The burden of atrial fibrillation/flutter in the Middle East and North Africa region and its associated risk factors from 1990 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation and flutter (AFF) are the most common cardiac arrhythmias globally, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region face unique challenges in managing cardiovascular diseases, including AFF, due to diverse sociodemographic factors and healthcare infrastructure variability. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the burden of AFF in MENA from 1990 to 2019. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019, a comprehensive source incorporating diverse data inputs. The study collected global, regional, and national Age-Standardized Incidence Rate (ASIR), Age-Standardized Mortality Rate (ASMR), and Age-Standardized Disability-Adjusted Rate (ASDR), Mortality across sex, age groups, and years. LOESS regression was employed to determine the relationship between age-standardized rates attributed to AFF and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI). RESULTS: The study found minimal change in ASIR of AFF in MENA from 1990 to 2019, with a slight increase observed in ASMR and ASDR during the same period. Notably, AFF burden was consistently higher in females compared to males, with age showing a direct positive relationship with AFF burden. Iraq, Iran, and Turkey exhibited the highest ASIR, while Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman had the highest ASMR and ASDR in 2019. Conversely, Kuwait, Libya, and Turkey displayed the lowest ASMR and ASDR rates. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the persistent burden of AFF in MENA and identifies significant disparities across countries. High systolic blood pressure emerged as a prominent risk factor for mortality in AFF patients. Findings provide crucial insights for policy-making efforts, resource allocation, and intervention strategies aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in the MENA region.

Effectiveness of synthetic versus autologous bone grafts in foot and ankle surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: All orthopaedic procedures, comprising foot and ankle surgeries, seemed to show a positive trend, recently. Bone grafts are commonly employed to fix bone abnormalities resulting from trauma, disease, or other medical conditions. This study specifically focuses on reviewing the safety and efficacy of various bone substitutes used exclusively in foot and ankle surgeries, comparing them to autologous bone grafts. METHODS: The systematic search involved scanning electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane online library, and Web of Science, employing terms like 'Bone substitute,' 'synthetic bone graft,' 'Autograft,' and 'Ankle joint.' Inclusion criteria encompassed RCTs, case-control studies, and prospective/retrospective cohorts exploring different bone substitutes in foot and ankle surgeries. Meta-analysis was performed using R software, integrating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cochrane's Q test assessed heterogeneity. RESULTS: This systematic review analyzed 8 articles involving a total of 894 patients. Out of these, 497 patients received synthetic bone grafts, while 397 patients received autologous bone grafts. Arthrodesis surgery was performed in five studies, and three studies used open reduction techniques. Among the synthetic bone grafts, three studies utilized a combination of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB homodimer (rhPDGF-BB) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) collagen, while four studies used hydroxyapatite compounds. One study did not provide details in this regard. The meta-analysis revealed similar findings in the occurrence of complications, as well as in both radiological and clinical evaluations, when contrasting autografts with synthetic bone grafts. CONCLUSION: Synthetic bone grafts show promise in achieving comparable outcomes in radiological, clinical, and quality-of-life aspects with fewer complications. However, additional research is necessary to identify the best scenarios for their use and to thoroughly confirm their effectiveness. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Is asymptomatic bacteriuria a noticeable risk factor for periprosthetic joint infection following total joint arthroplasty? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a common procedure that improves the quality of life for severe arthritis patients. The rising demand for TJA places enormous financial strain on the world's healthcare systems, which is exacerbated by postoperative readmissions for complications such as periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) increases infection risk. METHODS: We conducted searches in three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Screening steps have been carried out according to PRISMA guidelines. The study focused on patients who had undergone TJA and exhibited ASB. Two reviewers independently screened, assessed quality, and extracted data. Meta-analysis used Mantel-Haenszel method. RESULTS: Following full-text screening, 12 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in the systematic review, encompassing a total of 42,592 patients. A heightened occurrence of PJI was observed among TJA patients with ASB in comparison to controls (OR [95%CI] = 3.47 [1.42-8.44]). However, microorganisms responsible for the PJIs differed from those identified in the urine cultures of ASB. Additionally, analyses indicate that preoperative antibiotic treatment for ASB does not significantly affect the subsequent risk of PJI (OR [95% CI] = 1.00 [0.42-2.39]). Unlike surgical site infection (SSI), which did not show a difference in the rate of occurrence between the two groups, TJA patients with ASB were more likely to experience superficial wound infection (OR [95%CI] = 3.81 [2.02-7.21]). CONCLUSION: This review and meta-analysis confirm that ASB correlate with heightened risks of PJI and superficial infection in TJA patients. However, no relationship was found between ASB and PJI microorganisms which raise doubts about the role of ASB microorganisms as the direct cause of infection following TJA.

The outcome of conversion total hip arthroplasty following acetabular fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

BACKGROUND: Conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered the main treatment plan for patients with first-line treatment failure of acetabulum fracture. This meta-analysis aims to assess the effect of the type of initial treatment and timing of surgery on the outcomes of conversion THA. METHODS: Using PRISMA guidelines, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL Cochrane were searched for articles published before October 14, 2022. Comparative studies investigating the outcome of THA following treatment failure of acetabular fracture were included. These articles were categorized into three groups, and the outcomes of treatment plans in each group were compared: (A) primary THA vs. conversion THA, (B) THA following conservative treatment vs. THA following ORIF, and (C) acute THA vs. delayed THA following prior treatment failure. Review Manager (RevMan, version 5.3) software was utilized to perform the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four comparative studies met the inclusion criteria (reported the data of 13,373 patients). Concerning group (A), the following complications were significantly higher in conversion THA: Infection (OR [95% CI] 3.19 [2.12, 4.79]; p value < 0.00001), dislocation (OR [95% CI] 4.58 [1.56, 13.45]; p value = 0.006), heterotopic ossification (OR [95% CI] 5.68 [3.46, 9.32]; p value < 0.00001), and Revision (OR [95% CI] 2.57 [1.65, 4.01]; p value < 0.00001). Postoperative HHS (SMD [95% CI] - 0.66 [- 1.24, - 0.08]; p value = 0.03) was significantly lower and operation time (SMD [95% CI] 0.88 [0.61, 1.15]; p value < 0.00001), blood loss (SMD [95% CI] 0.83 [0.56, 1.11]; p value < 0.00001), and bone graft need (OR [95% CI] 27.84 [11.80, 65.65]; p value < 0.00001) were significantly higher in conversion THA. Regarding group (B), bone graft need (OR [95% CI] 0.48 [0.27, 0.86]; p value = 0.01) was considerably higher in patients with prior acetabular fracture conservative treatment, while other outcomes were comparable. Respecting group (C), there were no significant differences in analyzed outcomes. However, systematically reviewing existing literature suggested a higher incidence rate of DVT following acute THA. CONCLUSION: There were significantly higher postoperative complications and lower functional outcomes in conversion THA compared to primary THA. While complications and functional outcomes were comparable between ORIF and the conservative groups, the bone graft need was significantly higher in the conservative group. There were no significant differences between aTHA and dTHA. These results can assist surgeons in designing treatment plans based on each patient's clinical situation. Prospero registration code: CRD42022385508. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III/IV.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Persian version of the Hospital for Special Surgery Anterior Cruciate Ligament Postoperative Satisfaction Survey.

PURPOSE: With over 140 million speakers spread across Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, Persian, also known as Farsi, is a pluri-centric language. The purpose of this study is to perform cross-cultural adaptation and examine the validity and reliability of the Persian translation of the Hospital for Special Surgery Anterior Cruciate Ligament Post-Operative Satisfaction Survey (HSS ACL-SS). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 102 anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) patients were asked to complete the Persian version of the HSS ACL-SS, Tegner scale, Lysholm score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, the Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. Internal consistency was calculated via Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Validity was assessed with the correlations of Spearman's rho. 18 patients were included in the test-retest reliability assessment. The floor and ceiling effects of the examined content validity of HSS ACL-SS. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was computed at 0.959, showing outstanding internal consistency. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) demonstrated excellent results (0.986, P-value < 0.001). Insignificant ceiling effects (2.9%) and floor effects (3.9%) were detected. The Persian version of the HSS ACL-SS score significantly correlated with the SANE (r = 0.730, p < 0.001), Lysholm score (r = 0.622, p < 0.001), and CKRS (r = 0.741, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The overall performance of the Persian HSS ACL-SS was more than excellent in terms of reliability and validity. To conclude, Persian HSS ACL-SS may be used to assist patients in having a better perception of post-operative satisfaction.

Shoulder Arthroplasty After Previous Nonarthroplasty Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes and Complications.

BACKGROUND: Many patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty (SA) have had at least 1 nonarthroplasty shoulder surgery before the surgery. There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of previous shoulder surgery on the outcome of SA. A systematic review was conducted to compare functional outcomes and complications between SA patients with and without prior non-SA surgery on the ipsilateral shoulder. METHODS: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science comprehensively from inception to January 2023. Based on 9,279 records reviewed, 26 comparative studies were included in the meta-analysis consisting of 5,431 shoulders with prior nonarthroplasty procedures (cases) and 55,144 shoulders without previous surgery (controls). Variables such as functional scores, complications, and range of motion were compared between cases and controls using Review Manager Software. In addition, subgroup analysis was conducted based on prior surgery type (rotator cuff repair [RCR], open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF], soft tissue repairs, and not specified) and type of SA (hemiarthroplasty, anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty [RTSA]). The results were presented as odds ratios (ORs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs). RESULTS: Except for a higher rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients who had undergone previous arthroscopic surgery (OR, 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66-4.01; p < 0.01), a higher rate of complications was only observed in patients with previous ORIF. These complications included aseptic loosening (OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 2.14-5.50; p < 0.01), shoulder dislocation (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.05-4.84; p = 0.04), overall complication (OR, 3.95; 95% CI, 2.38-6.55; p < 0.01), and revision (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.28-4.97; p = 0.01). Patients with a history of previous surgery demonstrated inferior functional outcomes in comparison with the control group, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (SMD, -0.39; 95% CI, -0.51 to -0.27; p < 0.01; I2 = 36%), Constant-Murley score (SMD, -0.34; 95% CI, -0.44 to -0.24; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%), abduction (SMD, -0.26; 95% CI, -0.45 to -0.08; p = 0.01; I2 = 54%), and flexion (SMD, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.46 to -0.21; p < 0.01; I2 = 40%). Subgroup analysis by previous type of surgery was not possible regarding functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Patients who have had prior fracture surgery are at a higher risk of complications, reoperations, and revisions after SA than controls. The normal shoulder anatomy may be disrupted by prior surgery, which makes arthroplasty technically challenging, particularly when it comes to soft tissue balance. On the other hand, RCR before SA did not negatively affect clinical outcomes after RTSA and did not have a higher rate of overall complications (except PJI). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (Treatment Studies). See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effect of Ondansetron on Postoperative Pain and Vomiting after Acute Appendicitis Surgery: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Common postoperative complications following surgery, particularly acute appendicitis surgery, include postoperative pain and vomiting, which can cause discomfort and delay recovery time. Methods: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 80 cases of acute appendicitis of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II and aged 18-60 y/o scheduled for appendectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups: group A received 4 mg of ondansetron IV (2 ml) and group B received 2 ml of normal slain IV (placebo). Pain according to VAS, nausea and vomiting according to clinical symptoms, shivering and sedation according to the Bedside Shivering Assessment Scale (BSAS), and the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery were evaluated and compared between the groups. Results: There was a significant decline in the severity of pain only at 2 hours after surgery between the ondansetron and control groups (5.3 ± 1.0 vs. 6.0 ± 1.0; p=0.01), not showing a difference between the groups at 6, 12, and 24 hours after appendectomy. Postoperative nausea and vomiting at 2 (5% vs. 25%; p=0.03) and 6 (7.5% vs. 27.5%; p=0.04) hours after appendectomy in the ondansetron group. At different times, the ondansetron and control groups did not differ in terms of pethidine consumption or sedation. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study found that ondansetron was effective in reducing postoperative vomiting after acute appendicitis surgery. However, it did not show a clinically significant effect on postoperative pain. This trial is registered with IRCT20230722058883N1.

Antibiotic-Coated Intramedullary Nailing Managing Long Bone Infected Non-Unions: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.

Long bone infected non-unions are such an orthopedic challenge that antibiotic-coated intramedullary nailing (ACIN) has become a viable therapeutic option for their management. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the available data about the use of antibiotic-coated nailing in the treatment of long bone infected non-unions. Following the PRISMA guideline in this meta-analysis, a systematic literature search was conducted across major databases for studies evaluating ACIN in long bone infected non-unions. The primary outcome measures included union rates, infection control, complications and functional status. Five eligible studies encompassing 183 patients in total met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed no difference in the union rate in the antibiotic-coated intramedullary nailing group compared to that of the control group (OR = 1.73 [0.75-4.02]). Antibiotic-coated intramedullary nailing demonstrated no association with higher infection eradication (OR = 2.10 [0.97-4.54]). Also, functional outcome measure was mostly not significantly different between ACIN and control interventions. According to this meta-analysis, compared to the management of controls, ACIN is neither linked to increased union rates nor decreased infection rates. The paucity of research on this topic emphasizes the continuous need for additional well-designed randomized controlled trials for the application of antibiotics-coated intramedullary nailing in long bone non-unions.

Association between ELMO1 gene polymorphisms and diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has suggested that the ELMO1 gene may play a role in the development of diabetic kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious complication of diabetes and the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: This study aim was to systematically review and explore the association between ELMO1 gene polymorphisms and diabetic kidney disease. A comprehensive systematic review provides a clear conclusion and high-level evidence for the association between ELMO1 gene and DKD for future application in personalized medicine. METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, per PRISMA instructions, was conducted in Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed databases from 1980 to January 2023. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using appropriate models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity and assess the robustness of the findings. RESULTS: A total of 5794 diabetes patients with DKD, 4886 diabetes patients without DKD, and 2023 healthy controls were included in the 17 studies that made up this systematic review. In the investigation of DM (Diabetes Mellitus) with DKD vs. DM without DKD, the susceptibility for DKD for the EMLO1 rs741301 polymorphism indicated a significant difference under the dominant, homozygote, and recessive genetic models. The susceptibility for DKD for the EMLO1 rs1345365, rs10255208, and rs7782979 polymorphisms demonstrated a significant difference under the allele genetic models in the analysis of DM with DKD vs. DM without DKD groups. There was a considerable increase in DKD risk in the Middle East when the population was stratified by the region. CONCLUSION: The findings of the meta-analysis show that there are a significant connection between the EMLO1 rs741301 polymorphism and DKD susceptibility in overall analyses; as well as rs1345365, rs10255208, and rs7782979 polymorphisms; especially in the Middle East region.

Assessing the association between triglyceride-glucose index and atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: An essential relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been demonstrated. Among the methods used to assess IR, the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is the more straightforward, dimensionless, and low-cost tool. However, the possible usage of this index in clinical practice to predict and diagnose AF has yet to be determined and consolidated. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: Herein, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between the TyG index and AF. METHODS: Databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for studies evaluating the TyG index in AF. The inclusion criteria were observational studies investigating AF and TyG index correlation in individuals older than 18 years, while preclinical studies and those without the relevant data were excluded. Random effect meta-analyses comparing TyG levels between AF and non-AF cases, AF recurrence after radiofrequency ablation, and post-procedural AF were performed using standardized mean differences (SMD) with their matching 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Our screening identified nine studies to be analyzed, including 6,171 participants including 886 with AF. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the TyG index resulted higher in patients with AF than non-AF counterparts (SMD 1.23, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.75, I2 98%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed the same results for post-procedure AF (SMD 0.99, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.20, I2 10%, P < 0.001) and post-ablation AF (SMD 1.25, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.43, I2 46%, P < 0.001), while no difference was found in population-based cohorts (SMD 1.45, 95% CI - 0.41 to 3.31, I2 100%, P = 0.13). Publication year (P = 0.036) and sample size (P = 0.003) showed significant associations with the effect size, using multivariable meta-regression. CONCLUSION: The TyG index is an easy-to-measure surrogate marker of IR in patients with AF. Further clinical studies are warranted to demonstrate its ability for routine clinical use and as a screening tool.

Prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions in repeated cesarean sections: A Systematic review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: With the rate of repeated cesarean sections on the rise, intraperitoneal adhesions caused by repeated cesareans could give rise to maternal morbidity during delivery. As a result, it's critical to have the ability to predict adhesions. The current meta-analysis aims to determine if intraperitoneal adhesions are likely to be present based on the characteristics of the cesarean scar, striae gravidarum, and sliding sign. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched electronicdatabases beforeretrieving articles up until October 13th, 2022 for analysis. After data extraction and literature screening, we first performed a quality assessment using the QUADAS-2 score system. Following that, a bivariate random-effect meta-analysis model was used to obtain the combined diagnostic and predictive values. To pinpoint the origins of heterogeneity, we conducted a subgroup analysis. Fagan's Nomogram was used to validate the clinical utility. Sensitivity analysis was used to gauge the reliability of each included study, and Egger's test and funnel plot asymmetry was used to investigate publication bias. RESULTS: 25 studies totaling 1840 patients with intra-abdominal adhesions and 2501 controls without adhesions were included in the systematic review. Diagnostic values from 8 studies regarding skin characteristics were combined, and the results for depressed scar showed: sensitivity[95 %CI] = 0.38[0.34-0.42]; Specificity[95 %CI] = 0.88[0.85-0.90]; DOR[95 %CI] = 4.78[2.50-9.13]; AUC = 0.65. Negative sliding sign from 7 studies, although not showing a diagnostic difference between cases and controls, had excellent predictive values: sensitivity[95 %CI] = 0.71[0.65-0.77]; Specificity[95 %CI] = 0.87[0.85-0.89]; DOR[95 %CI] = 6.88[0.6-78.9]; AUC = 0.77. Subgroup analysis illustrated non-Turkish studies to reveal more significant associations than Turkish studies. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis found that the occurrence of adhesions can be predicted by the characteristics of abdominal wounds, particularly depressed scar, and scar width,as well as a negative sliding sign following a previous cesarean section.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Persian Version of the Harris Hip Score.

Background: The Persian language, also known as Farsi, is a pluricentric language spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan by about 140 million people. This study aims to translate the Harris hip score (HHS) into Persian with cross-cultural adaptation and to evaluate its validity and reliability. Methods: One hundred fifty-six total hip arthroplasty patients completed the Persian version of the HHS, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Forgotten Joint Score, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction postoperatively. Using Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficient, internal consistency was evaluated. Correlations (Spearman's Rho) were used to assess validity. A test-retest reliability assessment of the Persian HHS was conducted (n = 47) using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Content validity was evaluated using the floor and ceiling effects of the HHS. Results: The final translation of the Persian HHS was approved to be used. The preoperative and postoperative Cronbach's alpha were 0.71 and 0.70, respectively, and showed acceptable internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent (0.869, P < .001). Insignificant ceiling effects (13.5%) and no floor effects (0) were observed. The HHS score was significantly and strongly correlated with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (r = 0.696, P < .001), VAS pain (r = 0.654, P < .001), VAS satisfaction (r = 0.634, P < .001), and Forgotten Joint Score (r = 0.648, P < .001). Conclusions: The Persian HHS demonstrated excellent reliability and validity properties. Accordingly, Persian HHS may be a helpful tool for assessing patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.