European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2019
Review Meta AnalysisPrognostic value of hyperuricemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A meta-analysis.
The prognostic significance of elevated circulating uric acid level in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is conflicting. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prognostic value of hyperuricemia in patients with ACS. ⋯ This meta-analysis suggests that hyperuricemia independently predicts MACEs and death in ACS patients. Determination of uric acid level has potential to improve risk stratification of adverse outcomes in ACS patients.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2018
Meta AnalysisHomoarginine and all-cause mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Homoarginine, a basic amino acid and analogue of L-arginine, has been shown to exert salutary effects on vascular homoeostasis, possibly through interaction with the enzymes nitric oxide synthase and arginase. This might translate into improved survival outcomes, particularly in subjects with moderate-high cardiovascular risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between circulating homoarginine concentrations and all-cause mortality in observational studies of human cohorts. ⋯ This meta-analysis of observational studies showed an inverse association between circulating homoarginine concentrations and all-cause mortality. Further research is warranted to investigate the direct effects of homoarginine on cardiovascular homoeostasis, the associations between homoarginine and all-cause mortality in other population groups, and the effects of interventions on homoarginine concentrations on clinical outcomes.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2018
Meta AnalysisThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a marker of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its exacerbations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The main white blood cell populations, neutrophils and lymphocytes, are involved in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the relationship between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, a marker of subclinical inflammation), presence of COPD, and its exacerbations. ⋯ Our meta-analysis showed that NLR values are significantly higher in stable COPD patients when compared to healthy individuals, although the magnitude of the difference is reduced after trim and fill adjustment, and in patients with COPD exacerbations when compared to patients with stable disease. Further studies, in larger cohorts, are needed to confirm whether the NLR is a useful tool in discriminating between COPD patients with stable disease, those with acute exacerbations, and subjects without the disease.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2018
Review Meta AnalysisUpregulated N-cadherin expression is associated with poor prognosis in epithelial-derived solid tumours: A meta-analysis.
N-cadherin is an important molecular in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and has been reported to be associated with aggressive behaviours of tumours. However, prognostic value of N-cadherin in solid malignancies remains controversially. ⋯ Taken together, upregulation of N-cadherin is associated with more aggressive behaviours of epithelial-derived solid malignancies and can be regarded as a predictor of poor survival.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2018
Review Meta AnalysisPolypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treatment options: A meta-analysis.
Combined treatment with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used for patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), although clinical evidence regarding the therapeutic efficacy and safety of such treatment remains lacking. ⋯ Combined therapy involving anti-VEGF agents and PDT may be more effective in improving long-term outcomes for patients with PCV than monotherapy.