Arch Med Sci
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The reported relationship between coffee intake and renal function is poorly understood. By applying two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and systematic review and meta-analysis we investigated the association of caffeine and coffee intake with prevalent CKD and markers of renal function. ⋯ Implementing different strategies, we detected no significant association between coffee consumption and renal function or risk of CKD.
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Rapid spread of COVID-19 has caused detrimental effects globally. Involvement of the ACE2 receptor has identified COVID-19 as a multi-organ disease. Preliminary studies have provided evidence that cardiac involvement, including right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH), were found in COVID-19 cases, even in the non-advanced stage. This meta-analysis aims to analyze the prevalence of RVD and PH, and their association with COVID-19 clinical outcome. ⋯ RVD and PH were prevalent in COVID-19 and associated with mortality, severity, ICU admission, and MV usage in COVID-19 patients. Bedside echocardiography examination could be considered as a novel risk stratification tool in COVID-19.
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In responders, cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) results in improved left ventricular (LV) function and reduced atrial arrhythmia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the potential relationship between the left atrium (LA) volume and CRT response. ⋯ Baseline LAVI predicts CRT response, and its reduction reflects devise-related LA remodelling. These results emphasis the role of LAVI assessment as an integral part of cardiac function response to CRT.
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Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) affect atherogenesis and may cause thromboembolism in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Intensive treatment with statins may reduce inflammation and decrease the number of thrombotic events. That may explain the beneficial effect of statin therapy in SLE and CAD. This study was established to investigate the influence of statin treatment on aPL antibody levels and selected endothelial dysfunction markers in CAD and SLE patients. ⋯ In clinically stable patients IgM and IgG class aβ2GPI levels are higher in CAD than in SLE, whereas IgG class aCL levels are lower. Statin treatment decreases the CRP level in both SLE and CAD patients, while decreasing the aβ2GPI IgG level only in CAD patients.
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Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation is the treatment of choice for male urinary incontinence (UI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of UI in men using an AUS with a cuff placed around the prostatic urethra. ⋯ The analysis indicates that cuff placement around the prostatic urethra results in better continence and is characterised by fewer complications. This method is dedicated for patients who have not had the prostate gland removed. Due to the retrospective nature of this analysis and small groups of patients, it is not possible to formulate ultimate recommendations.