Association between prenatal antipsychotic exposure and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The paucity of evidence regarding the safety of gestational antipsychotic exposure has led to treatment discontinuation in pregnant women with severe mental health conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the current evidence on the association between gestational antipsychotic exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children (Study protocol registered in PROSPERO:CRD42022311354). Five studies included in our meta-analysis with around 8.6 million pregnancy episodes in nine different countries/regions. Results from our meta-analysis indicate that the heightened risks of ASD and ADHD in children gestationally exposed to antipsychotics appear to be attributable to maternal characteristics, rather than having a causal relationship with the antipsychotic exposure during pregnancy. The results underscore the importance of meticulously monitoring the neurodevelopment of children born to mothers with mental illnesses, which can facilitate early interventions and provide requisite support.

Comparative Effectiveness of Second-line Antihyperglycemic Agents for Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Large-scale, Multinational, Federated Analysis of the LEGEND-T2DM Study

Background

SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, their effectiveness relative to each other and other second-line antihyperglycemic agents is unknown, without any major ongoing head-to-head trials.

Methods

Across the LEGEND-T2DM network, we included ten federated international data sources, spanning 1992-2021. We identified 1,492,855 patients with T2DM and established cardiovascular disease (CVD) on metformin monotherapy who initiated one of four second-line agents (SGLT2is, GLP1-RAs, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor [DPP4is], sulfonylureas [SUs]). We used large-scale propensity score models to conduct an active comparator, target trial emulation for pairwise comparisons. After evaluating empirical equipoise and population generalizability, we fit on-treatment Cox proportional hazard models for 3-point MACE (myocardial infarction, stroke, death) and 4-point MACE (3-point MACE + heart failure hospitalization) risk, and combined hazard ratio (HR) estimates in a random-effects meta-analysis.

Findings

Across cohorts, 16·4%, 8·3%, 27·7%, and 47·6% of individuals with T2DM initiated SGLT2is, GLP1-RAs, DPP4is, and SUs, respectively. Over 5·2 million patient-years of follow-up and 489 million patient-days of time at-risk, there were 25,982 3-point MACE and 41,447 4-point MACE events. SGLT2is and GLP1-RAs were associated with a lower risk for 3-point MACE compared with DPP4is (HR 0·89 [95% CI, 0·79-1·00] and 0·83 [0·70-0·98]), and SUs (HR 0·76 [0·65-0·89] and 0·71 [0·59-0·86]). DPP4is were associated with a lower 3-point MACE risk versus SUs (HR 0·87 [0·79-0·95]). The pattern was consistent for 4-point MACE for the comparisons above. There were no significant differences between SGLT2is and GLP1-RAs for 3-point or 4-point MACE (HR 1·06 [0·96-1·17] and 1·05 [0·97-1·13]).

Interpretation

In patients with T2DM and established CVD, we found comparable cardiovascular risk reduction with SGLT2is and GLP1-RAs, with both agents more effective than DPP4is, which in turn were more effective than SUs. These findings suggest that the use of GLP1-RAs and SGLT2is should be prioritized as second-line agents in those with established CVD.

Funding

National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Nitrogen-Containing Bisphosphonates Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Pneumonia in Patients With Hip Fracture

The objective of this work was to study the risk of pneumonia and pneumonia mortality among patients receiving nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs), non-N-BP anti-osteoporosis medications, and no anti-osteoporosis medications after hip fracture. We studied a historical cohort using a population-wide database. Patients with first hip fracture during 2005-2015 were identified and matched by time-dependent propensity score. The cohort was followed until December 31, 2016, to capture any pneumonia and pneumonia mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox-proportional hazards regression. Absolute risk difference (ARD) and number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. We identified 54,047 patients with hip fracture. Of these, 4041 patients who received N-BPs and 11,802 without anti-osteoporosis medication were propensity score-matched. N-BPs were associated with a significantly lower risk of pneumonia compared with no treatment (6.9 versus 9.0 per 100 person-years; HR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.83), resulting in an ARD of 0.02 and NNT of 46. A similar association was observed with pneumonia mortality (HR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.75). When N-BPs were compared with non-N-BP anti-osteoporosis medications, the association remained significant. N-BPs were associated with lower risks of pneumonia and pneumonia mortality. Randomized controlled trials are now required to determine whether N-BPs, non-vaccine-based medications, can reduce pneumonia incidence in high risk groups. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Evidence that pre-existent variability in platelet response to ADP accounts for 'clopidogrel resistance'

BACKGROUND

Clopidogrel is a widely used antithrombotic agent that inhibits the platelet P2Y(12) adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor. There is increasing interest in 'clopidogrel resistance'.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether 'clopidogrel resistance' is accounted for by a pre-existent variability in platelet response to ADP.

METHODS

Platelet response to 20 microm ADP was analyzed by four independent whole blood flow cytometric assays: platelet surface activated GPIIb-IIIa, platelet surface P-selectin, monocyte-platelet aggregates and neutrophil-platelet aggregates. In 25 consecutive, non-aspirin-treated healthy subjects, we studied platelet response before and after clopidogrel administration. In addition, we studied the platelet response in 613 consecutive aspirinated patients with or without coronary artery disease (CAD, as determined by angiography) who had or had not been treated with clopidogrel. In these patients, we tested for homogeneity of variance across all durations of clopidogrel exposure and severity of CAD by estimating the 'goodness of fit' of two independent models.

RESULTS

In the healthy subjects, pre-clopidogrel response to ADP predicted post-clopidogrel response to ADP. In the patients, clopidogrel, as expected, inhibited the platelet response to ADP. However, irrespective of the duration of clopidogrel administration, the severity of CAD, and the dose of aspirin, clopidogrel did not increase the variance in the platelet response to ADP in any of the four assays of platelet response.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies provide evidence that 'clopidogrel resistance' is accounted for by a pre-existent variability in platelet response to ADP and this variability is not increased by clopidogrel administration.

A randomised controlled trial of intramuscular syntometrine and intravenous oxytocin in the management of the third stage of labour

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous oxytocin with intramuscular syntometrine in the management of the third stage of labour.

DESIGN

A prospective randomised trial.

SETTING

A university teaching hospital.

METHODS

A total of 991 women having a singleton pregnancy and vaginal delivery were randomised by a computer-generated number to receive either 1 ml syntometrine intramuscularly or 10 units of intravenous Syntocinon after delivery of the anterior shoulder of the fetus.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Blood loss during delivery, rate of postpartum haemorrhage, need for repeated oxytocics, haemoglobin level before and 24 hours after delivery, duration of third stage, need for manual removal of placenta and sides effects including hypertension, nausea, vomiting, headache and chest pain.

RESULTS

The use of intravenous oxytocin was associated with a reduction in postpartum blood loss (P < 0.001) but there was no difference in the risk of postpartum haemorrhage in the need for repeated oxytocic injections and the drop in peripartum haemoglobin level between the two groups. There was also no difference in the risk of prolonged third stage, or in the need for manual removal of placenta. The use of syntometrine was associated with a higher risk of hypertension (RR 2.39, 95% CI 1.00-5.70). Other side effects were mild in nature with no differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There are no important clinical differences in the effectiveness of intramuscular syntometrine and intravenous oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum blood loss. Intravenous oxytocin is less likely to cause hypertension.

Patient's acceptance of outpatient hysteroscopy

There is a trend towards performing hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy on an outpatient basis, as this alleviates the need for both an inpatient stay and a general anesthesia. Despite the wide acceptance by medical staff, there are few publications on how patients actually tolerate and accept these procedures. We performed a survey on 185 patients attending the outpatient hysteroscopy clinic at a teaching hospital to assess the degree of pain and their acceptance to those procedures using a visual analogue scale. All procedures were successfully performed under no anesthesia without complications. The mean age of the patients was 48 (range 24-78) and 9.4% were nulliparas. The mean pain experienced was 4.7 (SD 2.7) during hysteroscopy and 5.0 (SD 2.9) during endometrial biopsy. The overall preference scores for the procedure to be done under was 3.1 (SD 3.7). About 7% of patients expressed a preference for an overnight stay in hospital after the procedure, but the preference score was low (2.5, SD 3.6). The procedure was well accepted (8.3, SD 2.4) and highly recommended by the patients (8.4, SD 2.9). Outpatient hysteroscopy is well accepted and tolerated by patients.

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of transcervical intrauterine local anaesthesia in outpatient hysteroscopy

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether transcervical intrauterine instillation of local anaesthetic agent reduces pain during diagnostic outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Outpatient hysteroscopy clinic in a university teaching hospital.

POPULATION

Ninety women undergoing outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy with or without endometrial biopsy.

METHODS

Transcervical intrauterine instillation of 5 mL of 2% lignocaine into the uterine cavity before performing the procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evaluation of pain at different stages of the procedure using a visual analogue scale and changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

RESULTS

The use of local anaesthetic did not alleviate pain experienced during hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. It did not prevent the occurrence of vaso-vagal reactions; however the incidence of these was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcervical instillation of local anaesthesia neither reduced pain nor prevented vaso-vagal reaction during hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.

Determination of the effective therapeutic dose of intrathecal sufentanil for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Intrathecal (IT) sufentanil provides effective analgesia for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. However, the optimal dose of sufentanil has not been established. We designed a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study to determine the optimal dose of IT sufentanil. Sixty men were randomized to receive 12.5,15,17.5, or 20 microg of IT sufentanil (n = 15 for each group) via a combined spinal epidural technique. Inadequate analgesia was treated with IV propofol, and the epidural was activated for a pain score greater than 6 on a 10-point verbal analog pain scale. Intraoperative and postoperative visual analog pain scale scores were significantly higher in the 12.5-microg group compared with 20-microg group (3.2 +/- 1.6 vs 1.6 +/- 1.2, P < 0.05, and 1.1 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.4, P < 0.05, respectively). The smaller-dosage groups of IT sufentanil required significantly more supplemental boluses of propofol compared with the 20-microg group (67%, 53%, and 40% vs 6%, respectively, P < 0.05). However, pruritus was significantly diminished in the smaller-dosage groups compared with the 20-microg group (55%, 60%, and 67% vs 100%, P < 0.05). The time to discharge was significantly shorter in the 15-microg group compared with the 20-microg group (84 +/- 40 min vs 126 +/- 48 min, P < 0.05). These results suggest that 15 microg of IT sufentanil may be the optimal IT dose for patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

IMPLICATIONS

Many anesthetic techniques are used for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). We have previously shown that intrathecal sufentanil was effective for ESWL, but was associated with a high incidence of itching. We tested 60 patients in four spinal sufentanil dose groups and found that doses of 15 and 17.5 microg provided the most effective analgesia with the fewest side effects for ESWL, with only mild itching.

Fetus papyraceous: an unusual cause of obstructed labour

Fetus papyraceous is a relatively rare complication in twin pregnancy. The occurrence of fetus papyraceous is frequently associated with perinatal morbidity in the other twin, making antenatal diagnosis of this condition desirable. Ultrasound detection is not always possible due to anatomical position and technical difficulties. A case of fetus papyraceous, found during Caesarean section for obstructed labour is reported and the implications of antenatal detection are discussed.

Paracervical anaesthesia in outpatient hysteroscopy: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of paracervical anaesthesia in reducing pain during outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

POPULATION

One hundred women undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy for abnormal uterine bleeding.

INTERVENTIONS

Paracervical block using 10 mL of either 2% lignocaine or normal saline before the procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evaluation of pain at different stages of hysteroscopy using a visual analogue scale together with blood pressure and heart rate monitoring.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, paracervical anaesthesia significantly reduced the pain only at the time of insertion of the hysteroscope, but not at the subsequent stages of the procedure. However, paracervical injection of lignocaine resulted in a higher incidence of bradycardia and hypotension.

CONCLUSIONS

Paracervical anaesthesia not only fails to reduce pain during outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy, but also carries a risk of inducing bradycardia and hypotension, which is probably a result of inadvertent intravascular injection.

Ten years experience of caesarean and postpartum hysterectomy in a teaching hospital in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE

To review 10 years' experience of obstetric hysterectomy in a university teaching hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of all cases of caesarean or postpartum hysterectomy between 1984-1994. Demographic data and clinical details including indications for operation, nature of surgical management and complications were analysed.

RESULTS

The incidence of obstetric hysterectomy was 1 in 1420 deliveries. Overall, 0.32% of caesarean sections and 0.02% of vaginal deliveries were complicated by emergency obstetric hysterectomy. Morbidly adherent placenta (32.7%) was the most common cause of uncontrollable haemorrhage. Prior caesarean delivery and placenta praevia were the main risk factors for its development. Operative complications included intra-operative hypotension (33.3%), urinary tract injury (22.2%) and re-exploration for persistent haemorrhage (12.5%). There was one maternal death due to suspected air embolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency obstetric hysterectomy, though uncommon, remains a potentially life-saving procedure which every obstetrician must be familiar with. It is extremely important to have early surgical intervention, prompt resuscitation and management by experienced medical staff to minimise morbidity and mortality.

A benign polypoid adenomyoma: an unusual cause of persistent fetal transverse lie

Persistent fetal transverse lie at term is uncommon. A case of benign polypoid adenomyoma, found during Caesarean section, as a cause of abnormal lie in a primigravida is reported. A clear distinction as shown can be drawn between breech presentation and transverse lie at term, and between transverse lie in multiparous and nulliparous women. Prophylactic external version was not performed in this case and the reasons are discussed. Careful search for the cause of transverse lie especially in a primigravida is recommended.

A randomized prospective study of laparoscopy and laparotomy in the management of benign ovarian masses

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to compare the results of laparoscopy with laparotomy in the management of ovarian masses not suspected to be malignant.

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective randomized study 102 patients requiring surgical management of ovarian masses were randomly assigned to laparoscopy (52) or laparotomy (50) in a teaching hospital from July 1994 to September 1995. Inclusion criteria was tumor not suspected to be malignant with a diameter of < or = 10 cm as measured by ultrasonography. All operations were performed by trainees under the supervision of an experienced surgeon. Statistical analysis included t tests and chi2 tests.

RESULTS

There were no differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups nor any difference in the size of ovarian masses, adnexal adhesion score, or frequency of bilateral disease. All the ovarian masses were benign. Endometriotic cysts and dermoid cysts were the most common disorder in the two groups. Cystectomy was performed in > 70% of cases in each group. Operating time was not increased with the laparoscopic approach, and the frequency of inadvertent rupture of the ovarian masses was just as high as in laparotomy. The laparoscopic approach was associated with a significant reduction in operative morbidity (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.88), postoperative pain and analgesic requirement, hospital stay, and recovery period. Patients in general were satisfied with the operation, but significantly more patients were satisfied with the laparoscopy scar.

CONCLUSION

Operative laparoscopy should replace laparotomy in the management of benign ovarian masses.

Intrathecal sufentanil for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy provides earlier discharge of the outpatient than intrathecal lidocaine

Many anesthetic techniques are currently used for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This randomized, prospective, double-blind study was designed to examine postoperative recovery with two anesthetic techniques for unilateral ESWL; i.e., intrathecal sufentanil versus intrathecal 5% lidocaine. The incidence of adverse effects was also assessed. Twenty-two ASA physical status I-III patients, 18-70 yr of age who were scheduled for unilateral ESWL under spinal anesthesia were studied. Patients were randomized to receive either intrathecal sufentanil 20 microg + saline (n = 11) or intrathecal 5% lidocaine (n = 11) based on their height. Both patients and observers were blinded to the treatment groups. Patients were assessed for intraoperative and postoperative pain via a 10-cm verbal analog pain scale (VAPS) (0 = no pain, 10 = extreme pain). Stone sizes, number of shock waves, and voltages were also compared. The recovery profile-time to ambulate, void, oral intake, and home discharge-was documented. Antiemetic requirements in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pruritus, and sedation were also recorded. This study showed no differences in VAPS between groups at any time in the perioperative period. Patients who received intrathecal sufentanil ambulated (79 +/- 16 vs 146 +/- 57 min mean +/- SD; P < 0.05), voided (80 +/- 18 vs 152 +/- 54 min, P < 0.05), and were discharged home (98 +/- 17 vs 166 +/- 50 min, P < 0.005) significantly sooner than the patients who received intrathecal lidocaine. Although 27% (3 of 11) of the patients who received sufentanil reported pruritus, respiratory depression was not found. There were no differences in PONV between the two groups. Intrathecal sufentanil provided an enhanced recovery profile with significantly earlier home discharge when compared with intrathecal lidocaine. In conclusion, intrathecal sufentanil is a safe and effective method of anesthesia for outpatient unilateral ESWL.

Spontaneous abortion: a medical approach to management

The conventional management of spontaneous abortion is surgical evacuation of the uterus to prevent complications which may arise from retained products of conception (POC). This procedure is not without complications and also demands operating theatre resources. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a medical approach to the management of spontaneous abortion using the prostaglandin analogue, gemeprost. From an initial 212 women presenting with spontaneous abortion, 4 groups were defined according to what they required in the way of initial management. A group of 20 women were excluded from conservative medical management at presentation because they were bleeding heavily and judged to be unsuitable. Sixty women initially required no further management other than determining that they had a complete abortion using transvaginal sonography (TVS). The 132 women were treated with the prostaglandin analogue, gemeprost. Sixty were judged to need no further management afterwards and were initially discharged. The remaining 72 women underwent evacuation of retained products of conception (ERPC) after the gemeprost treatment as medical evacuation of the uterus appeared to had been incomplete. In each of these 4 groups so defined, there was 1 case where an ERPC was required after the patients have been discharged because of complications attributable to retained POC. We therefore found that no ERPC was necessary in the management of 118 out of 212 (55.6%) women who presented with spontaneous abortion. This has important implications in patient management and economical use of hospital resources.