Adverse perinatal outcomes following the prenatal diagnosis of isolated single umbilical artery in singleton pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively synthesize the current evidence on the association of prenatally diagnosed isolated single umbilical artery (iSUA) in singleton pregnancies with small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and other perinatal outcomes. Methods A search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus and The Cochrane Library was conducted, from inception to February 2021, in order to identify studies comparing the risk of SGA and other perinatal adverse outcomes in prenatally diagnosed iSUA singleton pregnancies vs. those with a 3-vessel cord (3VC). The quality of eligible studies was assessed according to the improved Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). The heterogeneity of results across the studies was tested using the I2 test. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to assess the possibility of publication bias. Prospero RN: CRD42020182586. Results The electronic search identified 7,605 studies, of which 11 were selected, including three retrospective cohort and eight retrospective case control studies, overall reporting on 1,533 iSUA cases. The risk of delivering SGA neonates was increased in cases with iSUA (OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 2.02–4.18; p<0.00001; I2=71%). Similarly, iSUA was associated with an increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.41–3.54; p<0.000; I2=1%), intrauterine death (IUD) (OR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.43–4.79; p=0.002; I2=0%), preterm birth (PTB) (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.73–3.56; p<0.00001; I2=56%), cesarean section (CS) (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.11–2.41; p=0.01; I2=78%) and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.52–3.44; p<0.000001; I2=73%). Conclusions In prenatally diagnosed iSUA there is a higher risk of SGA, PIH, IUD, PTB, CS and NICU admission. These findings support the value of prenatal diagnosis of iSUA, which may subsequently intensify surveillance for the detection of specific pregnancy complications.

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EXPRESS: Stroke risk following traumatic brain injury: systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/17474930211004277 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 174749302110042

Author(s):

Grace Mary Turner ◽

Christel McMullan ◽

Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi ◽

Danai Bem ◽

Tom Marshall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Large Sample Size ◽

Hazard Ratios ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Cochrane Library

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.

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Executive functions in children with heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cardiology in the Young ◽

10.1017/s1047951121001074 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

William M. Jackson ◽

Nicholas Davis ◽

Johanna Calderon ◽

Jennifer J. Lee ◽

Nicole Feirsen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Executive Dysfunction ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Planning Problem ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

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.

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The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Management of Functional Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/6137450 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

Lu Wang ◽

Mingmin Xu ◽

Qianhua Zheng ◽

Wei Zhang ◽

Ying Li

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Safety Evaluation ◽

Functional Constipation ◽

Responder Rate ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽

Increased Risk

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.

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Diaphragmatic herniation after esophagogastric surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

Langenbeck s Archives of Surgery ◽

10.1007/s00423-021-02214-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Davide Bona ◽

Francesca Lombardo ◽

Kazuhide Matsushima ◽

Marta Cavalli ◽

Valerio Panizzo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Treatment Algorithm ◽

Pulmonary Complications ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Esophageal Hiatus ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Esophagogastric Surgery

Abstract Introduction The anatomy of the esophageal hiatus is altered during esophagogastric surgery with an increased risk of postoperative hiatus hernia (HH). The purpose of this article was to examine the current evidence on the surgical management and outcomes associated with HH after esophagogastric surgery for cancer. Materials and methods Systematic review and meta-analysis. Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE data sets were consulted. Results Twenty-seven studies were included for a total of 404 patients requiring surgical treatment for HH after esophagogastric surgery. The age of the patients ranged from 35 to 85 years, and the majority were males (82.3%). Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, and dyspnea were the commonly reported symptoms. An emergency repair was required in 51.5%, while a minimally invasive repair was performed in 48.5%. Simple suture cruroplasty and mesh reinforced repair were performed in 65% and 35% of patients, respectively. The duration between the index procedure and HH repair ranged from 3 to 144 months, with the majority (67%) occurring within 24 months. The estimated pooled prevalence rates of pulmonary complications, anastomotic leak, overall morbidity, and mortality were 14.1% (95% CI = 8.0–22.0%), 1.4% (95% CI = 0.8–2.2%), 35% (95% CI = 20.0–54.0%), and 5.0% (95% CI = 3.0–8.0%), respectively. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 to 110 months (mean = 24) and the pooled prevalence of HH recurrence was 16% (95% CI = 13.0–21.6%). Conclusions Current evidence reporting data for HH after esophagogastric surgery is narrow. The overall postoperative pulmonary complications, overall morbidity, and mortality are 14%, 35%, and 5%, respectively. Additional studies are required to define indications and treatment algorithm and evaluate the best technique for crural repair at the index operation in an attempt to minimize the risk of HH.

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Kinesio Taping for Balance Function after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/8470235 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yijuan Hu ◽

Dongling Zhong ◽

Qiwei Xiao ◽

Qiang Chen ◽

Juan Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Treatment Duration ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Clinical Effects ◽

Balance Function ◽

Balance Impairment ◽

Kinesio Taping ◽

Significant Difference

Objective. With the increasing social and economic burdens of balance impairment after stroke, the treatment for balance impairment after stroke becomes a major public health problem worldwide. Kinesio taping (KT) as a part of clinical practice has been used widely in the treatment of balance impairment after stroke. However, the clinical effects of KT for balance function have not been confirmed. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects and safety of KT for balance impairment after stroke. Methods. We conducted a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of KT for balance impairment after stroke. We searched the following databases: (1) English databases: EMBASE (via Ovid), MEDLINE (via Ovid), the Cochrane library, PubMed, and PEDro; (2) Chinese databases: China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wan Fang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP. Besides, hand searches of relevant references were also conducted. We systematically searched from the inception to December 2018, using the keywords (Kinesio, Kinesio Tape, tape, or Orthotic Tape) and (stroke, hemiplegia, or hemiplegic paralysis) and (balance or stability). The search strategies were adjusted for each database. The reference lists of included articles were reviewed for relevant trials. For missing data, we contacted the authors to get additional information. Results. 22 RCTs involved 1331 patients, among which 667 patients in the experimental group and 664 patients in the control group were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with conventional rehabilitation (CR), there was significant difference in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (MD=4.46, 95%CI 1.72 to 7.19, P=0.001), Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) (MD=-4.62, 95%CI -5.48 to -3.79, P < 0.00001), functional ambulation category scale (FAC) (MD=0.53, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.68, P < 0.00001), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-L) (MD=4.20, 95%CI 3.17 to 5.24, P < 0.00001), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (MD=-0.38, 95%CI -0.49 to -0.27, P < 0.00001). The results of subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference between KT and CR with ≤4 weeks treatment duration (< 4 weeks: MD=5.03, 95%CI -1.80 to 11.85, P=0.15; =4 weeks: MD=4.33, 95%CI -1.50 to 10.15, P=0.15), while there was significant difference with more than 4-week treatment duration (MD=4.77, 95%CI 2.58 to 6.97, P < 0.0001). Conclusions. Based on current evidence, KT was more effective than CR for balance function, lower limb function, and walking function in poststroke patients. Longer treatment duration may be associated with better effects. However, more well-conducted RCTs are required in the future.

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Effectiveness and safety of inpatient versus extended venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis with heparin following major pelvic surgery for malignancy: protocol for a systematic review

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-019-1179-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Bridget Heijkoop ◽

Natalie Parker ◽

George Kiroff ◽

Daniel Spernat

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Pelvic Surgery ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Vte Prophylaxis ◽

Optimum Duration ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common postoperative complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The use of prophylactic heparin postoperatively reduces this risk, and the use of extended duration prophylaxis is becoming increasingly common. Malignancy and pelvic surgery both independently further increase the risk of postoperative VTE and patients undergoing major pelvic surgery for malignancy are at particularly high risk of VTE. However, the optimum duration of prophylaxis specifically in this population currently remains unclear. Methods We will conduct a systematic review of literature in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Higgins JPT, Green S. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.1.0.,2011) to evaluate current evidence of the effectiveness and safety of inpatient versus extended VTE prophylaxis with heparin (all forms) following major pelvic surgery for malignancy. We will search PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Regarding safety, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) websites will be searched, including all levels of evidence. Results will be the postoperative timeframe in which a VTE event can be considered to have been provoked by the surgery, and the number of patients needed to treat with both inpatient and extended prophylaxis to prevent a VTE event in this timeframe, comparing these to determine if there is a significant benefit from extended prophylaxis. Discussion This systematic review will aim to identify the postoperative period in which patients undergoing major pelvic surgery for malignancy are at further increased risk of VTE as a result of their surgery and the optimum duration of heparin VTE prophylaxis with heparin to reduce this risk. Determining this will allow evidence-based recommendations to be made for the optimum duration of heparin VTE prophylaxis post major pelvic surgery for malignancy, leading to improved standards of care that are consistent between different providers and institutions. Systematic review registration In accordance with guidelines, our systematic review was submitted to PROSPERO for consideration of registration on 16/12/17 and was registered on 12/1/18 with the registration number CRD42018068961, and it was last updated on December 1, 2018.

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Preoperative Somatostatin Analogues in Patients with Newly-diagnosed Acromegaly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-50639-6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chengxian Yang ◽

Ge Li ◽

Shenzhong Jiang ◽

Xinjie Bao ◽

Renzhi Wang

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Comparative Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Somatostatin Analogues ◽

Long Term Results ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cure Rate ◽

Short Term

Abstract Biochemical remission after transsphenoidal surgery is still unsatisfied in acromegaly patients with macroadenomas, especially with invasive macroadenomas. Concerning the impact of preoperative somatostatin analogues (SSAs) on surgical outcomes, previous studies with limited cases reported conflicting results. To assess current evidence of preoperative medical treatment, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Five randomized controlled trials (RCT) and seven non-RCT comparative studies were included. These studies mainly focused on pituitary macroadenomas though a small number of microadenoma cases were included. For safety, preoperative SSAs were not associated with elevated risks of postoperative complications. With respect to efficacy, the short-term cure rate was improved by preoperative SSAs, but the long-term cure rate showed no significant improvement. For invasive macroadenomas, the short-term cure rate was also improved, but the long-term results were not evaluable in clinical practice because adjuvant therapy was generally required. In conclusion, preoperative SSAs are safe in patients with acromegaly, and the favorable impact on surgical results is restricted to the short-term cure rate in macroadenomas and invasive macroadenomas. Further well-designed RCTs to examine long-term results are awaited to update the finding of this meta-analysis.

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Cerebrovascular Complications After Upper Extremity Access for Complex Aortic Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology ◽

10.1007/s00270-019-02330-6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 186-195 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Max M. Meertens ◽

Charlotte C. Lemmens ◽

Gustavo S. Oderich ◽

Geert W. H. Schurink ◽

Barend M. E. Mees

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Upper Extremity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cerebrovascular Event ◽

Cerebrovascular Complications ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Aortic Interventions

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to review the risk of developing cerebrovascular complications from upper extremity access during endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guideline. An electronic search of the public domains Medline (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed to identify studies related to the treatment of aortic aneurysms involving upper extremity access. Meta-analysis was used to compare the rate of cerebrovascular event after left, right and bilateral upper extremity access. Results are presented as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Thirteen studies including 1276 patients with complex endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms using upper extremity access were included in the systematic review. Left upper extremity access (UEA) was used in 1028 procedures, right access in 148 and bilateral access in 100 procedures. The rate of cerebrovascular complications for patients treated through left UEA was 1.7%, through right UEA 4% and through bilateral UEA 5%. In the meta-analysis, we included seven studies involving 645 patients treated with a left upper extremity access, 87 patients through a right and 100 patients through a bilateral upper extremity access. Patients, who underwent right-sided (RR 5.01, 95% CI 1.51–16.58, P = 0.008) or bilateral UEA (RR 4.57, 95% CI 1.23–17.04, P = 0.02), had a significantly increased risk of cerebrovascular events compared to those who had a left-sided approach. Conclusion Left upper extremity access is associated with a significantly lower rate of cerebrovascular complications as compared to right or bilateral upper extremity access.

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Childhood maltreatment and adult suicidality: a comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291718003823 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 49 (07) ◽

pp. 1057-1078 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Ioannis Angelakis ◽

Emma Louise Gillespie ◽

Maria Panagioti

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Childhood Abuse ◽

Childhood Maltreatment ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Different Types

AbstractThis comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aims to quantify the association between different types of childhood maltreatment and suicidality. We searched five bibliographic databases, including Medline, PsychINFO, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL, until January 2018. Random-effects meta-analysis was employed followed by univariable and multivariable meta-regressions. Heterogeneity was quantified using theI2statistic and formal publication bias tests were undertaken. The methodological quality of the studies was critically appraised and accounted in the meta-regression analyses. Data from 68 studies based onn= 261.660 adults were pooled. All different types of childhood maltreatment including sexual abuse [odds ratio (OR) 3.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.76–3.64], physical abuse (OR 2.52, 95% CI 2.09–3.04) and emotional abuse (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.64–3.77) were associated with two- to three-fold increased risk for suicide attempts. Similar results were found for the association between childhood maltreatment and suicidal ideation. Complex childhood abuse was associated with a particularly high risk for suicide attempts in adults (OR 5.18, 95% CI 2.52–10.63). Variations across the studies in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants and other core methodological factors did not affect the findings of the main analyses. We conclude that there is solid evidence that childhood maltreatment is associated with increased odds for suicidality in adults. The main outstanding challenge is to better understand the mechanisms which underpin the development of suicidality in people exposed to childhood maltreatment because current evidence is scarce.

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Effect of Early Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Kawasaki Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Pediatrics ◽

10.3389/fped.2020.593435 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Fan Yan ◽

Huayong Zhang ◽

Ruihua Xiong ◽

Xingfeng Cheng ◽

Yang Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Kawasaki Disease ◽

Intravenous Immunoglobulin ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

The United States ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Ivig Treatment ◽

Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference

Background: In the latest 2017 American Heart Association guidelines for Kawasaki disease (KD), there are no recommendations regarding the early administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of early IVIG therapy on KD.Methods: We searched databases including the PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library, and the Clinicaltrials.gov website until July 2019.Results: Fourteen studies involving a total of 70,396 patients were included. Early treatment with IVIG can lead to an increased risk of IVIG unresponsiveness [OR 2.24; 95% CI (1.76, 2.84); P = 0.000]. In contrast to the studies performed in Japan [OR 1.27; 95% CI (0.98, 1.64); P = 0.074] that found no significant difference in coronary artery lesions (CAL) development, studies conducted in China [OR 0.73; 95% CI (0.66, 0.80); P = 0.000] and the United States [OR 0.50; 95% CI (0.38, 0.66); P = 0.000] showed a reduced risk in the occurrence of CAL with early IVIG treatment.Conclusions: At present, the evidence does not support the treatment with IVIG in the early stage of the onset of KD. But, early IVIG treatment could be a protective factor against the development of CAL, which needs to be further clarified.

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