The American journal of cardiology
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The Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients are highly predisposed to thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or dissection, with virtually every patient having evidence of aortic disease at some point during their lifetime. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in slowing down the progression of aortic dilatation in MFS patients. PUBMED, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases were searched for relevant articles published from inception to February 1, 2020. ⋯ ARBs as an add-on therapy to beta-blockers resulted in a significantly smaller change in aortic root dilation when compared with the arm without ARBs (mean difference -2.06, 95% CI -2.54 to -1.58; p < 0.00001, I2 = 91%). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of clinical events (aortic complications/surgery) observed in the ARBs arm when compared with placebo (Risk ratio of 1.01, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.38; p = 0.94, I2 = 0%). In conclusion, ARBs therapy is associated with a slower progression of aortic root dilation when compared with placebo and as an addition to beta-blocker therapy.
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Meta Analysis
Meta-Analysis of the Usefulness of Inferior Vena Cava Filters in Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism.
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the safety and effectiveness of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) placement in the setting of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE), Pubmed and Cochrane Library were queried to identify all clinical studies evaluating IVCF placement in patients with massive and submassive PE from database establishment to December 2019. The rate of recurrent PE, PE-related mortality, adverse events, IVCF type, additional treatment intervention, DVT status, and follow-up length were retrieved. Recurrent PE, mortality, and complication rates were pooled. ⋯ The cumulative IVCF-related complication rate was 0.63%. In conclusion, based on a limited amount of low-quality evidence, IVCF placement is associated with low recurrent PE and PE-related mortality rates among patients with massive and submassive PE, suggestive of a potential clinical benefit in this scenario. Prospectively designed studies are warranted to confirm these findings.