scholarly journals Bilateral visual acuity decline in males with choroideremia: a pooled, cross-sectional meta-analysis

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Duygu Bozkaya ◽  
Heng Zou ◽  
Cindy Lu ◽  
Nicole W. Tsao ◽  
Byron L. Lam

Abstract Background Choroideremia is a rare inherited retinal disease that leads to blindness. Visual acuity (VA) is a key outcome measure in choroideremia treatment studies, but VA decline rates change with age. An accurate understanding of the natural deterioration of VA in choroideremia is important to assess the treatment effect of new therapies in which VA is the primary outcome measure. We conducted a meta-analysis of data on individuals with choroideremia to determine the rate of VA deterioration between the better- and worse-seeing eye (BSE and WSE, respectively). Methods Data were collected from the prospective Natural History of the Progression of Choroideremia (NIGHT) study (613 eyes, baseline data only), studies included in a recent meta-analysis, and studies identified in a targeted literature search performed on March 25, 2020, including individual best-corrected VA (BCVA) and age data in male individuals with choroideremia. Best-corrected VA decline rates (measured by logMAR units) by age and trends in BCVA decline rates in the BSE and WSE were evaluated.  Results Data from 1037 males (1602 eyes; mean age, 41.8 years) were included. Before and after an age cutoff of 33.8 years, BCVA decline rates for the WSE were 0.0086 and 0.0219 logMAR per year, respectively. Before and after an age cutoff of 39.1 years, BCVA decline rates for the BSE were 0.00001 and 0.0203 logMAR per year, respectively. Differences in absolute BCVA and decline rates increased between the 2 eyes until age ~ 40; thereafter, differences in absolute BCVA and decline rates were similar between eyes. Conclusions Using the largest choroideremia data set to date, this analysis demonstrates accelerated BCVA decline beginning between 30 and 40 years of age. Disparate interocular progression rates were observed before the transition age, with similar interocular progression rates after the transition age.

2020 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-316028
Author(s):  
Liangbo L Shen ◽  
Aneesha Ahluwalia ◽  
Mengyuan Sun ◽  
Benjamin K Young ◽  
Holly K Grossetta Nardini ◽  
...  

Background/aimsBest-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) is the most common primary endpoint in treatment trials for choroideremia (CHM) but the long-term natural history of BCVA is unclear.MethodsWe searched in seven databases to identify studies that reported BCVA of untreated eyes with CHM. We sought individual-level data and performed segmented regression between BCVA and age. For eyes followed longitudinally, we introduced a horizontal translation factor to each dataset to account for different ages at onset of a rapid BCVA decline.ResultsWe included 1004 eyes from 23 studies. BCVA of the right and left eyes was moderately correlated (r=0.60). BCVA as a function of age followed a 2-phase decline (slow followed by rapid decline), with an estimated transition age of 39.1 years (95% CI 33.5 to 44.7). After the introduction of horizontal translation factors to longitudinal datasets, BCVA followed a 2-phase decline until it reached 0 letters (r2=0.90). The BCVA decline rate was 0.33 letters/year (95% CI −0.38 to 1.05) before 39 years, and 1.23 letters/year (95% CI 0.55 to 1.92) after 39 years (p=0.004).ConclusionBCVA in eyes with CHM follows a 2-phase linear decline with a transition age of approximately 39 years. Future trials enrolling young patients may not be able to use BCVA as a primary or sole endpoint, but rather, may need to employ additional disease biomarkers that change before age 39. BCVA may still have utility as a primary endpoint for patients older than 39 years who have measurable BCVA decline rates.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aristeidis H Katsanos ◽  
Vasileios-Arsenios Lioutas ◽  
Andreas Charidimou ◽  
Luciana Catanese ◽  
Kelvin K Ng ◽  
...  

Introduction: Statins have been reported to increase the risk of intracererbral hemorrhage, however their effects on cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) formation is not well understood. We systematically reviewed previously published studies to pool adjusted and unadjusted estimates of the association between prevalent CMBs and current statin use. Methods: We performed a systematic search in MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases on July 28 th , 2019 to identify all cohorts from randomized clinical trials or observational studies reporting CMB prevalence and statin use. We extracted cross-sectional data on CMBs presence, as provided by each study, in association to the history of current statin use. Associations are reported as odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Random effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates. Results: We included 7 studies (n=3671 participants): unselected general population [n=1965], ischemic stroke [n=770], hemorrhagic stroke [n=252], hypertension [n=605] or neuroimaging based studies [n=72]. Statin use was not associated with CMBs presence in either unadjusted (OR=1.15, 95%CI: 0.76-1.74) or adjusted analyses (OR=1.01, 95%CI: 0.62-1.64). Statin use was more strongly related to lobar CMB presence (OR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.48-2.72) in unadjusted analysis. The effect size of this association was consistent, but no longer statistically significant in adjusted analysis that was confined to two eligible studies (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 0.86-5.91). Except for the analysis on the unadjusted probability of CMBs presence, considerable heterogeneity was present in all other analyses (I 2 >60%). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that statin treatment is not associated with CMBs overall, but may increase the risk of lobar CMB formation. This hypothesis deserves further investigation within magnetic resonance imaging ancillary studies of randomized trials.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigui Yang ◽  
Chenyang Huang ◽  
Qingmiao Sun ◽  
Daixi JIang ◽  
Xiaobao Zhang ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Background: Wearing a mask is one of the most effective measures to prevent COVID-19 virus infection and it is not yet clear what potential factors may be associated with facial skin problems while wearing masks. OBJECTIVE Objective: seek most suitable mask-wearing habits for public to avoid facial skin problem. METHODS Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted through online and offline questionnaires on patterns of mask wearing and facial skin problems during COVID-19 from May 30-July 1, 2020. Multivariable regression was used to explore the potential factors associated with skin problems. We also recruited 19 subjects and compared the differences in their facial microbiomes before and after wearing masks. RESULTS Results: A total of 4385 valid questionnaires were finally analyzed and 1323 (33.1%) participants reported having facial skin problems while wearing masks. The risk factors associated with skin problems were having a history of facial skin problems (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 2.80-3.76), facial skin allergies (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.20-1.56), face washing frequency (≥3 times per day) (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.07-2.43), daily sleep time <6 hours (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.81-3.13), and average time spent wearing masks uninterruptedly ≥6 hours (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.24-2.25). The analysis of the facial microbiome revealed that the abundance of Prevotella and Hemophilus decreased, and the functional pathway associated with cytochrome c was more predominant with the prolongation of wearing time. CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: The habit of wearing a mask and life behavior affect the occurrence of skin damage. Suitable mask types and mask-wearing habits should be recommended to avoid facial skin problems. CLINICALTRIAL NA


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (03) ◽  
pp. 268-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Munder ◽  
C. Flückiger ◽  
F. Leichsenring ◽  
A. A. Abbass ◽  
M. J. Hilsenroth ◽  
...  

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to reanalyse the data from Cuijpers et al.'s (2018) meta-analysis, to examine Eysenck's claim that psychotherapy is not effective. Cuijpers et al., after correcting for bias, concluded that the effect of psychotherapy for depression was small (standardised mean difference, SMD, between 0.20 and 0.30), providing evidence that psychotherapy is not as effective as generally accepted.MethodsThe data for this study were the effect sizes included in Cuijpers et al. (2018). We removed outliers from the data set of effects, corrected for publication bias and segregated psychotherapy from other interventions. In our study, we considered wait-list (WL) controls as the most appropriate estimate of the natural history of depression without intervention.ResultsThe SMD for all interventions and for psychotherapy compared to WL controls was approximately 0.70, a value consistent with past estimates of the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy was also more effective than care-as-usual (SMD = 0.31) and other control groups (SMD = 0.43).ConclusionsThe re-analysis reveals that psychotherapy for adult patients diagnosed with depression is effective.


2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 1391-1398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiane Sá Roriz Fonteles ◽  
Erlane Marques Ribeiro ◽  
Marinisi Sales Aragão Santos ◽  
Rebeka Ferreira Pequeno Leite ◽  
Gabryela Sales Assunção ◽  
...  

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate lingual frenulum in children affected by congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and to analyze the association of lingual frenulum phenotypes with other variables. Design: This present work had a cross-sectional, descriptive study design. Setting: This study was carried out in Fortaleza (Brazil). The health professionals provided tertiary level of care. Data collection occurred during a multidisciplinary task force for evaluating infants affected by CZS in December 2 to 3, 2016. Patients: Fifty-four patients with CZS (1-12 months old; 32 girls and 22 boys) were recruited from a population of 70 infants. Interventions: A multidisciplinary group comprised of speech-language pathologist/audiologists and pediatric dentists evaluated all patients through an intraoral examination and a specific tongue maneuver protocol for infants. Main Outcome Measures: Lingual frenulum visibility was the primary outcome measure. Before initiating the study, we hypothesized that children with CZS had an absent lingual frenulum. Results: Lingual frenula were visible in 34 (63%) infants, whereas in 20 (37%) infants lingual frenula visibility required a specific maneuver to retract the tongue. Six of 20 infants presented posteriorly positioned lingual frenula that were visible after maneuver. Lingual frenula were covered by mucous tissue in 14 infants. Presence of posterior frenulum was associated with dysphagia ( P = 0.038). However, the presence of dysphagia in a multivariate model did not associate with the presence of a posterior lingual frenulum ( P = .069) or neurologic symptoms ( P = .056). Conclusion: Children with CZS showed predominance of a posterior lingual frenula covered by an overlapping curtain-like mucous membrane.


2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. e23-e31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Parolin ◽  
Francesca Dassie ◽  
Luigi Alessio ◽  
Alexandra Wennberg ◽  
Marco Rossato ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by upper airway collapse requiring nocturnal ventilatory assistance. Multiple studies have investigated the relationship between acromegaly and OSA, reporting discordant results. Aim To conduct a meta-analysis on the risk for OSA in acromegaly, and in particular to assess the role of disease activity and the effect of treatments. Methods and Study Selection A search through literature databases retrieved 21 articles for a total of 24 studies (n = 734). Selected outcomes were OSA prevalence and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in studies comparing acromegalic patients with active (ACT) vs inactive (INACT) disease and pretreatment and posttreatment measures. Factors used for moderator and meta-regression analysis included the percentage of patients with severe OSA, patient sex, age, body mass index, levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, disease duration and follow-up, and therapy. Results OSA prevalence was similar in patients with acromegaly who had ACT and INACT disease (ES = −0.16; 95% CI, −0.47 to 0.15; number of studies [k] = 10; P = 0.32). In addition, AHI was similar in ACT and INACT acromegaly patients (ES = −0.03; 95% CI, −0.49 to 0.43; k = 6; P = 0.89). When AHI was compared before and after treatment in patients with acromegaly (median follow-up of 6 months), a significant improvement was observed after treatment (ES = −0.36; 95% CI, −0.49 to −0.23; k = 10; P &lt; 0.0001). In moderator analysis, the percentage of patients with severe OSA in the populations significantly influenced the difference in OSA prevalence (P = 0.038) and AHI (P = 0.04) in ACT vs INACT patients. Conclusion Prevalence of OSA and AHI is similar in ACT and INACT patients in cross-sectional studies. However, when AHI was measured longitudinally before and after treatment, a significant improvement was observed after treatment.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e030088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Groten ◽  
Karola Kuenzer ◽  
Udo Moog ◽  
Beate Hermann ◽  
Katrin Maier ◽  
...  

ObjectivesQ fever is a zoonosis caused by the bacteriumCoxiella burnetii. It is recognised as an occupational hazard for individuals who are in regular contact with animal birth products. Data from the literature are not comparable because different serological assays perform very differently in detecting past infections. It is therefore essential to choose the right assay for obtaining reliable data of seroprevalence. Obstetricians are another profession potentially at risk of Q fever. They can be infected from birth products of women with Q fever during pregnancy. There is little data, however, for Q fever in this occupational group. Our study therefore had two purposes. The first was to obtain reliable seroprevalence data for occupational groups in regular contact with animal birth products by using an assay with proven excellent sensitivity and specificity for detecting past infections. The second purpose was to obtain primary data for obstetricians.DesignWe carried out a cross-sectional study.SettingThe study included shepherds, cattle farmers, veterinarians and obstetricians from Thuringia.Participants77 shepherds, 74 veterinarians, 14 cattle farmers, 17 office employees and 68 obstetricians participated. The control group consisted of 92 blood donors.Primary outcome measureThe primary outcome measure wasC. burnetiiphase II specific IgG. The assay used was evaluated for this purpose in a previous study.ResultsOf the 250 blood samples we analysed, the very highest seroprevalences (64%–77%) occurred in individuals with frequent animal contact. There were no significant differences between shepherds, cattle farmers and veterinarians. The seroprevalence in people working in administration was lower but still significantly greater than the control. No obstetricians or midwives tested positive.ConclusionsShepherds, cattle farmers and veterinarians have a high risk ofC. burnetiiinfection. However, our study clearly proves that there was no increased risk for people working in an obstetric department.


Author(s):  
Derek Hum ◽  
Wayne Simpson

ABSTRACTPast studies of aging and disability have been restricted to and by cross-sectional data. When cross-sectional surveys measure income, disability status and age at a common point in time, it is impossible to discern the process, and consequences, of a disability onset. In other words, it is not possible to examine the circumstances of the same individuals before, and after, the disability onset; nor whether effects differ according to the age at which the disability occurs. The present study uses a new panel data set, the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (SLID), to examine the prevalence of disability with respect to age, gender, and other socio-economic characteristics; however, its unique contribution is its investigation of disability onset, and the rates of entry into, and exit from, disability status by age group and gender. Further, we assess the financial circumstances of those who become disabled vis-à-vis a “control group”.


2016 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 358-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
k He ◽  
H Zhao ◽  
HC Zhou

Introduction Shivering is one of the most frequent complications of operation during the postanaesthesia period. Ondansetron has been proved to be valid in preventing postanaesthesia shivering (PAS) in several studies. However, its efficiency and safety are still disputable. We therefore performed an updated meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for evaluation and to clarify this issue. Methods A literature search using the PubMed, Embase™ and Cochrane Library databases was performed (from inception to January 2015). RCTs that evaluated the efficiency and safety of ondansetron in the prevention of PAS were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome measure was incidence of PAS, and secondary outcomes included subgroup analysis and the side effects of ondansetron. Results A total of 8 RCTs containing 905 subjects were identified as suitable for this review. Compared with placebo, ondansetron was associated with a significant reduction of PAS (relative risk [RR]: 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19–0.58, p=0.0001) while no difference was detected between ondansetron and pethidine (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.41–1.94, p=0.78). There was no significant difference between ondansetron and placebo or pethidine in terms of risk of bradycardia but ondansetron was associated with a lower risk of hypotension (RR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08–0.79, p=0.020) than placebo. There was no difference in hypotension when ondansetron was compared with pethidine. Conclusions Ondansetron can prevent PAS effectively and reduce the risk of hypotension.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saad Alhumaid ◽  
Abbas Al Mutair ◽  
Zainab Al Alawi ◽  
Ali A. Rabaan ◽  
Raghavendra Tirupathi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Currently there is no systematic review and meta-analysis of the global incidence rates of anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the general adult population. Objectives To estimate the incidence rates of anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions after COVID-19 vaccines and describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, triggers, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment and clinical course of confirmed cases. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses [PRISMA] statement was followed. Methods Electronic databases (Proquest, Medline, Embase, Pubmed, CINAHL, Wiley online library, and Nature) were searched from 1 December 2020 to 31 May 2021 in the English language using the following keywords alone or in combination: anaphylaxis, non-anaphylaxis, anaphylactic reaction, nonanaphylactic reaction, anaphylactic/anaphylactoid shock, hypersensitivity, allergy reaction, allergic reaction, immunology reaction, immunologic reaction, angioedema, loss of consciousness, generalized erythema, urticaria, urticarial rash, cyanosis, grunting, stridor, tachypnoea, wheezing, tachycardia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and tryptase. We included studies in adults of all ages in all healthcare settings. Effect sizes of prevalence were pooled with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To minimize heterogeneity, we performed sub-group analyses. Results Of the 1,734 papers that were identified, 26 articles were included in the systematic review (8 case report, 5 cohort, 4 case series, 2 randomized controlled trial and 1 randomized cross-sectional studies) and 14 articles (1 cohort, 2 case series, 1 randomized controlled trial and 1 randomized cross-sectional studies) were included in meta-analysis. Studies involving 26,337,421 vaccine recipients [Pfizer-BioNTech (n = 14,505,399) and Moderna (n = 11,831,488)] were analyzed. The overall pooled prevalence estimate of anaphylaxis to both vaccines was 5.0 (95% CI 2.9 to 7.2, I2 = 81%, p =  < 0.0001), while the overall pooled prevalence estimate of nonanaphylactic reactions to both vaccines was 53.9 (95% CI 0.0 to 116.1, I2 = 99%, p =  < 0.0001). Vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech resulted in higher anaphylactic reactions compared to Moderna (8.0, 95% CI 0.0 to 11.3, I2 = 85% versus 2.8, 95% CI 0.0 to 5.7, I2 = 59%). However, lower incidence of nonanaphylactic reactions was associated with Pfizer-BioNTech compared to Moderna (43.9, 95% CI 0.0 to 131.9, I2 = 99% versus 63.8, 95% CI 0.0 to 151.8, I2 = 98%). The funnel plots for possible publication bias for the pooled effect sizes to determine the incidence of anaphylaxis and nonanaphylactic reactions associated with mRNA COVID-19 immunization based on mRNA vaccine type appeared asymmetrical on visual inspection, and Egger’s tests confirmed asymmetry by producing p values < 0.05. Across the included studies, the most commonly identified risk factors for anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were female sex and personal history of atopy. The key triggers to anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions identified in these studies included foods, medications, stinging insects or jellyfish, contrast media, cosmetics and detergents, household products, and latex. Previous history of anaphylaxis; and comorbidities such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic and contact eczema/dermatitis and psoriasis and cholinergic urticaria were also found to be important. Conclusion The prevalence of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-associated anaphylaxis is very low; and nonanaphylactic reactions occur at higher rate, however, cutaneous reactions are largely self-limited. Both anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions should not discourage vaccination.


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