Diabetes, obesity, hypertension and risk of severe COVID-19: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionPrevious evidence from several countries, including China, Italy, Mexico, UK and the USA, indicates that among patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalised, diabetes, obesity and hypertension might be important risk factors for severe clinical outcomes. Several preliminary systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted on one or more of these non-communicable diseases, but the findings have not been definitive, and recent evidence has become available from many more populations. Thus, we aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to assess the relationship of diabetes, obesity and hypertension with severe clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19.Method and analysisWe will search 16 major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CAB Abstracts, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Academic Research Complete, Africa Wide Information, Scopus, PubMed Central, ProQuest Central, WHO Virtual Health Library, Homeland Security COVID-19 collection, SciFinder, Clinical Trials and Cochrane Library) for articles published between December 2019 and December 2020. We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2016 guidelines for the design and reporting the results. We will include observational studies that assess the associations of pre-existing diabetes, obesity and hypertension in patients with COVID-19 with risk of severe clinical outcomes such as intensive care unit admission, receiving mechanical ventilation or death. Stata V.16.1 and R-Studio V.1.4.1103 statistical software will be used for statistical analysis. Meta-analysis will be used to estimate the pooled risks and to assess potential heterogeneities in risks.Ethics and disseminationThe study was reviewed for human subjects concerns by the US CDC Center for Global Health and determined to not represent human subjects research because it uses data from published studies. We plan to publish results in a peer-reviewed journal and present at national and international conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021204371.

Download Full-text

The association of fracture risk in atrial fibrillation patients and long-term anticoagulant therapy category: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.10683 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e10683

Author(s):

Jun Chen ◽

Lingchun Lyu ◽

Jiayi Shen ◽

Chunlai Zeng ◽

Cheng Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Hip Fracture ◽

Fracture Risk ◽

Hip Fractures ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Hip Fracture Risk ◽

Significant Difference

Objective Our study aimed to assess the risk of all fractures and hip fractures in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who took non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared to warfarin. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library and Clinical Trials.gov Website. Reviewed related researches up to January 31, 2020, to identify studies with more than 12 months of follow-up data. The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO Number: CRD42020156893). Results We included five RCT studies, and five observational studies that contained a total of 326,846 patients in our meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that patients taken NOACs had no significant all fracture risk (RR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.81–1.01]) and hip fracture risk (RR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.82–1.03]) compared with those taken warfarin. Subanalysis showed that the risk of all fractures and hip fractures treated by NOACs were significant lower compared with warfarin in observational studies compared with RCT studies. Also, a subanalysis across the duration of anticoagulation showed the NOACs users have lower all fracture risk than warfarin users when the duration of anticoagulation ≤2 years (RR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.80–0.99]). Further analysis, significant lower all fracture risk in the rivaroxaban therapy (RR = 0.81; 95% CI [0.76–0.86]) compared with warfarin but no statistical significance in hip fracture. There were no significant difference of all fracture risk and hip fracture risk in dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban therapy compared with warfarin. Conclusion The meta-analysis demonstrated that NOACs associated with a significantly lower all fracture risk compared with warfarin when the duration of anticoagulation more than 2 years. Rivaroxaban users had lower risk of all fracture than warfarin users in AF patients. But there was no evidence to verify apixaban, edoxaban, and dabigatranin could decrease all fracture and hip fracture risk compared with warfarin.

Download Full-text

Global prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa and geographical variation—systematic review and meta-analysis

Biomedical Dermatology ◽

10.1186/s41702-019-0052-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kevin Phan ◽

Olivia Charlton ◽

Saxon D. Smith

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Significant Variation ◽

Hidradenitis Suppurativa ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Asia Pacific ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

The Usa

Abstract Background There is a significant variation in the reported prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), ranging from 0.03–4%. We hypothesized that this significant variation may be due to different prevalence rates of HS according to geographical location as well as sex. Objective We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to determine pooled overall prevalence of HS, prevalence stratified according to geographical region and sex. Materials and methods A systematic review was performed by searching Ovid Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, DARE, and Embase, from inception to August 2018. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed to determined pooled prevalence rates, with meta-regression based on geographic region. Prevalence in males versus females was also performed according to region. Results The overall pooled prevalence rate was 0.3% (0.2–0.6%) based on 118,760,093 HS cases available. Subgroup analysis demonstrated prevalence differences, with the highest being in Europe 0.8% (0.5–1.3%), compared to the USA 0.2% (0.1–0.4%), Asia-Pacific 0.2% (0.01–2.2%), and South America 0.2% (0.01–0.9%). Prevalence in males was lower compared to females in the USA (OR 0.403, 95% CI 0.37–0.439, P < 0.001) as well as in Europe (OR 0.635, 95% CI 0.397–1.015, P = 0.08) but not in the Asia-Pacific region (OR 0.936, 95% CI 0.319–2.751, P = 0.78). Conclusion Prevalence of HS varies significantly according to the geographical population. This variation is likely attributed to different ethnicity distributions amongst different continents. Level of evidence III

Download Full-text

Neighbourhood socioeconomic status and overweight/obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028238 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. e028238 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Shimels Hussien Mohammed ◽

Tesfa Dejenie Habtewold ◽

Mulugeta Molla Birhanu ◽

Tesfamichael Awoke Sissay ◽

Balewgizie Sileshi Tegegne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Neighbourhood Socioeconomic Status

ObjectiveLow neighbourhood socioeconomic status (NSES) has been linked to a higher risk of overweight/obesity, irrespective of the individual’s own socioeconomic status. No meta-analysis study has been done on the association. Thus, this study was done to synthesise the existing evidence on the association of NSES with overweight, obesity and body mass index (BMI).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Sciences and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published until 25 September 2019.Eligibility criteriaEpidemiological studies, both longitudinal and cross-sectional ones, which examined the link of NSES to overweight, obesity or BMI, were included.Data extraction and synthesisData extraction was done by two reviewers, working independently. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for the observational studies. The summary estimates of the relationships of NSES with overweight, obesity and BMI statuses were calculated with random-effects meta-analysis models. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. Subgroup analyses were done by age categories, continents, study designs and NSES measures. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger’s regression test.ResultA total of 21 observational studies, covering 1 244 438 individuals, were included in this meta-analysis. Low NSES, compared with high NSES, was found to be associated with a 31% higher odds of overweight (pooled OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.47, p<0.001), a 45% higher odds of obesity (pooled OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.74, p<0.001) and a 1.09 kg/m2 increase in mean BMI (pooled beta=1.09, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.50, p<0.001).ConclusionNSES disparity might be contributing to the burden of overweight/obesity. Further studies are warranted, including whether addressing NSES disparity could reduce the risk of overweight/obesity.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017063889

Download Full-text

Clinical Outcomes of Meniscal Allograft Transplantation With or Without Other Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546517726963 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 46 (12) ◽

pp. 3047-3056 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Bum-Sik Lee ◽

Hyun-Jung Kim ◽

Chang-Rack Lee ◽

Seong-Il Bin ◽

Dae-Hee Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Tibial Osteotomy ◽

Failure Rates ◽

Meniscal Allograft Transplantation ◽

Allograft Transplantation ◽

Meniscal Allograft ◽

Significant Difference

Background: While additional procedures correcting accompanying pathological conditions can improve the clinical outcomes of meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT), whether those outcomes are comparable or poorer than those of isolated MAT has yet to be clarified. Purpose: To evaluate whether there is a difference in clinical outcomes between isolated MAT and MAT combined with other procedures (combined MAT). Study Design: Meta-analysis and systematic review. Methods: For the comparison of clinical outcomes between isolated MAT and combined MAT, the authors searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies that separately reported the clinical outcomes of isolated MAT and combined MAT were included. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and complication, reoperation, survivorship, and failure rates. We conducted a meta-analysis of the PROs that were used in more than 3 studies. Results: A total of 24 studies were included in this study. In the meta-analysis, no significant differences in Lysholm scores (95% CI, –5.92 to 1.55; P = .25), Tegner activity scores (95% CI, –0.54 to 0.22; P = .41), International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scores (95% CI, –5.67 to 3.37; P = .62), and visual analog scale scores (95% CI, –0.15 to 0.94; P = .16) were observed between isolated MAT and combined MAT. For PROs that were not included in the meta-analysis, most studies reported no significant difference between the 2 groups. As for the survivorship and failure rates, studies showed varying outcomes. Four studies reported that additional procedures did not affect MAT failure or survivorship. However, 3 studies reported that ligament surgery, realignment osteotomy, and osteochondral autograft transfer were risk factors of failure. One study reported that the medial MAT group in which high tibial osteotomy was performed showed a higher survival rate than the isolated medial MAT group. Conclusion: Overall, there seems to be no significant difference between the postoperative PROs in terms of isolated MAT and combined MAT. However, more data are required to verify the effects of osteotomy and cartilage procedures on the clinical outcomes of MAT. We could not draw conclusions about the differences in complication, reoperation, survivorship, and failure rates between the 2 groups because we did not obtain sufficient data.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Spasticity After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2020.616097 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Huangling Zeng ◽

Jian Chen ◽

Yang Guo ◽

Sheng Tan

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Severe Spasticity

Background: Spasticity is a common sequela of stroke. The incidence of poststroke spasticity (PSS) has not been systematically reviewed in recent years, and some risk factors remain debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for PSS.Methods: We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WANFANG and CBM) inception to May 12, 2020. Observational studies summarizing the incidence or risk factors for PSS were included. Only cohort studies were enrolled in meta-analysis. For risk factors examined in at least three different studies, we combined effects into odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: One thousand four hundred sixty-seven studies were retrieved and 23 were involved in meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of spasticity after stroke was 25.3% and that after the first-ever stroke was 26.7%. The incidence of spasticity after the first-ever stroke with paresis was 39.5%. The prevalence of disabling or severe spasticity (MAS ≥ 3) in stroke patients with paresis was 9.4% (95% CI 0.056–0.133), and severe spasticity was 10.3% (95% CI 0.058–0.149). Moderate to severe paresis (OR = 6.573, 95% CI 2.579–16.755, I2 = 0.0%), hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.418–2.490, I2 = 27.3%) and sensory disorder were risk factors for PSS.Conclusions: The incidence of PSS was significantly higher in stroke patients with paresis. Patients with moderate to severe paresis and sensory disorder should be closely followed up. The role of hemorrhagic stroke in predicting PSS remains to be further explored.

Download Full-text

What Is the Clinical Evidence Supporting Trauma Team Training (TTT): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina55090551 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (9) ◽

pp. 551

Author(s):

Noonan ◽

Olaussen ◽

Mathew ◽

Mitra ◽

Smit ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Patient Outcomes ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Ct Scanning ◽

Trauma Team ◽

Team Training ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Medical Subject Headings ◽

Mesh Terms

Background and Objectives: Major trauma centres manage severely injured patients using multi-disciplinary teams but the evidence-base that targeted Trauma Team Training (TTT) improves patients’ outcomes is unclear. This systematic review aimed to identify the association between the implementation of TTT programs and patient outcomes. Methods: We searched OVID Medline, PubMed and The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) from the date of the database commencement until 10 of April 2019 for a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords relating to TTT and clinical outcomes. Reference lists of appraised studies were also screened for relevant articles. We extracted data on the study setting, type and details about the learners, as well as clinical outcomes of mortality and/or time to critical interventions. A meta-analysis of the association between TTT and mortality was conducted using a random effects model. Results: The search yielded 1136 unique records and abstracts, of which 18 full texts were reviewed. Nine studies met final inclusion, of which seven were included in a meta-analysis of the primary outcome. There were no randomised controlled trials. TTT was not associated with mortality (Pooled overall odds ratio (OR) 0.83; 95% Confidence Interval; 0.64–1.09). TTT was associated with improvements in time to operating theatre and time to first computerized tomography (CT) scanning. Conclusions: Despite few publications related to TTT, its introduction was associated with improvements in time to critical interventions. Whether such improvements can translate to improvements in patient outcomes remains unknown. Further research focusing on the translation of standardised trauma team reception “actions” into TTT is required to assess the association between TTT and patient outcome.

Download Full-text

Protein-Energy Wasting Assessment and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12092809 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 2809

Author(s):

Ban-Hock Khor ◽

Hui-Ci Tiong ◽

Shing Cheng Tan ◽

Raha Abdul Rahman ◽

Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Acute Kidney Injury ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Nutritional Assessment ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Protein Energy Wasting ◽

Nutritional Parameters ◽

Protein Energy

Nutritional assessment is essential to identify patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who are protein-energy wasting (PEW) and at risk of poor clinical outcomes. This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship of nutritional assessments for PEW with clinical outcomes in patients with AKI. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases using search terms related to PEW, nutrition assessment, and AKI to identify prospective cohort studies that involved AKI adult patients with at least one nutritional assessment performed and reported relevant clinical outcomes, such as mortality, length of stay, and renal outcomes associated with the nutritional parameters. Seventeen studies reporting eight nutritional parameters for PEW assessment were identified and mortality was the main clinical outcome reported. A meta-analysis showed that PEW assessed using subjective global assessment (SGA) was associated with greater mortality risk (RR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.36–2.91). Individual nutrition parameters, such as serum chemistry, body mass, muscle mass, and dietary intakes, were not consistently associated with mortality. In conclusion, SGA is a valid tool for PEW assessment in patients with AKI, while other nutrition parameters in isolation had limited validity for PEW assessment.

Download Full-text

Impact of trainee involvement in esophagectomy on clinical outcomes: a narrative systematic review of the literature

Diseases of the Esophagus ◽

10.1093/dote/doz063 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (10) ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

P Prasad ◽

M Navidi ◽

A Immanuel ◽

S M Griffin OBE ◽

A W Phillips

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Neoadjuvant Treatment ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

High Volume ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Published Data ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

SUMMARY Changes in the structure of surgical training have affected trainees’ operative experience. Performing an esophagectomy is being increasingly viewed as a complex technical skill attained after completion of the routine training pathway. This systematic review aimed to identify all studies analyzing the impact of trainee involvement in esophagectomy on clinical outcomes. A search of the major reference databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE) was performed with no time limits up to the date of the search (November 2017). Results were screened in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and study quality assessed using the MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies) criteria. Four studies that included a total of 42 trainees and 16 consultants were identified, which assessed trainee involvement in open esophagogastric resectional surgery. A total of 1109 patients underwent upper gastrointestinal procedures, of whom 904 patients underwent an esophagectomy. Preoperative characteristics, histology, neoadjuvant treatment, and overall length of hospital stay were comparable between groups. One study found higher rates of anastomotic leaks in procedures primarily performed by trainees as compared to consultants (P < 0.01)—this did not affect overall morbidity or survival; however, overall anastomotic leak rates from the published data were 10.4% (trainee) versus 6.3% (trainer) (P = 0.10). A meta-analysis could not be performed due to the heterogeneity of data. The median MINORS score for the included studies was 13 (range 11–15). This study demonstrates that training can be achieved with excellent results in high-volume centers. This has important implications on the consent process and training delivered, as patients wish to be aware of the risks involved with surgery and can be reassured that appropriately supervised trainee involvement will not adversely affect outcomes.

Download Full-text

Effect of ABCB1 Genotypes on the Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Outcomes of New Oral Anticoagulants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612824666181018153641 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 24 (30) ◽

pp. 3558-3565 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Qiufen Xie ◽

Qian Xiang ◽

Guangyan Mu ◽

Lingyue Ma ◽

Shuqing Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

New Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Maximum Plasma ◽

Minor Bleeding ◽

Nucleotide Polymorphisms

Background: New Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) are effective and widely used to prevent and treat thromboembolic diseases, but the response to NOACs differs according to ABCB1 genotypes. Objective: We investigated the effects of ABCB1 genotypes on the pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes of NOACs. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies on ABCB1 genotypes published from the inception of these databases until May 23, 2018. The Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) and Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated for continuous and dichotomous data, respectively. Summary results were calculated using a random effects model. Results: Ten studies involving 2609 individuals were included in the systematic review, and three studies involving 535 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, four ABCB1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the review. Carriers of the ABCB1 rs1045642 CC genotype had lower maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) than those of TT (WMD = −16.99 ng/mL; 95% CI = −33.39 to −0.59; P = 0.04), and carriers of the rs2032582 GG genotype showed lower Cmax than those of the A/T allele (WMD = −19.21 ng/mL; 95% CI = −36.62 to −1.80; P = 0.03). Carriers of the rs1045642 CC genotype showed lower area under the curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0–∞) than those of the T allele (WMD = −78.58 ng·h/mL; 95% CI = −151.14 to −6.01; P = 0.03). ABCB1 rs4148738 genotypes did not affect the risks of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (OR = 0.88), ischemic events (OR = 0.98), bleeding (OR = 0.94), major bleeding (OR = 1.14), or minor bleeding (OR = 0.94) in patients treated with dabigatran. Conclusion: Cmax was lower in carriers of ABCB1 rs1045642 CC than in those of TT and in carriers of rs2032582 GG than in those of the A/T allele, and AUC0–∞ was lower in carriers of rs1045642 CC than in those of TT. Conversely, ABCB1 rs4148738 genotypes did not affect primary clinical endpoints in dabigatran-administered patients. Future studies should analyze the relationships of ABCB1 genotypes with the pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes of specific NOACs.

Download Full-text

Abstract 118: Right Bundle Branch Block and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/circoutcomes.7.suppl_1.118 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 7 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ahmad Hazem ◽

Sunita Sharma ◽

Amit Sharma ◽

Cameron Leitch ◽

Roopalakshmi Sharadanant ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Cardiovascular Mortality ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Bundle Branch Block ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Patients With Heart Failure ◽

All Cause Mortality

Importance: Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is observed in approximately 5-14% of patients with heart failure (HF). Multiple observational studies have reported the association of RBBB with clinical outcomes in patients with HF. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prognostic significance of RBBB for patients with HF. Data Sources: We have systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science and Scopus through January 2014. Study Selection: Reviewers working independently and in duplicate screened all eligible abstracts that described all cause or cardiovascular mortality in patients with RBBB and HF. We excluded studies that reported unadjusted outcome, i.e.: unadjusted event rates. Knowledge synthesis: We pooled reported risk ratio and hazard ratio. Main Outcomes: All-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality (death). Results: We found 12 relevant observational studies enrolling over 38,000 patients. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Included studies had at least a moderate quality. Seven of those evaluated prognosis of patients with RBBB and heart failure. After a mean follow up period of 2.5 years (range: 1-5 years), RBBB was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to patients with heart failure but no BBB, RR 1.27, 95% CI (1.08-1.50), Figure 1. The other 5 studies evaluated CHF patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), comparing outcomes of patients with RBBB to those with LBBB. After a mean f/u period of 3 years, patients with RBBB were once again found to have an increased risk of all-cause mortality, RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12-1.89. Conclusion and Relevance: RBBB in patients with HF is associated with higher all-cause mortality in comparison to patients without inter-ventricular conduction defects, as well as LBBB patients in patients undergoing CRT setting.

Download Full-text