Knowledge and skill level among non-healthcare providers regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in the Middle East (Arab countries): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Effective education is considered by the American Heart Association (AHA) as a vital variable in improving outcomes of cardiac arrest. Studies have shown that the level of knowledge and attitude of non-healthcare providers towards resuscitation training varies widely across the globe. While some training methods and barriers to training have been discussed, the literature is still quite vague and unclear regarding resuscitation training, particularly in the Middle East. This study's focus on the efficacy of resuscitation training in this region of the world may help dictate how to better implement education initiatives aimed towards non-healthcare providers in developing countries. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies published from inception until March 2023. Observational studies assessing CPR knowledge and skills among non-healthcare workers in Arab countries were included. Data were extracted from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data analysis was performed using Rstudio with a random effects model. RESULTS: 50 studies were included in this review and meta-analysis, revealing that 55% of participants had prior knowledge of CPR, while only 28% considered their knowledge sufficient. The majority (76%) supported mandatory CPR training, and 86% were willing to attend training if offered. This study found that prior knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) varied among populations. This meta-analysis also compiled results regarding CPR technique defined by correct compression to ventilation ratio, compression depth, compression rate, location of chest compression, and correct sequence. The overall results from this meta-analysis showed that, of these factors, compression rate and depth were the two factors that were most often administered incorrectly. In all, the results from this study demonstrated that CPR training in Arab countries was favorably viewed overall, with the majority of participants indicating both support for mandatory CPR training and general willingness to attend training if offered the opportunity. CONCLUSION: Given the overall positive view and willingness to learn CPR skills, healthcare policy makers should adopt a more comprehensive focus on strategies that enhance the accessibility and opportunity for CPR training for non-healthcare populations in Arab countries. Future training programs should implement strategies to highlight the ideal combination of compression rates and depth to learners to ensure correct and efficacious delivery of CPR with increased focus on the practical portion during refresher courses to promote retention.

Efficacy and Safety of Colchicine in Pediatric Pericarditis: A Systematic Review and Future Directions.

Pediatric pericarditis presents challenges in its management, necessitating effective therapeutic interventions. Colchicine, known for its efficacy in adults, requires further investigation for its application and safety in pediatric cohorts. A systematic search across renowned databases identified relevant literature on colchicine use in pediatric pericarditis. Twenty-nine articles underwent rigorous screening, with 18 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Data extraction, quality assessment, and synthesis were conducted meticulously. Included studies comprised case reports, case series, and retrospective cohort studies. Colchicine demonstrated efficacy in reducing recurrence rates and symptom burden, with doses ranging from 0.25 mg/day to 2 mg/day. Adverse events were minimal, predominantly gastrointestinal. Notably, nausea was the most common side effect reported. The safety profile of colchicine was favorable, with rare instances of hepatic and hematologic toxicity. Colchicine emerges as a promising therapeutic option for pediatric pericarditis, demonstrating efficacy in reducing recurrence rates and alleviating symptoms. Its favorable safety profile suggests potential as a preferred long-term therapy. However, further research, including randomized controlled trials, is warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety and explore potential combination therapies.

The Best Second Arterial Conduit for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Individual Patient Data.

Multiple arterial conduit revascularization in coronary bypass surgery is being advocated over the use of venous conduits. However, there is a critical gap regarding the optimal sequence of arterial conduit selection following the left internal thoracic artery. This study is the first individual patient data meta-analysis, which aimed to compare the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) versus the radial artery (RA) as a second-best arterial conduit. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL. A forward-backward citation check was performed to identify other relevant studies. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42023455543). Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and propensity-score-matched cohort studies reporting long-term outcomes (>3 years) after coronary bypass surgery using the RITA versus RA as the second arterial conduit after left internal thoracic artery. Overall, long-term survival between the RITA and RA groups showed no significant difference. Landmark analyses demonstrated the superiority of RITA as a second arterial conduit at 1 [hazard ratio (HR): 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75-0.99), P = 0.036], 2 [0.83 (95% CI, 0.72-0.96), P = 0.011], and 5 years [HR: 0.80 (95% CI, 0.68-0.95), P = 0.036] post-surgery. Freedom from major cardiovascular events was significantly higher using the RITA conduit [HR: 0.72 (95% CI, 0.59-0.89), P = 0.002]. This study supports the use of RITA, especially when used in a skeletonized in situ fashion, as a second choice following the left internal thoracic artery as it has the potential to enhance long-term survival and outcomes. Further research with standardized surgical techniques is warranted.

Knowledge, Attitude and Perceptions of Healthcare Workers in Arab Countries Regarding Basic Life Support; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Effective Basic Life Support (BLS) interventions, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), are essential for enhancing survival rates. This review aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of healthcare professionals regarding BLS in Arab countries. Methods: We conducted a systematic search on PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE, to identify relevant studies. We included studies performed in Arab countries that included healthcare workers' KAP assessment towards BLS. The meta-analysis was carried out utilizing the OpenMeta Analyst Software, and a subgroup analysis was performed for Nursing staff category. The quality of the included cross-sectional studies was assessed through Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Results: A total of 18 studies were included in our study, and eight of them entered the analysis. The study showed that 61.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 48.9%, 73.7%, p<0.001) of health care workers were knowledgeable about the correct CPR ratio, and 62.1% (95% CI: 51.7%, 72.5%, p<0.001) answered the location of chest compression correctly. While, only 36.5% (95% CI: 23.5%, 49.6%, p<0.001) had correct answers regarding the compression rate, 48.1% (95% CI: 38.1%, 58.0%, p<0.001) were aware of the compression depth, and 34.8% (95% CI: 22.9%, 46.7%, p<0.001) answered the sequence correctly. Conclusion: The study revealed a gap regarding the BLS KAP of healthcare workers in different Arab countries, which crucially requires taking actions, in terms of frequent certified training sessions, assessments, and clear protocols.

The Results of Urgent and Emergent Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (MitraClip®): A Comparison with Standard Elective Repair.

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valvular disease worldwide. MR has been managed surgically, with either a mitral valve replacement or repair. Percutaneous transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip® insertion has gained wide popularity and success over medical and surgical therapy for MR. Some patients with acute MR or decompensated heart failure could benefit from urgent TMVr. This meta-analysis aims to compare clinical outcomes of urgent versus elective TMVr. Methods: We performed a study-level meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of urgent versus elective TMVr using the MitraClip system. The primary endpoint outcome was all-cause mortality. Additional outcomes included procedural success, postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), stroke, and length of in-hospital stay. Results: Overall, 30-day mortality was significantly higher in the urgent group (odds ratio [OR]: 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.17, 3.48]; P < 0.00001; I² =0%). However, subgroup analysis of matched cohorts showed no significant difference between both groups (OR: 1.80; 95% CI [0.94, 3.46]; P = 0.08; I² =0%). One-year mortality was similar between both groups (and: 1.67; 95% CI [0.96, 2.90]; P = 0.07; I² =0%). Procedural success was similar between both groups (89.4% vs. 89.8%; P = 0.43). Postoperative AKI was significantly higher in the urgent group (OR: 4.12; 95% CI [2.87, 5.91]; P < 0.00001; I² =0%). Conclusion: Urgent TMVr should be indicated in select populations as it is considered therapeutic with acceptable outcomes therein.

Sex-related differences in Cushing's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cushing's disease is a rare endocrine disorder. This review aimed to examine sex-specific differences in Cushing's disease. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A meta-analysis was performed on published articles discussing the gender impact of Cushing's disease. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted to identify studies from Medline, Embase, CENTRAL and Scopus. Nine studies enrolling 1047 patients diagnosed with Cushing's disease were included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: Male patients presented at a younger age (MD [mean difference]=-5.43; 95% CI [-5.78, -5.08]; P<.00001) than females. Male patients had a significantly higher prevalence of osteoporosis (RR [risk ratio]=1.75; 95% CI [1.36, 225]; P<.0001) and hypokalemia (RR=1.66; 95% CI [1.27, 2.16]; P=.0002). In addition, males had significantly higher rates of negative magnetic resonance imaging (RR=1.53; 95% CI [1.18, 2.0]; P=.002). No sex difference was observed in the prevalence of diabetes (RR=0.92; 95% CI [0.70, 1.22]); P=.57) and dyslipidemia (RR=1.33; 95% CI [0.88, 2.0]; P=.17). CONCLUSION: Cushing's disease has a worse clinical presentation in males and more diagnostic difficulties compared to females.

Advanced secondary abdominal ectopic pregnancy with live fetus at 26-weeks' gestation following in vitro fertilization: A case report.

Abdominal ectopic pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study reports a case of advanced abdominal ectopic pregnancy at 26-weeks' gestation in a 31-year-old primigravida whose conception was a result of in vitro fertilization because of infertility due to male factors. Her past history is significant for a congenital Horseshoe kidney. Initially, she presented at the 8th week of gestation with a clinical picture that is consistent with ectopic abdominal pregnancy; however, she refused to terminate her pregnancy despite medical advice. At 26 weeks gestation, she presented to the emergency department again complaining of lower abdominal pain and vaginal spotting, and underwent an abdominal laparotomy without any complications. The postoperative period was unremarkable, and she was discharged after 7 days. In conclusion, early diagnosis and management of such cases are of paramount importance and lead to favorable outcomes. Nevertheless, we stress the importance of providing effective counseling to patients presenting with serious conditions through clear information along with proper psychological support for couples.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in mitral regurgitation: A comparison of device systems and recommendations for tailored device selection. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) is a minimally invasive method for the treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with prohibitive surgical risks. The traditionally used device, MitraClip, showed both safety and effectiveness in M-TEER. PASCAL is a newer device that has emerged as another feasible option to be used in this procedure. METHODS: We searched for observational studies that compared PASCAL to MitraClip devices in M-TEER. The electronic databases searched for relevant studies were PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase. The primary outcomes were technical success and the grade of MR at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, bleeding, device success and reintervention. RESULTS: Technical success (PASCAL: 96.5% vs MitraClip: 97.6%, p = 0.24) and MR ≤ 2 at 30-day follow-up (PASCAL: 89.4vs MitraClip 89.9%, p = 0.51) were comparable between both groups. Both devices showed similar outcomes including all-cause mortality (RR: 0.68 [0.34, 1.38]; P = 0.28), major bleeding (RR: 1.87 [0.68, 5.10]; P = 0.22) and reintervention (RR: 1.02 [0.33, 3.16]; P = 0.97). Device success was more frequent with PASCAL device (PASCAL: 86% vs MitraClip 68.5%; P = 0.44), however, the results did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes of PASCAL were comparable to those of MitraClip with no significant difference in safety and effectiveness. The choice between MitraClip and PASCAL devices should be guided by various factors, including mitral valve anatomy, etiology of regurgitation, and device-specific characteristics.

Pediatric laryngeal schwannoma: a case report.

Schwannomas are benign tumors originating from Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. They mostly occur in the head and neck region but are rare in the larynx, and present with various symptoms. Surgical removal is the recommended treatment. This study presents a 12-year-old female with sudden onset hemoptysis, snoring, difficulty breathing, dysphagia, and voice changes. On examination, she was conscious and had muffled voice while speaking, without signs of respiratory distress. Endoscopic laryngoscopy revealed a large laryngeal mass obstructing the vocal cords. Endoscopic excision and biopsy confirmed the presence of the laryngeal schwannoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with normal vocal cord function and no recurrence at follow-up.