1
|
Metabolic Profiling Reveals Changes in Serum Predictive of Venous Ulcer Healing. Ann Surg 2023; 277:e467-e474. [PMID: 35916649 PMCID: PMC9831039 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000004933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify potential biomarkers predictive of healing or failure to heal in a population with venous leg ulceration. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Venous leg ulceration presents important physical, psychological, social and financial burdens. Compression therapy is the main treatment, but it can be painful and time-consuming, with significant recurrence rates. The identification of a reliable biochemical signature with the ability to identify nonhealing ulcers has important translational applications for disease prognostication, personalized health care and the development of novel therapies. METHODS Twenty-eight patients were assessed at baseline and at 20 weeks. Untargeted metabolic profiling was performed on urine, serum, and ulcer fluid, using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS A differential metabolic phenotype was identified in healing (n = 15) compared to nonhealing (n = 13) venous leg ulcer patients. Analysis of the assigned metabolites found ceramide and carnitine metabolism to be relevant pathways. In this pilot study, only serum biofluids could differentiate between healing and nonhealing patients. The ratio of carnitine to ceramide was able to differentiate between healing phenotypes with 100% sensitivity, 79% specificity, and 91% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS This study reports a metabolic signature predictive of healing in venous leg ulceration and presents potential translational applications for disease prognostication and development of targeted therapies.
Collapse
|
2
|
Mehta V, Kirubarajan A, Sabouhanian A, Jayawardena SM, Chandrakumaran P, Thangavelu N, Cader R, Mettananda S, Bandara D, Khan S, Weatherall DJ, Allen A, Premawardhena AP, Olivieri NF. Leg Ulcers: A Report in Patients with Hemoglobin E Beta Thalassemia and Review of the Literature in Severe Beta Thalassemia. Acta Haematol 2021; 145:334-343. [PMID: 34753145 DOI: 10.1159/000520731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leg ulcers are a frequent complication in patients with the inherited hemoglobin disorders. In thalassemia, the literature is limited, and factors associated with the development of leg ulcers in hemoglobin E (HbE) beta thalassemia, the most common form of severe beta-thalassemia worldwide, have not previously been reported. METHODS We reviewed all available medical records of patients with HbE beta thalassemia to document the onset of leg ulcers at the 2 largest treatment centers in Sri Lanka. We reviewed the literature to identify studies reporting outcomes of interventions for ulcers in severe thalassemia. RESULTS Of a total of 255 actively registered patients with HbE thalassemia in the 2 centers, 196 patient charts were evaluable. A leg ulcer with a documented date of onset was recorded in 45 (22%) of 196 evaluable patients, aged (mean ± SEM) 22.2 ± 1.4 years. Most had been irregularly transfused; steady-state hemoglobin was 6.4 ± 0.2 g/dL. Treatment achieving healing in 17 patients included transfusions, antibiotics, oral zinc, wound toileting, and skin grafting. CONCLUSION Leg ulcers may be more common in HbE beta thalassemia than in other forms of thalassemia. A systematic approach to treatment will be needed to document the prevalence and factors placing such patients at risk for leg ulcers. Controlled trials to evaluate the optimal treatment of this common complication are indicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikita Mehta
- Arts and Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Amir Sabouhanian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Nila Thangavelu
- Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Refai Cader
- Policy Analysis and Development, Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Sachith Mettananda
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Dayananda Bandara
- National Thalassaemia Centre, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
- Teaching Hospital Kurunegala, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
| | - Shawn Khan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J Weatherall
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Allen
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nancy F Olivieri
- Pediatrics, Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Livshits L, Barshtein G, Arbell D, Gural A, Levin C, Guizouarn H. Do We Store Packed Red Blood Cells under "Quasi-Diabetic" Conditions? Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070992. [PMID: 34356616 PMCID: PMC8301930 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is one of the most common therapeutic procedures in modern medicine. Although frequently lifesaving, it often has deleterious side effects. RBC quality is one of the critical factors for transfusion efficacy and safety. The role of various factors in the cells’ ability to maintain their functionality during storage is widely discussed in professional literature. Thus, the extra- and intracellular factors inducing an accelerated RBC aging need to be identified and therapeutically modified. Despite the extensively studied in vivo effect of chronic hyperglycemia on RBC hemodynamic and metabolic properties, as well as on their lifespan, only limited attention has been directed at the high sugar concentration in RBCs storage media, a possible cause of damage to red blood cells. This mini-review aims to compare the biophysical and biochemical changes observed in the red blood cells during cold storage and in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Given the well-described corresponding RBC alterations in NIDDM and during cold storage, we may regard the stored (especially long-stored) RBCs as “quasi-diabetic”. Keeping in mind that these RBC modifications may be crucial for the initial steps of microvascular pathogenesis, suitable preventive care for the transfused patients should be considered. We hope that our hypothesis will stimulate targeted experimental research to establish a relationship between a high sugar concentration in a storage medium and a deterioration in cells’ functional properties during storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Livshits
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Gregory Barshtein
- Biochemistry Department, The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-2-6758309
| | - Dan Arbell
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel;
| | - Alexander Gural
- Department of Hematology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel;
| | - Carina Levin
- Pediatric Hematology Unit, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel;
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Hélène Guizouarn
- Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Inserm, 28 Av. Valrose, 06100 Nice, France;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Minniti CP, Knight‐Madden J, Tonda M, Gray S, Lehrer‐Graiwer J, Biemond BJ. The impact of voxelotor treatment on leg ulcers in patients with sickle cell disease. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:E126-E128. [PMID: 33476432 PMCID: PMC7986764 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina P. Minniti
- Department of Hematology Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York
| | - Jennifer Knight‐Madden
- Sickle Cell Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research University of the West Indies, Mona Kingston Jamaica
| | - Margaret Tonda
- Global Blood Therapeutics South San Francisco California
| | - Sarah Gray
- Global Blood Therapeutics South San Francisco California
| | | | - Bart J. Biemond
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martí-Carvajal AJ, Knight-Madden JM, Martinez-Zapata MJ. Interventions for treating leg ulcers in people with sickle cell disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 1:CD008394. [PMID: 34559425 PMCID: PMC8407242 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008394.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency of skin ulceration makes an important contributor to the morbidity burden in people with sickle cell disease. Many treatment options are available to the healthcare professional, although it is uncertain which treatments have been assessed for effectiveness in people with sickle cell disease. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review. OBJECTIVES To assess the clinical effectiveness and harms of interventions for treating leg ulcers in people with sickle cell disease. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register. We searched LILACS (1982 to January 2020), ISI Web of Knowledge (1985 to January 2020), and the Clinical Trials Search Portal of the World Health Organization (January 2020). We checked the reference lists of all the trials identified. We also contacted those groups or individuals who may have completed relevant randomised trials in this area. Date of the last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 13 January 2020; date of the last search of the Cochrane Wounds Group Trials Register: 17 February 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of interventions for treating leg ulcers in people with sickle cell disease compared to placebo or an alternative treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion. All three authors independently assessed the risk of bias of the included studies and extracted data. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS Six studies met the inclusion criteria (198 participants with 250 ulcers). Each trial investigated a different intervention and within this review we have grouped these as systemic pharmaceutical interventions (L-cartinine, arginine butyrate, isoxsuprine) and topical pharmaceutical interventions (Solcoseryl® cream, arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide dressing and topical antibiotics). No trials on non-pharmaceutical interventions were included in the review. All trials had an overall unclear or high risk of bias, and drug companies sponsored four of them. We were unable to pool findings due to the heterogeneity in outcome definitions, and inconsistency between the units of randomisation and analysis. Three interventions reported on the change in ulcer size (arginine butyrate, RGD peptide, L-cartinine). Of these, only arginine butyrate showed a reduction of ulcer size compared with a control group, mean reduction -5.10 cm² (95% CI -9.65 to -0.55), but we are uncertain whether this reduces ulcer size compared to standard care alone as the certainty of the evidence has been assessed as very low. Three trials reported on complete leg ulcer closure (isoxsuprine, arginine butyrate, RGD peptide matrix; very low quality of evidence). None reported a clinical benefit. No trial reported on: the time to complete ulcer healing; ulcer-free survival following treatment for sickle cell leg ulcers; quality of life measures; incidence of amputation or harms. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Given the very low quality of the evidence identified in this updated Cochrane Review we are uncertain whether any of the assessed pharmaceutical interventions reduce ulcer size or result in leg ulcer closure in treated participants compared to controls. However, this intervention was assessed as having a high risk of bias due to inadequacies in the single trial report. Other included studies were also assessed as having an unclear or high risk of bias. The harm profile of the all interventions remains inconclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arturo J Martí-Carvajal
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE (Cochrane Ecuador), Quito, Ecuador
- School of Medicine, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Cochrane Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Maria José Martinez-Zapata
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Granja PD, Quintão SBM, Perondi F, de Lima RBF, Martins CLDM, Marques MA, de Oliveira JCP. Leg ulcers in sickle cell disease patients. J Vasc Bras 2020; 19:e20200054. [PMID: 34211517 PMCID: PMC8218003 DOI: 10.1590/1677-5449.200054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leg ulcers are the most common cutaneous complication of sickle cell disease. These lesions occur mainly in homozygous forms, are slow to heal and often relapse, causing negative physical, emotional, and economic impacts. In this paper, we discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and pathophysiology of sickle cell leg ulcers and their implications for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Dadalti Granja
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica - MMC, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Franciele Perondi
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica - MMC, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | - Marcos Arêas Marques
- Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Julio Cesar Peclat de Oliveira
- Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Cirurgia Vascular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Monfort JB, Senet P. Leg Ulcers in Sickle-Cell Disease: Treatment Update. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2020; 9:348-356. [PMID: 32286203 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2018.0918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Significance: Sickle-cell leg ulcers (SCLUs) are a severe, chronic, and recurrent complication of sickle-cell disease (SCD). There are no official recommendations for treatment. Recent Advances: Only a few studies with a high level of evidence have been conducted to evaluate treatment of SCLUs. However, several studies have been conducted with a high level of evidence to evaluate the efficacy of treatments in venous leg ulcers, and SCLUs could benefit from these treatments, especially when a venous incompetence or an edema is associated. Pathophysiology of SCLUs includes a vasculopathy related to chronic hemolysis and an endothelial dysfunction, which could be therapeutic approaches to SCLU treatment. Critical Issues: Therapeutic approaches to SCLUs can target SCD on the one hand and skin healing and associated aggravating factors on the other. A review of the literature found only case series and six randomized controlled trials; some offered encouraging results, but most had serious biases. Clinical trials specifically targeting SCLUs are difficult to realize because of the small number of affected patients, in comparison with patients with leg ulcers from other causes. Future Direction: Treating SCLUs remains a challenge. Data in the literature are currently insufficient to offer clear treatment guidelines because of several biases in controlled studies. New studies are under way to assess the efficacy of topical treatments and describe the microbiome of SCLUs. Prevention of SCLU recurrence should be assessed in future clinical trials because the high risk of recurrence is an unsolved critical issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Senet
- Department of Dermatology, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Feldmann J, Puhan MA, Mütsch M. Characteristics of stakeholder involvement in systematic and rapid reviews: a methodological review in the area of health services research. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024587. [PMID: 31420378 PMCID: PMC6701675 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Engaging stakeholders in reviews is considered to generate more relevant evidence and to facilitate dissemination and use. As little is known about stakeholder involvement, we assessed the characteristics of their engagement in systematic and rapid reviews and the methodological quality of included studies. Stakeholders were people with a particular interest in the research topic. DESIGN Methodological review. SEARCH STRATEGY Four databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, databases of the University of York, Center for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD)) were searched based on an a priori protocol. Four types of reviews (Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews, rapid and CRD rapid reviews) were retrieved between January 2011 and October 2015, pooled by potential review type and duplicates excluded. Articles were randomly ordered and screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria until 30 reviews per group were reached. Their methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR and stakeholder characteristics were collected. RESULTS In total, 57 822 deduplicated citations were detected with potential non-Cochrane systematic reviews being the biggest group (56 986 records). We found stakeholder involvement in 13% (4/30) of Cochrane, 20% (6/30) of non-Cochrane, 43% (13/30) of rapid and 93% (28/30) of CRD reviews. Overall, 33% (17/51) of the responding contact authors mentioned positive effects of stakeholder involvement. A conflict of interest statement remained unmentioned in 40% (12/30) of non-Cochrane and in 27% (8/30) of rapid reviews, but not in Cochrane or CRD reviews. At most, half of non-Cochrane and rapid reviews mentioned an a priori study protocol in contrast to all Cochrane reviews. CONCLUSION Stakeholder engagement was not general practice, except for CRD reviews, although it was more common in rapid reviews. Reporting factors, such as including an a priori study protocol and a conflict of interest statement should be considered in conjunction with involving stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Feldmann
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo Alan Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Margot Mütsch
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Flattau A, Gordon H, Vinces G, Ennis WJ, Minniti CP. Use of a National Electronic Health Record Network to Describe Characteristics and Healing Patterns of Sickle Cell Ulcers. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2018; 7:276-282. [PMID: 30087803 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2018.0788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Sickle cell ulcers affect as many as 15% of patients with sickle cell disease in the United States and severely impact quality of life. An understanding of baseline healing patterns is important to inform study design for future trials that test therapies for this disease. Approach: In this study, an electronic wound management system was leveraged to analyze retrospective data on 133 unique sickle cell patients who were treated across 114 wound healing centers, and to describe their characteristics and healing patterns as compared with those of venous ulcer patients. The data included 198 care episodes for 427 wounds. Results: Patients with sickle cell ulcers were younger and had fewer comorbid diseases than those with venous ulcers. Larger size and longer duration were predictors of poor healing. Between the first and fourth assessments, mean change in area for sickle cell ulcers showed a 58% increase, compared with a 13% decrease for venous ulcers. Kaplan-Meier curves showed poorer healing in sickle cell ulcers than in venous ulcers across all categories of size and duration. Patients with sickle cell ulcers had longer care episodes and were more likely to re-present for care. Innovation: This study reports on the largest data set of sickle cell ulcer patients analyzed to date in the published literature to provide a more detailed understanding of wound healing patterns of this disease. Conclusion: A national network of electronic health records can effectively identify a large number of patients with sickle cell ulcers to support analysis of epidemiology, healing patterns, and health care utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Flattau
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Wound Healing Program, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | | | - Giacomo Vinces
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Wound Healing Program, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - William J. Ennis
- Department of Surgery, Section of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fortin PM, Hopewell S, Estcourt LJ. Red blood cell transfusion to treat or prevent complications in sickle cell disease: an overview of Cochrane reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 8:CD012082. [PMID: 30067867 PMCID: PMC6513377 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012082.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders, due to the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta globin) genes. SCD can cause severe pain, significant end-organ damage, pulmonary complications, and premature death. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are used to treat complications of SCD, e.g. acute chest syndrome (ACS) (this often involves a single transfusion episode), or they can be part of a regular long-term transfusion programme to prevent SCD complications. OBJECTIVES To summarize the evidence in Cochrane Reviews of the effectiveness and safety of RBC transfusions versus no transfusion, or restrictive (to increase the total haemoglobin) versus liberal (to decrease the haemoglobin S level below a specified percentage) transfusion, for treating or preventing complications experienced by people with SCD. METHODS We included Cochrane Reviews of randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, that addressed various SCD complications and had RBC transfusion as an intervention or comparator. We assessed the methodological quality of included reviews according to the AMSTAR quality assessment. MAIN RESULTS We included 15 Cochrane Reviews, 10 of which had no included studies with an RBC transfusion intervention (five reported RCTs with other interventions; and five contained no studies). Five of the 15 reviews included participants randomised to RBC transfusion, but in one of these reviews only 10 participants were randomised with no usable data. Four reviews (nine trials with 1502 participants) reported data comparing short- or long-term RBC transfusions versus standard care, disease-modifying agents, a restrictive versus a liberal transfusion strategy and long-term RBC transfusions versus transfusions to treat complications. All reviews were of high quality according to AMSTAR quality assessment, however, the quality of the included trials was highly variable across outcomes. Trials were downgraded according to GRADE methodology for risk of bias, indirectness (most trials were conducted in children with HbSS), and imprecision (outcomes had wide confidence intervals).In all four reviews and all comparisons there was little or no difference in the risk of death (very low-quality evidence). There were either no deaths or death was a rare event.Short-term RBC transfusion versus standard care (one review: two trials, 434 participants, GRADE very low- to low-quality evidence)In people undergoing low- to medium-risk surgery, RBC transfusions may decrease the risk of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in people with African haplotypes compared to standard care (low-quality evidence), but there was little or no difference in people with the Arabic haplotype (very-low quality evidence). There was also little or no difference in the risk of other SCD-related or transfusion-related complications (very-low quality evidence).Long-term RBC transfusion versus standard care (two reviews: three trials, 405 participants, very low- to moderate-quality evidence)In children and adolescents at high risk of stroke (abnormal transcranial doppler (TCD) velocities or silent cerebral infarct (SCI)), long-term RBC transfusions probably decrease the risk of stroke (moderate-quality evidence) and may decrease the risk of ACS and painful crisis compared to standard care (low-quality evidence). Long-term RBC transfusions may also decrease the risk of SCI in children with abnormal TCD velocities (low-quality evidence), but there may be little or no difference in the risk of SCI in children with normal TCD velocities and previous SCI (low-quality evidence).In children and adolescents already receiving long-term RBC transfusions for preventing stroke, in comparison to standard care, continuing long-term RBC transfusions may reduce the risk of SCI (low-quality evidence) but we do not know whether there is a difference in the risk of stroke (very-low quality evidence). In children with normal TCD velocities and SCI there was little or no difference in the risk of alloimmunisation or transfusion reactions, but RBC transfusions may increase the risk of iron overload (low-quality evidence).Long-term RBC transfusion versus RBC transfusion to treat complications (one review: one trial, 72 participants, very low- to low-quality evidence)In pregnant women, long-term RBC transfusions may decrease the risk of painful crisis compared to transfusion for complications (low-quality evidence); but there may be little or no difference in the risk of other SCD-related complications or transfusion reactions (very-low quality evidence).RBC transfusion versus disease-modifying agents (hydroxyurea) (two reviews: two trials; 254 participants, very low- to low-quality evidence)For primary prevention of stroke in children, with abnormal TCD and no severe vasculopathy on magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA), who have received at least one year of RBC transfusions, we do not know whether there is a difference between RBC transfusion and disease-modifying agents in the risk of stroke; SCI; ACS; or painful crisis (very-low quality evidence). There may be little or no difference in the risk of iron overload (low-quality evidence).Similarly, for secondary prevention of stroke in children and adolescents, we do not know whether there is a difference between these interventions in the risk of stroke; SCI; or ACS (very-low quality evidence); but hydroxyurea with phlebotomy may increase the risk of painful crisis and global SCD serious adverse events compared to RBC transfusion (low-quality evidence). There may be little or no difference in the risk of iron overload (low-quality evidence).Restrictive versus liberal RBC transfusion strategy (one review: one trial; 230 participants, very low-quality evidence)In people undergoing cholecystectomy, there was little or no difference between strategies in the risk of SCD-related or transfusion-related complications (very-low quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This overview provides support from two high-quality Cochrane Reviews for the use of RBC transfusions in preventing stroke in children and adolescents at high risk of stroke (abnormal TCDs or SCI) and evidence that it may decrease the risk of SCI in children with abnormal TCD velocities. In addition RBC transfusions may reduce the risk of ACS and painful crisis in this population.This overview highlights the lack of high-quality evidence in adults with SCD and the number of reviews that have no evidence for the use of RBC transfusions across a spectrum of SCD complications. Also of concern is the variable and often incomplete reporting of patient-relevant outcomes in the included trials such as SCD-related serious adverse events and quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally Hopewell
- University of OxfordNuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)Botnar Research Centre, Windmill RoadOxfordOxfordshireUKOX3 7LD
| | - Lise J Estcourt
- NHS Blood and TransplantHaematology/Transfusion MedicineLevel 2, John Radcliffe HospitalHeadingtonOxfordUKOX3 9BQ
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Umeh NI, Ajegba B, Buscetta AJ, Abdallah KE, Minniti CP, Bonham VL. The psychosocial impact of leg ulcers in patients with sickle cell disease: I don't want them to know my little secret. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186270. [PMID: 29045487 PMCID: PMC5646800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) impacts millions of individuals worldwide and more than 100,000 people in the United States. Leg ulcers are the most common cutaneous manifestation of SCD. The health status of individuals living with chronic leg ulcers is not only influenced by clinical manifestations such as pain duration and intensity, but also by psychosocial factors. Garnering insights into the psychosocial impact can provide a more holistic view of their influence on quality of life. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants living with active SCD-associated leg ulcers or with a history of ulcers. Subjects were recruited from an ongoing study (INSIGHTS, Clin Trial.Gov NCT02156102) and consented to this qualitative phase of the study. Five areas were explored: leg ulcer pain, physical function, social-isolation, social relationships and religious support. Data was collected from 20 individuals during these interviews and a thematic analysis was performed and reported. RESULTS Twenty participants with a mean age of 42.4 (SD ± 11.1years) were included in the study. Major themes identified included:1) pain (acute and chronic); 2) compromised physical function as demonstrated by decreased ability to walk, run, and play sports; 3) social isolation from activities either by others or self-induced as a means of avoiding certain emotions, such as embarrassment; 4) social relationships (family support and social network); 5) support and comfort through their religion or spirituality. CONCLUSIONS SCD patients with leg ulcers expressed that they experience social isolation, intense and frequent ulcer pain, and difficulty in physical function. SCD-associated leg ulcers have been studied from a clinical approach, but the psychosocial factors investigated in this study informs how quality of life is impacted by the leg ulcers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nkeiruka I. Umeh
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Brittany Ajegba
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ashley J. Buscetta
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Khadijah E. Abdallah
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Caterina P. Minniti
- Montefiore Medical Center, Division of Hematology, Sickle Cell Center, Bronx, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Vence L. Bonham
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pollock A, Campbell P, Brunton G, Hunt H, Estcourt L. Selecting and implementing overview methods: implications from five exemplar overviews. Syst Rev 2017; 6:145. [PMID: 28720141 PMCID: PMC5516331 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-017-0534-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overviews of systematic reviews are an increasingly popular method of evidence synthesis; there is a lack of clear guidance for completing overviews and a number of methodological challenges. At the UK Cochrane Symposium 2016, methodological challenges of five overviews were explored. Using data from these five overviews, practical implications to support methodological decision making of authors writing protocols for future overviews are proposed. METHODS Methods, and their justification, from the five exemplar overviews were tabulated and compared with areas of debate identified within current literature. Key methodological challenges and implications for development of overview protocols were generated and synthesised into a list, discussed and refined until there was consensus. RESULTS Methodological features of three Cochrane overviews, one overview of diagnostic test accuracy and one mixed methods overview have been summarised. Methods of selection of reviews and data extraction were similar. Either the AMSTAR or ROBIS tool was used to assess quality of included reviews. The GRADE approach was most commonly used to assess quality of evidence within the reviews. Eight key methodological challenges were identified from the exemplar overviews. There was good agreement between our findings and emerging areas of debate within a recent published synthesis. Implications for development of protocols for future overviews were identified. CONCLUSIONS Overviews are a relatively new methodological innovation, and there are currently substantial variations in the methodological approaches used within different overviews. There are considerable methodological challenges for which optimal solutions are not necessarily yet known. Lessons learnt from five exemplar overviews highlight a number of methodological decisions which may be beneficial to consider during the development of an overview protocol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Pollock
- Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Research Unit, 6th Floor Govan Mbeki Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA UK
| | - Pauline Campbell
- Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Research Unit, 6th Floor Govan Mbeki Building, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA UK
| | - Ginny Brunton
- UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL UK
| | - Harriet Hunt
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s campus, Exeter, Devon EX1 1TE UK
| | - Lise Estcourt
- NHS Blood and Transplant Oxford and Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Level 2, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9BQ UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Altman IA, Kleinfelder RE, Quigley JG, Ennis WJ, Minniti CP. A treatment algorithm to identify therapeutic approaches for leg ulcers in patients with sickle cell disease. Int Wound J 2015; 13:1315-1324. [PMID: 26537664 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell leg ulcers (SCLUs) are a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients who develop ulcers appear to have a more severe haemolysis-associated vasculopathy than individuals who do not develop them, and manifest other complications such as priapism and pulmonary hypertension. SCLUs are slow to heal and often recur, affecting both the emotional and physical well-being of patients. Here we summarise what is known about the pathophysiology of SCLUs, describe available treatment options and propose a treatment algorithm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor A Altman
- Department of Surgery, Section of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Raymond E Kleinfelder
- Traditional Rotating Internship, Genesys Regional Medical Center, Grand Blanc, MI, USA
| | - John G Quigley
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William J Ennis
- Department of Surgery, Section of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Caterina P Minniti
- Department of Oncology, Division of Hematology, Sickle Cell Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|