Publications after conference presentations: A systematic review of published studies

Background and aims: Conferences provide an opportunity to present findings to an audience of experts in the field and get feedback for putting the research in context. Since conference proceedings provide limited space for presenting the findings, research publications are able to provide a better platform for the wider reach, scrupulous peer evaluation, and temporal consolidation of the medical scientific material. This review attempts to collate the studies which have evaluated the abstract publication ratio of the conference presentations. Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis included peer reviewed publications which quantitatively reported the publication rate of conference presentations. Results: A total of 28 studies were included, with sample sizes ranging from 82 to 1897 abstracts (total 17,172 abstracts). The publication rate ranged from 3.8% to 78.0%, with weighted mean publication rate of 41.8% (95% confidence interval of 34.1% to 49.5%). Oral presentations had a greater chance of being published as compared to poster presentations (odds ratio of 2.693, 95% confidence intervals of 1.285 to 5.646). There was high degree of heterogeneity in the findings. Conclusions: A small proportion of the conference presentations ispublished. Efforts should be made to improve the abstract publication ratio to improve the wider dissemination of the available research.

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Prevalence and Impact of Atrial Fibrillation in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10112490 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 2490

Author(s):

Giulio Francesco Romiti ◽

Bernadette Corica ◽

Gregory Y. H. Lip ◽

Marco Proietti

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Cardiovascular Complications ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

High Degree ◽

Degree Of Heterogeneity

Background: In patients with COVID-19, cardiovascular complications are common and associated with poor prognosis. Among these, an association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and COVID-19 has been described; however, the extent of this relationship is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiology of AF in COVID-19 patients and its impact on all-cause mortality. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed and reported according to PRISMA guidelines, and a protocol for this study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021227950). PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched for relevant studies. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Overall, 31 studies were included in the analysis, with a total number of 187,716 COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of AF was found to be as high as 8% of patients with COVID-19 (95% CI: 6.3–10.2%, 95% prediction intervals (PI): 2.0–27.1%), with a high degree of heterogeneity between studies; a multiple meta-regression model including geographical location, age, hypertension, and diabetes showed that these factors accounted for more than a third of the heterogeneity. AF COVID-19 patients were less likely to be female but more likely older, hypertensive, and with a critical status than those without AF. Patients with AF showed a significant increase in the risk of all-cause mortality (OR: 3.97, 95% CI: 2.76–5.71), with a high degree of heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis focusing on new-onset AF showed the consistency of these results. Conclusions: Among COVID-19 patients, AF is found in 8% of patients. AF COVID-19 patients are older, more hypertensive, and more likely to have a critical status. In COVID-19 patients, AF is associated with a 4-fold higher risk of death. Further studies are needed to define the best treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of AF COVID-19 patients.

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Puerarin for OVX-Induced Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in Murine Model: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy ◽

10.2174/1574888x14666190703143946 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 37-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Xiaobin Yang ◽

Haishi Zheng ◽

Yuan Liu ◽

Dingjun Hao ◽

Baorong He ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Bone Mass ◽

Postmenopausal Osteoporosis ◽

Murine Model ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Enhancing Effect ◽

Searching Strategy

Aims/Background: Ovariectomy (OVX)-induced murine model is widely used for postmenopausal osteoporosis study. Our current study was conducted to systematically review and essentially quantified the bone mass enhancing effect of puerarin on treating OVX-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis in murine model. Methods: Literatures from PUBMED, EMBASE, and CNKI were involved in our searching strategy by limited the inception date to January 9th, 2019. Moreover, the enhancing effect of puerarin on bone mass compared to OVX-induced rats is evaluated by four independent reviewers. Finally, all the data were extracted, quantified and analyzed via RevMan, besides that in our current review study, we assessed the methodological quality for each involved study. Results: Based on the searching strategy, eight randomization studies were finally included in current meta-analysis and systematic review. According to the data analysis by RevMan, puerarin could improve bone mineral density (BMD); (eight studies, n=203; weighted mean difference, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.03-0.07; P<0.0001) using a random-effects model. There is no significant difference between puerarin and estrogen (seven studies, n=184; weighted mean difference, 0.00; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.00; P=0.30). Conclusions: Puerarin showed upregulating effects on bone mass in OVX-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis in murine model. More studies of the effect of puerarin on bone density in OVX animals are needed.

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Statins to mitigate cardiotoxicity in cancer patients treated with anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cancer Causes & Control ◽

10.1007/s10552-021-01487-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mary Obasi ◽

Arielle Abovich ◽

Jacqueline B. Vo ◽

Yawen Gao ◽

Stefania I. Papatheodorou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract Purpose Cardiotoxicity affects 5–16% of cancer patients who receive anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. Limited research has examined interventions to mitigate cardiotoxicity. We examined the role of statins in mitigating cardiotoxicity by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Methods A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central. A random-effect model was used to assess summary relative risks (RR), weighted mean differences (WMD), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Testing for heterogeneity between the studies was performed using Cochran’s Q test and the I2 test. Results Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 117 patients and four observational cohort studies with a total of 813 patients contributed to the analysis. Pooled results indicate significant mitigation of cardiotoxicity after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab exposure among statin users in cohort studies [RR = 0.46, 95% CI (0.27–0.78), p = 0.004, $${ }I^{2}$$ I 2 = 0.0%] and a non-significant decrease in cardiotoxicity risk among statin users in RCTs [RR = 0.49, 95% CI (0.17–1.45), p = 0.20, $$I^{2}$$ I 2 = 5.6%]. Those who used statins were also significantly more likely to maintain left ventricular ejection fraction compared to baseline after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab therapy in both cohort studies [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 6.14%, 95% CI (2.75–9.52), p < 0.001, $$I^{2}$$ I 2 = 74.7%] and RCTs [WMD = 6.25%, 95% CI (0.82–11.68, p = 0.024, $$I^{2}$$ I 2 = 80.9%]. We were unable to explore publication bias due to the small number of studies. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that there is an association between statin use and decreased risk of cardiotoxicity after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab exposure. Larger well-conducted RCTs are needed to determine whether statins decrease risk of cardiotoxicity from anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. Trial Registration Number and Date of Registration PROSPERO: CRD42020140352 on 7/6/2020.

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Recurrence Rate of Sporadic Pheochromocytomas After Curative Adrenalectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgaa794 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Isabelle Holscher ◽

Tijs J van den Berg ◽

Koen M A Dreijerink ◽

Anton F Engelsman ◽

Els J M Nieveen van Dijkum

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Recurrence Rate ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Curative Surgery ◽

Endocrine Society ◽

Time To Recurrence ◽

The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background Evidence on follow-up duration for patients with sporadic pheochromocytomas is absent, and current guidelines of the European Society of Endocrinology, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Endocrine Surgeons, and the Endocrine Society are ambiguous about the appropriate duration of follow-up. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the recurrence rate of sporadic pheochromocytomas after curative adrenalectomy. Materials and Methods A literature search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed. A study was eligible if it included a clear report on the number of sporadic patients, recurrence rate, and follow-up duration. Studies with an inclusion period before 1990, <2 years of follow-up, <10 patients, and unclear data on the sporadic nature of pheochromocytomas were excluded. A meta-analysis on recurrence was performed provided that the heterogeneity was low (I2 < 25%) or intermediate (I2 26–75%). Hozo’s method was used to calculate weighted mean follow-up duration and weighted time to recurrence with combined standard deviations (SDs). Results A total of 13 studies, including 430 patients, were included in the synthesis. The meta-analysis results describe a pooled recurrence rate after curative surgery of 3% (95% confidence interval: 2–6%, I2 = 0%), with a weighted mean time to recurrence of 49.4 months (SD = 30.7) and a weighted mean follow-up period of 77.3 months (SD = 32.2). Conclusions This meta-analysis shows a very low recurrence rate of 3%. Prospective studies, including economical and health effects of limited follow-up strategies for patients with truly sporadic pheochromocytomas should be considered.

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Effect of Earthworm on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.691742 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Dong Wang ◽

Zhen Ruan ◽

Rongchao Zhang ◽

Xuejing Wang ◽

Ruihui Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Wound Healing ◽

Healing Rate ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Healing Process ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Weighted Mean

Background: Earthworm, also called dilong (Chinese language), has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recently, some scientists believe that earthworm extracts (EE) can promote wound healing. However, its effectiveness remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of EE on wound healing based on the healing rate.Methods: We comprehensively reviewed literature that mentioned EE for wound healing in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and WanFang database that have been published until January 2021. We computed weighted mean difference (WMD) for analysis with RevMan 5.3 software in animal and human models groups. Two researchers independently selected studies and evaluated the risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020168400).Results: From 2,486 articles, we selected 16 studies for analysis. EE treatment was associated with improvements in wound healing performance based on wound healing rate (mouse model: weighted mean difference (WMD) = 3.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.34–4.77, p < 0.00001; rat model: WMD = 17.29, 95% CI: 5.75–28.82, p = 0.003; rabbit model: WMD = 19.29, 95% CI: 9.95–28.64, p < 0.0001). Clinical studies also confirmed that EE could reduce healing time in hospital (WMD = −8.94, 95% CI: −17.75 to −0.14, p = 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of EE on wound healing process. As a corollary, EE can be a useful natural product for wound healing drug development.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=168400, identifier CRD42020168400.

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Melatonin and Cardioprotection in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine ◽

10.3389/fcvm.2021.635083 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Alberto Domínguez-Rodríguez ◽

Pedro Abreu-González ◽

Néstor Báez-Ferrer ◽

Russel J. Reiter ◽

Pablo Avanzas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Favorable Effect ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Mean Differences

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury represents a critical problem associated with interventional approaches for coronary reperfusion. Pharmacological cardioprotective interventions are advocated to ameliorate IR injury. Melatonin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent with a wide range of therapeutic properties that may contribute to its cardioprotective effects. No systematic review or meta-analysis has compared melatonin vs. placebo as a cardioprotective agent in humans. The present study, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, was carried out to assess melatonin's efficacy as a cardioprotective treatment. We performed a systematic review of the available literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and information was extracted using predefined data extraction forms. The primary outcomes were (a) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and (b) blood troponin levels in patients who underwent myocardial revascularization and were randomized to melatonin or placebo. The inverse-variance random-effects method was used to pool the estimates. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Weighted mean differences or standardized mean differences were calculated. A total of 283 records were screened and seven RCTs met all the inclusion criteria. After the pooled analysis, the results on LVEF were consistent across all studies, and a significant heterogeneity was found in the results on troponin levels. The melatonin-treated patients had on average higher LVEF than the placebo-treated individuals with a weighted mean difference = 3.1% (95% CI 0.6–5.5, p = 0.01). Five works compared the levels of troponin after melatonin or placebo treatment. The melatonin-treated patients had lower levels of troponin with a standardized mean difference = −1.76 (95% CI −2.85 to −0.67, p = 0.002). The findings of this meta-analysis revealed that melatonin administration in humans as a cardioprotective agent attenuated heart dysfunction with a favorable effect on the LVEF.

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Clinical Outcomes of Meniscal Allograft Transplantation With Respect to the Minimal Clinically Important Difference

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465211036116 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652110361

Author(s):

Lisa Su ◽

Ignacio Garcia-Mansilla ◽

Benjamin Kelley ◽

Armin Arshi ◽

Peter Fabricant ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Minimal Clinically Important Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Meniscal Allograft Transplantation ◽

Clinically Important Difference ◽

Meniscal Allograft ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Fresh Frozen

Background: Arthroscopic-assisted meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) has become a viable and effective treatment option for young active patients with postmeniscectomy pain. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is imperative to evaluate the clinical significance of surgical interventions and inform clinical practice guidelines in orthopaedic surgery. Purpose: To perform a systematic review of clinical outcome studies of patients undergoing MAT and compare postoperative improvement with established MCID thresholds. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. A meta-analysis was performed using data obtained from studies reporting patient-reported outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients undergoing isolated lateral MAT using fresh-frozen grafts. Weighted mean postoperative improvements in the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain) were calculated and compared with MCID values to determine if they met the MCID threshold. Results: A total of 35 studies were identified, including 1658 unique patients. Weighted mean postoperative score improvements exceeded MCID thresholds for the VAS pain, IKDC, and Lysholm. Subgroup analysis of patients undergoing isolated lateral fresh-frozen MAT demonstrated postoperative improvements exceeding the MCID for the Lysholm and VAS pain. Conclusion: Evaluating postoperative PROMs with respect to the MCID is crucial to evaluate the effect of MAT on functional improvement. The results of the present meta-analysis suggest that postoperative improvements after MAT are clinically meaningful as reflected by PROMs exceeding the MCID threshold for the IKDC, Lysholm, and VAS pain.

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Outcomes and Complications After Primary Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Versus Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Tears or Biceps Abnormalities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120945322 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 232596712094532

Author(s):

Zi Jun Deng ◽

Clark Yin ◽

Joseph Cusano ◽

Hussein Abdul-Rassoul ◽

Emily J. Curry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Constant Score ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Biceps Tenodesis ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis ◽

Popeye Deformity ◽

Anterior Posterior

Background: Biceps tenodesis is a surgical treatment for both superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears and long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) abnormalities. Biceps tenodesis can be performed either above or below the pectoralis major tendon with arthroscopic or open techniques. Purpose: To analyze the outcomes and complications comparing primary arthroscopic suprapectoral versus open subpectoral biceps tenodesis for either SLAP tears or LHBT disorders. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A search strategy based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) protocol was used to include 18 articles (471 patients) from a total of 974 articles identified. Overall exclusion criteria included the following: non–English language, non–full text, biceps tenodesis with concomitant rotator cuff repair, review articles, meta-analyses, and case reports. Data were extracted and analyzed according to procedure type and tenodesis location: arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (295 patients) versus open subpectoral bicepts tenodesis (176 patients). Results: For arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis, the weighted mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 90.0 (97 patients) and the weighted mean Constant score was 88.7 (108 patients); for open subpectoral biceps tenodesis, the mean ASES score was 91.1 (199 patients) and mean Constant score was 84.7 (65 patients). Among the 176 patients who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis, there was an overall complication rate of 9.1%. Among the 295 patients who underwent open biceps tenodesis, there was an overall complication rate of 13.5%. Both residual pain (5.7% vs 4.7%, respectively) and Popeye deformity (1.7% vs 1.0%, respectively) rates were similar between the groups. Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis had higher reoperation (3.0% vs 0.0%, respectively), wound complication (1.0% vs 0.0%, respectively), and nerve injury (0.7% vs 0.0%, respectively) rates postoperatively. A meta-analysis of 3 studies demonstrated that both methods had similar ASES scores ( P = .36) as well as all-cause complication rates (odds ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.13-4.48]; P = .26). Conclusion: Patients undergoing arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis for either SLAP tears or LHBT abnormalities had similar outcome scores and complication rates compared with those undergoing open subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Additionally, both residual pain and Popeye deformity rates were similar between the 2 groups.

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Protein Intake Greater than the RDA Differentially Influences Whole-Body Lean Mass Responses to Purposeful Catabolic and Anabolic Stressors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Advances in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/advances/nmz106 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 548-558 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Joshua L Hudson ◽

Yu Wang ◽

Robert E Bergia III ◽

Wayne W Campbell

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Lean Mass ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Energy Restriction ◽

Whole Body ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Body Lean Mass ◽

Apparently Healthy

ABSTRACT Under stressful conditions such as energy restriction (ER) and physical activity, the RDA for protein of 0.8 g · kg−1 · d−1 may no longer be an appropriate recommendation. Under catabolic or anabolic conditions, higher protein intakes are proposed to attenuate the loss or increase the gain of whole-body lean mass, respectively. No known published meta-analysis compares protein intakes greater than the RDA with intakes at the RDA. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of protein intakes greater than the RDA, compared with at the RDA, on changes in whole-body lean mass. Three researchers independently screened 1520 articles published through August 2018 using the PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases, with additional articles identified in published systematic review articles. Randomized, controlled, parallel studies ≥6 wk long with apparently healthy adults (≥19 y) were eligible for inclusion. Data from 18 studies resulting in 22 comparisons of lean mass changes were included in the final overall analysis. Among all comparisons, protein intakes greater than the RDA benefitted changes in lean mass relative to consuming the RDA [weighted mean difference (95% CI): 0.32 (0.01, 0.64) kg, n = 22 comparisons]. In the subgroup analyses, protein intakes greater than the RDA attenuated lean mass loss after ER [0.36 (0.06, 0.67) kg, n = 14], increased lean mass after resistance training (RT) [0.77 (0.23, 1.31) kg, n = 3], but did not differentially affect changes in lean mass [0.08 (−0.59, 0.75) kg, n = 7] under nonstressed conditions (no ER + no RT). Protein intakes greater than the RDA beneficially influenced changes in lean mass when adults were purposefully stressed by the catabolic stressor of dietary ER with and without the anabolic stressor of RT. The RDA for protein is adequate to support lean mass in adults during nonstressed states. This review was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero as CRD 42018106532.

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P5976Prediction of ventricular arrhythmias with mechanical dispersion assessed by strain echocardiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0697 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

H Kawakami ◽

N Nerlekar ◽

K H Haugaa ◽

T Edvardsen ◽

T H Marwick

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Risk Stratification ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽

Speckle Tracking ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Mechanical Dispersion

Abstract Background Recent studies have demonstrated that left ventricular mechanical dispersion (LVMD) assessed by speckle tracking might be a powerful marker in risk stratification for ventricular arrhythmias (VA). We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to i) assess the prognostic value of this parameter (previous studies were predominantly single-center), ii) define the value relative to other parameters, iii) identify the most appropriate cutoff for designating risk. Purpose To assess the association between LVMD and the incidence of VA. Methods A systemic review of studies reporting the predictive value of LVMD for VA was undertaken from a search of Medline and Embase. LVMD was defined as the standard deviation of time from Q/R on ECG to peak negative strain from each LV segment. VA events were defined as sudden cardiac death, cardiac arrest, documented ventricular tachyarrhythmia, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy. Hazard ratios (HRs) were extracted from univariable and multivariable models reporting on the association of LVMD and VA and described as pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In a meta-analysis, the predictive value of LVMD was compared to that of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results Among 3198 patients (weighted mean, 63 years, 30% female; 82% ischemic heart disease) in 12 published articles, 387 (12%) had VA events over a follow-up (17–70 months). Patients with VA events had a significantly greater mechanical dispersion compared with those without VA events (weighted mean difference, −20.3 ms; 95% CI, −27.3 to −13.2; p<0.01); 60 ms was found to be the optimal cutoff LVMD value for predicting VA events. Each 10 ms increment of LVMD was significantly and independently associated with VA events (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.29; p<0.01). The predictive value of LVMD was superior to that of LVEF or GLS (Figure). Figure 1 Conclusion LVMD assessed by speckle tracking provides important predictive value for VA in patients with a number of cardiac diseases and appears to have superior predictive value to LVEF and GLS for risk stratification.

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