Arch Iran Med
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been widespread since late December 2019, with several symptoms related to the upper and lower respiratory system. However, its cardiac manifestations are less frequently studied. We aimed to analyze the available COVID-19 data on acute cardiac injury, using troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. ⋯ Acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients is more frequent than what was expected at the beginning of the outbreak. Meanwhile, further studies are needed to investigate the utility of cardiac biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic tools for long-term cardiac complications of this infection.
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Meta Analysis
An Updated Meta-analysis on the Risk of Urologic Cancer in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
The risk of urologic cancers in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains uncertain. We investigated the association between SLE and incident urologic cancers through a systematic review and meta-analysis. ⋯ This study indicates that SLE increases the risk of bladder cancer but not prostate or kidney cancer. Well-designed long-term studies are required to confirm these associations.
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Meta Analysis
Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in Iran from 2000 to 2016: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis.
Hepatitis B infection is the major risk factor for liver cancer in Iran. There is no comprehensive population-based study on the prevalence of hepatitis B by regional distribution. Moreover, systematic reviews of hepatitis B prevalence lack knowledge of some regions. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and its temporal trends over 17 years by sex, age and geographical distribution. ⋯ The downward trend in prevalence of hepatitis B infection indicates the effectiveness of strategies and preventive measures adapted in Iran. Nevertheless, we need to eradicate this infection. In this regard, re-evaluating preventive measures, especially in high-risk age groups of the population, is recommended.
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Meta Analysis
Prolonged versus Intermittent Infusion of Antibiotics in Acute and Severe Infections: A Meta-analysis.
Acute and severe infections are an absolute indication for the use of intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, previous studies have found inconsistent clinical advantages of prolonged (extended [≥3-hour infusion] or continuous [24-hour fixed rate infusion]) over intermittent (6, or 8, or 12 interval hours infusion) infusion. The clinical superiority between prolonged and intermittent infusion in treating acute and severe infections thus continues to be elusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective observational studies to determine whether prolonged infusion, compared to intermittent infusion, is correlated with lower mortality and better clinical outcome. ⋯ Better outcomes in hospitalized patients, especially in those who were critical ill, were reported in prolonged infusion of intravenous antibiotics compared with traditional intermittent infusion.
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Meta Analysis
Impact on Efficacy and Safety of Hydrocortisone in Sepsis and Septic Shock - A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis.
Sepsis and septic shock are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, associated with a high economic and social burden on healthcare systems and communities, yet with few definite treatment modalities. The efficacy of steroids in the management of sepsis or septic shock remains a controversy and subject of investigation due to their theoretical beneficial effects. ⋯ Hydrocortisone, when used in sepsis or septic shock, in critically ill adult patients showed a statistically insignificant trend towards decreasing 28 day all-cause mortality. This warrants consideration of clinical significance for each patient individually.