scholarly journals Investigation of antihypertensive class, dementia, and cognitive decline

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. e267-e281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Peters ◽  
Sevil Yasar ◽  
Craig S. Anderson ◽  
Shea Andrews ◽  
Riitta Antikainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Reliable Change Index ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

ObjectiveHigh blood pressure is one of the main modifiable risk factors for dementia. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the best antihypertensive class for optimizing cognition. Our objective was to determine whether any particular antihypertensive class was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia using comprehensive meta-analysis including reanalysis of original participant data.MethodsTo identify suitable studies, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO and preexisting study consortia were searched from inception to December 2017. Authors of prospective longitudinal human studies or trials of antihypertensives were contacted for data sharing and collaboration. Outcome measures were incident dementia or incident cognitive decline (classified using the reliable change index method). Data were separated into mid and late-life (>65 years) and each antihypertensive class was compared to no treatment and to treatment with other antihypertensives. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize data.ResultsOver 50,000 participants from 27 studies were included. Among those aged >65 years, with the exception of diuretics, we found no relationship by class with incident cognitive decline or dementia. Diuretic use was suggestive of benefit in some analyses but results were not consistent across follow-up time, comparator group, and outcome. Limited data precluded meaningful analyses in those ≤65 years of age.ConclusionOur findings, drawn from the current evidence base, support clinical freedom in the selection of antihypertensive regimens to achieve blood pressure goals.Clinical trials registrationThe review was registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42016045454.

Abstract 4450: Does the Evidence Support Guideline Recommendations for Clopidogrel Pretreatment?

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shervin Eshaghian ◽  
Stanley Chou ◽  
Jayanta Das ◽  
George A Diamond ◽  
Prediman K Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Optimal Timing ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
The Impact

Although few concrete data exist about the optimal timing and dose of clopidogrel pretreatment, the ACC/AHA & ESC guidelines endorse pretreatment with 300 – 600 mg of clopidogrel at least 2– 6 hours before PCI as Class IA (ACS) and Class IC (elective PCI) recommendation. To evaluate the current evidence base in support for clopidogrel pretreat-ment. Five trials examining the impact of clopidogrel pretreatment in stable and unstable CAD were evaluated: PCI-CURE, PCI-CLARITY, CREDO, PRAGUE-8, ARMYDA-5. Because of substantial clinical heterogeneity in trial design and population, concomitant therapies (glycoprotein 2b/3a inhibitors, thrombolysis, etc), loading dose, pretreatment duration and analysis plan between PCI-CURE, PCI-CLARITY and the rest, a formal meta-analysis was confined only to CREDO, PRAGUE-8, ARMYDA-5. The key data are summarized in the Table . Clopidogrel pretreatment was associated with significant reduction in ischemic outcomes without a significant increase in major bleeding in two out of the 5 trials (PCI-CURE and PCI-CLARITY). Both these trials utilized nonrandomized subgroup comparisons with pretreatment duration longer than that typically encountered in clinical practice (<48h). A meta-analysis of the 3 trials demonstrated a nonsignificant 23% odds reduction in efficacy (P=0.1) and a nonsignificant 29% odds increase in major bleeding (P=0.24). No significant heterogeneity was observed for pooled efficacy (P=0.79) or bleeding (P=0.77) outcomes. Pretreatment hypothesis is currently not validated in rigorous prospective assessments, thereby calling into question the Class I recommendation (benefit >>>risk) endorsed by the guidelines. Clearly, further clinical data regarding dose, time course of pretreatment and associated benefit are warranted to provide unequivocal support. Until then, it is prudent to rule out surgical CAD before pretreatment to avoid bleeding risk. Trials Assessing Clopidogrel Pretreatment

scholarly journals Effectiveness of universal programmes for the prevention of suicidal ideation, behaviour and mental ill health in medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Witt ◽  
Alexandra Boland ◽  
Michelle Lamblin ◽  
Patrick D McGorry ◽  
Benjamin Veness ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Medical Education And Training ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Anxiety Depression

QuestionA growing body of work suggests that medical students may be particularly at risk of mental ill health, suicidal ideation and behaviour, resulting in recent calls to develop interventions to prevent these outcomes. However, few reviews have synthesised the current evidence base regarding the effectiveness of these interventions and provided guidance to improve future intervention efforts.Study selection and analysisThe authors conducted a systematic review to identify studies of any design reporting the effectiveness of any universal intervention to address these outcomes in medical students. Embase, MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched from their respective start dates until 1 December 2017.FindingsData from 39 studies were included. Most investigated the effectiveness of relatively brief interventions designed to reduce stress; most commonly using mindfulness-based or guided meditation approaches. Only one implemented an intervention specifically designed to address suicidal ideation; none investigated the effectiveness of an intervention specifically designed to address suicidal behaviour. Five investigated the effects of curriculum-level changes. Overall, there was limited evidence of an effect for these programmes at both the postintervention and longest follow-up assessment on depression, anxiety and stress.ConclusionsRelatively brief, individually focused, mindfulness-based interventions may be effective in reducing levels of anxiety, depression and stress in medical students in the short term. Effects on suicidal ideation and behaviour, however, remain to be determined. There has been a significant lack of attention on organisational-level stressors associated with medical education and training.

Trajectory of blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol and incident dementia: systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 216 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Peters ◽  
Jean Peters ◽  
Andrew Booth ◽  
Kaarin J. Anstey
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Current Evidence Base

BackgroundThe global ageing population and the long prodromal period for the development of cognitive decline and dementia brings a need to understand the antecedents of both successful and impaired cognitive ageing. It is increasingly apparent that the trajectory of risk-factor change, as well as the level of the risk factor, may be associated with an increased or decreased risk of cognitive decline or dementia.AimsOur aim was to summarise the published evidence and to generate hypotheses related to risk-factor trajectories and risk of incident cognitive decline or dementia.MethodWe collated data from longitudinal observational studies relating to trajectory of blood pressure, obesity and cholesterol and later cognitive decline or dementia using standard systematic review methodology. The databases MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO were searched from inception to 26 April 2018.ResultsThirteen articles were retained for inclusion. Analytical methods varied. Our summary of the current evidence base suggests that first body mass index and then blood pressure rises and then falls more steeply in those who go on to develop dementia. The evidence for cholesterol was less consistent.ConclusionBased on our review we present the hypothesis that weight falls around 10 years and blood pressure around 5 years before diagnosis. Confirmatory work is required. However, characterisation of risk according to combinations and patterns of risk factors may ultimately be integrated into the assessments used to identify those at risk of receiving a diagnosis of cognitive decline or dementia in late life.

scholarly journals A review of vitamin D status and CVD

2013 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin D. Cashman
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Current Evidence Base

Beyond the well-accepted effects on the skeleton, low vitamin D status has been linked to increased risk of several non-skeletal disease, including CVD. If low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is causally linked to risk of CVD then this is important not only because low vitamin D status is quite common particularly in winter in countries above 40°N, but also of key relevance is the fact that such low vitamin D status can be improved by food-based strategies. The overarching aim of the present paper is to review the current evidence-base to support a link between low vitamin D status and CVD risk. The review initially briefly overviews how mechanistically vitamin D may play a role in CVD and then reviews the current available evidence-base to support a link between low vitamin D status and CVD risk, with particular emphasis on data from the randomised control trials, cohort studies and recent meta-analysis data as well as to the conclusions of a number of authoritative agencies/bodies. Finally, the review summarises current serum 25(OH)D concentrations within a select number of adult populations in the context of different definitions of vitamin D status proposed recently, and then briefly highlights food-based strategies for increasing vitamin D intake and status. In conclusion, at present the data for a causal link between low vitamin D status and CVD are mixed and ambiguous; however, should causality be affirmed by ongoing and future studies, there are food-based strategies for enhanced vitamin D status in the population which could ultimately lower risk of CVD.

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