scholarly journals Statin and Post-Cardiac Surgery Atrial Fibrillation Prevention: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Oliveri ◽  
Andrea Bongiorno ◽  
Sara Compagnoni ◽  
Alessandro Fasolino ◽  
Francesca Gentile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Study Participants

Introduction: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequently reported complication of cardiac surgery, leading to increased in-hospital and long-term mortality rates. Many studies have suggested using statins to protect against POAF. Thus, we aim to investigate if statin pre-treatment may effectively lower the incidence of POAF. Method: We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed for potential studies between January 2006 and August 2021. Principal inclusion criteria were: randomized clinical trials study design; statin-naive patients; total study participants ≥ 50 units. We used the fixed-effects model to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each analyzed intervention. Results: Overall, statin pre-treatment reduced the incidence of POAF compared to placebo (OR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.60-0.85, p-value < 0.00001). Analyzing subclasses, atorvastatin was associated with lower incidence of POAF (OR 0.54; 95% CI: 0.41-0.70, p-value = 0.002), but rosuvastatin was not (OR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.71-1.14, p-value = 0.38). Selecting studies with ≥ 199 patients, results were divergent. There was not statistically significant difference between statin pre-treatment and placebo (OR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.74-1.09, p-value = 0.26), as well as for atorvastatin (OR 0.74; 95% CI: 0.54-1.03, p-value = 0.08) and rosuvastatin (OR 0.87; 95% CI: 0.68-1.12, p-value = 0,29). Conclusion: Statin pre-treatment before cardiac surgery is not associated with a significant reduction in POAF occurrence. Thus, based upon our results and considering possible renal complications, we discourage statin pre-treatment in preventing POAF.

Meta-Analysis of Upper Probe Measurements in Normal Subjects and Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

2005 ◽  
Vol 114 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert L. Merati ◽  
Seckin O. Ulualp ◽  
Hyun J. Lim ◽  
Robert J. Toohill
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux ◽  
Ph Monitoring ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Acid Exposure ◽  
P Value ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Significant Difference

We report a meta-analysis of a series of studies in which 24-hour ambulatory pH monitoring was performed in 1) normal subjects, 2) the normal control subjects in studies of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and 3) the patients with LPR in these controlled studies. The statistical analysis utilized the fixed-effects model by Mantel-Haenszel and the random-effects mixed model. There were 16 studies from the past 12 years that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. They involved 793 subjects (264 normal and 529 with LPR). The numbers of positive pharyngeal reflux events for normal subjects and for patients with LPR differed with a p value of <.0001. There was also a significant difference in the mean percentage of acid exposure times between normal subjects and patients with LPR (p = .003). We conclude that the upper probe gives accurate and consistent information in normal subjects and patients with LPR. The numbers of reflux events and acid exposure times are most important in distinguishing normal subjects from patients with LPR. The technology and methodology of probe testing is quite reliable and is consistent on a worldwide basis.

Use of Statins and Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Seven Randomized Clinical Trials and Nine Observational Studies

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (34) ◽  
pp. 8606-8612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanos Bonovas ◽  
Kalitsa Filioussi ◽  
Nikolaos Tsavaris ◽  
Nikolaos M. Sitaras
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Breast Cancer Risk ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Fixed Effects Model

Purpose A growing body of evidence suggests that statins may have chemopreventive potential against breast cancer. Laboratory studies demonstrate that statins induce apoptosis and reduce cell invasiveness in various cell lines, including breast carcinoma cells. However, the clinical relevance of these data remains unclear. The nonconclusive nature of the epidemiologic data prompted us to conduct a detailed meta-analysis of the studies published on the subject in peer-reviewed literature. Patients and Methods A comprehensive search for articles published up until 2005 was performed; reviews of each study were conducted; and data were abstracted. Before meta-analysis, the studies were evaluated for publication bias and heterogeneity. Pooled relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% CIs were calculated using the random and the fixed-effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results Seven large randomized trials and nine observational studies (five case-control and four cohort studies) contributed to the analysis. We found no evidence of publication bias or heterogeneity among the studies. Statin use did not significantly affect breast cancer risk (fixed effects model: RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.14; random effects model: RR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.18). When the analyses were stratified into subgroups, there was no evidence that study design substantially influenced the estimate of effects. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of our results. Conclusion Our meta-analysis findings do not support a protective effect of statins against breast cancer. However, this conclusion is limited by the relatively short follow-up times of the studies analyzed. Further studies are required to investigate the potential decrease in breast cancer risk among long-term statin users.

Effectiveness and Safety Studies of Omalizumab in Children and Adolescents With Moderate-To-Severe Asthma

2021 ◽  
pp. 089719002110382
Author(s):  
Lu Cheng ◽  
Tianrui Yang ◽  
Xiang Ma ◽  
Yuling Han ◽  
Yongtai Wang
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Allergic Asthma ◽  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Vital Capacity ◽  
Immunoglobulin E ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Severe Allergic Asthma

Background Omalizumab is currently approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe allergic asthma in patients 6 years and older. Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous omalizumab as an add-on therapy option for moderate–severe allergic asthma in patients aged 6—20 years old. Methods The studies published from July, 1970 to May, 2021 were searched from the electronic databases which followed keywords: (“anti-IgE” OR “anti-immunoglobulin E” OR “anti-IgE antibody” OR “omalizumab” OR “rhuMAb-E25” OR “Xolair”) AND “asthma” AND (“child” OR “children” OR “adolescents” OR “youth” OR “teenager” OR “kids” OR “pediatric”). Thirteen studies were pooled to determine the effectiveness and safety of omalizumab. Efficacy endpoints were evaluated using a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model depending on heterogeneity. Safety endpoints were evaluated by odds ratio. Results Thirteen studies were included. In this meta-analysis, our results showed that fractional exhaled nitric oxide and asthma control test scores were significantly improved with omalizumab treatment. Serum immunoglobulin E was also decreased in children with moderate-to-severe asthma after treatment with omalizumab. The analysis found that there was no significant difference between pre-and post-treatment in forced expiratory volume in one second/ forced vital capacity ratio, forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity, or FEV1. Overall, more adverse events occurred with omalizumab compared to placebo. However, the degree was mild to moderate. Conclusion This meta-analysis indicates that omalizumab is safe and effective to treat children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe asthma.

CAG (cytarabine, aclarubicin, G-CSF) Regimen Is Effective and Well Tolerated in 367 Elderly Patients with AML in China and Japan: A Meta-Analysis

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 4290-4290
Author(s):  
Guoqing Wei ◽  
Delong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Therapy ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Elderly Aml ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
China And Japan

Abstract Abstract 4290 Background: Current therapy is still unsatisfactory in elderly patients (pts) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). CAG regimen (cytarabine, aclarubicin, G-CSF) has been commonly used in China and Japan for the treatment of elderly AML pts. The aim of this study is to summarize the data and to analyze the efficacy as well as the toxic effects of CAG regimen in elderly AML pts. Methods: The databases of PubMed, Wanfang Data, as well as American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting abstracts were searched for articles published in English, Chinese and Japanese languages from January 1995 to December 2010. Eligible studies were relevant clinical trials of elderly AML pts treated with CAG regimen. Complete remission (CR) rate, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of chemotherapy were compared through a meta-analysis using a random-effects or fixed-effects model. Results: 19 trials with a total of 367 elderly AML pts were identified and included for analysis. Among the 367 AML pts treated with CAG, 266 pts were newly diagnosed AML, 54 pts were relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML. The AML status was not specified in the rest 47 pts. The CR rate for the 367 elderly AML pts was 52.0% (95% CI 46.8%-57.2%). Interestingly, no significant difference in CR rates was noted between the newly diagnosed (54.7%, 95% CI 48.6%-60.7%) and R/R AML pts (45.7%, 95% CI 32.4%-59.6%) (Q=1.332, p=0.248). Three studies compared the CR rates of elderly AML pts according to the karyotype. The CR rate was significantly higher in pts with intermediate (72.4%, 95% CI 58.0%-83.3%) cytogenetics than those with unfavorable one (35.7%, 95% CI 18.7%-57.2%) (Q=7.803, p=0.005). These elderly AML pts tolerated CAG well with low cardiotoxicity (0.73%, 2/273) and ED (8.48%, 29/342). Conclusions: CAG regimen induced high CR rates in elderly pts with new and relapsed/ refractory AML. This regimen was well tolerated with low cardiotoxicity and early death rate. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Risk of fatigue with the targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20611-e20611
Author(s):  
Bilal Iqbal ◽  
Shenhong Wu
Keyword(s):  
Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Targeted Therapy ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Renal Cell ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials ◽  
Significant Difference

e20611 Background: Fatigue is one of the major side effects associated with targeted therapeutic agents in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and has negatively affected the optimal use of these drugs. Currently the risk of fatigue has not been well defined. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) to determine the risk of fatigue in RCC patients treated with targeted therapy. Methods: Databases including PUBMED, Web of Science, and abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meetings up to October, 2012 were searched to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies included prospective RCTs in which a targeted therapy was compared to a control of non-targeted therapy (placebo or interferon) with data available. Incidences and relative risk (RR) were calculated using a random- or fixed-effects model depending on the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: A total of 5,192 RCC patients (targeted therapy: 3023, control: 2092) from 11 RCTs were selected for analysis. The overall incidences of all-grade and high-grade (ie, grade 3 or above) fatigue were 45.4% (95% CI: 33.0-58.5%) and 7.6% (95% CI: 4.1-13.5%) respectively. The incidences varied significantly among different agents (P<0.001). In comparison with overall controls, the targeted therapy did not significantly increase the risk of all-grade (RR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.0-1.35, p=0.055) or high-grade fatigue (RR= 1.01, 95% CI: 0.68-1.50, P=0.95). However, the targeted therapy significantly increased the risk of all-grade fatigue (RR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.40-2.32; P<0.001), but not high-grade fatigue (RR 1.74, 95% CI: 0.91-3.32; P=0.095) when compared to placebo. There was no significant difference between the targeted therapy and interferon in the risk of all-grade (RR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.90-1.14; P=0.90) or high-grade fatigue (RR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.55-1.36; P=0.53). Conclusions: The targeted therapy may significantly increase the risk of fatigue in a magnitude comparable to interferon.

Acquired hypothyroidism as a predictive marker of outcome in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs): A literature-based meta-analysis.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 500-500
Author(s):  
Andreas Demetrios Nearchou ◽  
Antonis Valachis ◽  
Pehr Lind ◽  
Olof Akre ◽  
Per Sandstrom
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Predictive Marker ◽  
P Value ◽  
Significant Difference

500 Background: The development of hypothyroidism in patients with mRCC during treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sunitinib and sorafenib is a well-established side effect. The potential role of hypothyroidism as predictive marker of outcome has been studied with conflicting results. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to assess the predictive value of hypothyroidism for both progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with mRCC treated with TKI. Methods: We searched PubMed as well as the electronic abstract databases of the major international congresses’ proceedings to identify all eligible studies which reported a correlation of the development of hypothyroidism during treatment with TKI and outcome in patients with mRCC. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PFS and OS were obtained from these publications and pooled in a meta-analysis by using random-effects or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: Eleven studies with a total of 500 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We found no statistical significant difference in PFS between patients who developed hypothyroidism and patients without hypothyroidism during sunitinib therapy (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.59-1.13, p-value = 0.22) (6 studies; 250 patients). For studies that included patients treated with either sunitinib or sorafenib, the development of hypothyroidism was found to be predictive for longer progression free survival (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42-0.84, p-value = 0.003) (3 studies; 205 patients). The HR for OS was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.31-0.87, p-value = 0.01) for patients who developed hypothyroidism during sunitinib therapy compared to patients without hypothyroidism (4 studies; 147 patients). Conclusions: The development of hypothyroidism during TKIs therapy is not clearly shown to be predictive in patients with mRCC. The observed advantage in overall survival for patients with treatment related hypothyroidism should be interpreted with caution due to the potential imbalance of treatments received after first line treatment in each group.

Association of risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) with docetaxel in prostate cancer (PC) patients: A meta-analysis of published phase II-III trials.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e21683-e21683
Author(s):  
Blazquez Arroyo Maria ◽  
Antonio Merida Garcia ◽  
David Lora ◽  
Brandon David Bernard ◽  
Lorente David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Relative Risk ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Bone Marrow Involvement ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer ◽  
Fixed Effects Model

e21683 Background: Reported rates of FN with docetaxel (DTX) in PC patients are variable. This creates uncertainty regard the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor primary prophylaxis (G-CSF) in this setting. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to determine the relative risk (RR) of FN in patients receiving DTX. Methods: To perform this analysis we systematically searched in PUBMED and MEDLINE database the following terms: “DTX”, “randomized clinical trial” and “prostate cancer” only for articles published between January 1996 and August 2016. Phase II-III clinical studies comparing DTX to non-DTX control arms (best supportive care [BSC] including non-cytotoxic therapy or mitoxantrone) for PC were included. The meta-analyses were performed by computing RRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using fixed-effects model with the Mantel-Haenszel method. Results: Seven studies (N = 5088 patients) were included. The global incidence of FN in patients treated with DTX was 10.7%. The RR of FN was higher in patients receiving DTX compared to patients did not receive DTX (RR 16.8 [95% CI 10.7; 26.4] p < 0.0001). 6.6% of patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) treated with DTX developed FN, the RR of FN with DTX compared to mitoxantrone was 28.6 (95% CI 5.6; 145.1). 12.4% of patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) treated with DTX developed FN, the RR of FN was 15.3 (95% CI 9.6; 24.6) compared to BSC. There was no statistically significant differences in the rate of FN according to the hormone sensitivity (HSPC vs CRPC) (p = 0.7). In most studies the use of G-CSF was at the discretion of the investigator. Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that DTX is associated with a significant increase in the relative risk of FN in patients with PC. The effectiveness of primary prophylactic G-CSF in this setting has not been fully established. The incidence reported here does not meet the threshold recommended by ESMO and ASCO guidelines for the use of prophylactic G-CSF. Special attention should be given to high risk groups for FN, including elderly patients and those with bone marrow involvement or previous radiotherapy/chemotherapy.

Abstract 14191: Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering on Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J Singleton ◽  
Lin Chen ◽  
Sean P Whalen ◽  
Prashant Bhave ◽  
Elijah Beaty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Pressure Lowering ◽  
Analysis Models

Introduction: The effect of intensive versus standard blood pressure (BP) lowering on the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) is uncertain. Hypothesis: Intensive BP lowering is associated with a lower risk of AF among patients with hypertension. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for trials published between inception and June 5, 2020 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of intensive versus standard (target systolic BP < 140 mmHg) BP lowering on incident AF. We assessed heterogeneity using the I 2 statistic then used fixed-effects meta-analysis models to report pooled treatment effects and 95% confidence intervals. We also tested for publication bias by three funnel plot-based methods. The quality of each study was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: We assessed 16 candidate studies for eligibility from 2,312 published articles, but only three randomized clinical trials were eligible for inclusion and included a combined 12,219 participants with hypertension: Cardio-Sis (Studio Italiano Sugli Effetti Cardiovascolari del Controllo della Pressione Arteriosa Sistolica), ACCORD-BP (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Blood Pressure trial), and SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial). The target systolic BP in the intensive BP arm was <120 mmHg for participants in SPRINT and ACCORD-BP, but <130 mmHg for participants in Cardio-Sis. Participants randomized to intensive BP lowering had significantly lower risk of incident AF compared with those randomized tostandard BP lowering (AF incidence 2.2% vs. 3.0%, respectively; pooled hazard ratio (95% confidence interval ): 0.74 (0.59 - 0.93)). Conclusions: Intensive BP lowering is associated with a significantly lower risk of incident AF in patients with hypertension. These findings add to the current evidence supporting the benefits of intensive BP control.

Effects of TACE and preventive antiviral therapy on HBV reactivation and subsequent hepatitis in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 646-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su-Su Zhang ◽  
Jin-Xia Liu ◽  
Jing Zhu ◽  
Ming-Bing Xiao ◽  
Cui-Hua Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Antiviral Therapy ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hbv Reactivation ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and aim The impact of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and preventive antiviral therapy on the occurrence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation and subsequent hepatitis remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of TACE and preventive antiviral therapy on the risk of HBV reactivation and subsequent hepatitis. Meanwhile, we explored the role of HBeAg status in HBV reactivation after TACE. Methods We performed this meta-analysis with 11 included studies to assess the effect of TACE and preventive antiviral therapy on predicting clinical outcomes in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a random or fixed effects model. PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled were searched for the included articles (from 2000 to December 2017). Results Our results showed that TACE significantly increased the risk of HBV reactivation (OR: 3.70; 95% CI 1.45–9.42; P < 0.01) and subsequent hepatitis (OR: 4.30; 95% CI 2.28–8.13; P < 0.01) in HCC patients. There was no significant difference in HBV reactivation after TACE between HBeAg positive and negative patients (OR: 1.28; 95% CI 0.31–5.34; P = 0.73). Preventive antiviral therapy could statistically reduce the rate of HBV reactivation (OR: 0.08; 95% CI 0.02–0.32; P < 0.01) and hepatitis (OR: 0.22; 95% CI 0.06–0.80; P = 0.02) in those with TACE treatment. Conclusions The present study suggested that TACE was associated with a higher possibility of HBV reactivation and subsequent hepatitis. Preventive antiviral therapy is significantly in favor of a protective effect.

Prolonging the flush-lock interval of totally implantable venous access ports in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 112972982095099
Author(s):  
Xiaohong Wu ◽  
Tiantian Zhang ◽  
Lichan Chen ◽  
Xisui Chen
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Monthly Interval ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Recently, some studies have shown that prolonging flush interval is safe and feasible for patients who complete chemotherapy. However, there is no consensus about the optimal flush interval for those patients. Objective: The purpose of this review was to evaluate whether the flush interval could be prolonged based on monthly interval for regular maintenance and to explore the optimal flush interval. Data sources: We searched the following databases for articles published between 1 January 1982 and 21 February 2020: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Ovid. Study eligibility criteria: Randomized controlled trials, retrospective and prospective cohort studies of flush interval less than 4 weeks versus longer than 4 weeks for patients who completed chemotherapy, were included. Results: Two reviewers extracted information and assessed the quality of the articles independently. In total, 389 articles were retrieved, and 4 studies including 862 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There was no statistical heterogeneity ( I2 = 0, p > 0.05) among the included studies. Hence, the fixed-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the total complication rate associated with longer than 4-week interval was higher than that associated with less than 4-week interval. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference between the two groups (7.2% vs 7.6%, p = 0.83). Moreover, the meta-analysis showed that the total complication and catheter occlusion rates associated with the 4-week interval were higher than those associated with the 8-week interval. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (total complications: 11.4% vs 9.5%, p = 0.68; catheter occlusions: 4.9% vs 4.1%, p = 0.89). Limitations: Only four non-randomized controlled studies were included, and the outcomes of the included studies were reported incompletely. Conclusion: Extending the flush interval to longer than 4 weeks is safe and feasible. Based on previous studies, extending the flush interval to 8 weeks might not increase the incidence of total complications and catheter occlusions. However, there is no conclusion on whether the flush interval could be extended to 3 months or longer.

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