A Systematic Review Exploring the Impact of Arteriovenous Fistula Ligature on High-Output Heart Failure in Renal Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in renal transplant recipients (RTrs). High-output heart failure (HoHF) is a classic problem of RTrs with patent arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). Central to the entire discipline of transplant nephrology is the ligation of AVF in RTrs, with a patent AVF presenting with signs and symptoms of HoHF. AVF ligation has long been a topic of great interest in this population. To date, little attention has been paid to the effects of arteriovenous graft ligation on HoHF. This study systematically reviews the data for AVF ligation, aiming to provide its impact on HoHF in RTrs.

METHODS

The present study adopts the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis 2020 guidelines. Published studies were identified using a search strategy in PubMed, Scopus, PubMed Central, Science Direct, and Medline. The primary inclusion criterion for this review was RTrs with a patent AVF who exhibited clinical or imaging findings of HoHF. Articles dating back to the last decade that involved the human species were included in our review, and the search was restricted to the English language. Studies involving both male and female genders and those describing the adult population (aged > 19 years) were also a part of our inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

After applying eligibility criteria, our electronic search yielded 1,461 articles. A total of 16 studies that involved 18,735 subjects were included in our review, which comprised 6 cohort studies, 4 case reports, 2 randomized control trials, 2 narrative reviews, 1 meta-analysis, and 1 case series. While the risk of bias of the narrative reviews was low, 1 of the randomized control trials had some overall concerns. The meta-analysis included in our review had moderate risk of bias, while 4 of the 6 cohort studies were of good quality. All of the case reports and series included in our review were of good quality. Of the 12 studies that reported genders, 10,949 were male and 6,416 were female. There was a notable reduction in left ventricular mass, left ventricular mass index, left ventricular end diastolic dimension, cardiac output, velocity index, and systemic vascular resistance index upon AVF ligation.

CONCLUSIONS

A complete resolution of the clinical signs and symptoms of HoHF can be anticipated after AVF ligation in RTrs. Clinicians should always be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of cardiovascular decompensation in asymptomatic RTrs.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Nintedanib and Pirfenidone in Treating Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which shares a radiographic pattern with the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), is a specific form of chronic and progressive interstitial lung disorder resulting in persistent fibrosis and impaired lung function. Most of the patients suffer from dyspnea which adversely affects health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The underlying etiology of the disease is not yet understood, but research done on the subject reveals that aberrant repair mechanisms and dysregulated immune responses may be the cause. It can affect any age group but predominantly affects patients who are above 50 years of age. It has been observed that in addition to age, the reasons are also related to smoking, pollution, and inhalation of harmful elements. As the cause of IPF is still unknown and there is no cure yet, presently, it is treated to delay lung function loss with antifibrotic medications, nintedanib, and pirfenidone. However, both nintedanib and perfenidone have side effects which affect different patients in different ways and with different levels of severity, thereby making the treatment even more challenging for medical practitioners. The present systematic review aims at studying the efficacy of pirfenidone and nintedanib in relieving symptoms and in extending survival in patients. A detailed search was done in relevant articles listed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the New England Journal of Medicine between 2018 and 2023. It was observed that the most accepted way of measuring the progression of IPF is the evaluation of pulmonary function by assessing the forced vital capacity (FVC). Several studies have shown that the decline in FVC over a period of 6-12 months is directly associated with a higher mortality rate. The outcomes were similar in both male and female irrespective of age, gender, and ethnicity. However, some patients being treated with pirfenidone and nintedanib experienced various side-effects which were mainly gastrointestinal like diarrhea, dyspepsia, and vomiting. In the case of pirfenidone, some patients also experienced photosensitivity and skin rashes. In cases where the side-effects are extremely severe and are more threatening than the disease itself, the treatment has to be discontinued. The survival rate in patients with IPF is marked by a median of 3-5 years that is even lower than many cancers; hence, the treatment should be started as soon as the disease is detected. However, further research is needed to establish the etiology of IPF and to establish treatments that can stop its progression.

Comparing Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma With Hyaluronic Acid for the Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hip osteoarthritis (HOA), a prevalent condition among those aged 55 years and above, is a significant cause of joint pain and functional impairment and it contributes to the overall burden of chronic pain experienced by the elderly population. While platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections have emerged as innovative therapeutic approaches for managing osteoarthritis, their effectiveness in HOA remains a subject of contention. Therefore, the objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of PRP versus HA in terms of pain relief and functional outcomes for the management of HOA. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases from 2013 to 2023 to identify pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A total of seven trials (478 participants) were included. The selected studies underwent quality assessment using the updated Cochrane risk of bias tool. The pain and functional outcomes were examined using measures of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scale, visual analog scale (VAS), and Harris hip score (HHS). In the meta-analysis, standard mean differences (SMDs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate overall effect magnitudes for continuous outcomes were extracted. Statistical significance was determined using p-values below 0.05. At six months, the PRP group experienced a significantly lower standard mean WOMAC pain score (SMD = -0.38, CI = -0.64 - 0.13; p = 0.03). No significant differences in WOMAC pain scores were noted at one to two months (SMD = 0.09, CI = -0.24, 0.43; p = 0.59), and at 12 months (SMD = -0.85, CI = -1.81, 0.12; p = 0.09). Similarly, for VAS, patients on PRP showed a slight improvement in their VAS scores at six months (SMD = -0.50, CI = -0.89, -0.12; p < 0.01). However, no significant differences in VAS between the PRP groups and the HA groups were observed at one to two months (SMD = -0.22, CI = -0.49, 0.04; p = 0.10) and at 12 months (SMD = -0.22, CI: -0.63, 0.19; p = 0.29). In terms of hip dysfunction, there was no statistically significant standard mean difference in HHS between the PRP and HA groups at six months (SMD = 0.02, CI = -0.40, 0.44; p = 0.93), and at 12 months (SMD = -0.31, CI = -0.32, 0.22; p = 0.73). This review and meta-analysis provide insights into emerging treatments for HOA, especially considering that PRP shows potential benefits and safety for patients with HOA during mid-term follow-up in a 12-month period. Nevertheless, it is necessary to conduct research that includes high-quality designs and larger sample sizes to validate the comparative efficacy of these treatments.

Combination Diuretic Therapy With Thiazides: A Systematic Review on the Beneficial Approach to Overcome Refractory Fluid Overload in Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a notable public health issue, and intravenous loop diuretics are frequently employed to address acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and alleviate symptoms of congestion. However, prolonged use of loop diuretics can lead to drug resistance, and some patients experience refractory volume overload that does not respond to treatment. Sequential nephron blockade, which involves combining loop and thiazide diuretics, has been proposed as a strategy to overcome diuretic resistance and improve fluid overload management. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this combination diuretic therapy. Following the directives detailed in the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted. Eligibility criteria were established to select relevant studies, including the requirement for studies to be conducted on human subjects and published as free full-text papers in English within the last 10 years. Several databases were searched using a combination of Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) phrases and keywords related to heart failure, loop diuretics, and thiazide diuretics. The search yielded 948 references, and after screening titles, abstracts, and full-text papers, eight final studies (five observational studies and three randomized control trials) were included in the review. Based on the findings of this systematic review, there is substantial evidence to endorse the efficacy of combination diuretic therapy of loop and thiazide diuretics in augmenting diuresis and enhancing outcomes for patients who exhibit insufficient responses to single-agent diuretics. Additionally, the review provides valuable insights about the timing and type of diuretics to use, helping clinicians make informed therapeutic decisions. However, to ensure patient safety and well-being, it is imperative to take into account the potential for electrolyte disturbances and impacts on renal function, necessitating diligent and vigilant monitoring as well as effective management strategies. In light of these findings, further research is warranted to optimize the dosing regimens and to delve deeper into the long-term safety and efficacy of combination therapy. Such research endeavors will undoubtedly contribute to refining treatment approaches and advancing patient care in the field of HF management.

Adverse Effects of Stimulant Interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a fairly common psychiatric disorder among children. It has substantial consequences in terms of quality of life for those experiencing it and their families. In managing ADHD symptoms medication plays an essential role, including stimulants such as methylphenidate being a key component. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised about possible adverse reactions connected to these drugs. Thus, in this systematic review, an extensive analysis was conducted aiming at understanding any negative repercussions specifically from prolonged exposure to these medications among patients diagnosed with ADHD. The methodology entailed adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. While capturing relevant data through a meticulous search in various databases, filtered according to preset inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were considered for analysis. Conclusions indicate that the administration of stimulant medications can potentially translate into a small rise in blood pressure along with increased heart rate particularly when amphetamines are taken. However, no reports of notable serious cardiovascular events have emerged. In the domain of neuropsychiatry, it appears that long-term usage of methylphenidate generally bears no serious consequences, even though a hike in risk levels related to the occurrence of psychotic episodes was detected among those treated with amphetamines. Several gastrointestinal side effects including decreased appetite and stomach pain were reported, however, findings regarding ocular abnormalities or growth-related effects stood inconclusive. Therefore, based on this data the consensus is that stimulant medications do generate manageable and mild negative outcomes within the ADHD population. It is vital however to highlight the need for careful observation and further scientific inquiry to achieve a better grasp on both immediate as well as long-term implications involved.

Holistic Understanding of the Role of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 in Pancreatic Cancer Screening, Early Diagnosis, and Prognosis: A Systematic Review

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a significant challenge due to its silent progression and well-advanced, unresectable, complicated presentation. Detecting this disease early on is crucial, and researchers have been investigating various potential biological markers, such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), hoping to find indicators that can aid in its early detection. The primary focus of this review is on the diagnostic usefulness of CA 19-9 in detecting pancreatic cancer (PC) in the beginning stage and its usefulness in predicting progression. The database search of articles from PubMed, PMC, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar identified 227 articles published from 2013 to 2023. The keyword mix used in the search technique included terms like "CA 19-9," "pancreatic cancer," "diagnosis," and "early detection." This study provides evidence of CA 19-9's ability in detecting PDAC in the pre-diagnostic stage. But since the outcomes were inconsistent among the included trials, further analysis is required to develop standardized diagnostic criteria and methodologies. Furthermore, because of the variability of the study, it is not easy to make firm conclusions on CA 19-9's sensitivity as well as specificity in the first stage of pancreatic neoplasm. This in-depth overview of the available literature provides new insights into using CA 19-9 as a biological marker for detecting undiagnosed PC before progressing into the advanced stage, and was proven beneficial. However, this has to be shown in broader research with adequate sample size. Although it shows promise as a diagnostic tool, further study is required to confirm these findings.