Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy, an alternative to ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose vein treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 369-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng Y Lim ◽  
Joshua XD Tan ◽  
Reuban T D’Cruz ◽  
Nicholas Syn ◽  
Tze T Chong ◽  
...  

Purpose Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy is a new addition to the treatment modalities available for varicose veins. As a modification of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy has been purported to offer higher complete ablation rates and an improved safety profile. The aim of this study is to appraise the current literature on the outcomes of catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy compared to ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in chronic venous insufficiency. Methods The review of the literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data from studies that reported the outcomes of catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy were extracted, to determine the pooled proportion of complete ablation rates, using a random effect meta-analysis model. Results A total of 62 studies, involving 3689 patients, were included in the systematic review. Higher rates of complete ablation were reported in catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy compared to ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy during the short- and medium-term follow-ups (Relative Risk = 1.06, Relative Risk = 1.15, Relative Risk = 1.19, p < 0.05). Fewer major and minor complications were also reported in patients who underwent catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy (Relative Risk = 0.23, Relative Risk= 0.43–0.76, p < 0.05). Conclusion Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy has been demonstrated to have many advantages over ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, offering superior complete ablation rates in the short-, medium- and long-term follow-ups. It also has a better safety profile, conferring a lower risk of major and minor complications. The conclusions should however be viewed in the context of significant limitations imposed by limited study data.

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 952-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia G R Neri ◽  
Juliana S Oliveira ◽  
Amabile B Dario ◽  
Ricardo M Lima ◽  
Anne Tiedemann

Abstract Background Recent investigations suggest that obesity may be associated with an increased risk of falls; however, this theory has yet to be definitively confirmed. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the strength of the association between obesity and falls, multiple falls, fall-related injuries, and fall-related fractures among older adults. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify observational studies that assessed the association between obesity and fall-related outcomes in participants aged 60 years and older. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and quality assessment. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using random effect meta-analyses. Results Thirty-one studies including a total of 1,758,694 participants were selected from 7,815 references. Pooled estimates showed that obese older adults have an increased risk of falls compared with nonobese counterparts (24 studies; relative risk: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.07–1.26; I2: 90%). Obesity was also associated with an increased risk of multiple falls (four studies; relative risk: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.08–1.29; I2: 0%). There was no evidence, however, of an association between obesity and fall-related injuries (seven studies; relative risk: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.92–1.18; I2: 65%). Fall-related fractures were reported in only one study, which demonstrated a lower risk of hip fracture with obesity (odds ratio: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.63–0.68). Conclusions Obesity increases the risk of falls and multiple falls in people aged 60 years and older; however, there is insufficient evidence of an association with fall-related injuries or fractures. Prevention and treatment of obesity may play a role in preventing falls in older age.


2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 282-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine N Huynh ◽  
Janina V Pearce ◽  
Le Kang ◽  
Francesco S Celi

Abstract Context Weight gain is a major driver of dissatisfaction and decreased quality of life in patients with hypothyroidism. Data on the changes in body weight following thyroidectomy are conflicting. Objective To perform a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of weight changes following total thyroidectomy. Data Sources Literature search on PubMed. Study Selection Studies in English published between September 1998 and May 2018 reporting post-thyroidectomy weight changes. Data extraction Data were reviewed and compared by 3 investigators; discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Meta-analyses were performed using fixed and random effect models. Univariable and multivariable meta-regression models for weight change were implemented against study follow-up, gender, and age. Exploratory subgroup analyses were performed for indication for surgery. Data Synthesis Seventeen studies (3164 patients) with 23.8 ± 23.6 months follow-up were included. Severe heterogeneity across studies was observed. Using a random effect model, the estimated overall weight change was a gain of 2.13 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI; 0.95, 3.30). Age was negatively associated with weight change (β = -0.238, P &lt; 0.001). In subgroup analyses, weight gain was more evident in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism: 5.19 kg, 95% CI (3.21, 7.17) vs goiter or malignancy 1.55 kg, 95% CI (0.82, 2.27) and 1.30 kg, 95% CI (0.45, 2.15), respectively. Conclusions Patients undergoing thyroidectomy experience possible mild weight gain, particularly younger individuals and those with hyperthyroidism as the indication for surgery. Prospective studies directed to assess the pathophysiology of weight gain post-thyroidectomy, and to test novel treatment modalities, are needed to better characterize post-thyroidectomy weight changes.


Dermatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 236 (6) ◽  
pp. 493-499
Author(s):  
Igor Snast ◽  
Eran Sharon ◽  
Ran Kaftory ◽  
Yehonatan Noyman ◽  
Meital Oren-Shabtai ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Surgery is commonly regarded as the mainstay of treatment of extramammary Paget disease (EMPD)<b><i>;</i></b> however, nonsurgical approaches have gained popularity in recent years. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To review the published evidence for the efficacy and safety of nonsurgical modes of therapy for EMPD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A systematic review and meta-analysis of nonsurgical EMPD treatments was performed. The primary outcome was complete response (CR); secondary outcomes were clinical regression by ≥50%, adverse events, and recurrence rate. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The systematic review included 43 observational studies (341 patients; 7 prospective cohort studies, 19 retrospective cohort studies, and 17 cases series) evaluating 5 treatment modalities. Imiquimod (13 studies, 110 patients) administered at variable doses ranging from daily to twice weekly for 2–56 weeks demonstrated CR of 54% (95% CI, 40–67%; <i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 37%) and had a satisfactory safety profile. In 14 heterogeneous studies (122 patients) evaluating photodynamic therapy (PDT), only 36% (95% CI, 22–53%; <i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 52%) of patients achieved CR. Radiotherapy (12 studies, 67 patients) showed CR of 97%, but was associated with local and systemic side effects. Ablative lasers and topical fluorouracil and calcipotriene lacked adequate evidence of efficacy. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Imiquimod and radiotherapy are the most appropriate nonsurgical modalities for EMPD treatment given their good efficacy and safety profile. PDT has limited efficacy but may be appropriate in selected clinical settings.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 651
Author(s):  
Shih-Yi Lin ◽  
Cherry Yin-Yi Chang ◽  
Cheng-Chieh Lin ◽  
Wu-Huei Hsu ◽  
I.-Wen Liu ◽  
...  

Background: The evidence indicates that the optimal observation period following renal biopsy ranges between 6 and 8 h. This systematic review and meta-analysis explored whether differences exist in the complication rates of renal biopsies performed in outpatient and inpatient settings. Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1985 to February 2020. Two reviewers independently selected studies evaluating the bleeding risk from renal biopsies performed in outpatient and inpatient settings and reviewed their full texts. The primary and secondary outcomes were risks of bleeding and major events (including mortality) following the procedure, respectively. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the original study design (i.e., prospective or retrospective). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effect meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Results: Data from all 10 eligible studies, which included a total of 1801 patients and 203 bleeding events, were included for analysis. Renal biopsies in outpatient settings were not associated with a higher bleeding risk than those in inpatient settings (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.59–1.11; I2 = 0%). The risk of major events was also comparable across both groups (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.16–1.29; I2 = 4%). Conclusions: Similar rates of bleeding and major events following renal biopsy in outpatient and inpatient settings were observed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adineh Jafarzadeh ◽  
Alireza Mahboub-Ahari ◽  
Moslem Najafi ◽  
Mahmood Yousefi ◽  
Koustuv Dalal

Abstract Background Irrational household storage of medicines is a world-wide problem, which triggers medicine wastage as well as its associated harms. This study aimed to include all available evidences from literature to perform a focused examination of the prevalence and factors associated with medicine storage and wastage among urban households. This systematic review and meta-analysis mapped the existing literature on the burden, outcomes, and affective socio-economic factors of medicine storage among urban households. In addition, this study estimated pooled effect sizes for storage and wastage rates. Methods Household surveys evaluating modality, size, costs, and affective factors of medicines storage at home were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, SCOPUS, ProQuest, and Google scholar databases in 2019. Random effect meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were used to pool effect sizes for medicine storage and wastage prevalence among different geographical regions. Results From the 2604 initial records, 20 studies were selected for systematic review and 16 articles were selected for meta-analysis. An overall pooled-prevalence of medicine storage and real wastage rate was 77 and 15%, respectively. In this regard, some significant differences were observed between geographical regions. Southwest Asia region had the highest storage and wastage rates. The most common classes of medicines found in households belonged to the Infective agents for systemic (17.4%) and the Nervous system (16.4%). Moreover, income, education, age, the presence of chronic illness, female gender, and insurance coverage were found to be associated with higher home storage. The most commonly used method of disposal was throwing them in the garbage. Conclusions Factors beyond medical needs were also found to be associated with medicine storage, which urges effective strategies in the supply and demand side of the medicine consumption chain. The first necessary step to mitigate home storage is establishing an adequate legislation and strict enforcement of regulations on dispensing, prescription, and marketing of medicines. Patient’s pressure on excessive prescription, irrational storage, and use of medicines deserve efficient community-centered programs, in order to increase awareness on these issues. So, hazardous consequences of inappropriate disposal should be mitigated by different take back programs, particularly in low and middle income countries.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e040061
Author(s):  
Getinet Ayano ◽  
Asmare Belete ◽  
Bereket Duko ◽  
Light Tsegay ◽  
Berihun Assefa Dachew

ObjectivesTo assess the global prevalence estimates of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and major depressive disorders (MDDs) among homeless people.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesDatabases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched up to February 2020 to identify relevant studies that have reported data on the prevalence of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and MDDs among homeless people.Eligibility criteriaOriginal epidemiological studies written in English that addressed the prevalence of depressive problems among homeless people.Data extraction and synthesisA random-effect meta-analysis was performed to pool the prevalence estimated from individual studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed to compare the prevalence across the groups as well as to identify the source of heterogeneities. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s quality assessment checklist was used to measure the study quality. Cochran’s Q and the I2 test were used to assess heterogeneity between the studies.ResultsForty publications, including 17 215 participants, were included in the final analysis. This meta-analysis demonstrated considerably higher prevalence rates of depressive symptoms 46.72% (95% CI 37.77% to 55.90%), dysthymia 8.25% (95% CI 4.79% to 11.86%), as well as MDDs 26.24% (95% CI 21.02% to 32.22%) among homeless people. Our subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms was high among younger homeless people (<25 years of age), whereas the prevalence of MDD was high among older homeless people (>50 years of age) when compared with adults (25–50 years).ConclusionThis review showed that nearly half, one-fourth and one-tenth of homeless people are suffering from depressive symptoms, dysthymia and MDDs, respectively, which are notably higher than the reported prevalence rates in the general population. The findings suggest the need for appropriate mental health prevention and treatment strategies for this population group.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
David Núñez-Fuentes ◽  
Esteban Obrero-Gaitán ◽  
Noelia Zagalaz-Anula ◽  
Alfonso Javier Ibáñez-Vera ◽  
Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa ◽  
...  

Balance problems are one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). However, the extent and nature of this balance disorder are not known. The objective of this work was to determine the best evidence for the alteration of postural balance in patients with FMS and analyze differences with healthy controls. To meet this objective, a systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. A bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and SciELO. Observational studies that assessed postural balance in patients with FMS compared to healthy subjects in baseline conditions, were selected. In a random-effect model, the pooled effect was calculated with the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Nineteen studies reporting data of 2347 participants (95% female) were included. FMS patients showed poor balance with a large effect on static (SMD = 1.578; 95% CI = 1.164, 1.992), dynamic (SMD = 0.946; 95% CI = 0.598, 1.294), functional balance (SMD = 1.138; 95% CI = 0.689, 1.588) and on balance confidence (SMD = 1.194; 95% CI = 0.914, 1.473). Analysis of the Sensory Organization Test showed large alteration of vestibular (SMD = 1.631; 95% CI = 0.467, 2.795) and visual scores (SMD = 1.317; 95% CI = 0.153, 2.481) compared to healthy controls. Patients with FMS showed worse scores for different measures of postural balance compared to healthy controls. Concretely, FMS patients appear to have poor vestibular and visual scores with a possible somatosensory dependence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Atlaw ◽  
Yohannes Tekalegn ◽  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
Kenbon Seyoum ◽  
Damtew Solomon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of disorders that arise from the failure of the neural tube close between 21 and 28 days after conception. About 90% of neural tube defects and 95% of death due to these defects occurs in low-income countries. Since these NTDs cause considerable morbidity and mortality, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of NTDs in Africa. Methods The protocol of this study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO number: CRD42020149356). All major databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar search engine were systematically searched. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa, and Cochran’s Q-statistics and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Begg ’s tests, and the association between determinant factors and NTDs was estimated using a random-effect model. Results Of the total 2679 articles, 37 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was 50.71 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 48.03, 53.44). Folic acid supplementation (AOR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19–0.85), maternal exposure to pesticide (AOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.04–10.39), mothers with a previous history of stillbirth (AOR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.99–5.65) and maternal exposure to x-ray radiation (AOR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.27–4.31) were found to be determinants of NTDs. Conclusions The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was found to be high. Maternal exposure to pesticides and x-ray radiation were significantly associated with NTDs. Folic acid supplementation before and within the first month of pregnancy was found to be a protective factor for NTDs.


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