Abstract

OBJECTIVE we aimed to evalute the efficacy of IVIG in the treatment with patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). METHODS Pubmed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane library we searched for randomized controlled (RCTs) about effect of IVIG on RSA from inception to August 20, 2021. Values of standardized mean differences (SMD) were determined for continuous outcomes. RESULTS A total of fifteen articles involving 902 patients were included in meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, IVIG can increase the live birth rate of recurrent spontaneous abortion patients[OR = 3.06, 95%CI(1.23, 7.64, P = 0.02]. However, recurrent abortion was divided into primary and secondary abortion for subgroup analysis, and there was no statistical difference. Besides, IVIG can also increase the expression in peripheral blood CD3+[OR = 0.4, 95%CI(-2.47, 3.15, P = 0.81],CD4+[OR = 1.16, 95%CI(-4.60, 6.93, P = 0.69], and decrease the expression of CD8+[OR = -1.78, 95%CI(-5.30, 1.75, P = 0.32], but there is no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS IVIG can significantly increase the live birth rate of recurrent spontaneous abortion. However, the evidence needs further verification and the curative effect is uncertain. It is necessary to further explore the pathogenesis of recurrent abortion and the mechanism of IVIG in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion. Besides, more high-quality randomized controlled trials suitable for population, race, dosage and timing of IVIG in the treatment of recurrent abortion are needed to confirm its effectiveness, and effective systematic evaluation is also needed to evaluate its use benefit. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Abstract

BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the role of tranexamic acid (TXA) in blood loss control and blood transfusion management of patients undergoing multilevel spine surgery. METHODS In this meta-analysis, a comprehensive search of literatures was performed from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to June 23rd, 2020. Weighed mean difference (WMD) was used as the effect size for measurement data, and risk ratio for enumeration data. Publication bias was assessed by Begg test. RESULTS Totally 23 studies (11 randomized controlled trials and 12 cohort studies) involving 1621 participants were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the administration of TXA can significantly decrease the intraoperative [WMD: -215.655, 95%CI: (-307.462, -123.847), P < .001], postoperative [WMD: -69.213, 95%CI: (-104.443, -33.983), P = .001] and total [WMD: -284.388, 95%CI: (-437.66, -131.116), P < .001] volumes of blood loss of patients undergoing multilevel spine surgery. It can also significantly reduce the intraoperative [WMD: -333.775, 95%CI: (-540.45, -127.099), P = .002] and postoperative [WMD: -114.661, 95%CI: (-219.58, -9.742), P = .032] volumes of transfusion. In addition, TXA was found to significantly increase the preoperative [WMD: 0.213, 95%CI: (0.037, 0.389), P = .018] and postoperative [WMD: 0.433, 95%CI: (0.244, 0.622), P < .001] hemoglobin levels as well as the preoperative platelet count [WMD: 14.069, 95%CI: (0.122, 28.015), P = .048]. CONCLUSION The administration of TXA can effectively reduce blood loss and transfusion, and improve hemoglobin levels and preoperative platelet count in patients undergoing multilevel spine surgery.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of fluid therapy on volume and coagulation function in patients with severe postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean section of placenta accreta under the guidance of inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD) and inferior vena cava collapse index (IVC-CI). METHODS A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in 60 pregnant women with severe postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss ≥ 1 000 mL) who were hospitalized for delivery or referred for delivery in the Peking University Third Hospital from December 2018 to July 2019. The patients were divided into routine fluid replacement group and goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group (goal-oriented fluid replacement therapy was given) according to the different ways of fluid replacement. The hemodynamics, blood gas analysis, coagulation function, total fluid replacement, urine volume, prognosis, intraoperative vasoactive drugs utilization rate and postoperative adverse events were recorded before skin incision, after the fetus delivered, postpartum hemorrhage and at the end of operation, and the differences of these indices between the two groups were compared. RESULTS (1) Hemodynamics: the heart rate (HR) of the two groups were reached the peak during postpartum hemorrhage, but there was no significant difference in HR at each time point between the two groups. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was decreased at first and then increased in both groups, and reached the trough at postpartum hemorrhage, but the MAP in the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group was significantly higher than that in the routine fluid replacement group [mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 75.6±10.7 vs. 69.2±8.9, P < 0.05]. In the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group, the central venous pressure (CVP) was increased slightly after the fetus delivered and then stabilized, while in the routine fluid replacement group, the CVP was increased at first and then decreased, and reached the peak in postpartum hemorrhage. During postpartum hemorrhage, CVP in the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group was significantly lower than that in the routine fluid replacement group [cmH(2)O (1 cmH(2)O = 0.098 kPa): 9.5±3.9 vs. 11.4±3.4, P < 0.05]. (2) Arterial blood gas: partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)) in arterial blood at the end of operation in both groups were higher than those in postpartum hemorrhage. There was no significant difference in PaO(2) at the end of operation between the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group and routine fluid replacement group (mmHg: 189.3±100.5 vs. 240.2±126.3, P > 0.05). The PaCO(2) in the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group was significantly lower than that in the routine fluid replacement group (mmHg: 34.6±4.6 vs. 36.8±4.1, P < 0.05). The lactic acid (Lac) at the end of operation of the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group was significantly lower than that of the routine fluid replacement group (mmol/L: 2.2±0.6 vs. 2.6±1.1, P < 0.05). (3) Liquid intake and output volume: the total infusion volume, crystal fluid infusion volume and suspended red blood cell infusion volume in the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group were significantly less than those in the routine fluid replacement group [total infusion volume (mL): 3 385.9±1 144.1 vs. 4 448.3±1 194.4, crystal infusion volume (mL): 2 635.6±789.7 vs. 3 160.0±860.3, suspended red blood cell input volume (mL): 695.6±366.2 vs. 911.1±284.7, all P < 0.05], and the utilization rate of vasoactive drugs in the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group was decreased significantly during operation [13.3% (4/30) vs. 60.0% (18/30), P < 0.05]. The amount of bleeding in the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group was also significantly less than that in the routine fluid replacement group (mL: 1 451.7±373.8 vs. 1 725.9±372.8, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in urine volume between the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group and the routine fluid replacement group (mL: 369.0±262.7 vs. 485.0±286.8, P > 0.05). (4) Coagulation function: at the end of operation, the prothrombin time (PT) in the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group was significantly shorter than that in the routine fluid replacement group (s: 10.9±0.6 vs. 11.2±0.6), and the fibrinogen (Fib) in the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group was significantly higher than that in the routine fluid replacement group (g/L: 3.7±0.5 vs. 2.9±0.8), and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). (5) Prognostic index: compared with the routine fluid replacement group, the proportion of patients transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) at the end of operation in the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group was significantly lower [16.7% (5/30) vs. 66.7% (20/30), P < 0.05], and ICU length-of-stay was significantly shorter [hours: 0 (0, 24) vs. 24 (0, 24), P < 0.05], but there was no significant difference in the incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute renal injury (AKI) or hysterectomy between the goal-oriented fluid resuscitation group and the routine fluid replacement group [the incidence of DIC: 0% (0/30) vs. 6.7% (2/30), the incidence of AKI: 0% (0/30) vs. 3.3% (1/30), the hysterectomy rate: 10.0% (3/30) vs. 26.7% (8/30), all P > 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS Fluid resuscitation guided by IVC-CI can effectively reduce the volume of blood and fluid transfusion and blood loss in patients with severe postpartum hemorrhage and improve their blood coagulation function.

Abstract

Objective: The coexistence of myasthenia gravis (MG) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is rarely reported. This study aims to describe the clinical features, treatment and outcome of MG coexisting with pSS. Materials and Methods: Herein we reported three cases with the two coexisting diseases, and also searched the PubMed, Medline databases, and China Wanfang databases for the relevant case reports written in English, Chinese, or Japanese with detailed data. Results: We reviewed a total of 17 patients with both diseases. Fifteen patients were female. The median age at onset was 48 years (range 28-78 years). MG was the initial disease in nine of 17 cases. The median interval between the onsets of the two diseases was 30 months (range 7 months to 20 years). The symptoms of MG included fatigable ptosis (64.7%), bulbar symptoms (58.8%), muscle fatigability (64.7%), diplopia (64.7%), dyspnea (23.5%), and facial paralysis (5.9%). Anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody was positive in 70.6% patients. All the patients had sicca symptoms. Manifestations of pSS also included swollen exocrine glands (23.5%), joint pain (23.5%), hair loss (11.8%), leukopenia (11.8%), recurrent oral ulcers (5.9%), Raynaud phenomenon (5.9%), and fever (5.9%). ANA positivity was present in 70.6% patients, anti-SSA positivity in 47.1%, and double positivity of anti-SSA and anti-SSB in 17.6%. There were 12 patients (70.6%) with two autoimmune diseases (pSS and MG), and five patients with more than two autoimmune diseases. Cholinesterase inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed drugs (82.4%). Seven patients received thymectomy and one patient improved after the operation. Two patients were given intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy, and four patients oral steroids combined with immunosuppressants initially. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange were used in two patients, respectively, for the respiratory failure. All the patients improved following treatment except one patient who died of MG crisis due to medication withdrawal. Conclusion: The coexistence of SS with MG is quite rare. The onset of MG may occur before or after the diagnosis of SS. Co-morbidity with MG does not seem to adversely affect the course of SS. Thus, controlling the progress of MG is the critical aspect of treatment.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich gel (APG) in the treatment of deep sinus tract wounds from diabetic ulcers. METHODS Forty-eight patients with diabetic ulcers were randomly classified into two groups: an APG treatment group (25 patients) and a conventional wound dressing control group (23 patients). The sinus tract closure times, ulcer healing rates, hospitalization times, and hospitalization expenses of the two groups were compared. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the basic data and wound conditions between the two groups. The cure (healed wound) rates were 96% and 87% for the APG group and control group, respectively. During the first 4 wk, the sinus tract closure rate for the APG group was significantly higher than that for the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the sinus tract healing between the two groups at the end of the 8th wk. For the APG group and the control group, the average hospital stays were 19.36 +/- 7.239 d and 48.13 +/- 11.721 d, respectively, and the total hospitalization expenses were 2.48 +/- 0.45 ten thousand yuan and 5.63 +/- 1.35 ten thousand yuan (P < 0.05), respectively. These differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS When compared with conventional wound dressings, APG can accelerate the healing of deep sinus tract wounds associated with diabetic ulcers.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a common sleep-related respiratory disease. Despite reports of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation of tonsils and adenoids for the treatment of OSAHS, the effects on lung function and quality of life are unclear. AIMS This study aims to explore the effects of low-temperature plasma treatment on pulmonary function in children with OSAHS. METHODS A total of 110 children with OSAHS were included in this prospective study. Low-temperature plasma radiofrequency treatment and routine surgical treatment were performed in group A and group B, respectively. Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), forced vital capacity (FVC), and total lung capacity (TLC) were measured. OSA-18 survey was used to evaluate the quality of life 1 year after operation. RESULTS Group A had significantly higher effective treatment rate (P < 0.05) and lower operative period, bleeding volume, visual analog score, pseudomembrane detachment time, and time required to feed after operation than group B (all P < 0.001). There were no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the groups and MVV, FVC, and TLC between the groups before and after operation (all P > 0.05), and the above indexes in both groups were significantly increased after operation (all P < 0.05). OSA-18 scores in group A were significantly lower than group B after operation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Low-temperature plasma technique performed in OSAHS children has a good clinical effect, which can reduce the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, pseudomembrane detachment time, hospitalization time, and improve pulmonary function and quality of life.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Tranexamic acid functions as an antifibrinolytic medication and is widely used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss in menorrhagia and during the perioperative period. The efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing mortaligy and disability, and the occurrence of complications during treatment of cerebral hemorrhage remains controversial. OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in patients with cerebral hemorrhage, aiming to improve the evidence-based medical knowledge of treatment options for such patients. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed in English through 31 August 2018, with two reviewers independently extracting data and assessing risk of bias. We extracted efficacy and safety outcomes and performed a meta-analysis. Statistical tests were performed to check for heterogeneity and publication bias. RESULTS In total, 14 randomized controlled trials with 4703 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Tranexamic acid did not improve mortality by day 90 (odds ratio (OR) 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-1.18; p = 0.95) or day 180 (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.51-2.01; p = 0.98) or overall death endpoints of different follow-up times (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.62-1.08; p = 0.15), which was supported by sensitivity analysis of studies published during or after 2000 (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.77-1.09; p = 0.33). A lower incidence of hematoma expansion (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.37-0.80; p = 0.002) and less change in volume from baseline (mean difference (MD) - 1.98; 95% CI - 3.00 to - 0.97; p = 0.0001) were observed, but no change was seen in poor functional outcomes (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.79-1.14; p = 0.55) in the tranexamic acid group. The risk of hydrocephalus (OR 1.21; 95% CI 0.90-1.62; p = 0.21), ischemic stroke (OR 1.43; 95% CI 0.87-2.34; p = 0.16), deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.25; 95% CI 0.75-2.08; p = 0.40), and pulmonary embolism (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.59-1.58; p = 0.89) was similar, whereas the risk of combined ischemic events increased in the tranexamic acid group (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.07-2.01; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with tranexamic acid could reduce rebleeding and hematoma expansion in cerebral hemorrhage without an increase in single ischemic adverse events, but it could increase the risk of combined ischemic events; however, the lack of improvement in mortality and the poor functional outcomes limit the value of clinical application. These findings indicate that the most pertinent issue is the risk-to-benefit ratio with tranexamic acid treatment in cerebral hemorrhage.

Abstract

Deferasirox (DFX) has recently been used to treat thalassemia with iron overload; however, its long-term effectiveness and safety await multi-year studies. In this study, a systematic meta-analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness and safety of DFX in the treatment of thalassemia with iron overload. We performed a systematic electronic literature search for randomized controlled studies of DFX in the Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM) databases from January 1990 to May 2018. Particular attention was paid to mortality, serum ferritin (SF), liver iron concentration (LIC), myocardial iron concentration, and adverse events (AEs). Six studies comparing DFX with deferoxamine (DFO) and placebo were enrolled. DFX was not better than DFO in lowering SF and LIC, with an exception that high DFX dose (> 30 mg/kg/day) was superior to DFO in LIC. Otherwise, AEs such as gastrointestinal problems appeared to be more common with DFX. DFX does not seem to be superior to DFO at low dose. Similar efficacy seems to be achievable depending on dose. However, the convenient oral administration of DFX has a higher compliance rate.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Because allogeneic blood transfusion carries a risk of serious complications, erythropoietin (EPO) has been used in patients scheduled for total hip or knee arthroplasty in an effort to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion; however, its efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and safety are still controversial. The purpose of this review was to determine the hematopoiesis-promoting effect and potential complications, as well as the cost-effectiveness, of preoperative use of EPO in patients scheduled for total hip or knee arthroplasty. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for relevant literature from 2000 to 2015. Risk of bias was assessed for all included studies and data were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS Preoperative use of EPO was associated with lower exposure to allogeneic blood transfusion (odds ratio = 0.41) and higher hemoglobin concentration after surgery (standardized mean difference = 0.86, P < 0.001). Complications were not generally reported, but there was no significant difference between the group with and without EPO based on given data. Cost-effectiveness was also summarized but was not conclusive. CONCLUSION Preoperative administration of EPO reduces the requirement for allogeneic blood transfusion and increases hemoglobin level after surgery. The studies of cost-effectiveness were not conclusive. Further studies and guidelines specific to blood management in the perioperative stage of total knee and hip arthroplasty are expected.