Mastoid Obliteration Decreases the Recurrent and Residual Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mastoid obliteration compared to the canal wall up (CWU) technique in cholesteatoma surgery based on the systematic review of the literature and the meta-analysis of the data.The systematic search was performed in four major databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and CENTRAL) on October 14, 2021. Studies comparing the CWU technique and mastoid obliteration were included. The exclusion criteria were less than 12 months follow-up, congenital cholesteatoma, indefinite description of the surgical method, and animal studies. The protocol was registered on Prospero (registration number: CRD42021282485). The risk of bias was evaluated with the ROBINS-I tool. Residual and recurrent disease proportions as primary outcomes, quality of life, ear discharge, infection rates, hearing results, and operation time as secondary outcomes were analyzed. In the quantitative synthesis, the random effect model was used, and heterogeneity was identified.A total of 11 articles with 2077 operations' data were found eligible. All the identified studies were retrospective cohorts. The odds of pooled residual and recurrent disease proportion were significantly lower in the obliteration group compared to CWU (OR = 0.45, CI:0.28;0.80, p = 0.014). However, when separated, the proportion of ears with recurrent (OR = 0.41, CI:0.11;1.57, p = 0.140) or residual (OR = 0.59, CI:0.23, 1.50, p = 0.207) disease did not show a significant difference, even though the odds were quite similar. The qualitative synthesis identified no significant difference in the secondary outcomes, but obliteration elongated the operation time.Mastoid obliteration significantly decreased the proportion of residual and recurrent cholesteatoma in pooled analyses compared to the CWU technique with low-quality of data.NA Laryngoscope, 2022

Factors influencing successful reconstruction of tympanic membrane perforations : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, our study aimed to provide information about the factors that influence the success of tympanic membrane reconstruction.Our systematic search was conducted on November 24, 2021, using the CENTRAL, Embase, and MEDLINE databases. Observational studies with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up on type I tympanoplasty or myringoplasty were included, while non-English articles, patients with cholesteatoma or specific inflammatory diseases, and ossiculoplasty cases were excluded. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021289240) and PRISMA reporting guideline was used. Risk of bias was evaluated with the QUIPS tool. A random effect model was used in the analyses. Primary outcome was the rate of closed tympanic cavities.After duplicate removal, 9454 articles were found, of which 39 cohort studies were included. Results of four analyses showed significant effects: age (OR: 0.62, CI 0.50; 0.78, p value: 0.0002), size of the perforation (OR: 0.52, CI 0.29; 0.94, p value: 0.033), opposite ear condition (OR: 0.32, CI 0.12; 0.85, p value: 0.028), and the surgeon's experience (OR: 0.42, CI 0.26; 0.67, p value: 0.005), while prior adenoid surgery, smoking, the site of the perforation, and discharge of the ear did not. Four factors: etiology, Eustachian tube function, concomitant allergic rhinitis, and duration of the ear discharge were analyzed qualitatively.The age of the patient, the size of the perforation, the opposite ear status, and the surgeon's experience have a significant effect on the success of tympanic membrane reconstruction. Further comprehensive studies are needed to analyze the interactions between the factors.Not applicable

Multi-biomarker disease activity score: an objective tool for monitoring rheumatoid arthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The multi-biomarker disease activity (MBDA) score is an objective tool for monitoring disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we report a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical value of the MBDA score in RA.We performed a systematic literature search in five medical databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to 13 October 2021. Original articles reporting on the performance of the MBDA score’s correlation with conventional disease activity measures, or the predictive and the discriminative value of the MBDA score for radiographic progression, therapy response, remission, and relapse were included.Our systematic search provided a total of 1190 records. After selection and citation searches, we identified 32 eligible studies. We recorded moderate correlations between MBDA score and conventional DAMs at baseline (COR = 0.45, CI: 0.28–0.59; I2 = 71.0% for DAS28 CRP and COR = 0.55, CI: 0.19–0.78; I2 = 0.0% for DAS28-ESR) and at follow-up (COR = 0.44, CI: 0.28–0.57; I2 = 70.0% for DAS28 CRP), and found that the odds of radiographic progression were significantly higher for patients with a high baseline MBDA score (>44) than for patients with a low baseline MBDA score (<30) (OR = 1.03, CI: 1.02–1.05; I2 = 10.0%).MBDA score might be used as an objective disease activity marker. In addition, it is also a reliable prognostic marker of radiographic progression

Increased Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: Immune regulation seems to be altered in cystic fibrosis (CF), thus potentially predisposing patients to developing autoimmune diseases (AID). In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of celiac disease (CeD) among CF patients as by far the most commonly reported autoimmune disease in this population and, secondly, to review the observations on other, less frequently studied autoimmune diseases. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search for studies that discussed AIDs among CF patients. Following standard selection and data collection, we calculated pooled raw prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for biopsy-verified CeD and seropositivity. Results: Out of the 21 eligible studies, 15 reported on CeD. Pooled prevalence of biopsy-verified CeD was 1.8% (CI 1.1–2.7%) according to a homogeneous dataset from six prospective, consecutive screening studies, while it proved to be 2.3% (CI 1.1–4.7%) according to a heterogeneous dataset from the other studies. Tissue transglutaminase IgA positivity was detected in 4.5% of CF cases (CI 2.8–6.9%), while tissue transglutaminase IgA–endomysial antibody IgA double positivity was found in 2.4% of them (CI 1.5–3.9%). Findings on other AIDs were strongly limited. Conclusions: The pooled prevalence of CeD in CF seemed to be more than twice as high compared to the global prevalence; therefore, routine screening of CeD could be considered in CF

Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Associated With Carotid Intima and Media Thickening : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection affects ≈4.4 billion people worldwide. Several studies suggest that this pathogen impacts the digestive system, causing diverse and severe conditions, and results in extragastrointestinal disorders like vascular diseases. Our study aims to examine the association between H. pylori infection and carotid intima-media thickness. Methods and Results Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched for studies, comparing the thickness of the carotid intima-media in H. pylori-infected and noninfected individuals listed until October 20, 2020. Statistical analyses were performed using the random effects meta-analysis of model of weighted mean differences with the corresponding 95% CI using the DerSimonian and Laird method. The protocol was registered in advance in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; CRD42021224485). Thirteen studies were found meeting inclusion criteria for our systematic review and meta-analysis, presenting data on the thickness of the carotid intima-media considering the presence of H. pylori infection. Altogether, 2298 individuals' data were included (1360 H. pylori positive, 938 negative). The overall carotid intima-media thickness was significantly larger among infected patients compared with uninfected participants (weighted mean difference: 0.07 mm; 95% CI, 0.02-0.12; P=0.004; I2=91.1%; P<0.001). In case of the right common carotid artery, the intima-media thickening was found to be significant as well (weighted mean difference, 0.08 mm; 95% CI, 0.02-0.13, P=0.007; I2=85.1%; P<0.001), while it showed no significance in the left common carotid artery (weighted mean difference, 0.12 mm; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.28, P=0.176; I2=97.4%; P<0.001). Conclusions H. pylori infection is associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness. Therefore, the infection may indirectly contribute to the development of major vascular events

Predictive Performance of Serum S100B Versus LDH in Melanoma Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Currently, no consensus on the use of blood tests for monitoring disease recurrence in patients with resected melanoma exists. The only meta-analysis conducted in 2008 found that elevated serum S100B levels were associated with significantly worse survival in melanoma patients. Serum LDH is an established prognostic factor in patients with advanced melanoma.To compare the discriminative and prognostic ability of serum S100B with that of serum LDH in patients with melanoma.This systematic review and meta-analysis were reported in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42019137138).A quantitative analysis of data from 6 eligible studies included 1,033 patients with cutaneous melanoma. The discriminative ability of serum S100B at identifying disease relapse [pooled Area Under the ROC (AUROC) 78.64 (95% CI 70.28; 87.01)] was significantly greater than the discriminative ability of serum LDH [AUROC 64.41 (95% CI 56.05; 7278)] (p=0.013). Ten eligible studies with 1,987 patients were included in the risk of death analysis. The prognostic performance of serum S100B [pooled estimate of adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.78 (95% CI 1.38; 2.29)] was independent but not superior to that of serum LDH [HR 1.60 (95% CI 1.36; 2.29)].A relatively small number of articles were eligible and there was considerable heterogeneity across the included studies.Serum biomarkers may provide relevant information on melanoma patient status and should be further researched. Serum S100B is a valid marker for diagnosis of melanoma recurrence.The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42019137138)

Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of early studies on ivermectin in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, has been repurposed for COVID-19 treatment during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Although its antiviral efficacy was confirmed early in vitro and in preclinical studies, its clinical efficacy remained ambiguous. Our purpose was to assess the efficacy of ivermectin in terms of time to viral clearance based on the meta-analysis of available clinical trials at the closing date of the data search period, one year after the start of the pandemic. This meta-analysis was reported by following the PRISMA guidelines and by using the PICO format for formulating the question. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO. Embase, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), bioRvix, and medRvix were searched for human studies of patients receiving ivermectin therapy with control groups. No language or publication status restrictions were applied. The search ended on 1/31/2021 exactly one year after WHO declared the public health emergency on novel coronavirus. The meta-analysis of three trials involving 382 patients revealed that the mean time to viral clearance was 5.74 days shorter in case of ivermectin treatment compared to the control groups [WMD = -5.74, 95% CI (-11.1, -0.39), p = 0.036]. Ivermectin has significantly reduced the time to viral clearance in mild to moderate COVID-19 diseases compared to control groups. However, more eligible studies are needed for analysis to increase the quality of evidence of ivermectin use in COVID-19

Immune response to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in adults with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 1429 patients

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk for infection. Pneumonia related to influenza and pneumococcal infection is one of the most common infection-related complications in IBD. Aims: To evaluate the immunogenicity of pneumococcal and influenza vaccination in patients with IBD receiving different treatments. Methods: We searched four databases for studies evaluating seroprotection and seroconversion rates after influenza or pneumococcal vaccination in IBD on 20th October 2020. In the meta-analysis, odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: We included twelve studies (1429 patients with IBD) in this meta-analysis. The seroconversion rate after pneumococcal vaccination and the seroprotection rate after influenza vaccination were not significantly lower in patients receiving conventional immunosuppressive treatment compared to the nonimmunosuppressed patients. Meanwhile, the seroconversion rate following pneumococcal vaccine was significantly lower in patients with anti-TNF mono- or combination therapy (OR = 0.28, CI: 0.15–0.53, and OR = 0.27, CI: 0.15–0.49, respectively). In the analysis of patients with IBD on conventional immunosuppressive monotherapy versus anti-TNF therapy, the seroprotection rate after influenza immunization did not differ between patients receiving either anti-TNF mono-or combination therapy (OR = 1.45, CI: 0.62–3.38 and OR = 0.91, CI: 0.37–2.22, respectively). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the immunization against Pneumococcus and influenza is safe and immunogenic despite immunosuppression

Early changes in laboratory parameters are predictors of mortality and ICU admission in patients with COVID-19 : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite the growing knowledge of the clinicopathological features of COVID-19, the correlation between early changes in the laboratory parameters and the clinical outcomes of patients is not entirely understood. In this study, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of early laboratory parameters in COVID-19. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the available literature in five databases. The last search was on July 26, 2020, with key terms related to COVID-19. Eligible studies contained original data of at least ten infected patients and reported on baseline laboratory parameters of patients. We calculated weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. 93 and 78 studies were included in quantitative and qualitative syntheses, respectively. Higher baseline total white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), D-dimer and lower absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) (WMDALC = - 0.35 × 109/L [CI - 0.43, - 0.27], p < 0.001, I2 = 94.2%; < 0.8 × 109/L, ORALC = 3.74 [CI 1.77, 7.92], p = 0.001, I2 = 65.5%) were all associated with higher mortality rate. On admission WBC, ALC, D-dimer, CRP, LDH, and CK changes could serve as alarming prognostic factors. The correct interpretation of laboratory abnormalities can guide therapeutic decisions, especially in early identification of potentially critical cases. This meta-analysis should help to allocate resources and save lives by enabling timely intervention