To perform a meta-analysis to compare the diagnostic performance of 16- versus 64-section computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD).
The MEDLINE database was ...searched for relevant original articles. Criteria for inclusion of articles were (a) use of multisection spiral CT as a diagnostic test for obstructive CAD, (b) use of the newer generation of multisection spiral CT (16 or 64 section) scanners, and (c) use of coronary angiography as the reference standard for diagnosing obstructive CAD (>50% diameter stenosis was selected as the cutoff criterion for diagnosis of CAD). After data extraction, the analysis was performed according to a random-effects model. Between-study statistical heterogeneity also was assessed by using Cochran Q chi(2) tests.
Of 328 identified relevant articles, 37 fulfilled all inclusion criteria, with data available for a patient-based analysis in 28. The patient-based analysis included pooled data from 16 studies, corresponding to 1292 patients who underwent 16-section spiral CT, and from 12 studies, corresponding to 695 patients who underwent 64-section spiral CT. Respectively, the results for 16-section CT versus 64-section CT were 95% (95% confidence interval CI: 93%, 96%) versus 97% (95% CI: 95%, 98%) for sensitivity (P = .03), 69% (95% CI: 66%, 73%) versus 90% (95% CI: 86%, 93%) for specificity (P < .001), 79% (95% CI: 76%, 82%) versus 93% (95% CI: 91%, 96%) for positive predictive value (PPV) (P < .001), 92% (95% CI: 88%, 94%) versus 96% (95% CI: 92%, 98%) for negative predictive value (P < .001), and 72.05 (95% CI: 31.35, 165.56) versus 181.82 (95% CI: 88.70, 372.71) for diagnostic odds ratio (P = .1).
Sixty-four-section spiral CT has significantly higher specificity and PPV on a per-patient basis compared with 16-section CT for the detection of greater than 50% stenosis of coronary arteries.
http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/2453061899/DC1.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle-wasting disease, caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, characterised by cycles of muscle degeneration, inflammation and regeneration. ...Recently, there has been renewed interest specifically in drugs that ameliorate muscle inflammation in DMD patients. The DE50-MD dog is a model of DMD that closely mimics the human DMD phenotype. We quantified inflammatory proteins in serum from wild-type (WT) and DE50-MD dogs aged 3-18 months to identify biomarkers for future pre-clinical trials. Significantly higher concentrations of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF or CSF2), keratinocyte chemotactic-like (KC-like, homologous to mouse CXCL1), TNFα (or TNF), and interleukins IL2, IL6, IL7, IL8 (CXCL8), IL10, IL15 and IL18 were detected in DE50-MD serum compared to WT serum. Of these, CCL2 best differentiated the two genotypes. The relative level of CCL2 mRNA was greater in the vastus lateralis muscle of DE50-MD dogs than in that of WT dogs, and CCL2 was expressed both within and at the periphery of damaged myofibres. Serum CCL2 concentration was significantly associated with acid phosphatase staining in vastus lateralis biopsy samples in DE50-MD dogs. In conclusion, the serum cytokine profile suggests that inflammation is a feature of the DE50-MD phenotype. Quantification of serum CCL2 in particular is a useful non-invasive biomarker of the DE50-MD phenotype.
To perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of 16- and 64-section spiral computed tomography (CT) to help assess coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs).
The MEDLINE, Cochrane library, and ...BioMed Central databases were searched for relevant original articles published up to May 2007. Major criteria for article inclusion were that it (a) used multisection CT as a diagnostic test for the assessment of significant lesions (occlusion or >50% stenosis) of CABG, (b) used a 16- or 64-section scanner, and (c) used coronary angiography as the reference standard. After data extraction, the analysis was performed according to a random-effects model. Between-study statistical heterogeneity was also assessed by using the Cochran Q chi(2) test.
Of 158 screened articles, 15 fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Graft assessability (including distal anastomosis) ranged from 78%-100% among all included studies (mean, 92.4%; 90% with 16- and 96% with 64-section CT; P < .001). Statistical heterogeneity was observed for specificity and positive likelihood ratio (LR), justifying the use of the random-effects model. The analysis, pooled from 15 studies (723 patients, 2023 CABGs), provided the following results for the assessment of graft obstruction (occlusion and >50% stenosis): sensitivity, 97.6% (95% confidence interval CI: 96%, 98.6%); specificity, 96.7% (95% CI: 95.6%, 97.5%); positive predictive value, 92.7% (95% CI: 90.5%, 94.6%); negative predictive value, 98.9% (95% CI: 98.2%, 99.4%); positive LR, 23.42 (95% CI: 13.69, 40.07); negative LR, 0.045 (95% CI: 0.028, 0.071); and diagnostic odds ratio, 780.32 (95% CI: 379.12, 1606.1).
Multisection CT provided high accuracy for the evaluation of CABG obstruction in assessable conduits, and might be used as a noninvasive tool for the evaluation of suspected graft dysfunction in patients who are at high risk for complications from coronary angiography.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by mutations in the dystrophin (DMD) gene, is associated with fatal muscle degeneration and atrophy. Patients with DMD have progressive reductions in ...skeletal muscle strength and resistance to eccentric muscle stretch. Using the DE50-MD dog model of DMD, we assessed tibiotarsal joint (TTJ) flexor and extensor force dynamics, and the resistance of dystrophic muscle to eccentric stretch. Male DE50-MD and wild-type (WT) dogs were analysed every 3 months until 18 months of age. There was an age-associated decline in eccentric contraction resistance in DE50-MD TTJ flexors that discriminated, with high statistical power, WT from DE50-MD individuals. For isometric contraction, at the majority of timepoints, DE50-MD dogs had lower maximum absolute and relative TTJ flexor force, reduced TTJ muscle contraction times and prolonged relaxation compared to those in WT dogs. Cranial tibial muscles, the primary TTJ flexor, of 18-month-old DE50-MD dogs had significant numbers of regenerating fibres as expected, but also fewer type I fibres and more hybrid fibres than those in WT dogs. We conclude that these parameters, in particular, the eccentric contraction decrement, could be used as objective outcome measures for pre-clinical assessment in DE50-MD dogs.
IMPORTANCE: There are limited high-quality, population-level data about the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy using contemporaneous comparator cohorts. OBJECTIVES: To describe maternal and ...perinatal outcomes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and to assess variables associated with severe disease in the pregnant population. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: CANCOVID-Preg is an observational surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2–affected pregnancies in Canada. This analysis presents exploratory, population-level data from 6 Canadian provinces for the period of March 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021. A total of 6012 pregnant persons with a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test result at any time in pregnancy (primarily due to symptomatic presentation) were included and compared with 2 contemporaneous groups including age-matched female individuals with SARS-CoV-2 and unaffected pregnant persons from the pandemic time period. EXPOSURE: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Incident infections in pregnancy were reported to CANCOVID-Preg by participating provinces/territories. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as risk factors for severe disease (ie, disease requiring hospitalization, admission to an intensive care unit/critical care unit, and/or oxygen therapy). RESULTS: Among 6012 pregnant individuals with SARS-CoV-2 in Canada (median age, 31 IQR, 28-35 years), the greatest proportion of cases were diagnosed at 28 to 37 weeks’ gestation (35.7%). Non-White individuals were disproportionately represented. Being pregnant was associated with a significantly increased risk of SARS-CoV-2–related hospitalization compared with SARS-CoV-2 cases among all women aged 20 to 49 years in the general population of Canada (7.75% vs 2.93%; relative risk, 2.65 95% CI, 2.41-2.88) as well as an increased risk of intensive care unit/critical care unit admission (2.01% vs 0.37%; relative risk, 5.46 95% CI, 4.50-6.53). Increasing age, preexisting hypertension, and greater gestational age at diagnosis were significantly associated with worse maternal outcomes. The risk of preterm birth was significantly elevated among SARS-CoV-2–affected pregnancies (11.05% vs 6.76%; relative risk, 1.63 95% CI, 1.52-1.76), even in cases of milder disease not requiring hospitalization, compared with unaffected pregnancies during the same time period. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this exploratory surveillance study conducted in Canada from March 2020 to October 2021, SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was significantly associated with increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes and preterm birth.
Objective
To undertake a retrospective perinatal death audit and assessment of avoidable factors associated with stillbirths among a cohort of women in two provinces in Papua New Guinea.
Methods
We ...used data from an ongoing cluster‐randomized crossover trial in 10 sites among 4600 women in Papua New Guinea (from 2017 to date). The overarching aim is to improve birth outcomes. All stillbirths from July 2017 to January 2020 were identified. The Perinatal Problem Identification Program was used to analyze each stillbirth and review associated avoidable factors.
Results
There were 59 stillbirths among 2558 births (23 per 1000 births); 68% (40/59) were classified “fresh” and 32% as “macerated”. Perinatal cause of death was identified for 63% (37/59): 30% (11/37) were due to intrapartum asphyxia and traumatic breech birth and 19% (7/37) were the result of pre‐eclampsia. At least one avoidable factor was identified for 95% (56/59) of stillbirths. Patient‐associated factors included lack of response to reduced fetal movements and delay in seeking care during labor. Health personnel‐associated factors included poor intrapartum care, late diagnosis of breech presentation, and prolonged second stage with no intervention.
Conclusion
Factors associated with stillbirths in this setting could be avoided through a package of interventions at both the community and health‐facility levels.
Among 59 stillbirths, we identified 127 possible avoidable factors, including poor response to reduced fetal movement, delay in seeking care in labor, and poor intrapartum monitoring.
Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and bacterial vaginosis have been associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, but there is conflicting evidence on ...the benefits of antenatal screening and treatment for these conditions. We aimed to determine the effect of antenatal point-of-care testing and immediate treatment of C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, T vaginalis, and bacterial vaginosis on preterm birth, low birthweight, and other adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes compared with current standard of care, which included symptom-based treatment without laboratory confirmation.
In this pragmatic cluster randomised crossover trial, we enrolled women (aged ≥16 years) attending an antenatal clinic at 26 weeks’ gestation or earlier (confirmed by obstetric ultrasound), living within approximately 1 h drive of a study clinic, and able to provide reliable contact details at ten primary health facilities and their catchment communities (clusters) in Papua New Guinea. Clusters were randomly allocated 1:1 to receive either the intervention or control (standard care) in the first phase of the trial. Following an interval (washout period) of 2–3 months at the end of the first phase, each cluster crossed over to the other group. Randomisation was stratified by province. Individual participants were informed about trial group allocation only after completing informed consent procedures. The primary outcome was a composite of preterm birth (livebirth before 37 weeks’ gestation), low birthweight (<2500 g), or both, analysed according to the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN37134032, and is completed.
Between July 26, 2017, and Aug 30, 2021, 4526 women were enrolled (2210 63·3% of 3492 women in the intervention group and 2316 62·8% of 3687 in the control group). Primary outcome data were available for 4297 (94·9%) newborn babies of 4526 women. The proportion of preterm birth, low birthweight, or both, in the intervention group, expressed as the mean of crude proportions across clusters, was 18·8% (SD 4·7%) compared with 17·8% in the control group (risk ratio RR 1·06, 95% CI 0·78–1·42; p=0·67). There were 1052 serious adverse events reported (566 in the intervention group and 486 in the control group) among 929 trial participants, and no differences by trial group.
Point-of-care testing and treatment of C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, T vaginalis, and bacterial vaginosis did not reduce preterm birth or low birthweight compared with standard care. Within the subgroup of women with N gonorrhoeae, there was a substantial reduction in the primary outcome.
UK Department of Health and Social Care; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; UK Medical Research Council; the Wellcome Trust; the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council; and Swiss National Science Foundation.
OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between right ventricular involvement (RVI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the increase in mortality and morbidity ...frequently suggested in the last two decades.
DESIGN:The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING:This study was conducted at an academic medical center.
DATA SOURCE:The authors reviewed PubMed, BioMedCentral, and the Cochrane database and conducted a manual review of article bibliographies.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Using a prespecified search strategy, 22 relevant studies involving a total of 7,136 patients with AMI at baseline, of whom 1,963 had RVI (27.5%), were included in a meta-analysis using a random effects model. Pooled relative risks of the impact of RVI on patient mortality and morbidity were calculated.
MAIN RESULTS:An overall pooled relative risk mortality increase of 2.59 (95% confidence interval, 2.02–3.31) was found (Z = 7.57; p < .00001). RVI in AMI was also associated with a statistically significant increase in all secondary end points assessed, including cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrhythmias, advanced atrioventricular block, and mechanical complications.
CONCLUSIONS:Our results support the view that early recognition of RVI, namely by means of right electrocardiographic leads in acute myocardial infarction, may have prognostic value. Whether or not this recognition will permit improvement of outcomes through more aggressive percutaneous coronary intervention would need to be tested in future studies.
LEARNING OBJECTIVESOn completion of this article, the reader should be able to:The authors have disclosed that they have no financial relationships with or interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.All faculty and staff in a position to control the content of this CME activity have disclosed that they have no financial relationship with, or financial interests in, any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.Lippincott CME Institute, Inc., has identified and resolved all faculty conflicts of interest regarding this educational activity.Visit the Critical Care Medicine Web Site (www.ccmjournal.org) for information on obtaining continuing medical education credit.
Objective Because little is known about its effects on cognitive function among children in less-developed countries, we determined the impact of lead exposure from other nutritional determinants of ...cognitive ability. Study design Data were from a cross-sectional population-based stratified random sample of 877 children (age 6 months-5 years) participating in the Quality Improvement Demonstration Study we are conducting in the Philippines. With data from validated psychometric instruments, venous blood samples, and comprehensive survey instruments, we developed multi-stage models to account for endogenous determinants of blood lead levels (BLLs) and exogenous confounders of the association between BLLs and cognitive function. Results A 1 μg/dL increase in BLL was associated with a 3.32 point decline in cognitive functioning in children aged 6 months to 3 years and a 2.47 point decline in children aged 3 to 5 years olds. BLL was inversely associated with hemoglobin and folate levels. Higher folate levels mitigated the negative association between BLL and cognitive function. Conclusions These population-based data suggest greater lead toxicity on cognitive function than previously reported. Our findings also suggest that folate and iron deficient children are more susceptible to the negative cognitive effects of lead. Folate supplementation may offer some protective effects against lead exposure.
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