Chest
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Review Meta Analysis
Single-Dose Etomidate Does Not Increase Mortality in Patients with Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies.
The effect of single-dose etomidate on mortality in patients with sepsis remains controversial. We systematically reviewed the literature to investigate whether a single dose of etomidate for rapid sequence intubation increased mortality in patients with sepsis. ⋯ Current evidence indicates that single-dose etomidate does not increase mortality in patients with sepsis. However, this finding largely relies on data from observational studies and is potentially subject to selection bias; hence, high-quality and adequately powered RCTs are warranted.
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Review Meta Analysis
Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism and Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAs) have been shown to be as effective and at least as safe as conventional anticoagulation for the prevention of recurrences in patients with VTE. Whether this is the case in patients with cancer-associated VTE remains undefined. ⋯ DOAs seem to be as effective and safe as conventional treatment for the prevention of VTE in patients with cancer. Further clinical trials in patients with cancer-associated VTE should be performed to confirm these results.
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Meta Analysis
Accuracy of FDG-PET for differentiating benign from malignant pleural effusions: A meta-analysis.
The role of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET imaging for diagnosing malignant pleural effusions is not well defined. The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence for its use in ruling in or out the malignant origin of a pleural effusion or thickening. ⋯ The moderate accuracy of PET-CT imaging using semiquantitative readings precludes its routine recommendation for discriminating malignant from benign pleural effusions.
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Review Meta Analysis
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF TIOTROPIUM IN ASTHMA? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS.
The role of tiotropium for the treatment of asthma has not yet been clearly defined. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy and safety of tiotropium in patients with asthma. ⋯ Tiotropium resulted noninferiorly to salmeterol and superiorly to placebo in patients with moderate to severe asthma who were not adequately controlled by ICS or ICS/salmeterol. Major benefits were concentrated in the increase in lung function and in the case of patients with severe asthma, in the reduction of exacerbations.