies from 14 countries, which represented 15,154 participants, were included. The prevalence of COVID-19-related self-medication ranged from 3.4-96%. The pooled prevalence of self-medication for this purpose was 44.9% (95% CI: 23.8%, 68.1%). Medications reported by studies for self-medication were antibiotics (79%), vitamins (64%), antimalarials (50%), herbal and natural products (50%), analgesics and antipyretics (43%), minerals and supplements (43%), cold and allergy preparations (29%), corticosteroids (14%), and antivirals (7%). The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics is concerning. More public health education about responsible self-medication amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics is required to mitigate the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Hobnail Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is considered to have an excellent prognosis, some recently identified more aggressive variants show reduced overall survival rates. Hobnail PTC (HPTC) was newly recognized as one of these aggressive forms, affecting recurrence, metastasis, and overall survival rates. Herein, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including cases or case series with patients with HPTC. Furthermore, we included our individual case series consisting of six patients. The pooled mortality rate in the cohort, consisting of 290 patients, was 3.57 (95% CI 1.67−7.65) per 100 person/years. No sex differences could be observed concerning mortality (p = 0.62), but older age and tumor size significantly affected mortality (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02, respectively). The percentage of hobnail cells did not affect mortality (p = 0.97), neither did the presence of BRAF mutations. Classical characteristics such as the presence of extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.001), distant metastases (p < 0.001), and lymph node metastases (p < 0.001) all had a significant impact on mortality. Thus, HPTC appears to correlate with worse overall survival, and all PTC cases should be carefully assessed for this variant.

Geographic distribution of metabolic syndrome and its components in the general adult population: A meta-analysis of global data from 28 million individuals

AIMS

Better knowledge of the global metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence and its components is a prerequisite to curb the related burden.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, Africa Journal Online, Global Index Medicus up to May 23, 2021. Prevalence pooling was done with a random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 1,129 prevalence data (28,193,768 participants) were included. The MetS global prevalence varied from 12.5% (95 %CI: 10.2-15.0) to 31.4% (29.8-33.0) according to the definition considered. The prevalence was significantly higher in Eastern Mediterranean Region and Americas and increased with country's level of income. The global prevalence was 45.1% (95 %CI: 42.1-48.2) for ethnic-specific central obesity, 42.6% (40.3-44.9) for systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 85 mmHg, 40.2% (37.8-42.5) for HDL-cholesterol < 1.03 for men or < 1.29 mmol/L for women, 28.9% (27.4-30.5) for serum triglycerides ≥ 1.7 mmol/L, and 24.5% (22.5-26.6) for fasting plasma glucose ≥ 5.6 mmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that MetS and its related cardiometabolic components are highly prevalent worldwide. This study calls for more aggressive and contextualized public health interventions to tackle these conditions.

Excess of cesarean births in pregnant women with COVID-19: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies have suggested that cesarean birth in pregnant women with COVID-19 may decrease maternal adverse events and perinatal transmission. This systematic review aimed to evaluate variations in clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and maternal/neonatal outcomes in COVID-19 patients who delivered vaginally versus via cesarean.

METHODS

A comprehensive search following PRISMA guidelines was performed for studies published up to May 23, 2020, using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Science Direct, and clinicaltrials.gov. Original retrospective and prospective studies, case reports, or case series with sufficient data for estimating the association of COVID-19 with different pregnancy outcomes with no language restriction and published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Pooled mean and arcsine transformation proportions were applied. Next, a two-arm meta-analysis was performed comparing the perinatal outcomes between the study groups.

RESULTS

Forty-two studies with a total of 602 pregnant women with COVID-19 were included. The mean age was 31.8 years. Subgroup analysis showed that Americans had the lowest gestational age (mean = 32.7, 95%CI = 27.0-38.4, P < 0.001) and the highest incidence of maternal ICU admission (95%CI = 0.45%-2.20, P < 0.001) of all nationalities in the study. There was no significant difference in perinatal complications, premature rupture of membrane, placenta previa/accreta, or gestational hypertension/pre-eclampsia between women who delivered vaginally versus by cesarean. Importantly, there were also no significant differences in maternal or neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal delivery was not associated with worse maternal or neonatal outcomes when compared with cesarean. The decision to pursue a cesarean birth should be based on standard indications, not COVID-19 status.

Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Tenofovir vs Entecavir Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus: A Reconstructed Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Conventional meta-analyses with aggregated study-level data have yielded conflicting results for the comparative effectiveness of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate vs entecavir in reducing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus. Within-study heterogeneity, between-study heterogeneity, and the inability of conventional meta-analyses to capture time-to-event data were associated with these results.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a reconstructed individual patient data meta-analysis of high-quality propensity score-matched studies to provide robust estimates for comparative HCC risk between groups receiving tenofovir or entecavir.

DATA SOURCES

Medline and Embase databases were searched from inception to October 6, 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

The initial search yielded 3435 articles. Fourteen studies that used propensity score matching to balance baseline characteristics were included in the final analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline was followed. Individual patient data were reconstructed from Kaplan-Meier curves. Risk of HCC was evaluated using random-effects hazard ratios (HRs) via a shared-frailty model and a Cox proportional hazards model stratified by study group. Restricted mean survival time (RMST) analysis was conducted to account for varying estimated treatment effect across time.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The comparative risk of HCC with tenofovir vs entecavir treatment.

RESULTS

From analysis of 14 studes with 24 269 patients (10 534 receiving tenofovir and 13 735 receiving entecavir; mean age, 49.86 [95% CI, 48.35-51.36] years; 65.05% [95% CI, 58.60%-71.00%] men), tenofovir was associated with decreased HCC incidence compared with entecavir (stratified Cox HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.76-0.94] at 5 years; P = .002). However, there was no significant difference in subanalysis of clinical cohort studies (stratified Cox HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.80-1.06] at 5 years; P = .24). Among administrative database studies, proportionality was violated, and HRs could not be obtained via Cox proporational hazards-based models. The mean time to HCC development in RMST analysis was 2.8 (95% CI, 1.8-3.7) weeks longer (P < .001) for tenofovir vs entecavir at 5 years. The RMST analyses for other subgroups revealed either insignificant or minimal differences (<3 weeks) in the mean time to HCC at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this meta-analysis, there was no clinically meaningful difference in the risk of HCC between patients who received entecavir and patients who received tenofovir. There was no difference between tenofovir and entecavir among clinical cohort studies, whereas the mean time to HCC development was less than 3 weeks longer for patients who received tenofovir vs those who received entecavir at year 5 among administrative database studies. The choice between tenofovir or entecavir should be decided based on patient convenience and tolerability.

Placebo effect on progression and regression in NASH: Evidence from a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The evaluation of the natural history of NASH has been limited. Currently, liver biopsy remains the gold standard in the assessment of NASH. Placebo-controlled trials represent a controlled environment with paired biopsies for the evaluation of NASH. This meta-analysis thus seeks to quantify the change severity of NASH over time, with patients on placebo arms from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the natural history of NASH.

METHODS

A search was conducted to include NASH RCTs with placebo treatment arms. Primary outcomes were (1) the resolution of NASH without worsening of fibrosis, (2) two-point reduction in NAFLD activity score without worsening of fibrosis, and (3) at least one-point reduction in fibrosis. Generalized linear mix model was used to estimate pooled proportion and mean differences.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis of 43 RCTs included 2649 placebo-treated patients. The pooled estimate of NASH resolution and two-point NAFLD activity score reduction without worsening of fibrosis was 11.65% (95% CI: 7.98-16.71) and 21.11% (95% CI: 17.24-25.57). The rate of ≥1 stage reduction and progression of fibrosis was 18.82% (95% CI: 15.65-22.47) and 22.74% (CI: 19.63-26.17), respectively. Older age and African American ethnicity was associated with lower NASH resolution rate in placebo-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the absence of any pharmacological interventions, a significant proportion of patients in the placebo arm demonstrated improvements in liver histology, highlighting the possibility that NASH is a disease that can not only progress but regress spontaneously over time. Additionally, histologic response in placebo-treated patients is helpful in future design of phase 2B and phase 3 trials.

Evolving outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used extensively for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Reports early in the pandemic suggested that mortality in patients with COVID-19 receiving ECMO was comparable to non-COVID-19-related ARDS. However, subsequent reports suggested that mortality appeared to be increasing over time. Therefore, we conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis, to characterise changes in mortality over time and elucidate risk factors for poor outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis (CRD42021271202), searching MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, from 1 December 2019 to 26 January 2022, for studies reporting on mortality among adults with COVID-19 receiving ECMO. We also captured hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and ECMO, as well as complications of ECMO. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses, assessed risk of bias of included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and evaluated certainty of pooled estimates using GRADE methodology.

Results

Of 4522 citations, we included 52 studies comprising 18,211 patients in the meta-analysis. The pooled mortality rate among patients with COVID-19 requiring ECMO was 48.8% (95% confidence interval 44.8–52.9%, high certainty). Mortality was higher among studies which enrolled patients later in the pandemic as opposed to earlier (1st half 2020: 41.2%, 2nd half 2020: 46.4%, 1st half 2021: 62.0%, 2nd half 2021: 46.5%, interaction p value = 0.0014). Predictors of increased mortality included age, the time of final patient enrolment from 1 January 2020, and the proportion of patients receiving corticosteroids, and reduced duration of ECMO run.

Conclusions

The mortality rate for patients receiving ECMO for COVID-19-related ARDS has increased as the pandemic has progressed. The reasons for this are likely multifactorial; however, as outcomes for these patients evolve, the decision to initiate ECMO should include the best contextual estimate of mortality at the time of ECMO initiation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-022-04011-2.

Prevalence of cannabis use among tobacco smokers: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the prevalence of cannabis use among tobacco smokers has important implications for research in terms of intervention effectiveness and measurement in smoking cessation trials. The co-use of these substances also has important implications for health service planning, specifically ensuring appropriate and adequate clinical treatment. To date, there have been no synthesis of the literature on the prevalence of tobacco and cannabis co-use in adult clinical populations. Improved understanding of the current prevalence, route of administration and specific subpopulations with the highest rates of tobacco and cannabis co-use will support future intervention development. We aim to provide a pooled estimate of the percentage of smokers who report using cannabis and to examine the prevalence of co-use by sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a systematic review using six scientific databases with published articles from 2000 to 2022 inclusive (CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, Scopus). Peer-reviewed journal articles published in English that report on tobacco and cannabis use will be included. Rates of co-use (simultaneous or sequentially) and routes of administration will be assessed. Use in populations groups will be described. Quality assessments will be conducted for all included studies. Data will be synthesised using a narrative approach. This study will be conducted from June 2022 to the end of August 2022.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This review is based on previously published data and, therefore, ethical approval or written informed consent will not be required. It is the intention of the research team to disseminate the results of the systematic review as a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020194051.

Global Estimates of Diabetic Retinopathy Prevalence and Progression in Pregnant Women With Preexisting Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) may be worsened by pregnancy in pregnant women with preexisting type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Conflicting findings from previous studies have resulted in inconsistencies in guidelines regarding DR management in pregnancy. Global estimates of DR prevalence and progression in pregnancy are therefore required to provide clearer information about the overall true burden of DR in this population.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of DR and its progression rate in pregnant women with preexisting T1D or T2D diagnosed before pregnancy.

Data Sources

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted from November 27, 2018, to June 29, 2021, a systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE/Ovid, Embase/Ovid, and Scopus databases to identify English-language articles that were published from inception through October 2020.

Study Selection

Observational studies that reported on DR and its changes in pregnant women with preexisting T1D and T2D.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data from each included study. Data were pooled using a random-effects model with the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. This study followed the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence of any DR, proliferative DR (PDR), and DR progression rates.

Results

A total of 18 observational studies involving 1464 pregnant women with T1D and 262 pregnant women with T2D were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of any DR and PDR in early pregnancy was 52.3 (95% CI, 41.9-62.6) and 6.1 (95% CI, 3.1-9.8) per 100 pregnancies, respectively. The pooled progression rate per 100 pregnancies for new DR development was 15.0 (95% CI, 9.9-20.8), worsened nonproliferative DR was 31.0 (95% CI, 23.2-39.2), progression from nonproliferative DR to PDR was 6.3 (95% CI, 3.3-10.0), and worsened PDR was 37.0 (95% CI, 21.2-54.0). DR progression rates per 100 pregnancies were similar between the T1D and T2D groups, except for the development of new DR (T1D groups: 15.8; 95% CI, 10.5-21.9; T2D groups: 9.0; 95% CI, 4.9-14.8). A global trend toward a lower DR progression rate was observed after the 1989 St Vincent Declaration.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that women with T1D and T2D had a similar risk of DR progression during pregnancy. Despite improvements in the management of diabetes and diabetes during pregnancy, DR prevalence and progression in pregnant women with diabetes remains higher than the nonpregnant population with diabetes, highlighting the need to improve DR management in pregnancy.

Four-Corner Arthrodesis With Differing Methods of Osteosynthesis: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the union rates and clinical outcomes of 4-corner arthrodesis with different methods of osteosynthesis.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies published in Ovid, Medline, Embase, and PubMed was conducted. Primary studies that reported clinical and radiographic results following 4-corner arthrodesis for scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC), scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC), or other types of wrist arthritis in human subjects were eligible. Biomechanical or cadaveric studies, case reports, studies that did not define and report a radiographic union rate, reviews and technical articles, studies that did not report the method of osteosynthesis, and studies that used multiple methods of osteosynthesis, but did not separate results for individual methods of osteosynthesis were excluded. Radiographic union rate, range of motion, and grip strength were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified and reviewed 291 full texts, selecting 57 studies for coding. The radiographic union rate did not significantly differ between studies using K-wire, screw, staple, nonlocking plate, metal locking plate, and radiolucent locking plate osteosynthesis. Fixation method significantly affected flexion, but pairwise comparison did not reveal any significant differences between individual groups. Grip strength as a percentage of the contralateral limb was significantly lower in studies with metal locking plate fixation compared to K-wire fixation (63.2% vs 82.6%). There were no other statistically significant differences between groups with respect to flexion, extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, and grip strength.

CONCLUSIONS

All methods of osteosynthesis result in similar union rates, with no significant differences between methods. While there are some significant differences in range of motion and grip strength, these differences are unlikely to be clinically relevant.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of pre-existing and new-onset atrial fibrillation on outcomes before and after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac arrhythmia. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, as it is a major risk factor for cerebral vascular accidents (CVA). Our aim was to determine the prevalence of pre-existing and new-onset AF among patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) and its impact on post-transplant outcomes.

METHODS

Medline and Embase were searched. Single-arm analysis was conducted using the generalized linear mixed model to determine the prevalence of pre-existing and new-onset AF. Logistic regression was performed to analyze risk factors. Comparative meta-analysis in odds ratio was conducted for binary outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty articles were included, with 17 studies on pre-existing AF, and 7 including data on new-onset AF post-LT. The prevalence of pre-existing AF was 3.3% (CI 2.3-4.7) (14 studies, 45,070 patients) in pooled analysis. Significantly higher prevalence of pre-existing AF patients from North America was noted when compared to Europe (4.5%, CI 3.4-5.8 vs 1.5%, CI 0.8-2.7; p = 0.001). Body mass index (BMI), history of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) were risk factors for pre-existing AF. Pre-existing AF was significantly associated with major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) postoperatively (OR 8.02, 95%CI 5.40-11.90, p < 0.001). New-onset AF post-LT had an incidence of 6.8% (CI 4.9-9.3), and was associated with increased risk of mortality (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.76-3.02, p < 0.001) and graft failure (OR 2.98, CI 1.99-4.47, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

AF is relatively more common among patients undergoing LT compared to the general non-transplant population. Additionally, it is associated with adverse outcomes including MACCE, thus warranting clinical attention. Thorough cardiac assessment, and close surveillance of post-operative AF may be clinically prudent.

What Is Long-Term Survival and Which First-Line Immunotherapy Brings Long-Term Survival for Advanced Wild-Type Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Network Meta-Analysis Based on Integrated Analysis

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved survival for advanced wild-type non-small cell lung cancer, but there is no direct comparison to confirm which first-line treatment may lead to the longest overall survival. What qualifies as long-term survival (LS) is even unclear.

Methods

By searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 2005 to December 2020, we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of first-line ICI-containing treatments to perform an integrated analysis (IA) to determine the criterion of LS and then screened regimens with LS for network meta-analysis (NMA). The main outcomes for NMA were median overall survival (mOS), 1-year survival rate (1ySR), and 2-year survival rate (2ySR); those for IA were the pooled mOS (POS), 1ySR (P1SR), and 2ySR (P2SR).

Results

By IA of 16 first-line ICIs from 20 RCTs, the POS was 16.20 (95% CI 14.79–17.60) months, with P1SR of 63% (95% CI 59–66%) and P2SR of 37% (33–41%). Thus, we defined LS as mOS ≥ POS (16.20 m) for regimens and screened for RCTs with outcomes meeting this criterion. Eleven ICI-based regimens can bring LS for the overall population, among which ICI with bevacizumab and chemotherapy achieved the longest POS of 19.50 m (16.90–22.10 m) and the highest P1SR (74%, 61%–87%) and P2SR (49%, 38%–61%). Pembrolizumab with chemotherapy ranked first in mOS and 1ySR, while atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy ranked first in 2ySR.

Conclusions

Through the IA of first-line treatment regimens, a POS of 16.20 m can be determined as the LS standard. Further considering 1ySR and 2ySR, atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab and chemotherapy or pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy are likely to bring the longest LS in the overall population, while single ICI may be adequate for patients with a high PD-L1 expression. ICIs with bevacizumab and chemotherapy may be the best combination for LS for its further advantage over time.

Outcomes of microsurgical free tissue transfer performed on international surgical collaborations in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Microsurgical free tissue transfer is the gold standard for reconstruction of significant soft tissue and bony defects following cancer resection and trauma. Many reconstructive units in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not yet have access to the resources or training required to perform microsurgical procedures. Long-term international collaborations have been formed with annual reconstructive programmes conducting microsurgery.

AIMS

To critically analyze outcomes of microsurgical free tissue transfer performed on international reconstructive collaborations in LMICs.

METHODS

PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes for free tissue transfer performed during international collaborations in LMICs using an inverse variance model. The study protocol was published prospectively and registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021225613).

RESULTS

Seven studies, included 290 flaps on 284 patients. The most common sites requiring reconstruction were Head and neck (53% (n = 153)) and lower limb (7.9% (n = 23)) were lower limb reconstruction. The most common free flaps were radial forearm (22%; n = 64) and anterolateral thigh (18%; n = 51). Total Flap Failure rate was 3.8% (n = 13; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9-6.3%) Overall complication rate was 38% (95% CI =27-48%), with 19% of flaps requiring emergency return to theatre (95% CI =14-26%). Flap salvage was successful in 52% of take-backs (95% CI =15% - 88%).

CONCLUSIONS

Free flaps performed during international surgical collaborations in LMICs have comparable failure rates to those performed in higher-income settings. However, there are higher complication and take-back rates. This should be taken into account when planning international collaborations. These results should help preoperative counselling and the consent process.

Diagnostic validity and clinical utility of genetic testing for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This study summarises the diagnostic validity and clinical utility of genetic testing for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and their at-risk relatives.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Library databases from inception through 2 March 2020. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were prespecified for individual sarcomere genes, presence/absence of pathogenic variants, paediatric and adult cohorts, family history, inclusion of probands, and variant classification method. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool.

Results

A total of 132 articles met inclusion criteria. The detection rate based on pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants was significantly higher in paediatric cohorts compared with adults (56% vs 42%; p=0.01) and in adults with a family history compared with sporadic cases (59% vs 33%; p=0.005). When studies applied current, improved, variant interpretation standards, the adult detection rate significantly decreased from 42% to 33% (p=0.0001) because less variants met criteria to be considered pathogenic. The mean difference in age-of-onset in adults was significantly earlier for genotype-positive versus genotype-negative cohorts (8.3 years; p<0.0001), MYH7 versus MYBPC3 cohorts (8.2 years; p<0.0001) and individuals with multiple versus single variants (7.0 years; p<0.0002). Overall, disease penetrance in adult cohorts was 62%, but differed significantly depending on if probands were included or excluded (73% vs 55%; p=0.003).

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first, to our knowledge, to collectively quantify historical understandings of detection rate, genotype-phenotype associations and disease penetrance for HCM, while providing the answers to important routine clinical questions and highlighting key areas for future study.

A Diagnostic Test Meta-Analysis Evaluating Imaging-Based and Blood Biomarker-Based Assessment Tools for Fibrosis After Liver Transplantation

Early detection of liver graft fibrosis is crucial for risk stratification to identify patients for liver biopsy and timely treatment. However, diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive tests (NITs) remains unclear. Thus, this study sought to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of NITs in assessing liver allograft fibrosis and compare the differences in specificities and sensitivities among NITs. Medline and Embase databases were searched to include articles on diagnostic tests in liver transplantation (LT) patients with fibrosis. A meta-analysis on diagnostic test accuracy was conducted in a random-effects model. Sensitivities and specificities among the diagnostic tests were compared, and threshold values were calculated where applicable. A total of 25 articles were included. Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) met the minimum diagnostic accuracy requirements, yielding sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios of 0.9 (CI, 0.8-1.0), 0.9 (CI, 0.8-1.0), and 379.6 (CI, 45.8-1728.7), respectively. In the threshold assessment, the optimal cutoff was 9.30 kPa with a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of 0.7 (CI, 0.5-0.9), 0.9 (CI, 0.8-0.9), and 0.9 (CI, 0.8-0.9), respectively. For significant fibrosis, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) was superior to FibroTest (LabCorp [Burlington, NC]) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in sensitivity. VCTE was superior to FibroTest in specificity. For advanced fibrosis, ARFI was superior to the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) in sensitivity. VCTE was superior to the AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), MRE, and FIB-4 in specificity. In cirrhosis, VCTE was superior to APRI in specificity (P = 0.004) with comparable sensitivity. This study demonstrates the potential of VCTE and ARFI as diagnostic tools for fibrosis in LT recipients compared with blood-based NITs, which were shown to be less optimal.

A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review on the Global Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Coronary Artery Disease in Liver Transplantation Recipients

The shift in the changing etiology of cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (LT) has resulted in an increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) that can potentially impact post-LT outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the prevalence of CAD, risk factors, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with CAD before LT. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for articles describing CAD in pre-LT patients. Meta-analysis of proportions using the generalized linear mix model was conducted to analyze the pooled prevalence of CAD in pre-LT patients. Associated risk factors for CAD in pre-LT patients and outcomes were evaluated in conventional pairwise meta-analysis. A total of 39 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of patients diagnosed with CAD before LT was 15.9% (95% CI, 9.8%-24.7%). Age, male sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis B virus, and hepatocellular carcinoma were significantly associated with CAD. Patients from high-income countries especially North America, Europe, and South America, with the associated risk factors were at increased risk for CAD before LT. CAD before LT was associated with an increased odds of overall mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-1.4; P = 0.01) and cardiac-related mortality (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3; P = 0.03). A total of 48.7% of included articles considered the presence of cardiovascular risk factors for CAD screening. However, 10.3% of the studies screened for CAD in pre-LT patients via invasive coronary angiography only, without stress testing or risk stratification. This study demonstrates the high prevalence of CAD in pre-LT patients, associated risk factors, and outcomes. There is heterogeneity among guidelines and practice in screening for pre-LT CAD, and more studies are needed to establish consensus.

Prevalence of Pediatric Cataract in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for estimating the prevalence of pediatric cataracts across Asia.

Methods

A detailed literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases, from 1990 to July 2021, was performed to include all studies reporting the prevalence of cataracts among children. Two researchers performed the literature search and screening of articles independently, and a third researcher critically reviewed the overall search and screening process to ensure the consistency. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for studies reporting prevalence data was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.

Results

Of the 496 identified articles, 35 studies with a sample size of 1,168,814 from 12 Asian countries were included in this analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of pediatric cataracts in Asian children is 3.78 (95% confidence interval: 2.54-5.26)/10,000 individuals with high heterogeneity (I[2] = 89.5%). The pooled prevalence by each country per 10,000 was 0.60 in Indonesia, 0.92 in Bangladesh, 1.47 in Iran, 2.01 in Bhutan, 3.45 in Laos, 3.68 in China, 4.27 in Thailand, 4.47 in India, 5.33 in Malaysia, 5.42 in Nepal, 9.34 in Vietnam, and 10.86 in Cambodia.

Conclusions

This study utilizes existing literature to identify the prevalence of cataracts in Asian children. Moreover, it highlights the need for more epidemiological studies with large sample sizes from other countries in Asia to accurately estimate the burden of disease.

Clinical characteristics, surveillance, treatment allocation, and outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The clinical presentation and outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related hepatocellular carcinoma are unclear when compared with hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. We aimed to establish the prevalence, clinical features, surveillance rates, treatment allocation, and outcomes of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE and Embase from inception until Jan 17, 2022, for articles in English that compared clinical features, and outcomes of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma versus hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies and excluded paediatric studies. Study-level data were extracted from the published reports. The primary outcomes were (1) the proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to NAFLD, (2) comparison of patient and tumour characteristics of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma versus other causes, and (3) comparison of surveillance, treatment allocation, and overall and disease-free survival outcomes of NAFLD-related versus non-NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. We analysed proportional data using a generalised linear mixed model. Pairwise meta-analysis was done to obtain odds ratio (OR) or mean difference, comparing NAFLD-related with non-NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. We evaluated survival outcomes using pooled analysis of hazard ratios.

FINDINGS

Of 3631 records identified, 61 studies (done between January, 1980, and May, 2021; 94 636 patients) met inclusion criteria. Overall, the proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma cases secondary to NAFLD was 15·1% (95% CI 11·9-18·9). Patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma were older (p<0·0001), had higher BMI (p<0·0001), and were more likely to present with metabolic comorbidities (diabetes [p<0·0001], hypertension [p<0·0001], and hyperlipidaemia [p<0·0001]) or cardiovascular disease at presentation (p=0·0055) than patients with hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. They were also more likely to be non-cirrhotic (38·5%, 27·9-50·2 vs 14·6%, 8·7-23·4 for hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes; p<0·0001). Patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma had larger tumour diameters (p=0·0087), were more likely to have uninodular lesions (p=0·0003), and had similar odds of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages, TNM stages, alpha fetoprotein concentration, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status to patients with non-NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. A lower proportion of patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma underwent surveillance (32·8%, 12·0-63·7) than did patients with hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes (55·7%, 24·0-83·3; p<0·0001). There were no significant differences in treatment allocation (curative therapy, palliative therapy, and best supportive care) between patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma and those with hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. Overall survival did not differ between the two groups (hazard ratio 1·05, 95% CI 0·92-1·20, p=0·43), but disease-free survival was longer for patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma (0·79, 0·63-0·99; p=0·044). There was substantial heterogeneity in most analyses (I2>75%), and all articles had low-to-moderate risk of bias.

INTERPRETATION

NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a higher proportion of patients without cirrhosis and lower surveillance rates than hepatocellular carcinoma due to other causes. Surveillance strategies should be developed for patients with NAFLD without cirrhosis who are at high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

FUNDING

None.

Efficacy and Safety of Laparoscopy for Mild and Moderate Pediatric Abdominal Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy for pediatric patients with abdominal trauma. Relevant articles were obtained by searching the MEDLINE PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until 7 December 2021. Meta-analyses were performed using odds ratio (OR) for binary outcomes, standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcome measures, and overall proportion for single proportional outcomes. Nine studies examining 12,492 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed younger age (SMD −0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.52 to −0.42), lower injury severity score (SMD −0.62, 95% CI −0.67 to −0.57), shorter hospital stay (SMD −0.55, 95% CI −0.60 to −0.50), less complications (OR 0.375, 95% CI 0.309 to 0.455), and lower mortality rate (OR 0.055, 95% CI 0.0.28 to 0.109) in the laparoscopy group compared to the laparotomy group. The majority of patients were able to avoid laparotomy (0.816, 95% CI 0.800 to 0.833). There were no missed injuries during the laparoscopic procedures in seven eligible studies. Laparoscopy for stable pediatric patients showed favorable outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality. There were no missed injuries, and laparotomy could be avoided for the majority of patients.

Do providers use computerized clinical decision support systems? A systematic review and meta-regression of clinical decision support uptake

BACKGROUND

Computerized clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are a promising knowledge translation tool, but often fail to meaningfully influence the outcomes they target. Low CDSS provider uptake is a potential contributor to this problem but has not been systematically studied. The objective of this systematic review and meta-regression was to determine reported CDSS uptake and identify which CDSS features may influence uptake.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials were searched from January 2000 to August 2020. Randomized, non-randomized, and quasi-experimental trials reporting CDSS uptake in any patient population or setting were included. The main outcome extracted was CDSS uptake, reported as a raw proportion, and representing the number of times the CDSS was used or accessed over the total number of times it could have been interacted with. We also extracted context, content, system, and implementation features that might influence uptake, for each CDSS. Overall weighted uptake was calculated using random-effects meta-analysis and determinants of uptake were investigated using multivariable meta-regression.

RESULTS

Among 7995 citations screened, 55 studies involving 373,608 patients and 3607 providers met full inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed that overall CDSS uptake was 34.2% (95% CI 23.2 to 47.1%). Uptake was only reported in 12.4% of studies that otherwise met inclusion criteria. Multivariable meta-regression revealed the following factors significantly associated with uptake: (1) formally evaluating the availability and quality of the patient data needed to inform CDSS advice; and (2) identifying and addressing other barriers to the behaviour change targeted by the CDSS.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

System uptake was seldom reported in CDSS trials. When reported, uptake was low. This represents a major and potentially modifiable barrier to overall CDSS effectiveness. We found that features relating to CDSS context and implementation strategy best predicted uptake. Future studies should measure the impact of addressing these features as part of the CDSS implementation strategy. Uptake reporting must also become standard in future studies reporting CDSS intervention effects.

REGISTRATION

Pre-registered on PROSPERO, CRD42018092337.

Paediatric chronic pain prevalence in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is a leading cause of morbidity in children and adolescents globally, with a significant impact on quality of life. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on paediatric chronic pain in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the WHO Global Index Medicus for all studies published prior to January 7, 2022. Articles published in all languages that included populations age 19 years and under living in LMICs were considered. Chronic pain was defined as persistent or recurrent pain that is present for ≥3 months, per the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) definition. Summary data were extracted from published reports and evaluated with mixed-effects regression analysis. PROSPERO Record ID: CRD42021227967.

FINDINGS

Of the 2875 studies identified, 70 articles were reviewed, with 27 studies representing 20 LMICs eligible for analysis. The average prevalence for each pain type reported with 95% confidence interval is as follows: general/multi-site/any 20% (16-25), musculoskeletal (MSK) pain 9% (7-13), abdominal pain 7% (5-10), headache 4% (2-10), and fibromyalgia per American College of Rheumatology or Yunus and Masi criteria 3% (1-10). Overall, a pooled mean of 8% chronic pain was estimated across all studies. A significantly high level of heterogeneity was found across all studies (I2  >90%). Chronic headache (OR=1·65, 95% CI 1·39-1·96), abdominal pain (OR=1·36, 95% CI 1·22-1·51), and generalized/multi-site pain (OR=1·54, 95% CI 1·31-1·81) were significantly more prevalent in females than males.

INTERPRETATION

The characterization of paediatric chronic pain in low- and middle-income countries suffers from a paucity of data and significant heterogeneity in the assessment methods. Understanding the global burden of chronic pain in this group should be prioritized.

FUNDING

None.

Prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Estimating the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among older adults with different health conditions can inform mental health services for this population during the corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Method: A search of 12 scientific databases identified 17 studies with 11,237 Chinese older adults who were infected by COVID-19, were generally healthy, or had chronic illnesses. Meta-analysis was used to estimate the overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in these three groups. Assessment criteria, region, and time phase of the pandemic were tested as sources of heterogeneity. Results: With an average risk of bias score of 6.71 (range = 6-8), the majority of included studies employed appropriate statistical methods, used validated measurement tools, and had adequate response rates; however, they might have deficiencies in sample frame, sampling method, and sample size. Within the COVID-19, general, and chronic illness groups, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 27%, 26%, and 61%, respectively, and the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 14%, 23%, and 85%, respectively. Among generally healthy older adults, anxiety was more prevalent during the Phase 2 (March-April 2020) of the pandemic compared with other time phases. Conclusions: The results have implications for addressing the mental health problems of Chinese older adults, especially those with chronic illnesses, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Trauma-Exposed Preschool-Aged Children

OBJECTIVE

Trauma exposure is common in preschool-aged children. Understanding the psychological impact of such exposure and the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population is important for provision of appropriate and timely intervention. This pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD41019133984) systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence of PTSD in trauma-exposed preschool-aged children.

METHOD

Literature searches were conducted of PubMed (Medline), PsycINFO and PILOTS, alongside reference lists of relevant reviews. Studies were selected if they comprised trauma-exposed samples with a mean age of less than 6.5 years, and PTSD was assessed using standardized interviews at least 1-month post trauma. Information on sample characteristics, trauma exposure, PTSD measurement, and diagnostic criteria were extracted. For studies that applied more than one PTSD diagnostic algorithm, the most age-appropriate criteria were used to estimate pooled prevalence estimate across studies. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included (N = 1941). The pooled PTSD prevalence was 21.5% (95% CI = 13.8%-30.4%) when using the most developmentally appropriate diagnostic algorithm that was available. When focusing on the subset of studies that reported both standard adult criteria and age-appropriate criteria (k = 12), a pooled estimate of 4.9% (95% CI = 2.5%-8.0%) was obtained for standard adult criteria (DSM-IV), and 19.9% (95% CI = 12.1%-29.0%) was obtained for age-appropriate criteria (PTSD-AA). Prevalence was 3-fold higher following interpersonal and repeated trauma exposure, compared to non-interpersonal or single-event trauma, respectively. Higher prevalence was found when age-appropriate diagnostic tools were used. There was significant heterogeneity across studies and a lack of studies conducted in low-income countries and applying age-appropriate diagnostic algorithms.

CONCLUSION

Preschool-aged children are vulnerable to developing PTSD following trauma exposure. Younger children show prevalence trends similar to those of older youths and adults following different types of trauma. Age-appropriate diagnostic criteria are essential to ensure that appropriate identification and early support are provided.

Hepatitis C virus among blood donors and general population in Middle East and North Africa: Meta-analyses and meta-regressions

BACKGROUND

Despite the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region reported to have the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) globally, HCV infection levels in the majority of MENA countries remain inadequately characterized. Blood donor data have been previously used as a proxy to assess levels and trends of HCV in the general population, however, it is unclear how comparable these populations are in MENA and whether blood donors provide an appropriate proxy.

AIM

To delineate HCV epidemiology among blood donors and the general population in the MENA.

METHODS

The data source was the systematically gathered MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project Database. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were conducted. For comparison, analyses were conducted for Europe, utilizing the Hepatitis C Prevalence Database of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

RESULTS

One thousand two hundred and thirteen HCV antibody prevalence measures and 84 viremic rate measures were analyzed for MENA. Three hundred and seventy-seven antibody prevalence measures were analyzed for Europe. In MENA, pooled mean prevalence was 1.58% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48%–1.69%] among blood donors and 4.49% (95%CI: 4.10%–4.90%) in the general population. In Europe, pooled prevalence was 0.11% (95%CI: 0.10%–0.13%) among blood donors and 1.59% (95%CI: 1.25%–1.97%) in the general population. Prevalence in the general population was 1.72-fold (95%CI: 1.50–1.97) higher than that in blood donors in MENA, but it was 15.10-fold (95%CI: 11.48–19.86) higher in Europe. Prevalence was declining at a rate of 4% per year in both MENA and Europe [adjusted risk ratio: 0.96 (95%CI: 0.95–0.97) in MENA and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.92–0.99) in Europe]. Pooled mean viremic rate in MENA was 76.29% (95%CI: 67.64%–84.02%) among blood donors and 65.73% (95%CI: 61.03%–70.29%) in the general population.

CONCLUSION

Blood donor data provide a useful proxy for HCV infection in the wider population in MENA, but not Europe, and could improve HCV burden estimations and assess progress toward HCV elimination by 2030.