Prior Use of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers and Clinical Outcomes of Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening conditions that are associated with high mortality and considerable health care costs. The association between prior angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) use and outcomes after sepsis is elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the prior use of ACEi or ARBs and outcomes after sepsis and septic shock. A relevant literature review was performed in 4 databases from inception until July 2022. Independent reviewers first screened the title, abstract, and full text, and then, data extraction and analysis were performed. One post hoc analysis of a trial and 6 retrospective cohort studies were included in this review. There were 22% lower odds of in-hospital/30-day mortality among patients who have used ACEi/ARBs in the past [23.83% vs. 37.20%; odds ratio (OR), 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64-0.96], and reduced 90-day mortality (OR, 0.80, 95% CI, 0.69-0.92). ACEi/ARBs users were found to have 31% lesser odds of developing acute kidney injury as compared with nonusers (OR, 0.69, 95% CI, 0.63-0.76). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay (MD 1.26, 95% CI, ‒7.89 to 10.42), need for renal replacement therapy (OR, 0.71, 95% CI, 0.13-3.92), mechanical ventilation (OR, 1.10, 95% CI, 0.88-1.37) or use of vasopressors (OR, 1.21, 95% CI, 0.91-1.61). Based on this analysis, prior use of ACEi/ARBs lowers the risk of mortality and adverse renal events in patients with sepsis and septic shock.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 13 Randomized Clinical Trials Including 14,618 Patients With Heart Failure.

ABSTRACT: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors showed benefit in patients with heart failure. In this updated meta-analysis, we evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure. Different electronic databases were searched to find relevant articles. RevMan 5.4 was used for pooling data using a random/fixed-effects model, complemented by several sensitivity and subgroup analyses. A total of 13 randomized clinical trials including 14,618 patients with heart failure were included in analysis among 6797 studies screened. The overall mortality rate was 12.45% in the SGLT-2 group and 14.67% in the placebo group with 18% lower odds of overall mortality [odds ratio (OR), 0.82; confidence interval (CI), 0.75-0.91] in the SGLT-2 group. Odds of cardiovascular mortality was 18% lower (OR, 0.82; CI, 0.74-0.92) in the SGLT-2 group. The odds of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) was 38% lower during the study period (OR, 0.62; CI, 0.56-0.68) in the SGLT-2 group. In addition, a benefit was seen for composite outcome HHF or mortality and considering subgrouping based on diabetes status, gender, and age groups. Although genital infection was significantly higher in the SGLT-2 group, the occurrence of severe adverse events, hypoglycemia, urinary tract infection, bone fracture, volume depletion, and other renal events did not differ between the 2 groups. Thus, SGLT-2 inhibitors improved cardiovascular outcomes among patients with heart failure with no significant difference in adverse events. Clinical benefit was comparable in diabetic and nondiabetic individuals, males and females, people in younger and older age groups with underlying heart failure, and HF with reduced ejection fraction.

N-acetyl cysteine versus standard of care for non-acetaminophen induced acute liver injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the treatment of acetaminophen induced acute liver injury (ALI) is well established but its role in non-acetaminophen induced ALI is still elusive. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the role of NAC in non-acetaminophen induced ALI. We searched electronic databases for studies published till Oct 25, 2020. We used RevMan v5.4 software to analyze the data extracted from selected studies by using Covidence systematic review software. Outcome estimation was done using Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity in various studies was determined using the I2 test. A total of 11 studies were included in quantitative analysis. Use of NAC in non-acetaminophen induced ALI showed 53% reduction in mortality compared to standard of care (OR, 0.47; CI, 0.29-0.75) and reduced mean duration of hospital stay by 6.52 days (95% CI, -12.91 to -0.13). Similarly, the rate of encephalopathy was 59% lower in the treatment group (OR, 0.41; CI, 0.20-0.83). However, the risk of developing nausea and vomiting (OR, 3.99; CI, 1.42-11.19), and the need for mechanical ventilation (OR 3.88; CI, 1.14-13.29) were significantly higher in the treatment group. These findings conclude use of NAC decreases mortality and hepatic encephalopathy compared to standard of care in patients with non-acetaminophen induced ALI. Although there is an increased risk of nausea and vomiting with the use of NAC, the majority of adverse events are transient and minor.

Safety and efficacy of human serum albumin treatment in patients with cirrhotic ascites undergoing paracentesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ascites is the most common presentation of decompensated liver cirrhosis. It is treated with therapeutic paracentesis which is associated with several complications. The role of human albumin in patients with cirrhotic ascites remains elusive and has been extensively studied with conflicting results. Thus, in order to fully appraise the available data we sought to perform this systematic review and meta-analysis. Herein we included studies comparing the efficacy and safety of human albumin comparing with other volume expanders and vasoactive agents in patients undergoing paracentesis in cirrhotic ascites. Odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) were used to estimate the outcome with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Albumin use reduced the odds of paracentesis induced circulatory dysfunction (PICD) by 60% (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.27-0.58). While performing subgroup analysis, albumin use lowered the odds of PICD significantly (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.22-0.52) in comparison to other colloid volume expanders, but did not lower the odds of PICD in comparison to vasoconstrictor therapy (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.35-2.45). Albumin was associated with a statistically significant lower incidence of hyponatremia (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39-0.88). Albumin did not reduce the overall mortality, readmission rate, recurrence of ascites, mean arterial pressure, incidence of renal impairment, hepatic encephalopathy, and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Thus, treatment with albumin in cirrhotic ascites reduced PICD and hyponatremia although there was no benefit in terms of mortality, readmission rate, recurrence of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and GI bleeding.

Patiromer and Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate in Treatment of Hyperkalemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) are newer options for hyperkalemia treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the safety and side effect profile of patiromer and SZC compared with placebo or other standards of care in the management of hyperkalemia. METHODS: We searched electronic databases for relevant articles. The screening was performed independently and data were extracted among the selected studies. We performed a statistical analysis on Revman 5.4 software. The odds ratio (OR) was used for outcome estimation with a 95% CI. RESULTS: Patiromer had lower rates of hyperkalemia (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.89) compared with standard of care. The analysis showed no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of overall adverse effects, any serious/specific adverse effects, or treatment discontinuation as a result of adverse effects. Comparing the SZC-10 group with standard of care showed no significant differences in the occurrence of hyperkalemia during treatment, overall adverse effects, any serious/specific adverse effects, or treatment discontinuation as a result of adverse effects but showed a higher rate of edema in the treatment group (OR = 6.77; 95% CI, 1.03-44.25). Similarly, no significant differences were seen between the 2 SZC doses for the occurrence of any adverse effects, hyperkalemia, constipation, diarrhea, or urinary tract infection, whereas edema was higher among patients receiving SZC-10 (OR = 3.13; 95% CI, 1.19-8.27). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute hyperkalemia, SZC is the drug of choice due to its more rapid reduction of serum potassium level, whereas in patients with chronic hyperkalemia, patiromer appears to be the drug of choice because SZC is associated with an increase in edema, likely due to an increase in sodium absorption, which could have important adverse consequences in patients with chronic kidney disease and or heart failure. Thus, both drugs were found to be safe while treating hyperkalemia. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2021; 82:XXX-XXX).

Causes and characteristics of death in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are associated with high in-hospital mortality. However, in cohorts of ARDS patients from the 1990s, patients more commonly died from sepsis or multi-organ failure rather than refractory hypoxemia. Given increased attention to lung-protective ventilation and sepsis treatment in the past 25 years, we hypothesized that causes of death may be different among contemporary cohorts. These differences may provide clinicians with insight into targets for future therapeutic interventions. METHODS: We identified adult patients hospitalized at a single tertiary care center (2016-2017) with AHRF, defined as PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 while receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for > 12 h, who died during hospitalization. ARDS was adjudicated by multiple physicians using the Berlin definition. Separate abstractors blinded to ARDS status collected data on organ dysfunction and withdrawal of life support using a standardized tool. The primary cause of death was defined as the organ system that most directly contributed to death or withdrawal of life support. RESULTS: We identified 385 decedents with AHRF, of whom 127 (33%) had ARDS. The most common primary causes of death were sepsis (26%), pulmonary dysfunction (22%), and neurologic dysfunction (19%). Multi-organ failure was present in 70% at time of death, most commonly due to sepsis (50% of all patients), and 70% were on significant respiratory support at the time of death. Only 2% of patients had insupportable oxygenation or ventilation. Eighty-five percent died following withdrawal of life support. Patients with ARDS more often had pulmonary dysfunction as the primary cause of death (28% vs 19%; p = 0.04) and were also more likely to die while requiring significant respiratory support (82% vs 64%; p <  0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this contemporary cohort of patients with AHRF, the most common primary causes of death were sepsis and pulmonary dysfunction, but few patients had insupportable oxygenation or ventilation. The vast majority of deaths occurred after withdrawal of life support. ARDS patients were more likely to have pulmonary dysfunction as the primary cause of death and die while requiring significant respiratory support compared to patients without ARDS.

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, septic adrenal apoplexy.

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal disorder of the adrenal gland characterized by bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. It is classically a result of meningococcal sepsis and presents acutely with features of shock, petechial rashes, abdominal pain, and non-specific symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and vomiting. Treatment consists of fluid resuscitation, corticosteroid replacement, and possibly surgery. The prognosis is poor despite treatment. This chapter will review the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of the disease.

Bilothorax: A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review of the Rare Entity.

Background: Bilothorax is defined as the presence of bile in the pleural space. It is a rare condition, and diagnosis is confirmed with a pleural fluid-to-serum bilirubin ratio of >1. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and CINAHL databases were searched using predetermined Boolean parameters. The systematic literature review was done per PRISMA guidelines. Retrospective studies, case series, case reports, and conference abstracts were included. The patients with reported pleural fluid analyses were pooled for fluid parameter data analysis. Results: Of 838 articles identified through the inclusion criteria and removing 105 duplicates, 732 articles were screened with abstracts, and 285 were screened for full article review. After this, 123 studies qualified for further detailed review, and of these, 115 were pooled for data analysis. The mean pleural fluid and serum bilirubin levels were 72 mg/dL and 61 mg/dL, respectively, with a mean pleural fluid-to-serum bilirubin ratio of 3.47. In most cases, the bilothorax was reported as a subacute or remote complication of hepatobiliary surgery or procedure, and traumatic injury to the chest or abdomen was the second most common cause. Tube thoracostomy was the main treatment modality (73.83%), followed by serial thoracentesis. Fifty-two patients (51.30%) had associated bronchopleural fistulas. The mortality was considerable, with 18/115 (15.65%) reported death. Most of the patients with mortality had advanced hepatobiliary cancer and were noted to die of complications not related to bilothorax. Conclusion: Bilothorax should be suspected in patients presenting with pleural effusion following surgical manipulation of hepatobiliary structures or a traumatic injury to the chest. This review is registered with CRD42023438426.

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in Asian nations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health concern around the world including Asia. TB burden is high in Asian countries and significant population harbor latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI). AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI in Asian countries. METHOD: We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect to identify relevant articles published between January 1, 2005, and January 1, 2023 investigating the overall prevalence of latent TB among people of Asia. Subgroup analysis was done for Asian subregions during the study period of 2011 to 2016 and 2017 to 2023, for tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), respectively, as well as for QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) and TSPOT TB tests. Der Simonian and Laird's random-effects model was used to pool the prevalence of LTBI found using TST and IGRA. RESULT: A total of 15 studies were included after a systematic search from standard electronic databases. The analysis showed that the prevalence of latent TB in Asia was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19%-23%) and 36% (95% CI: 12%-59%) according to IGRAs and TSTs (cut off 10 mm) results, respectively. Based on IGRA, the prevalence of latent TB was 20% (95% CI: 13%-25%) in 2011 to 2016 and 21% (95% CI: 18%-24%) in 2017 to 2023. Using QFT, the prevalence was 19% (95% CI: 17%-22%) and using TSPOT, the prevalence was 26% (95% CI: 21%-31%). According to the United Nations division of Asia, the prevalence was higher for the Southern region and least for the Western region using TST and higher in the South-Eastern region and least in the Western region using the IGRA test. CONCLUSION: Almost a quarter of the Asian population has LTBI. Its diagnosis often poses a diagnostic challenge due to the unavailability of standard test in certain areas. Given this prevalence, a mass screening program is suggested with the available standard test and public awareness along with anti-TB regimen should be considered for individuals who test positive. However, for it to be implemented effectively, we need to take the affordability, availability, and cost-effectiveness of such interventions into account.

Targeted Temperature Management in Cardiac Arrest: An Updated Narrative Review.

The established benefits of cooling along with development of sophisticated methods to safely and precisely induce, maintain, monitor, and reverse hypothermia have led to the development of targeted temperature management (TTM). Early trials in human subjects showed that hypothermia conferred better neurological outcomes when compared to normothermia among survivors of cardiac arrest, leading to guidelines recommending targeted hypothermia in this patient population. Multiple studies have sought to explore and compare the benefit of hypothermia in various subgroups of patients, such as survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest versus in-hospital cardiac arrest, and survivors of an initial shockable versus non-shockable rhythm. Larger and more recent trials have shown no statistically significant difference in neurological outcomes between patients with targeted hypothermia and targeted normothermia; further, aggressive cooling is associated with a higher incidence of multiple systemic complications. Based on this data, temporal trends have leaned towards using a lenient temperature target in more recent times. Current guidelines recommend selecting and maintaining a constant target temperature between 32 and 36 °C for those patients in whom TTM is used (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence), as soon as possible after return of spontaneous circulation is achieved and airway, breathing (including mechanical ventilation), and circulation are stabilized. The comparative benefit of lower (32-34 °C) versus higher (36 °C) temperatures remains unknown, and further research may help elucidate this. Any survivor of cardiac arrest who is comatose (defined as unarousable unresponsiveness to external stimuli) should be considered as a candidate for TTM regardless of the initial presenting rhythm, and the decision to opt for targeted hypothermia versus targeted normothermia should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Patients Who Decompensate and Trigger Rapid Response Immediately Upon Hospital Admission Have Higher Mortality Than Equivalent Patients Without Rapid Responses.

BACKGROUND: Rapid response teams (RRTs) have impacted the management of decompensating patients, potentially improving mortality. Few studies address the significance of RRT timing relative to hospital admission. We aimed to identify outcomes of adult patients who trigger immediate RRT activation, defined as within 4 hours of admission and compare with RRT later in admission or do not require RRT activation, and identify risk factors that predispose toward immediate RRT activation. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed using an RRT activation database, comprising 201,783 adult inpatients at an urban, academic, tertiary care hospital. This group was subdivided by timing of RRT activation regarding admission: within the first 4 hours (immediate RRT), between 4 and 24 hours (early RRT), and after 24 hours (late RRT). The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality. Individuals triggering an immediate RRT were compared with demographically matched controls. Mortality was adjusted for age, Quick Systemic Organ Failure Assessment score, intensive care unit admission, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. RESULTS: Patients with immediate RRT had adjusted 28-day all-cause mortality of 7.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6%-8.5%) and death odds ratio of 3.27 (95% CI, 2.5-4.3) compared with those who did not (mortality, 2.9%; 95%CI, 2.8%-2.9%; P < 0.0001). Patients triggering an immediate RRT were more likely to be Black, be older, and have higher Quick Systemic Organ Failure Assessment scores than those who did not trigger RRT activation. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, patients who require immediate RRT experienced higher 28-day all-cause mortality, potentially because of evolving or unrecognized critical illness. Further exploring this phenomenon may create opportunities for improved patient safety.

Electric Cardioversion vs. Pharmacological with or without Electric Cardioversion for Stable New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear consensus on the preference for pharmacological cardioversion (PC) in comparison to electric cardioversion (EC) for hemodynamically stable new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess PC (whether being followed by EC or not) vs. EC in achieving cardioversion for hemodynamically stable NOAF patients. PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched to include relevant studies until 7 March 2022. The primary outcome was the successful restoration of sinus rhythm, and secondary outcomes included emergency department (ED) revisits with atrial fibrillation (AF), hospital readmission rate, length of hospital stay, and cardioversion-associated adverse events. RESULTS: A total of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one observational study were included. There was no difference in the rates of successful restoration to sinus rhythm (88.66% vs. 85.25%; OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.35-3.71; n = 868). There was no statistical difference across the two groups for ED revisits with AF, readmission rates, length of hospital stay, and cardioversion-associated adverse effects, with the exception of hypotension, whose incidence was lower in the EC group (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.27: n = 727). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that there is no difference in successful restoration of sinus rhythm with either modality among patients with hemodynamically stable NOAF.

A proposed management classification for spinal brucellosis from India.

INTRODUCTION: The myriad presentation of osteoarticular brucellosis make the patient seek the help of general practitioners, orthopaedic and rheumatology specialists. Moreover, the lack of disease-specific symptomatology is the leading cause of the delay in diagnosing osteoarticular brucellosis. Given the increasing number of spinal brucellosis cases across the country, no literature is presented on the systematic management of spinal brucellosis. However, with our experience, we formulated a classification for managing spinal brucellosis. METHODS: A single-centred prospective observational study was conducted with 25 confirmed cases of spinal brucellosis. Patients were analysed and graded clinically, serologically, and radiologically and were managed with antibiotics for 10-12 weeks, and if necessary, stabilisation and fusion were done based on the treatment classification devised. All patients were followed up to ensure disease clearance at serial follow-up with relevant investigations. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 52.16 ± 12.53 years. According to spondylodiscitis severity code (SSC) grading, four patients belong to grades 1, 12 to grade 2 and 9 to grade 3 at presentation. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.02), c-reactive protein (p < 0.001), Brucella agglutination titers (p < 0.001), and radiological outcomes improved statistically by six months. The treatment duration was individualised according to the patient's response to the treatment, with a mean time of 11.42 ± 2.66 weeks. The mean follow-up period was 14.42 ± 8 months. CONCLUSION: High index of suspicion of patients from endemic regions, proper clinical assessment, serological evaluation, radiological assessment, appropriate decision-making (medical/surgical) in treatment, and regular follow-up were the key to successful comprehensive management of spinal brucellosis.

Outcome of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest among Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes following in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in patients with COVID-19 have been reported by several small single-institutional studies; however, there are no large studies contrasting COVID-19 IHCA with non-COVID-19 IHCA. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes following IHCA between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. METHODS: We searched databases using predefined search terms and appropriate Boolean operators. All the relevant articles published till August 2022 were included in the analyses. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to measure effects. RESULTS: Among 855 studies screened, 6 studies with 27,453 IHCA patients (63.84% male) with COVID-19 and 20,766 (59.7% male) without COVID-19 were included in the analysis. IHCA among patients with COVID-19 has lower odds of achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.62-0.70). Similarly, patients with COVID-19 have higher odds of 30-day mortality following IHCA (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 2.08-2.45) and have 45% lower odds of cardiac arrest because of a shockable rhythm (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.50-0.60) (9.59% vs. 16.39%). COVID-19 patients less commonly underwent targeted temperature management (TTM) or coronary angiography; however, they were more commonly intubated and on vasopressor therapy as compared to patients who did not have a COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis showed that IHCA with COVID-19 has a higher mortality and lower rates of ROSC compared with non-COVID-19 IHCA. COVID-19 is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in IHCA patients.

Drug Resistance Patterns of Commonly Used Antibiotics for the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection among South Asian Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In South Asia, resistance to commonly used antibiotics for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection is increasing. Despite this, accurate estimates of overall antibiotic resistance are missing. Thus, this review aims to analyze the resistance rates of commonly used antibiotics for the treatment of H. pylori in South Asia. METHODS: The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. We searched five medical databases for relevant studies from inception to September 2022. A random effect model with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of antibiotic resistance. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 23 articles, 6357 patients, 3294 Helicobacter pylori isolates, and 2192 samples for antibiotic resistance. The prevalences of antibiotic resistance to common antibiotics were clarithromycin: 27% (95%CI: 0.17-0.38), metronidazole: 69% (95%CI: 0.62-0.76), tetracycline: 16% (95%CI: 0.06-0.25), amoxicillin: 23% (95%CI: 0.15-0.30), ciprofloxacin: 12% (95%CI: 0.04-0.23), levofloxacin: 34% (95%CI: 0.22-0.47), and furazolidone: 14% (95%CI: 0.06-0.22). Subgroup analysis showed antibiotic resistances were more prevalent in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Furthermore, a ten-year trend analysis showed the increasing resistance prevalence for clarithromycin (21% to 30%), ciprofloxacin (3% to 16%), and tetracycline (5% to 20%) from 2003 to 2022. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of resistance among the commonly used antibiotics for H. pylori in South Asian countries. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance has been increasing over the time of 20 years. In order to tackle this situation, a robust surveillance system, and strict adherence to antibiotic stewardship are required.

The use of sodium nitrite for deliberate self-harm, and the online suicide market: Should we care?

Sodium nitrite is a common household product with a variety of uses such as curing meat, food additive, colouring agent, anti-freezing agent and disinfectant. We report a case of sodium nitrite intoxication for deliberate self-harm and discuss the increasing number of such cases in recent times.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of COPD in Nepal: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a common, preventable, and treatable disease. Here, we conducted a systematic review of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and its risk factors in Nepal for the last two decades. METHODS: We systematically searched databases to find all relevant Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease research papers from 2000 to 2020. Two reviewers screened the literature using Covidence based on the study protocol. Data extraction was done using Microsoft Excel from selected studies. Final data analysis was done using CMA v.3. Our review protocol is available in PROSPERO (CRD42020215486) on 20 November 2020. RESULTS: The database search revealed 1416 studies of which 13 were included in quantitative analysis. The prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the adult population was 22·7% (CI, 12·5-37·7) of whom 54·9% were female (CI, 51·9-57·9). Nearly three-fourth of the participants (73·1%) of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients had informal education (CI, 58·6-84·0). The commonest primary occupation was agriculture and farming in 39·4% (CI, 31·3-48·2), followed by homemaker (36·8%). It was observed that 28·5% of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients were former smokers, 25·8% non-smokers, and 59·4% were current smokers. More than two-third (76·2%) of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients relied upon traditional firewood cooking, whereas only 14.6% was adopted fireless cooking. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Nepal was significantly high with more cases in females compared to males. Smoking and traditional firewood cooking were major risk factors among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease cases in Nepal.