scholarly journals Falls as One of the Atypical Presentations of COVID-19 in Older Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215145932199661
Author(s):  
Karolina Gawronska ◽  
Jacek Lorkowski

Introduction: Studies revealed COVID-19 atypical symptoms such as falls, delirium, confusion, dizziness, unusual fatigue in older patients. Falls in the older population and their consequences are one of the leading causes of disability; they significantly reduce the quality of life and lead to loss of independence and impaired social functioning. The aim of this study is to present the possible correlation between COVID-19 and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in particular the occurrence of fall-related injuries. Significance: This article highlights the importance of falls as one of the atypical symptoms of COVID-19 infection in older adults, which is not directly associated with infection and could be misinterpreted. Methods: The conducted meta-analysis is based on a review of the scientific literature available in English, French, Dutch, Polish in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, PEDro, GBL databases from December 1, 2019 to July 30, 2020, covering Clinical Trial, Randomized Controlled Trial, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Reviews and Case Reports. The following keywords were taken into account: fall, (hip/pertrochanteric/proximal femur) fracture, aged and COVID-19. Twenty-seven references were accepted for final analysis. Results: It was found that symptoms such as falls observed in the older adults can be associated with COVID-19 infection. Falls and slips are also the most common mechanism for hip fracture during the pandemic outbreak. Conclusions: According to authors of this study, atypical presentations of COVID-19 should be considered when screening and testing the people at increased risk due to their age. However, further prospective studies are urgently needed to investigate the possible correlation between COVID-19 and falls in older adults.

PLoS Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. e1003524
Author(s):  
Latha Velayudhan ◽  
Katie McGoohan ◽  
Sagnik Bhattacharyya

Background Cannabinoid-based medicines (CBMs) are being used widely in the elderly. However, their safety and tolerability in older adults remains unclear. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of safety and tolerability of CBMs in adults of age ≥50 years. Methods and findings A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL PsychInfo, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov (1 January 1990 to 3 October 2020). Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of CBMs in those with mean age of ≥50 years for all indications, evaluating the safety/tolerability of CBMs where adverse events have been quantified, were included. Study quality was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) criteria and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Two reviewers conducted all review stages independently. Where possible, data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Effect sizes were calculated as incident rate ratio (IRR) for outcome data such as adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and death and risk ratio (RR) for withdrawal from study and reported separately for studies using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THC:cannabidiol (CBD) combination, and CBD. A total of 46 RCTs were identified as suitable for inclusion of which 31 (67%) were conducted in the United Kingdom and Europe. There were 6,216 patients (mean age 58.6 ± 7.5 years; 51% male) included in the analysis, with 3,469 receiving CBMs. Compared with controls, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing CBMs significantly increased the incidence of all-cause and treatment-related AEs: THC alone (IRR: 1.42 [95% CI, 1.12 to 1.78]) and (IRR: 1.60 [95% CI, 1.26 to 2.04]); THC:CBD combination (IRR: 1.58 [95% CI,1.26 to 1.98]) and (IRR: 1.70 [95% CI,1.24 to 2.33]), respectively. IRRs of SAEs and deaths were not significantly greater under CBMs containing THC with or without CBD. THC:CBD combination (RR: 1.40 [95% CI, 1.08 to 1.80]) but not THC alone (RR: 1.18 [95% CI, 0.89 to 1.57]) significantly increased risk of AE-related withdrawals. CBD alone did not increase the incidence of all-cause AEs (IRR: 1.02 [95% CI, 0.90 to 1.16]) or other outcomes as per qualitative synthesis. AE-related withdrawals were significantly associated with THC dose in THC only [QM (df = 1) = 4.696, p = 0.03] and THC:CBD combination treatment ([QM (df = 1) = 4.554, p = 0.033]. THC-containing CBMs significantly increased incidence of dry mouth, dizziness/light-headedness, and somnolence/drowsiness. Study limitations include inability to fully exclude data from those <50 years of age in our primary analyses as well as limitations related to weaknesses in the included trials particularly incomplete reporting of outcomes and heterogeneity in included studies. Conclusions This pooled analysis, using data from RCTs with mean participant age ≥50 years, suggests that although THC-containing CBMs are associated with side effects, CBMs in general are safe and acceptable in older adults. However, THC:CBD combinations may be less acceptable in the dose ranges used and their tolerability may be different in adults over 65 or 75 years of age.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (44) ◽  
pp. 5739-5745
Author(s):  
Jieqiong Guan ◽  
Wenjing Song ◽  
Pan He ◽  
Siyu Fan ◽  
Hong Zhi ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a drug-eluting stent. Background: The optimal duration of DAPT to balance the risk of ischemia and bleeding in CAD patients undergoing drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation remains controversial. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, CNKI and Wanfang Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of comparing different durations of DAPT after DES implantation. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and major bleeding, and were pooled by Bayes network meta-analysis. Net adverse clinical and cerebral events were used to estimate the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curves. The subgroup analysis based on clinical status, follow-up and area was conducted using traditional pairwise meta-analysis. Results: A total of nineteen trials (n=51,035) were included, involving six duration strategies. The network metaanalysis showed that T2 (<6-month DAPT followed by aspirin, HR:1.51, 95%CI:1.02-2.22), T3 (standard 6-month DAPT, HR:1.47, 95%CI:1.14-1.91), T4 (standard 12-month DAPT, HR:1.41, 95%CI:1.15-1.75) and T5 (18-24 months DAPT, HR:1.47, 95%CI:1.09-1.97) was associated with significantly increased risk of MACCE compared to T6 (>24-month DAPT). However, no significant difference was found in MACCE risk between T1 (<6-month DAPT followed by P2Y12 monotherapy) and T6. Moreover, T5 was associated with significantly increased risk of bleeding compared to T1(RR:3.94, 95%CI:1.66-10.60), T2(RR:3.65, 95%CI:1.32-9.97), T3(RR:1.93, 95%CI:1.21-3.50) and T4(RR:1.89, 95%CI:1.15-3.30). The cumulative probabilities showed that T6(85.0%), T1(78.3%) and T4(44.5%) were the most efficacious treatment compared to the other durations. In the ACS (<50%) subgroup, T1 was observed to significantly reduce the risk of major bleeding compared to T4, but not in the ACS (≥50%) subgroup. Conclusions: Compared with other durations, short DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy showed non-inferiority, with a lower risk of bleeding and not associated with an increased MACCE. In addition, the risk of major bleeding increased significantly, starting with DAPT for 18-month. Compared with the short-term treatment, patients with ACS with the standard 12-month treatment have a better prognosis, including lower bleeding rate and the decreased risk of MACCE. Due to study's limitations, the results should be verified in different risk populations.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Josefien Johanna Froukje Breedvelt ◽  
Maria Elisabeth Brouwer ◽  
Mathias Harrer ◽  
Maria Semkovska ◽  
David Daniel Ebert ◽  
...  

Background After remission, antidepressants are often taken long term to prevent depressive relapse or recurrence. Whether psychological interventions can be a viable alternative or addition to antidepressants remains unclear. Aims To compare the effectiveness of psychological interventions as an alternative (including delivered when tapering antidepressants) or addition to antidepressants alone for preventing depressive relapse. Method Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and PsycINFO were searched from inception until 13 October 2019. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with previously depressed patients in (partial) remission where preventive psychological interventions with or without antidepressants (including tapering) were compared with antidepressant control were included. Data were extracted independently from published trials. A random-effects meta-analysis on time to relapse (hazard ratio, HR) and risk of relapse (risk ratio, RR) at the last point of follow-up was conducted. PROSPERO ID: CRD42017055301. Results Among 11 included trials (n = 1559), we did not observe an increased risk of relapse for participants receiving a psychological intervention while tapering antidepressants versus antidepressants alone (RR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.84–1.25; P = 0.85). Psychological interventions added to antidepressants significantly reduced the risk of relapse (RR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.74–0.97; P = 0.01) compared with antidepressants alone. Conclusions This study found no evidence to suggest that adding a psychological intervention to tapering increases the risk of relapse when compared with antidepressants alone. Adding a psychological intervention to antidepressant use reduces relapse risk significantly versus antidepressants alone. As neither strategy is routinely implemented these findings are relevant for patients, clinicians and guideline developers.


2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302110042
Author(s):  
Grace Mary Turner ◽  
Christel McMullan ◽  
Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi ◽  
Danai Bem ◽  
Tom Marshall ◽  
...  

Aims To investigate the association between TBI and stroke risk. Summary of review We undertook a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library from inception to 4th December 2020. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool hazard ratios (HR) for studies which reported stroke risk post-TBI compared to controls. Searches identified 10,501 records; 58 full texts were assessed for eligibility and 18 met the inclusion criteria. The review included a large sample size of 2,606,379 participants from four countries. Six studies included a non-TBI control group, all found TBI patients had significantly increased risk of stroke compared to controls (pooled HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.46-2.37). Findings suggest stroke risk may be highest in the first four months post-TBI, but remains significant up to five years post-TBI. TBI appears to be associated with increased stroke risk regardless of severity or subtype of TBI. There was some evidence to suggest an association between reduced stroke risk post-TBI and Vitamin K antagonists and statins, but increased stroke risk with certain classes of antidepressants. Conclusion TBI is an independent risk factor for stroke, regardless of TBI severity or type. Post-TBI review and management of risk factors for stroke may be warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanli Liu ◽  
Yilong Pan ◽  
Yuyao Yin ◽  
Wenhao Chen ◽  
Xiaodong Li

Abstract Background The numbers of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 related deaths are still increasing, so it is very important to determine the risk factors of COVID-19. Dyslipidemia is a common complication in patients with COVID-19, but the association of dyslipidemia with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 is still unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential association of dyslipidemia with the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Methods We searched the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases for all relevant studies up to August 24, 2020. All the articles published were retrieved without language restriction. All analysis was performed using Stata 13.1 software and Mantel–Haenszel formula with fixed effects models was used to compare the differences between studies. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results Twenty-eight studies involving 12,995 COVID-19 patients were included in the meta-analysis, which was consisted of 26 cohort studies and 2 case–control studies. Dyslipidemia was associated with the severity of COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.44, P = 0.038, I2 = 39.8%). Further, patients with dyslipidemia had a 2.13-fold increased risk of death compared to patients without dyslipidemia (95% CI 1.84–2.47, P = 0.001, I2 = 66.4%). Conclusions The results proved that dyslipidemia is associated with increased severity and mortality of COVID-19. Therefore, we should monitor blood lipids and administer active treatments in COVID-19 patients with dyslipidemia to reduce the severity and mortality.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
William M. Jackson ◽  
Nicholas Davis ◽  
Johanna Calderon ◽  
Jennifer J. Lee ◽  
Nicole Feirsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Context: People with CHD are at increased risk for executive functioning deficits. Meta-analyses of these measures in CHD patients compared to healthy controls have not been reported. Objective: To examine differences in executive functions in individuals with CHD compared to healthy controls. Data sources: We performed a systematic review of publications from 1 January, 1986 to 15 June, 2020 indexed in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Study selection: Inclusion criteria were (1) studies containing at least one executive function measure; (2) participants were over the age of three. Data extraction: Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. We used a shifting unit-of-analysis approach and pooled data using a random effects model. Results: The search yielded 61,217 results. Twenty-eight studies met criteria. A total of 7789 people with CHD were compared with 8187 healthy controls. We found the following standardised mean differences: −0.628 (−0.726, −0.531) for cognitive flexibility and set shifting, −0.469 (−0.606, −0.333) for inhibition, −0.369 (−0.466, −0.273) for working memory, −0.334 (−0.546, −0.121) for planning/problem solving, −0.361 (−0.576, −0.147) for summary measures, and −0.444 (−0.614, −0.274) for reporter-based measures (p < 0.001). Limitations: Our analysis consisted of cross-sectional and observational studies. We could not quantify the effect of collinearity. Conclusions: Individuals with CHD appear to have at least moderate deficits in executive functions. Given the growing population of people with CHD, more attention should be devoted to identifying executive dysfunction in this vulnerable group.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiqing Liu ◽  
Shumin Ma ◽  
Lei Liang ◽  
Zhiyong Kou ◽  
Hongbin Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Studies on the XRCC3 rs1799794 polymorphism show that this polymorphism is involved in a variety of cancers, but its specific relationships or effects are not consistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association between rs1799794 polymorphism and susceptibility to cancer. Methods PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for eligible studies through June 11, 2019. All analyses were performed with Stata 14.0. Subgroup analyses were performed by cancer type, ethnicity, source of control, and detection method. A total of 37 studies with 23,537 cases and 30,649 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Results XRCC3 rs1799794 increased cancer risk in the dominant model and heterozygous model (GG + AG vs. AA: odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.08, P = 0.051; AG vs. AA: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.00–1.01, P = 0.015). The existence of rs1799794 increased the risk of breast cancer and thyroid cancer, but reduced the risk of ovarian cancer. In addition, rs1799794 increased the risk of cancer in the Caucasian population. Conclusion This meta-analysis confirms that XRCC3 rs1799794 is related to cancer risk, especially increased risk for breast cancer and thyroid cancer and reduced risk for ovarian cancer. However, well-designed large-scale studies are required to further evaluate the results.


2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110299
Author(s):  
S. Lena Kang-Birken

Objective: To evaluate recent publications on efficacy of single-dose azithromycin and 7-day doxycycline when treating Chlamydia trachomatis. Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane library was conducted (1990 to June 13, 2021) using the terms: Chlamydia trachomatis, genital chlamydia, rectal chlamydia, extragenital chlamydia, azithromycin, doxycycline, and treatment guidelines. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched to identify ongoing trials. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English language studies, including controlled studies, retrospective analyses, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and case reports, reporting microbiological or clinical outcomes in adolescents and adults were considered. Data Synthesis: Systemic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized trials reported azithromycin efficacy of 96% to 97% in genital chlamydia. However, reports of treatment failure have emerged, especially among symptomatic males, with an increased risk of microbiological failure after azithromycin than doxycycline (relative risk = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.36-4.41). Retrospective analyses and prospective observational cohort studies reported lower efficacy range following azithromycin than doxycycline (74%-87% vs 92%-100%, respectively) in rectal chlamydia. First randomized controlled trial comparing azithromycin and doxycycline reported significantly higher microbiological cure following doxycycline, with absolute difference of 26% (95% CI = 16%-36%; P < 0.001). The proposed 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention treatment guidelines designate doxycycline as the preferred agent for treatment at any site. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: A growing body of evidence for treatment failure following azithromycin, especially in rectal chlamydia supports updating current practice. Conclusions: Doxycycline continues to achieve high efficacy in genital and rectal chlamydia. Clinicians should consider efficacy with convenience of dosing regimen, medication compliance, and sexual behavior risks when treating chlamydia infections.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Lu Wang ◽  
Mingmin Xu ◽  
Qianhua Zheng ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Ying Li

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for functional constipation (FC). Methods. A rigorous literature search was performed in English (PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE) and Chinese (China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medical (CBM), Wanfang database, and China Science and Technology Journal (VIP)) electronic databases from their inception to October 2019. Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared acupuncture therapy with sham acupuncture or pharmacological therapies. The outcome measures were evaluated, including the primary outcome of complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) and secondary outcomes of Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), constipation symptoms scores (CSS), responder rate, the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaire, and safety evaluation. Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan5.3. Results. The merged data of 28 RCTs with 3525 participants indicated that acupuncture may be efficient for FC by increasing CSBMs (p<0.00001; MD = 0.84 [95% CI, 0.65 to 1.03]; I2 = 0%) and improving constipation symptoms (p=0.03; SMD = −0.4 [95% CI, −0.78 to −0.03]; I2 = 74%), stool formation (p<0.00001; MD = 0.24 [95% CI, 0.15 to 0.34]; I2 = 0%), quality of life (p<0.00001; N = 1, MD = −0.33 [95% CI, −0.45 to −0.21]), and responder rates (p=0.02; RR = 2.16; [95% CI, 1.1 to 4.24]; I2 = 69%) compared with the effects of sham treatment. No increased risk of adverse events was observed (p=0.44; RR = 1.18; [95% CI, 0.77 to 1.81]; I2 = 0%). With regard to medication comparisons, the pooled data indicated that acupuncture was more effective in increasing CSBMs (p=0.004; MD = 0.53 [95% CI, 0.17 to 0.88]; I2 = 88%) and improving patients’ quality of life (p<0.00001; SMD = −0.73 [95% CI, −1.02 to −0.44]; I2 = 64%), with high heterogeneity. However, there were no significant differences in responder rate (p=0.12; RR = 1.31; [95% CI, 0.94 to 1.82]; I2 = 53%), BSFS (p=0.5; MD = 0.17 [95% CI, −0.33 to 0.68]; I2 = 93%), or CSS (p=0.05; SMD = −0.62 [95% CI, −1.23 to −0.01]; I2 = 89%). Regarding safety evaluation, acupuncture was safer than medications (p<0.0001; RR = 0.3; [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.52]; I2 = 30%). Conclusions. Current evidence suggests that acupuncture is an efficient and safe treatment for FC. Acupuncture increased stool frequency, improved stool formation, alleviated constipation symptoms, and improved quality of life. However, the evidence quality was relatively low and the relationship between acupuncture and drugs is not clear. More high-quality trials are recommended in the future. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019143347.


Circulation ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Edmondson ◽  
Ian M Kronish ◽  
Jonathan A Shaffer ◽  
Louise Falzon ◽  
Matthew M Burg

Context: Recent evidence suggests that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Objective: To determine the association of PTSD to incident CHD using systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources: Articles were identified by searching Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, PILOTS database, and through manual search of reference lists. Study Selection: Prospective cohort studies that assessed PTSD in participants free of CHD and assessed subsequent CHD or cardiac-specific mortality. Data Extraction: We extracted estimates of the association of PTSD to incident CHD, as well as study characteristics. Odds ratios were converted to hazard ratios (HR), and a random-effects model was used to pool results. Data Synthesis: Five studies met our inclusion criteria (N= 401,712); 4 of these included depression as a covariate. The pooled HR for the magnitude of the relationship between PTSD and CHD was 1.53 (95% CI, 1.27-1.84) before adjustment for depression. The pooled HR estimate for the 4 depression-adjusted estimates (N= 362,388) was 1.22 (95% CI, 1.05-1.42). Conclusion: PTSD is independently associated with increased risk for incident CHD, even after adjusting for depression and other covariates. Figure 1. Forest plot of association of PTSD to incident MI or cardiac mortality Note: The area of each square is proportional to the study’s weight in the meta-analysis, and each line represents the confidence interval around the estimate. The diamond represents the aggregate estimate, and its lateral points indicate confidence intervals for this estimate.


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