European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2022
Review Meta AnalysisIntravascular ultrasound insights into the unstable features of the coronary atherosclerotic plaques: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
There is a lack of a comprehensive picture of plaque geometry and composition of unstable atherosclerotic lesions as observed with intravascular ultrasound techniques. We analysed through a systematic review with meta-analysis 39 characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in three scenarios involving culprit and non-culprit lesions from acute coronary syndromes vs stable angina pectoris patients, and culprit vs non-culprit lesions in acute coronary syndromes patients. ⋯ Culprit lesions from acute coronary patients are larger, more positively remodeled and contained more lipids as compared to stable angina lesions or non-culprit in acute patients. Non culprit lesions are also more often complicated or vulnerable in acute than stable patients.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Nov 2021
Meta AnalysisConvalescent Plasma for COVID-19: A Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials and Real-World Evidence.
There is still a lack of consensus on the efficacy of convalescent plasma (CP) treatment in COVID-19 patients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of CP vs standard treatment/non-CP on clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. ⋯ Convalescent plasma use was associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality in severe or critical COVID-19 patients. However, the findings were limited with a moderate degree of heterogeneity. Further studies with well-designed and larger sample size are needed.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Sep 2021
Meta AnalysisColchicine use might be associated with lower mortality in COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis.
Colchicine was recently repurposed for the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This rapid review and meta-analysis aimed to assess colchicine's impact on mortality outcomes in COVID-19 patients. ⋯ This meta-analysis suggests a mortality benefit with colchicine when used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The majority of included studies were observational; thus, the findings of this review need to be further supported by the results of ongoing trials.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Review Meta AnalysisClinical assessment of endothelial function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A meta-analysis with meta-regressions.
Endothelial dysfunction is a key mechanism in the development of cardiac remodelling and diastolic dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Flow-mediated (FMD) and nitrate-mediated dilation (NMD) are noninvasive methods to assess endothelial function. We performed a meta-analysis evaluating the impact of HFpEF on FMD and NMD. ⋯ Impaired endothelial function can be documented in HFpEF, with the possibility of a direct association between the severity of diastolic and endothelial dysfunction. Targeting endothelial dysfunction through pharmacological and rehabilitation strategies may represent an attractive therapeutic option.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Review Meta AnalysisA systematic review of the correlation between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine, carotid atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke.
To investigate the correlation between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and the risk of ischaemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis in adults. ⋯ The serum ADMA may be related to ischaemic stroke, and it is a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis.