Efficacy and Safety of Topical Application of Olive Oil for Preventing Pressure Ulcers : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The purpose was to identify and summarize the existing evidence on the efficacy and safety of the topical application of olive oil for preventing pressure ulcers (PUs). We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients at risk of developing PUs, testing the topical application of olive oil versus other products for PU prevention. We assessed the risk of bias using the RoB 2 tool, and the certainty of the evidence with GRADE. Four RCTs met the eligibility criteria. All studies were judged at a low risk of bias overall. The meta-analysis showed that the clinical efficacy of olive oil for prevention occurs by reducing the incidence of PUs (RR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.79, I = 0%); with no differences in adverse effects, it may be associated with a shorter development time of PUs and shorter hospital stays. The certainty of the evidence assessed by the GRADE approach was moderate and low. The topical application of olive oil is effective and safe in reducing the incidence of PUs compared to other treatments. These findings could provide new insights into olive oil as a preventive and alternative treatment for PUs as it is accessible and inexpensive compared to other products

Mean Platelet Volume in Neonatal Sepsis: Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

"first_pagesettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessSystematic Review Mean Platelet Volume in Neonatal Sepsis: Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies by Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo 1ORCID,Cielo Cabanillas-Ramirez 2,3ORCID,Carlos Quispe-Vicuña 3,4ORCID,Jose A. Caballero-Alvarado 5ORCID,Darwin A. León-Figueroa 3,6ORCID,Nicolás Cruces-Tirado 7 andJoshuan J. Barboza 3,8,*ORCID 1 Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Trujillo 13007, Peru 2 Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima 15023, Peru 3 Unidad de Revisiones Sistemáticas y Meta-Análisis, Tau-Relaped Group, Trujillo 13007, Peru 4 Sociedad Científica San Fernando, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru 5 Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego, Trujillo 13007, Peru 6 Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Chiclayo 14000, Peru 7 Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo 14006, Peru 8 Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima 15046, Peru * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Children 2022, 9(12), 1821; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9121821 Received: 5 October 2022 / Revised: 21 November 2022 / Accepted: 22 November 2022 / Published: 25 November 2022 (This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases) Download Browse Figures Review Reports Versions Notes Abstract Introduction: Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), particularly in preterm sepsis, is a potentially fatal issue. Evaluation of mean platelet volume (MPV) as an EONS predictor was the goal. Methods: Four databases were used to conduct a systematic evaluation of cohort and case–control studies. Up till the end of October 2022, 137 articles were found utilizing the search method. Following the review, 12 studies were included. Leukocytes, MPV, platelets, gender, birth weight, gestational age, mortality, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were all taken into account while analyzing the prediction of EONS. Inverse-variance methodology and the random-effects model were used. Using GRADE, the evidence’s quality was evaluated. Results: Neonatal patients with sepsis had significantly higher MPV levels than do neonates without sepsis (MD 1.26; 95% CI 0.89–1.63; p < 0.001). An increased MPV during the first 24 h postpartum was associated with high CRP values and high risk of neonatal mortality. In the investigations, the MPV cutoff for sepsis patients was 9.95 (SD 0.843). Overall certainty of the evidence was very low. Conclusions: The increased MPV during the first 24 h postpartum may be predictive of EONS and mortality. Future studies are warranted.

Prevalencia de ansiedad y depresión utilizando la escala de ansiedad y depresión (HADS) en pacientes con Síndrome de Intestino Irritable

Introducción: en ausencia de una anormalidad estructural. Es una de las enfermedades que se ha asociado frecuentemente con enfermedades psiquiátricas como ansiedad y depresión. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de depresión y ansiedad en pacientes con SII empleando la encuesta Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) en pacientes que acuden a consultorio de gastroenterología en la Clínica Internacional Sede Lima (CILM). Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo no comparativo en el cual se utilizaron encuestas autoaplicadas en consultorio externo de la CILM. Se utilizó Microsoft Excel para tabular y STATA versión 17 para calcular las frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: Se incluyó a 67 pacientes: sexo: femenino (77.61%), rango de edad: 36-45 años (56.72%) y variedad de sintomas en SII: estreñimiento (55.22%). La prevalencia de ansiedad fue de 71.64% mientras que la de depresión fue de 26.87%. Conclusiones: Los p cientes con SII tuvieron mayor prevalencia de síntomas compatibles con ansiedad en comparación con depresión.Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by the presence of intestinal disturbances in the absence of structural abnormalities. IBS is one of the diseases that has been frequently associated with psychiatric diseases such as anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with IBS using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) survey in patients attending the gastroenterology clinic of the International Clinic of Lima (CILM). Materials and Methods: Descriptive non- comparative study where self-administered surveys were used in the outpatient clinic of the CILM. Microsoft Excel was used for tabulation and STATA version 17 for calculation of absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Sixty-seven patients were included. Sex: female (77.61%), age range 36-45 (56.72%) and variety of IBS symptoms: constipation (55.22%). The prevalence of anxiety was 71.64% while that of depression was 26.87%. Conclusions: Patients with IBS presented a higher prevalence of symptoms compatible with anxiety compared to depression

Association between postnatal weight gain with Retinopathy of Prematurity in preterm neonates weighing less than 1500 g in a Peruvian Hospital

Introducción: Retinopatía de la prematuridad (ROP) es una causa principal de ceguera infantil prevenible mundialmente, es multifactorial y tiene implicancias en la calidad de vida del neonato, generando discapacidad, aumentando la carga económica, emocional y familiar. Objetivos e hipótesis: Evaluar la asociación entre la velocidad de ganancia de peso postnatal temprana con el desarrollo de ROP en prematuros menores de 1500g del Departamento de Neonatología del Hospital Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen (HNGAI) durante el 2010-2020. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional analítico cohorte retrospectivo. Se utilizó registros de prematuros menores de 1500g de la base de datos del HNGAI. Para clasificar la ROP se empleó la “International Classification for Retinopathy of Prematurity” (ICROP); y la fórmula Average 2-point para la velocidad de ganancia de peso postnatal temprana. Se realizó análisis estadístico univariado, bivariado y multivariado (Regresión de Poisson). Resultados: Los neonatos con velocidad de ganancia de peso postnatal temprana moderada baja (Q3) presentaron un 0,77 menos riesgo de desarrollar ROP en comparación al grupo de referencia [IC 95%: 0,47 - 1,26]. Aquellos prematuros con velocidad de ganancia de peso postnatal temprana baja (Q4) tienen 0.66 menos riesgo de desarrollar ROP en comparación al grupo de referencia [IC 95%: 0,40 - 1,09]. Conclusión: No se encontró asociación entre la velocidad de ganancia de peso postnatal temprana y ROP en prematuros del HNGAI. Sin embargo, nuestro estudio brinda una primera aproximación a la exploración de las características nutricionales como factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de ROP en el Perú.Introduction : Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the most common causes of childhood blindness worldwide, it is multifactorial and has implications for the quality of life of the newborn, generating disability, increasing the economic, emotional and family burden. Objectives and hypotheses : To evaluate the association between the speed of early postnatal weight gain with ROP in premature infants weighing less than 1500g from the Neonatology Department of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen Hospital (HNGAI) during 2010-2020. Materials and methods : Retrospective cohort analytical observational study. Records of premature babies weighing less than 1500g from the HNGAI database were used. To classify ROP, the “International Classification for Retinopathy of Prematurity” (ICROP) was used; and the Average 2-point formula for rate of early postnatal weight gain. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis (Poisson Regression) was performed. Results: Neonates with moderately low early postnatal weight gain velocity (Q3) had a 0.77 lower risk of developing ROP compared to the reference group [95% CI: 0.47 - 1.26]. Those premature infants with low early postnatal weight gain velocity (Q4) have 0.66 lower risk of developing ROP compared to the reference group [95% CI: 0.40 - 1.09]. Conclusion : No association was found between the speed of early postnatal weight gain and ROP in premature infants from the HNGAI. However, our study provides a first approach to the exploration of nutritional characteristics as a risk factor for the development of ROP in Peru.Tesi

Efficacy of Liraglutide in Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

In the past few decades, childhood obesity has become a significant global health issue, impacting around 107.7 million children and adolescents globally. There is currently minimal usage of pharmacological therapies for childhood obesity in the pediatric population. This research assessed the efficacy of liraglutide in treating childhood and adolescent obesity. Until 20 October 2022, a systematic literature review was done utilizing PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The search phrases “liraglutide”, “pediatric obesity”, “children”, and “adolescents” were utilized. Using the search method, a total of 185 articles were found. Three studies demonstrating liraglutide’s effectiveness in treating child and adolescent obesity were included. The selected research was done in the United States. As an intervention, liraglutide was administered to 296 participants at a maximal dosage of 3.0 mg. All examined trials were in phase 3. This comprehensive analysis revealed no clinically significant differences between liraglutide and body weight (kg; MD −2.62; 95%CI −6.35 to 1.12; p = 0.17) and body mass index (kg/m2; MD −0.80; 95%CI −2.33 to 0.73, p = 0.31). There was no evidence that liraglutide increased hypoglycemia episodes (RR 1.08; 95%CI 0.37 to 3.15; p = 0.79), or side consequences. However, it was shown that the medicine might help reduce BMI and weight combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. A lifestyle change may have favorable consequences that will be assessed in the future for adjunctive therapy. PROSPERO database (CRD42022347472

Epidemiologic Situation of HIV and Monkeypox Coinfection: A Systematic Review

The most recent monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak is mostly affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) who participate in high-risk sexual behaviors, which is typically the case among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers, according to clinical and epidemiological statistics. The objective of this research is to determine the epidemiological situation of HIV and smallpox co-infection. Until 1 October 2022, a thorough evaluation of the literature was conducted utilizing the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were evaluated based on the criteria for selection. Fifty-three studies met the selection criteria. A total of 6345 confirmed cases of monkeypox were recorded, and 40.32% (n = 2558) of these cases also had HIV co-infection. In addition, 51.36% (n = 3259) of the men (91.44%; n = 5802), whose ages ranged from 18 to 71 years, exhibited MSM-specific sexual behaviors. Co-infection with these two viruses can be especially dangerous because it can exacerbate the symptoms of both diseases and make them more difficult to treat. People with HIV are more vulnerable to certain infections, including monkeypox, because their immune systems are weakened. Therefore, it is important that they take measures to prevent infection, such as avoiding contact with infected animals, risky behaviors, and maintaining good hygiene.Revisión por pare

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Application of Olive Oil for Preventing Pressure Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The purpose was to identify and summarize the existing evidence on the efficacy and safety of the topical application of olive oil for preventing pressure ulcers (PUs). We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients at risk of developing PUs, testing the topical application of olive oil versus other products for PU prevention. We assessed the risk of bias using the RoB 2 tool, and the certainty of the evidence with GRADE. Four RCTs met the eligibility criteria. All studies were judged at a low risk of bias overall. The meta-analysis showed that the clinical efficacy of olive oil for prevention occurs by reducing the incidence of PUs (RR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.79, I2 = 0%); with no differences in adverse effects, it may be associated with a shorter development time of PUs and shorter hospital stays. The certainty of the evidence assessed by the GRADE approach was moderate and low. The topical application of olive oil is effective and safe in reducing the incidence of PUs compared to other treatments. These findings could provide new insights into olive oil as a preventive and alternative treatment for PUs as it is accessible and inexpensive compared to other products

How Good Is Online Information for Patients on the Treatment for Luminal Gastrointestinal Cancers? A Comprehensive Evaluation in English and Spanish

The internet has become a necessary communication platform for health information. The quality of online material for patients varies significantly, and this is not different for material on gastrointestinal cancers. We aimed to assess English and Spanish online patient information addressing esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer treatment. Six independent Google searches were conducted using the terms: esophageal cancer treatment, gastric cancer treatment, colorectal cancer treatment, and their translations in Spanish. Websites were included in the top 50 results for each search. Readability was assessed using two validated tests for each language. Understandability/actionability, quality, and cultural sensitivity were assessed using Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), DISCERN, and Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool (CSAT), respectively. Pearson’s chi-squared was used for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum (2 groups) or Kruskal–Wallis (> 2 groups) for continuous. One hundred twelve websites were analyzed. Readability levels were high in both languages (between 11th grade and university level) and significantly higher in English. Mean quality scores for English and Spanish were consistent with good quality. CSAT scores met the cultural acceptability with lower CSAT scores for gastric cancer treatment in English. Higher actionability scores were found in English for colorectal cancer. Also, there was a clear trend for higher cultural sensitivity and quality of Spanish material for gastric cancer treatment. Online patient information on esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer treatment, in English and Spanish, were at a readability level above the average literacy level and even significantly higher in English. Initiatives to improve online information on gastrointestinal cancer treatments are warranted.Revisión por pare

Antiviral Treatment against Monkeypox: A Scoping Review

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in reports of human monkeypox virus infection cases spreading in many countries outside Africa is a major cause for concern. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the evidence of antiviral pharmacotherapy available for the treatment of adult patients with monkeypox. A scoping review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CENTRAL databases until 12 September 2022. The key search terms used were &ldquo;monkeypox&rdquo; and &ldquo;treatment&rdquo;. A total of 1927 articles were retrieved using the search strategy. After removing duplicates (n = 1007) and examining by title, abstract, and full text, 11 studies reporting case reports of monkeypox with antiviral treatment were included, detailing the number of monkeypox cases, clinical manifestations, number of participants with antiviral treatment, history of sexually transmitted diseases, method of diagnosis, location of skin lesions, drugs used in antiviral treatment, route of administration, and outcome. A total of 1281 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported, of which 65 monkeypox cases had antiviral treatment distributed most frequently in the United States (n = 30), the United Kingdom (n = 6), and Spain (n = 6). Of the total cases, 1269 (99.1%) were male with an age range of 18 to 76 years, and 1226 (95.7%) had a sexual behavior of being men who have sex with men. All confirmed cases of monkeypox were diagnosed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The most frequent clinical manifestations were skin lesions, fever, lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, and myalgia. The most frequent locations of the lesions were perianal, genital, facial, and upper and lower extremities. The most commonly used drugs for antiviral treatment of monkeypox were: tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir. All patients had a complete recovery. According to current evidence, the efficacy and safety of antiviral drugs against monkeypox is of low quality and scarce