scholarly journals Accuracy of plain radiography in detecting fractures in older individuals after low-energy falls: current evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000560
Author(s):  
Vera Pedersen ◽  
Alina Lampart ◽  
Roland Bingisser ◽  
Christian Hans Nickel
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Pelvic Ring ◽  
Plain Radiography ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Ct Examination

BackgroundOlder individuals sustaining low-energy falls (LEF) and presenting to the emergency department (ED) demand straightforward diagnostic measures for injury detection. Plain radiography (XR) series for diagnosis of fall-related injuries are standard of care, but frequently subsequent CT examination is required for diagnostic assurance. A systematic database search of diagnostic accuracy of XR for detection of fractures in older LEF patients was performed.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WHO International Clinical Trial Platform, and Clinical trials.gov databases from inception to January 2020 for studies including older patients (≥65 years) with LEF and obtaining CT examination and XR of the skeleton in an ED setting.ResultsFrom 8944 references screened, 11 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Performance of XR for detection of fractures of the pelvic ring and hip was analyzed in nine studies, two studies investigated XR performance to detect rib fractures, and two studies compared diagnostic accuracy of thoracolumbar spine XR. Sensitivity estimates ranged from 10% to 58% and specificity estimates from 55% to 100%. Clinical and statistical heterogeneity was significant among included studies, with an overall considerable risk of bias.DiscussionHigh-quality evidence on accurate imaging strategies in older patients with LEF is lacking to date. XR is missing a reasonable amount of fractures of the pelvic ring, rib cage, and thoracic and lumbar spine. However, the utility of first-line CT imaging and the benefit of diagnosing every fracture is unknown, demanding high-quality prospective trials considering patient-oriented outcome as well.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Fractures and Diagnostic Accuracy of Emergency X-ray in Older Adults Sustaining a Low-Energy Fall: A Retrospective Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alina Lampart ◽  
Isabelle Arnold ◽  
Nina Mäder ◽  
Sandra Niedermeier ◽  
Armin Escher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Pelvic Ring ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Fracture Detection ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Body Regions

Background: Plain radiography (XR) series are standard of care for detection of fall-related fractures in older patients with low-energy falls (LEF) in the emergency department (ED). We have investigated the prevalence of fractures and diagnostic accuracy of XR imaging in the ED. Methods: 2839 patients with LEF, who were presented to two urban level I trauma centers in 2016 and received XR and computed tomography (CT), were consecutively included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of fractures of the vertebral column, rib cage, pelvic ring, and proximal long bones. Secondary endpoints were diagnostic accuracy of XR for fracture detection with CT as reference standard and cumulative radiation doses applied. Results: Median age was 82 years (range 65–105) with 64.1% female patients. Results revealed that 585/2839 (20.6%) patients sustained fractures and 452/2839 (15.9%) patients received subsequent XR and CT examinations of single body regions. Cross-tabulation analysis revealed sensitivity of XR of 49.7%, a positive likelihood ratio of 27.6, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.5. Conclusions: XR is of moderate diagnostic accuracy for ruling-out fractures of the spine, pelvic ring, and rib cage in older patients with LEF. Prospective validations are required to investigate the overall risk–benefit of direct CT imaging strategies, considering the trade-off between diagnostic safety, health care costs, and radiation exposure.

scholarly journals Use of Statin Therapy to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Older Patients

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. K. Wenger ◽  
S. J. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Statin Therapy ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Perceived Safety ◽  
Current Guidelines

Background. Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of mortality in older individuals, and more than 80% of deaths due to coronary heart disease or stroke occur in patients over 65 years of age. Hyperlipidemia is one of the main modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Current guidelines recommend the use of statins to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to appropriate targets based on an individual's cardiovascular risk, and clearly state that older age should not be a barrier to treatment. Despite extensive evidence demonstrating clear benefit with statin therapy in older individuals, this population remains chronically undertreated.Scope. This paper provides an overview of the current evidence available regarding the efficacy and safety of statin therapy to reduce cardiovascular risk in older patients. We use hypothetical case studies to address some of the questions frequently posed by physicians responsible for the cardiovascular health of older patients.Conclusions. Various factors may account for the failure to provide appropriate treatment, including a lack of awareness of clinical benefits and perceived safety issues. However, if current guidelines are followed and older patients treated to appropriate LDL-C goals, the likelihood of cardiovascular events will be reduced in this high-risk population. Employing an evidence-based approach to the management of cardiovascular risk in older patients is likely to yield benefits in terms of overall cardiovascular burden.

scholarly journals Diabetes mellitus and the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 1141-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi-Yang Yao ◽  
Cai-Qi Jiang ◽  
Gen-Lai Jia ◽  
Gang Chen
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Relative Risks

Objective This systematic review aimed to define the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Methods Studies associated with DM and aSAH published until March 2016 were retrieved from Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. A random-effects model was used to calculate the relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Eighteen observational studies were retrieved. The overall RRs for DM and aSAH were RRs = 0.59 (0.44, 0.79), with moderate heterogeneity ( I2 = 55.7%, Pheterogeneity = 0.000). Subgroup analysis by study quality revealed a reduced association between DM and aSAH risk in high quality studies only (RRs = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.56; I2 = 0.0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.549), therefore study quality may be a source of heterogeneity. Conclusion A potential decreased risk of aSAH in DM patients was found in high quality studies. Further studies are required to confirm this causal relationship and to investigate the biological mechanisms.

Current Concepts on Tissue Adhesive Use for Meniscal Repair—We Are Not There Yet: A Systematic Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110036
Author(s):  
Niv Marom ◽  
Gabriella Ode ◽  
Francesca Coxe ◽  
Bridget Jivanelli ◽  
Scott A. Rodeo
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Primary Repair ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Meniscal Repair ◽  
Tissue Adhesive ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Meniscal Tears ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Promising Alternative

Background: Tissue adhesives (TAs) represent a promising alternative or augmentation method to conventional tissue repair techniques. In sports medicine, TA use has been suggested and implemented in the treatment of meniscal tears. The aim of this review was to present and discuss the current evidence and base of knowledge regarding the clinical usage of TAs for meniscal repair. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies reporting on clinical outcomes of TA usage for meniscal repair in humans in the English language published before January 2020. Results: Ten studies were eligible for review and included 352 meniscal repairs: 94 (27%) were TA-based repairs and 258 (73%) were combined suture and TA repairs. Concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed in 224 repairs (64%). All included studies utilized fibrin-based TA. Of the 10 studies, 9 were evidence level 4 (case series), and 8 reported on a cohort of ≤40 meniscal repairs. Rates of meniscal healing were evaluated in 9 of 10 studies, with repair failure seen in 39 repairs (11%). Conclusion: The use of TAs, specifically fibrin-based TAs, for meniscal repair shows good results as either an augmentation or primary repair of various configurations of meniscal tears. However, this review reveals an absence of comparative high-quality evidence supporting the routine use of TAs for meniscal repair and emphasizes the lack of an ideal TA designed for that purpose. Further high-quality research, basic science and clinical, will facilitate the development of new materials and enable testing their suitability for use in meniscal repair.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Accuracy of Smartphone-Based Audiometry for Hearing Loss Detection: Meta-analysis (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Hao Chen ◽  
Heng-Yu Haley Lin ◽  
Mao-Che Wang ◽  
Yuan-Chia Chu ◽  
Chun-Yu Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

BACKGROUND Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities worldwide and affects both individual and public health. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard for hearing assessment, but it is often not available in many settings, given its high cost and demand for human resources. Smartphone-based audiometry may be equally effective and can improve access to adequate hearing evaluations. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the current evidence of the role of smartphone-based audiometry in hearing assessments and further explore the factors that influence its diagnostic accuracy. METHODS Five databases—PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus—were queried to identify original studies that examined the diagnostic accuracy of hearing loss measurement using smartphone-based devices with conventional PTA as a reference test. A bivariate random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled sensitivity and specificity. The factors associated with diagnostic accuracy were identified using a bivariate meta-regression model. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. RESULTS In all, 25 studies with a total of 4470 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for smartphone-based audiometry were 89% (95% CI 83%-93%), 93% (95% CI 87%-97%), and 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.97), respectively; the corresponding values for the smartphone-based speech recognition test were 91% (95% CI 86%-94%), 88% (95% CI 75%-94%), and 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.95), respectively. Meta-regression analysis revealed that patient age, equipment used, and the presence of soundproof booths were significantly related to diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSIONS We have presented comprehensive evidence regarding the effectiveness of smartphone-based tests in diagnosing hearing loss. Smartphone-based audiometry may serve as an accurate and accessible approach to hearing evaluations, especially in settings where conventional PTA is unavailable.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Accuracy of Smartphone-Based Audiometry for Hearing Loss Detection: Meta-analysis

10.2196/28378 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e28378
Author(s):  
Chih-Hao Chen ◽  
Heng-Yu Haley Lin ◽  
Mao-Che Wang ◽  
Yuan-Chia Chu ◽  
Chun-Yu Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities worldwide and affects both individual and public health. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard for hearing assessment, but it is often not available in many settings, given its high cost and demand for human resources. Smartphone-based audiometry may be equally effective and can improve access to adequate hearing evaluations. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the current evidence of the role of smartphone-based audiometry in hearing assessments and further explore the factors that influence its diagnostic accuracy. Methods Five databases—PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus—were queried to identify original studies that examined the diagnostic accuracy of hearing loss measurement using smartphone-based devices with conventional PTA as a reference test. A bivariate random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled sensitivity and specificity. The factors associated with diagnostic accuracy were identified using a bivariate meta-regression model. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Results In all, 25 studies with a total of 4470 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for smartphone-based audiometry were 89% (95% CI 83%-93%), 93% (95% CI 87%-97%), and 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.97), respectively; the corresponding values for the smartphone-based speech recognition test were 91% (95% CI 86%-94%), 88% (95% CI 75%-94%), and 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.95), respectively. Meta-regression analysis revealed that patient age, equipment used, and the presence of soundproof booths were significantly related to diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions We have presented comprehensive evidence regarding the effectiveness of smartphone-based tests in diagnosing hearing loss. Smartphone-based audiometry may serve as an accurate and accessible approach to hearing evaluations, especially in settings where conventional PTA is unavailable.

scholarly journals Diagnostic value of transcranial ultrasonography for selecting subjects with large vessel occlusion: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Antipova ◽  
Leila Eadie ◽  
Ashish Stephen Macaden ◽  
Philip Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Clinical Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Direct Transfer ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion

Abstract Introduction A number of pre-hospital clinical assessment tools have been developed to triage subjects with acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) to a specialised endovascular centre, but their false negative rates remain high leading to inappropriate and costly emergency transfers. Transcranial ultrasonography may represent a valuable pre-hospital tool for selecting patients with LVO who could benefit from rapid transfer to a dedicated centre. Methods Diagnostic accuracy of transcranial ultrasonography in acute stroke was subjected to systematic review. Medline, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library were searched. Published articles reporting diagnostic accuracy of transcranial ultrasonography in comparison to a reference imaging method were selected. Studies reporting estimates of diagnostic accuracy were included in the meta-analysis. Results Twenty-seven published articles were selected for the systematic review. Transcranial Doppler findings, such as absent or diminished blood flow signal in a major cerebral artery and asymmetry index ≥ 21% were shown to be suggestive of LVO. It demonstrated sensitivity ranging from 68 to 100% and specificity of 78–99% for detecting acute steno-occlusive lesions. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.91. Transcranial ultrasonography can also detect haemorrhagic foci, however, its application is largely restricted by lesion location. Conclusions Transcranial ultrasonography might potentially be used for the selection of subjects with acute LVO, to help streamline patient care and allow direct transfer to specialised endovascular centres. It can also assist in detecting haemorrhagic lesions in some cases, however, its applicability here is largely restricted. Additional research should optimize the scanning technique. Further work is required to demonstrate whether this diagnostic approach, possibly combined with clinical assessment, could be used at the pre-hospital stage to justify direct transfer to a regional thrombectomy centre in suitable cases.

scholarly journals Appraisal of systematic reviews on interventions for postpartum depression: systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Chow ◽  
Eileen Huang ◽  
Allen Li ◽  
Sophie Li ◽  
Sarah Y. Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Measurement Tool

Abstract Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is a highly prevalent mental health problem that affects parental health with implications for child health in infancy, childhood, adolescence and beyond. The primary aim of this study was to critically appraise available systematic reviews describing interventions for PPD. The secondary aim was to evaluate the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews and their conclusions. Methods An electronic database search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from 2000 to 2020 was conducted to identify systematic reviews that examined an intervention for PPD. A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews was utilized to independently score each included systematic review which was then critically appraised to better define the most effective therapeutic options for PPD. Results Of the 842 studies identified, 83 met the a priori criteria for inclusion. Based on the systematic reviews with the highest methodological quality, we found that use of antidepressants and telemedicine were the most effective treatments for PPD. Symptoms of PPD were also improved by traditional herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Current evidence for physical exercise and cognitive behavioural therapy in treating PPD remains equivocal. A significant, but weak relationship between AMSTAR score and journal impact factor was observed (p = 0.03, r = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.43) whilst no relationship was found between the number of total citations (p = 0.27, r = 0.12; 95% CI, − 0.09 to 0.34), or source of funding (p = 0.19). Conclusion Overall the systematic reviews on interventions for PPD are of low-moderate quality and are not improving over time. Antidepressants and telemedicine were the most effective therapeutic interventions for PPD treatment.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Role of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in Prostate Cancer Staging: A Systematic Review

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 552
Author(s):  
Salam Awenat ◽  
Arnoldo Piccardo ◽  
Patricia Carvoeiras ◽  
Giovanni Signore ◽  
Luca Giovanella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Metastatic Disease ◽  
Cancer Staging ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Pet Ct

Background: The use of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted agents for staging prostate cancer (PCa) patients using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasing worldwide. We performed a systematic review on the role of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa staging to provide evidence-based data in this setting. Methods: A comprehensive computer literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases for studies using 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa staging was performed until 31 December 2020. Eligible articles were selected and relevant information was extracted from the original articles by two authors independently. Results: Eight articles (369 patients) evaluating the role of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa staging were selected. These studies were quite heterogeneous, but, overall, they demonstrated a good diagnostic accuracy of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in detecting PCa lesions at staging. Overall, higher primary PCa aggressiveness was associated with higher 18F-PSMA-1007 uptake. When compared with other radiological and scintigraphic imaging methods, 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT had superior sensitivity in detecting metastatic disease and the highest inter-reader agreement. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT showed similar results in terms of diagnostic accuracy for PCa staging compared with PET/CT with other PSMA-targeted tracers. Dual imaging with multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT may improve staging of primary PCa. Notably, 18F-PSMA-1007-PET/CT may detect metastatic disease in a significant number of patients with negative standard imaging. Conclusions: 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT demonstrated a good accuracy in PCa staging, with similar results compared with other PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals. This method could substitute bone scintigraphy and conventional abdominal imaging for PCa staging. Prospective multicentric studies are needed to confirm these findings.

scholarly journals Comparison of the effectiveness of sacrospinous ligament fixation and sacrocolpopexy: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenju Zhang ◽  
Willy Cecilia Cheon ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Xiaozhong Wang ◽  
Yuzhen Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operative Time ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Sacrospinous Ligament ◽  
Gastrointestinal Complications ◽  
Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation ◽  
Apical Support ◽  
Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis Sacrocolpopexy and sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) have been used for the restoration of apical support. Studies comparing sacrocolpopexy and SSLF have reported conflicting results. We aim to assess the current evidence regarding efficiency and the complications of sacrocolpopexy compared with SSLF. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library and performed a systematic review meta-analysis to assess the two surgical approaches. Results 5Five randomized controlled trials, 8 retrospective studies, and 2 prospective studies including 4,120 cases were identified. Compared with abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), SSLF was associated with a lower success rate (88.32% and 91.45%; OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.29–0.95; p = 0.03), higher recurrence (11.58% and 8.32%; OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.04–3.46; p = 0.04), and dyspareunia rate (14.36% and 4.67%; OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.28–7.50; p = 0.01). Patients in this group may benefit from shorter operative time (weighted mean difference −25.08 min; 95% CI −42.29 to −7.88; p = 0.004), lower hemorrhage rate (0.85% and 2.58%; OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.25–0.85; p = 0.009), wound infection rate (3.30% and 5.76%; OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.39–0.77; p = 0.0005), and fewer gastrointestinal complications (1.33% and 6.19%; OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.15–0.76; p = 0.009). Conclusion Both sacrocolpopexy and SSLF offer an efficient alternative to the restoration of apical support. When anatomical durability and sexual function is a priority, ASC may be the preferred option. When considering factors of mesh erosion, operative time, gastrointestinal complications, hemorrhage, and wound infections, SSLF may be the better option.

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