Impact of intravenous and topical lidocaine on clinical outcomes in patients receiving propofol for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of i.v. or topical lidocaine as an anaesthesia adjunct in improving clinical outcomes in patients receiving gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures under propofol sedation remains unclear. METHODS: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) were searched for RCTs comparing the clinical outcomes with or without lidocaine application (i.v. or topical) in patients receiving propofol for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures from inception to 29 March 2021. The primary outcome was propofol dosage, while secondary outcomes included procedure time, recovery time, adverse events (e.g. oxygen desaturation), post-procedural pain, and levels of endoscopist and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Twelve trials (1707 patients) published between 2011 and 2020 demonstrated that addition of i.v. (n=7) or topical (n=5) lidocaine to propofol sedation decreased the level of post-procedural pain (standardised mean difference [SMD]=-0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.8 to -0.14), risks of gag events (risk ratio [RR]=0.51, 95% CI: 0.35-0.75), and involuntary movement (RR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.16-0.96). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that only i.v. lidocaine reduced propofol dosage required for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures (SMD=-0.83, 95% CI: -1.19 to -0.47), increased endoscopist satisfaction (SMD=0.75, 95% CI: 0.21-1.29), and shortened the recovery time (SMD=-0.83, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.21). Intravenous or topical lidocaine did not affect the incidence of oxygen desaturation (RR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.41-1.24) or arterial hypotension (RR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.22-1.65) and procedure time (SMD=0.21, 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.51). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrated that i.v. or topical lidocaine appears safe to use and may be of benefit for improving propofol sedation in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. Further large-scale trials are warranted to support our findings.

Erythropoietin Ameliorates Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia-Induced Neurobehavioral Deficits, Neuroinflammation, and Hippocampal Injury in the Juvenile Rat.

The hematopoietic growth factor erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to be neuroprotective against hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in Postnatal Day 7 (P7)-P10 or adult animal models. The current study was aimed to determine whether EPO also provides long-lasting neuroprotection against HI in P5 rats, which is relevant to immature human infants. Sprague-Dawley rats at P5 were subjected to right common carotid artery ligation followed by an exposure to 6% oxygen with balanced nitrogen for 1.5 h. Human recombinant EPO (rEPO, at a dose of 5 units/g) was administered intraperitoneally one hour before or immediately after insult, followed by additional injections at 24 and 48 h post-insult. The control rats were injected with normal saline following HI. Neurobehavioral tests were performed on P8 and P20, and brain injury was examined on P21. HI insult significantly impaired neurobehavioral performance including sensorimotor, locomotor activity and cognitive ability on the P8 and P20 rats. HI insult also resulted in brain inflammation (as indicated by microglia activation) and neuronal death (as indicated by Jade B positive staining) in the white matter, striatum, cortex, and hippocampal areas of the P21 rat. Both pre- and post-treatment with rEPO significantly improved neurobehavioral performance and protected against the HI-induced neuronal death, microglia activation (OX42+) as well as loss of mature oligodendrocytes (APC-CC1+) and hippocampal neurons (Nissl+). The long-lasting protective effects of rEPO in the neonatal rat HI model suggest that to exert neurotrophic activity in the brain might be an effective approach for therapeutic treatment of neonatal brain injury induced by hypoxia-ischemia.

Peptic ulcer as a risk factor for postherpetic neuralgia in adult patients with herpes zoster.

Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of herpes zoster. Identifying predictors for postherpetic neuralgia may help physicians screen herpes zoster patients at risk of postherpetic neuralgia and undertake preventive strategies. Peptic ulcer has been linked to immunological dysfunctions and malnutrition, both of which are predictors of postherpetic neuralgia. The aim of this retrospective case-control study was to determine whether adult herpes zoster patients with peptic ulcer were at greater risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Adult zoster patients without postherpetic neuralgia and postherpetic neuralgia patients were automatically selected from a medical center's electronic database using herpes zoster/postherpetic neuralgia ICD-9 codes supported with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Consequently, medical record review was performed to validate the diagnostic codes and all pertaining data including peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and ulcerogenic medications. Because no standard pain intensity measurement exists, opioid usage was used as a proxy measurement for moderate to severe pain. In total, 410 zoster patients without postherpetic neuralgia and 115 postherpetic neuralgia patients were included. Multivariate logistic regressions identified 60 years of age and older, peptic ulcer and greater acute herpetic pain as independent predictors for postherpetic neuralgia. Among etiologies of peptic ulcer, H. pylori infection and usage of non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were significantly associated with the increased risk of postherpetic neuralgia; conversely, other etiologies were not significantly associated with the postherpetic neuralgia risk. In conclusion, 60 years of age and older, peptic ulcer and greater acute herpetic pain are independent predictors for postherpetic neuralgia in adult herpes zoster patients.

Comparison of regional vs. general anesthesia on the risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Dementia is a gradual and ongoing cognitive decline due to damage to nerve cells in the brain. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the potential relationship between regional anesthesia (RA) and the risk of dementia. Methods: Electronic databases including Embase, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies investigating the association between RA and dementia risk from inception to March 2022. The primary outcome was the risk of dementia in patients who underwent RA (RA group) and those who received general anesthesia (GA group). Secondary outcomes included identifying other potential risk factors for dementia and comparing dementia risk between individuals receiving RA and those not receiving surgery/anesthesia (placebo group). Results: Eight cohort studies published between 2014 and 2023 were included in this analysis. A meta-analysis of the available data demonstrated no differences in baseline characteristics and morbidities (i.e., age, male proportion, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and severe comorbidities) between the RA and GA groups (all p > 0.05). Initial analysis revealed that the risk of dementia was higher in the GA group than in the RA group (HR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.29-2.55, p = 0.007, I 2 = 99%, five studies). However, when a study featuring a relatively younger population was excluded from the sensitivity analysis, the results showed a similar risk of dementia (HR, 1.17; p = 0.13) between the GA and RA groups. The pooled results revealed no difference in dementia risk between the RA and placebo groups (HR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.69-2.07, p = 0.52, I 2 = 68%, three studies). Sensitivity analysis revealed that the evidence was not stable, suggesting that limited datasets precluded strong conclusions on this outcome. Anxiety, stroke history, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes are potential predictors of dementia. Conclusion: Our results emphasize that, while RA could be protective against dementia risk compared to GA, the association between the type of anesthesia and dementia risk might vary among different age groups. Owing to the significant prevalence of dementia among older people and their surgical needs, further investigations are warranted to clarify the association between dementia risk and regional anesthesia.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42023411324.

Usefulness of Analgesia Nociception Index for guiding intraoperative opioid administration: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study primarily aimed at investigating the efficacy of Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) for guiding intraoperative opioid administration in patients receiving surgery under general anesthesia. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The Medline, Embase, Google scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to April 2022 for randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was intraoperative opioid administration, while the secondary outcomes included postoperative opioid consumption, pain score, emergency time, risk of nausea/vomiting (PONV), and Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) stay. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Six studies including 399 participants (published from 2015 to 2022) focused on non-cardiac surgery, including spine surgery (two trials), breast surgery (two trials), gynecologic surgery (one trial), and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (one trial) were included. Meta-analysis revealed no difference in intraoperative opioid administration with the use of ANI-guided analgesia compared to the control group that used conventional clinical measurements (e.g., heart rate) to guide opioid use [standardized mean difference (SMD)=-0.17, 95% CI: -0.56 to 0.22, P=0.39, I2=72%, six trials, 399 participants]. Gender-based subgroup analysis showed effectiveness of ANI for reducing opioid administration in female patients (SMD=-0.53, P=0.02). There were no differences in postoperative recovery characteristics including pain score [Mean difference (MD): -0.03, P=0.79], opioid consumption (SMD: -0.34, P=0.08), emergence time (MD=1.12, P=0.47), length of stay in the PACU (MD: -0.56, P=0.83), and risk of PONV [risk ratio(RR): 0.75, P=0.46] between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Analgesia nociception index-guided analgesia was unable to reduce intraoperative opioid administration compared to monitoring using conventional clinical parameters. Further studies are required to support our findings.

Assessing the Efficacy of Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index for Predicting Hypotension after Central Neuraxial Block: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The use of ultrasonography to predict spinal-induced hypotension (SIH) has gained significant attention. This diagnostic meta-analysis aimed to investigate the reliability of the inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) in predicting SIH in patients undergoing various surgeries. Databases, including Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Google Scholar, were screened until 28 July 2023, yielding 12 studies with 1076 patients (age range: 25.6-79 years) undergoing cesarean section (CS) (n = 4) or non-CS surgeries (n = 8). Patients with SIH had a significantly higher IVCCI than those without SIH (mean difference: 11.12%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.83-14.41). The pooled incidence rate of SIH was 40.5%. IVCCI demonstrated satisfactory overall diagnostic reliability (sensitivity, 77%; specificity, 82%). The pooled area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85, indicating its high capability to differentiate patients at risk of PSH. The Fagan nomogram plot demonstrated a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 4 and a negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.28. The results underscore the robustness and discriminative ability of IVCCI as a predictive tool for SIH. Nevertheless, future investigations should focus on assessing its applicability to high-risk patients and exploring the potential enhancement in patient safety through its incorporation into clinical practice.

Association of prognostic nutritional index with long-term mortality in patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis.

The predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) for the long-term prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains uncertain. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched from inception until January 2023 to study the relationship between all-cause mortality risk and PNI in patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention for ACS (i.e., primary outcome). Thirteen observational studies were included in this meta-analysis. Analysis of seven studies using PNI as a categorical variable showed a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality of 2.97 (95% CI 1.65 to 5.34, p = 0.0003, I2 = 89%, n = 11,245) for patients with a low PNI. The meta-analysis also showed a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with a low PNI (HR 2.04; 95% CI 1.59 to 2.61; p < 0.00001; I2 = 21%; n = 8534). Moreover, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, and high Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk scores were associated with a high risk of all-cause mortality, whereas a high body mass index was associated with a low risk of all-cause mortality. The results showed an association between a low PNI and an increased risk of long-term mortality in patients undergoing coronary interventions for ACS. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

Efficacy and safety of gefapixant for chronic cough: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of gefapixant in adults with chronic cough remain unclear. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of gefapixant using updated evidence. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Embase databases were searched from inception through September 2022. Subgroup analysis based on dose of gefapixant (i.e. ≤20, 45-50 and ≥100 mg twice daily for low, moderate and high doses, respectively) was performed to explore a potential dose-dependent effect. RESULTS: Five studies involving seven trials showed the efficacy of moderate- or high-dose gefapixant for reducing objective 24-h cough frequency (estimated relative reduction 30.9% and 58.5%, respectively) (i.e. primary outcome) and awake cough frequency (estimated relative reduction 47.3% and 62.8%, respectively). Night-time cough frequency was only reduced with high-dose gefapixant. Consistently, the use of moderate- or high-dose gefapixant significantly alleviated cough severity and improved cough-related quality of life, but increased the risk of all-cause adverse events (AEs), treatment-related AEs and ageusia/dysgeusia/hypogeusia. Subgroup analysis showed dose dependency in both efficacy and AEs with a cut-off dose being ≥45 mg twice daily. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed dose-dependent efficacy and adverse effects of gefapixant against chronic cough. Further studies are required to investigate the feasibility of moderate-dose (i.e. 45-50 mg twice daily) gefapixant in clinical practice.

Suboptimal Plasma Vitamin C Is Associated with Lower Bone Mineral Density in Young and Early Middle-Aged Men: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate associations between bone mineral density (BMD) and four selected circulating nutrients, particularly vitamin C, among adults aged 20−49 years. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the lumbar spine BMD of 866 men and 589 women were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and divided into tertiles, respectively. Logistic regressions were used to identify the predictors of low BMD by comparing subjects with the highest BMD to those with the lowest. Results: Multivariate logistic regressions identified suboptimal plasma vitamin C (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 2.31), suboptimal serum vitamin B12 (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.02, 4.12), and low BMI (BMI < 23) (AOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.12, 2.53) as independent predictors for low BMD in men. In women, low BMI was the only independent predictor for low BMD. Plasma vitamin C, categorized as suboptimal (≤8.8 mg/L) and sufficient (>8.8 mg/L), was positively significantly correlated with the lumbar spine BMD in men, but there was no association in women. Conclusions: Plasma vitamin C, categorized as suboptimal and sufficient, was positively associated with the lumbar spine BMD in young and early middle-aged men. A well-designed cohort study is needed to confirm the findings.

The impact of esophageal device insertion on cuff pressure of endotracheal tube: a literature review and meta-analysis.

The impact of intraoperative esophageal device insertion (EDI) on endotracheal tube (ET) cuff inflation pressure remains unclear. Electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Google scholar, Web of Science™ and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies involving EDI after placement of ETs from inception to July 7, 2022. The primary outcome was risk of high cuff pressure, while the secondary outcomes were increases in cuff pressure following EDI. Difference between adults and children was investigated with subgroup analysis. There were ten eligible studies (observation study, n = 9, randomized controlled study, n = 1) involving a total of 468 participants. EDI notably increased the risk of high cuff pressure (n = 7, risk ratio: 12.82, 95% confidence interval: 4.9 to 33.52, subgroup analysis: p = 0.008). There were significant elevations in cuff pressure in adults and children both during (13.42 and 7.88 cmH2O, respectively, subgroup analysis: p = 0.15) and after (10.09 and 3.99 cmH2O, respectively, subgroup analysis: p = 0.0003) EDI. Our results revealed an over 12-fold increase in the risk of high endotracheal tube cuff pressure in patients, especially adults, receiving EDI under endotracheal anesthesia. There were significant increases in both adults and children despite a higher increase in the former after device insertion.

Efficacy of greater occipital nerve block for pain relief in patients with postdural puncture headache: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at assessing the therapeutic effectiveness of greater occipital nerve block (GONB) against postdural puncture headache (PDPH). METHODS: Studies investigating analgesic effects of GONB against PDPH in adults were retrieved from the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google scholar, and Cochrane central databases from their inception dates to May, 2021. Pain score at postprocedural 24 hours was the primary endpoint, while secondary endpoints were pain score at postprocedural 1 hour and 12 hours as well as the risk of intervention failure. RESULTS: Of the 7 studies (randomized controlled trials [RCTs], n = 4; non-RCTs, n = 3) that recruited 275 patients, 2 investigated female patients undergoing cesarean section and the other 5 were conducted in both obstetric and nonobstetric settings. Pooled results showed a lower mean pain score at 24 hours (i.e., primary outcome) (mean difference [MD] = -2.66, 95%: CI: -3.98 to -1.33, P < .001; I2 = 97%, 6 studies), 1 hour (MD = -4.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.08 to -3.37, P < .00001; I2 = 86%, 5 studies), and 6 hours (MD = -2.78, 95% CI: -4.99 to -0.57, P = .01; I2 = 98%, 4 studies) in patients with GONB compared to those without. Trial sequential analysis supported the robustness of evidence at postprocedural 24 hours. The use of GONB also decreased the risk of intervention failure (relative ratio [RR] = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.82, P = .01; I2 = 96%, 6 studies, 277 patients). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested a therapeutic effect of greater occipital nerve block against postdural puncture headache up to postprocedural 24 hours. Further large-scale studies are warranted to evaluate its therapeutic benefit beyond the acute stage.

Comparing short-, long-, and oblique-axis approaches to ultrasound-guided internal jugular venous catheterization: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Internal jugular venous catheterization is performed for numerous therapeutic interventions. Although ultrasound-guided internal jugular venous catheterization is the gold standard for this procedure, complications can still occur. Various scanning axes, namely, the short axis (SA), long axis (LA), and oblique axis (OA), have been developed to ameliorate these complications. This study compared the efficacy and safety of SA, LA, and OA approaches. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published before September 2018. Only randomized controlled trials were included. We conducted meta-analyses using a random-effects model. Treatment efficacy was measured by total success rate, first-pass success rate, number of needle passes, and incidence of complications, namely, arterial puncture, hematoma, and catheter-related bloodstream infection. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials with 621 patients were included. No significant differences were observed in total success rate and first-pass success rate, as well as in the arterial puncture, hematoma, or catheter-related bloodstream infection complications between SA and LA approaches. Moreover, no significant difference was found between SA and OA approaches in terms of total success rate, first-pass success rate, number of needle passes, and complications of arterial puncture and hematoma. However, the number of needle passes was significantly fewer in SA approach than in LA approach (weighted mean difference, -0.18; 95% confidence interval, -0.35 to -0.01). CONCLUSION: None of the scanning axes exhibited unique features that could enhance their suitability for application. Hence, scanning axes should be selected by considering various factors that include patient characteristics, clinician expertise, and ease of procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review and meta-analysis, level I.

Clinical characteristics of arytenoid dislocation in patients undergoing bariatric/metabolic surgery: A STROBE-complaint retrospective study.

Tracheal intubation and the use of a large-bore calibrating orogastric (OG) tube have been reported to increase the incidence of arytenoid dislocation (AD) in patients undergoing bariatric/metabolic surgery. This study aimed at identifying the clinical characteristics of this patient subgroup.We retrospectively examined the clinical characteristics of 14 patients with AD (study group) who received tracheal intubation and OG insertion for bariatric/metabolic surgery between 2011 and 2016. For comparison, another group of 19 patients with postoperative AD collected from published literature and 3 patients from the authors' institute served as controls in whom only tracheal intubation was performed. Information on patient characteristics, anesthetic time, symptoms, time of symptom onset, intervention, and postinterventional impact on vocalization of the 2 groups were collected and compared.Patients in the study group were younger than those in the control group (38 [25-60] vs 54.5 [19-88] years, P = .03). Compared with the control group, anesthetic time (282.5 [155-360] vs 225 [25-480] minutes, P = .041) was longer and symptom onset (1.0 [0-6] vs 1.0 [0-6] days, P = .018) was more delayed in the study group. After closed reduction, the frequency of voice recovery was comparable in both groups in a time interval of 12 weeks (84.6% vs 92.9%, P = .59).Our report demonstrates that the clinical characteristics of patients with AD who received tracheal intubation and OG insertion for bariatric/metabolic surgery were different from those with postoperative AD receiving only tracheal intubation, highlighting the importance of implementing individualized strategies for AD prevention in this patient population.

Hypovitaminosis Din Postherpetic Neuralgia-High Prevalence and Inverse Association with Pain: A Retrospective Study.

Hypovitaminosis D (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) <75 nmol/L) is associated with neuropathic pain and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immunity. A two-part retrospective hospital-based study was conducted. Part I (a case-control study): To investigate the prevalence and risk of hypovitaminosis D in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) patients compared to those in gender/index-month/age-auto matched controls who underwent health examinations. Patients aged ≥50 years were automatically selected by ICD-9 codes for shingle/PHN. Charts were reviewed. Part II (a cross-sectional study): To determine associations between 25(OH)D, VZV IgG/M, pain and items in the DN4 questionnaire at the first pain clinic visit of patients. Independent predictors of PHN were presented as adjusted odds ratios(AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Prevalence (73.9%) of hypovitaminosis D in 88 patients was high. In conditional logistic regressions, independent predictors for PHN were hypovitaminosis D (AOR3.12, 95% CI1.73-5.61), malignancy (AOR3.21, 95% CI 1.38-7.48) and Helicobacter pylori-related peptic ulcer disease (AOR3.47, 95% CI 1.71-7.03). 25(OH)D was inversely correlated to spontaneous/brush-evoked pain. Spontaneous pain was positively correlated to VZV IgM. Based on the receiver operator characteristic curve, cutoffs for 25(OH)D to predict spontaneous and brush-evoked pain were 67.0 and 169.0 nmol/L, respectively. A prospective, longitudinal study is needed to elucidate the findings.

The distribution of interleukin-19 in healthy and neoplastic tissue.

The influence of interleukin (IL)-19, a recently discovered cytokine in the IL-10 family, on tissue is still unclear. Our aim was to determine the distribution of IL-19 expression and to delineate the cell types that express IL-19 in healthy and neoplastic tissue, because this information will significantly facilitate the exploration of its pathophysiological functions. We used tissue microarray technology and an immunohistochemical survey with an anti-IL-19 monoclonal antibody to examine the expression of IL-19 in 28 healthy and 15 neoplastic tissues. IL-19 protein was positively stained in 15 healthy tissue types and three major cell types: epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. We also found that several types of tumor cells were positively stained for IL-19, especially in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, tongue, esophagus, and lung. SCC of the oral cavity expressed IL-19 mRNA and its receptors. In two cell lines derived from SCC of oral cavity tumor tissue, IL-19 specifically activated an intracellular signal and induced proliferation of the cells, which indicated that IL-19 may act in an autocrine manner in SCC tumors. This study provides important references for further investigation of the biological functions and clinical implications of IL-19 in humans.