The risk of venous thromboembolic events in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that has been associated with increased risk of extraintestinal manifestations, amongst which is venous thromboembolism (VTE). We assessed the risk for VTE in patients with IBD through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A systematic search for English language studies was conducted in Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library of publications from database inception till August 10, 2020, to identify relevant studies reporting the risk of VTE in patients with IBD. The random-effects and fixed-effect models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results Eleven observational studies were included in this meta-analysis, involving 3,175,012 patients with IBD and 920,144,253 controls without IBD. The overall RR for VTE in patients with IBD compared to non-IBD individuals was 2.03 (95%CI 1.72-2.39). An analysis of studies with larger population size demonstrated a lower risk for VTE (RR 1.77, 95%CI 1.48-2.13) among patients with IBD, whereas studies with a smaller population size yielded a greater risk for VTE (RR 2.67, 95%CI 1.97-2.93). After adjustment for smoking and body mass index, the RR for VTE was moderately increased (RR 2.65, 95%CI 1.51-4.65). Conclusions The present meta-analysis shows that IBD is linked to a 2-fold increased risk for VTE. Thus, primary prevention against VTE is of the utmost importance. © 2021 Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology

The Profile of Circulating Matrix Metalloproteinases in Patients Undergoing Lower Limb Endovascular Interventions for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a significant role in the development and progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease. We aimed to document the profile of circulating MMPs in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients undergoing lower limb endovascular revascularization. Methods A total of 46 patients (37 male; mean age 66 ± 11 years) undergoing elective lower limb percutaneous revascularization (angioplasty/stent) for symptomatic PAD were recruited from 2 vascular centers. Exclusion criteria were: acute limb ischemia, active infection and/or wet gangrene, liver disease, end-stage renal disease, and cancer. Patients having open revascularization or hybrid (open combined with endovascular) procedures were also excluded. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken on admission and 24 hrs after the procedure. Levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, and MMP-9 were measured along with tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) 1 and 2. Results Compared to baseline values, there was a significant elevation in serum MMP-3 (P = 0.014) and MMP-7 (P = 0.008) levels, whereas serum MMP-9 showed a nonsignificant trend to increase (P = 0.169). On the other hand, no significant alterations were found 24 hrs after angioplasty/stenting with regard to the MMP-2 level and TIMP-1 and 2 levels. Conclusions This study documented the periprocedural profile of circulating MMPs in patients undergoing angioplasty/stenting for PAD. The implications of increased MMP-3 and MMP-7 activity after peripheral endovascular interventions and their potential clinical relevance require further investigation. © 2017 Elsevier Inc

A systematic review and meta-analysis of abdominal compartment syndrome after endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

Objective Limited data exist regarding the development of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) after endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs). We aimed to record the incidence, management, and outcome of this complication. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of the English language literature was undertaken through June 2012. Articles reporting data on outcome after endovascular repair of RAAAs were identified, and information regarding ACS was sought. Results Included were 39 eligible studies reporting 1134 patients. The pooled perioperative mortality was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18%-24%). A total of 109 cases of ACS were recorded. There was significant within-study heterogeneity (Cochran Q = 94.1; P <.0001), and the pooled ACS rate was 8% (95% CI, 5.6%-10.8%). Only six studies accurately defined ACS, and four focused specifically on ACS. When the meta-analysis was repeated after including only studies with a definition and those focusing on ACS, the pooled rate increased to 17% (95% CI, 10%-26%) and 21% (95% CI, 13%-30%), respectively. A random-effects meta-regression analysis investigating the effect of ACS and other risk factors on mortality revealed a significant linear correlation between hemodynamic instability and death (r = 0.303) and a nonlinear (second degree polynomial) association between bifurcated endograft approach and death (R2 = 0.348; P =.0027). However, no statistically significant association could be found between ACS and death. A further meta-regression analysis failed to identify any statistically significant predictors of ACS. Treatment included open decompression in 86 patients, percutaneous drainage in 18 (catheter only in five, combined with tissue plasminogen activator infusion in 13), and conservative measures in five. Data on outcome of ACS were only available for 76 patients; 35 of these died, for a mortality rate of 47%. Conclusions The pooled ACS rate was calculated at 8%, but this figure may be >20% with improved awareness and vigilant monitoring. Although no statistically significant association could be found between ACS and death, almost half the patients who developed ACS after endovascular repair of RAAAs were likely to die. © 2014 by the Society for Vascular Surgery