Catheter navigation by intracardiac echocardiography enables zero-fluoroscopy linear lesion formation and bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus block in patients with typical atrial flutter.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most helpful aspects of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) implementation in electrophysiological studies (EPS) is the real-time visualisation of catheters and cardiac structures. In this prospective study, we investigated ICE-guided zero-fluoroscopy catheter navigation during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL). METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty consecutive patients (mean age 72.9 ± 11.4 years, 23 male) with ongoing (n = 23) or recent CTI-dependent AFL underwent an EPS, solely utilizing ICE for catheter navigation. Zero-fluoroscopy EPS could be successfully accomplished in all patients. Mean EPS duration was 41.4 ± 19.9 min, and mean ablation procedure duration was 20.8 ± 17.1 min. RF ablation was applied for 6.0 ± 3.1 min (50W, irrigated RF ablation). Echocardiographic parameters, such as CTI length, prominence of the Eustachian ridge (ER), and depth of the CTI pouch on the ablation plane, were assessed to analyse their correlation with EPS- or ablation procedure duration. The CTI pouch was shallower in patients with an ablation procedure duration above the median (4.8 ± 1.1 mm vs. 6.4 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.04), suggesting a more lateral ablation plane in these patients, where the CTI musculature is stronger. CTI length or ER prominence above the respective median did not correlate with longer EPS duration. CONCLUSIONS: Zero-fluoroscopy CTI ablation guided solely by intracardiac echocardiography in patients with CTI-dependent AFL is feasible and safe. ICE visualisation may help to localise the optimal ablation plane, detect and correct poor tissue contact of the catheter tip, and recognise early potential complications during the ablation procedure.

Intranasal sumatriptan for acute migraine attacks: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of intranasal sumatriptan, a selective serotonin agonist, compared to placebo or other migraine therapeutics for the treatment of acute migraine attacks. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled as risk ratios (RR), using RevMan software. We performed subgroup and meta-regression analyses for different doses and treatment endpoints. Sixteen RCTs (n = 5925 patients) matched our inclusion criteria. The overall effect-estimate showed that intranasal sumatriptan was superior to placebo in terms of pain relief (RR = 1.70, 95% CI [1.31, 2.21], p < 0.0001) and headache relief (RR = 1.58, 95% CI [1.35, 1.84], p < 0.00001) at 2 h. Although sumatriptan was superior to placebo in terms of headache relief at 30 min (RR = 1.31, 95% CI [1.08, 1.59], p = 0.005), no significant difference was found between both groups in terms of the frequency of pain-free participants at 30 min (RR = 1.18, 95% CI [0.49, 2.88], p = 0.71). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression models showed that increasing the dose of sumatriptan reduced the time needed for headache relief; however, this clinical improvement with higher doses was associated with more frequent adverse events in comparison to smaller doses. In conclusion, intranasal sumatriptan is effective for the treatment of acute migraine attacks. However, it was associated with a six-fold increase in the risk of taste disturbance, compared to the placebo. Future RCTs are recommended to provide head-to-head comparison of different administration routes and drug formulations of sumatriptan.

Cutting electrocautery versus scalpel for surgical incisions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although cutting electrocautery can be superior to the scalpel in reducing blood loss and incisional time, several reports associated electrocautery with higher rates of wound infection, impaired healing, and worse cosmesis. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare cutting electrocautery versus scalpel for surgical incisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a computerized literature search of five electronic databases and included all published original studies comparing cutting electrocautery and scalpel surgical incisions. Relevant data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled as odds ratios (ORs) or standardized mean difference (SMD) values in a meta-analysis model, using RevMan and Comprehensive Meta-analysis software. RESULTS: Forty-one studies (36 randomized trials, four observational, and one quasirandom study) were included in the pooled analysis (6422 participants). Compared with the scalpel incision, cutting electrocautery resulted in significantly less blood loss (SMD = -1.16, 95% CI [-1.60 to -0.72]), shorter incisional (SMD = -0.63, 95% CI [-0.96 to -0.29]) and operative times (SMD = -0.59, 95% CI [-1.12 to -0.05]), and lower pain scores (SMD = -0.91, 95% CI [-1.27 to -0.55]) with no significant differences in terms of wound infection rates (OR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.74-1.15]) or overall subjective scar score (SMD = -0.49, 95% CI [-1.72 to 0.75]). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical incision using electrocautery can be quicker with less blood loss and postoperative pain scores than the scalpel incision. No statistically significant difference was found between both techniques in terms of postoperative wound complications, hospital stay duration, and wound cosmetic characteristics. Therefore, we recommend routine use of cutting electrocautery for surgical incisions.

Efficacy and safety of atazanavir/ritonavir-based antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infected subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Atazanavir (ATZ) is a well-tolerated protease inhibitor that can be boosted with ritonavir (r) to treat infection with resistant strains of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1). The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy, safety, and metabolic effects of ATZ/r regimen versus commonly used antiretroviral drugs such as lopinavir (LPV) and darunavir (DRV) in HIV-1-infected patients. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL, using relevant keywords. Data were extracted from eligible randomized trials and pooled as risk ratios (RR) or standardized mean differences (SMD) in a meta-analysis model using RevMan software. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (3292 patients) were eligible for the final analysis. After 96 weeks of treatment, the pooled effect estimate did not favor either ATZ/r or LPV/r in terms of virological failure rate (RR 1.11, 95% CI [0.74, 1.66]). However, ATZ/r was marginally superior to LPV/r in terms of increasing the proportion of patients with HIV RNA <50 copies/ml (RR 1.09, 95% CI [1.01, 1.17]). The pooled effect estimate did not favor ATZ/r over DRV/r regarding the change in plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, or high-density lipoprotein at 24, 48, and 96 weeks. Moreover, no significant difference was found between the two regimens (ATZ/r and DRV/r) in terms of change in visceral (SMD -0.06, 95%CI [-0.33, 0.21]) or subcutaneous adipose tissue (SMD 0.12, 95% CI [-0.15, 0.39]). The ATZ/r regimen was generally as effective and well-tolerated as the LPV/r regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 patients. Compared to the DRV/r regimen, ATZ/r has no favorable effect on the plasma lipid profile or adipose tissue distribution.

Efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in aortic stenosis patients at low to moderate surgical risk: a comprehensive meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recently, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the procedure of choice in high surgical risk patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, its value is still debated in operable AS cases. We performed this meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of TAVR to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low-to-moderate surgical risk patients with AS. METHODS: A systematic search of five authentic databases retrieved 11 eligible studies (20,056 patients). Relevant Data were pooled as risk ratios (RRs) or standardized mean differences (SMD), with their 95% confidence interval, using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and RevMan software for windows. RESULTS: At one-year of follow-up, the pooled effect-estimates showed no significant difference between TAVR and SAVR groups in terms of all-cause mortality (RR 1.02, 95% CI [0.83, 1.26], stroke (RR 0.83, 95%CI [0.56, 1.21]), myocardial infarction (RR 0.82, 95% CI [0.57, 1.19]), and length of hospital stay (SMD -0.04, 95% CI [-0.34, 0.26]). The incidence of major bleeding (RR 0.45, 95% CI [0.24, 0.86]) and acute kidney injury (RR 0.52, 95% CI [0.30, 0.88]) was significantly lower in the TAVR group, compared to the SAVR group. However, TAVR was associated with a higher risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (RR 2.57, 95% CI [1.36, 4.86]), vascular-access complications at 1 year (RR 1.99, 95%CI [1.04, 3.80]), and paravalvular aortic regurgitation at 30 days (RR 3.90, 95% CI [1.25, 12.12]), compared to SAVR. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the comparable mortality rates in SAVR and TAVR groups and the lower risk of life-threatening complications in the TAVR group, TAVR can be an acceptable alternative to SAVR in low-to-moderate risk patients with AS. However, larger trials with longer follow-up periods are required to compare the long-term outcomes of both techniques.

Evidence for association between hepatitis C virus and Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a globally prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive neuronal loss in the substantia nigra and formation of Lewy bodies. These pathological characteristics are clinically translated into motor symptoms, such as bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremors, and postural instability. Emerging data from epidemiological studies suggest a possible association between PD and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which affects up to 71 million individuals worldwide. Preclinical studies have shown that HCV can penetrate and replicate within the brain macrophages and microglial cells, increasing their production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can directly cause neuronal toxicity. Other studies reported that interferon, previously used to treat HCV infection, can increase the risk of PD through inhibition of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic transmission or induction of neuroinflammation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review on the possible association between HCV infection and PD and highlight recommendations for further research and practice in this regard.

Safety and efficacy of ocrelizumab in rheumatoid arthritis patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We conducted this systematic reviews and meta-analysis to investigate the safety and efficacy of ocrelizumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who exhibited resistance or intolerance to methotrexate or biological therapy. We performed a web-based literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Scopus, Embase, and Web of science for studies that compared ocrelizumab plus methotrexate versus methotrexate plus placebo in RA patients. Data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled as risk ratios (RR), using RevMan software. Pooling data from four RCTs (2230 patients) showed that ocrelizumab plus methotrexate were superior to methotrexate plus placebo at 24 weeks in terms of improvement on the American college of rheumatology (ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70) criteria (p < 0.00001), disease activity score 28-ESR (RR = 3.77, 95% CI [2.47, 5.74], p < 0.00001), and Sharp/van der Heijde radiological score (RR = 1.63, 95% CI [1.43, 1.85], p < 0.00001). These effects were consistent among all ocrelizumab doses. The rates of serious adverse events were comparable between the ocrelizumab and placebo containing groups (RR = 1, 95% CI [0.78, 1.28], p = 0.98). However, infusion related reactions were significantly higher in ocrelizumab group (RR = 2.13, 95% CI [1.69, 2.68], p < 0.00001), compared to placebo group. The combination of ocrelizumab plus methotrexate was superior to methotrexate plus placebo on all clinical and radiographic improvement scales. The incidence of adverse events, including serious adverse events, was comparable between both groups. Future trials should investigate the efficacy of ocrelizumab alone and develop strategies to alleviate its related infusion reactions.

Predictors and Delays Associated with the Need for Advanced Techniques for Intravenous Access.

BACKGROUND: The need for advanced techniques for intravenous access (ATIVA) can lead to delays in care and contribute to emergency department (ED) crowding. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we estimate the delay and predictors associated with the need for ATIVA. METHODS: In this case-control study, we collected data from ED cases requiring ATIVA and control patients in whom i.v. access was gained by traditional inspection and palpation. We included two control groups-a random retrospective sample and a prospective limited convenience sample. We collected time and acuity data from all groups and data on predictor variables from cases and prospective controls. We analyzed time data using quartile regression and predictor variable data using contingency table analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: We collected data from 116 cases (91 of which had time interval data), 98 retrospective controls, and 144 prospective controls. The median time from triage to i.v. line establishment was 199 min for cases vs. 64 min for prospective controls and 81 min for retrospective controls. The need for ATIVA was associated with a 1.1-greater quartile time interval (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-1.3). Two variables-i.v. drug use (IVDU; odds ratio 3.7; 95% CI 1.8-7.3) and prior need for ATIVA (odds ratio 5.2; 95% CI 2.7-9.8)-were associated with a need for ATIVA; obesity, renal failure, and diabetes were not. CONCLUSIONS: The need for ATIVA increases median time to i.v. line placement by 118 to 135 min compared with traditional inspection and palpation. IVDU and prior need for an advanced technique are associated with a need for ATIVA.

How to perform direct percutaneous gastrostomy with T-fastener gastropexy using endoscopic guidance.

Demonstration of how to perform direct percutaneous gastrostomy with gastropexy T-fasteners using endoscopic guidance.

Ruptured hydatid cyst presenting with a hydropneumothorax in a 16-year-old boy: A case report from Syria.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The rupture of the pulmonary hydatid cyst is a serious clinical problem because it causes significant local and systemic symptoms. Also, cyst rupture is not rare, but it is one of the most frightening and severe complications of hydatid cysts in the lung. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 16-year-old male with a 15-x-15-cm cyst in the lower lobe of his left lung that had ruptured into the pleural space and bronchus, resulting in a fistula. The germinal layer was discovered within the fluid of the effusion inside the pleural cavity. The cyst was surgically excised and treated with albendazole. A three-month follow-up found the patient to be healthy and free of symptoms. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The presented case highlights the importance of early detection and management of pulmonary hydatid cysts. The rupture of these cysts can lead to significant local and systemic symptoms, as well as the formation of fistulas. Echinococcus infection of the lung is relatively common, but hydatid cysts in general require special management due to their tendency to go undiagnosed until they are large and accompanied by cysts in other areas. The presented case highlights the importance of early detection and proper management of pulmonary hydatid cysts to prevent complications and ensure successful outcomes for patients. CONCLUSION: Infection of the left lung with Echinococcus is generally common, but hydatid cysts, in general, need special management because they usually are not detected early, are large, incidentally discovered, and are accompanied by cysts in other areas.

Use of the transabdominal approach to repair Morgagni hernia in a 28-year-old symptomatic female: A case report.

Morgagni's hernia is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which represents only 3% of all diaphragmatic hernias. Herein, we report a case of a 28-year-old symptomatic female patient with Morgagni's hernia who underwent a transabdominal surgery for hernia repair and mesh placement.

Safety and Efficacy of Teplizumab for Treatment of Type One Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Type one diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by gradual destruction of beta cells in islets of Langerhans. Teplizumab is a humanized anti- CD3 monoclonal antibody, which may have beneficial effects for T1DM patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of teplizumab in T1DM patients. METHODS: We searched electronic databases using related keywords for randomized clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of teplizumab. We evaluated the retrieved citations for eligibility, and we extracted the data and then analyzed it using Review Manager Software. RESULTS: We included eight randomized clinical trials with 866 patients. Teplizumab was associated with lower insulin use than placebo at 6 months (MD = -0.17, 95% CI [-0.24, -0.09], P < 0.001), 12 months (MD = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.18, -0.06], P < 0.001), 18 months (MD = -0.22, 95% CI [-0.32, -0.11], P < 0.001) and 24 months (MD = -0.17, 95% CI [-0.28, -0.06], P = 0.003). The area under the curve of C-peptide was significantly increased in teplizumab group at 12 months (MD = 0.08, 95% CI [0.01, 0.15], P = 0.03), 18 months (MD = 0.13, 95% CI [0.01, 0.25], P = 0.03) and 24 months (MD = 0.13, 95% CI [0.01, 0.24], P = 0.03). No significant effect of teplizumab on HbA1c levels was observed at any time point. Teplizumab was found to be associated with some side effects such as lymphopenia, skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. CONCLUSION: Teplizumab is associated with lower insulin use and higher AUC of C-peptide in type 1 diabetic patients with no significant effect on Hb1c levels. Besides, teplizumab has shown some adverse effects.

Effect of chlormadinone acetate versus drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives on the endocrinal features of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious endocrinal disorder in women of reproductive age. Hormonal treatment with oral contraceptives, containing estrogen (ethinyl-estradiol, EE) with progestogen (drospirenone, DRSP) or (chlormadinone acetate, CMA), has improved symptoms and biomarkers of PCOS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present meta-analysis is to compare the effects of EE/DRSP versus EE/CMA on the endocrinal features of women with PCOS. DATA SOURCES: Several electronic databases were searched for combinations of the following relevant MeSH terms were used: (ethinyl-estradiol OR EE) AND (drospirenone OR DRSP) AND (chlormadinone acetate OR CMA) AND (polycystic ovary syndrome). METHODS: Records were screened for eligible studies and data were extracted to an online data extraction form. Outcomes of Ferryman-Gallwey score (FGS), body mass index, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), free androgen index, sex hormone-binding globulin, delta-4-androstenedione (A) and total testosterone levels (T) were pooled as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a fixed effect meta-analysis model. RESULTS: Three RCTs (EE/DRSP: n = 98 and EE/CMA: n = 87) were pooled in the analysis. The overall effect favoured EE/DRSP over EE/CMA in reducing (A) levels after three months (WMD -0.63; 95% CI [-0.94, -0.32], P < 0.001), FGS after six months (WMD -0.44; 95% CI [-0.99, -0.19], P = 0.0006), and total (T) after three months (WMD -0.12; 95% CI [-0.23, -0.01], P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: EE/DRSP showed a more potent effect than EE/CMA in the reduction of FGS after six months, (A) levels and (T) levels after three months in patients with PCOS.

Autologous Blood for Conjunctival Autograft Fixation in Primary Pterygium Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and complications of autologous blood versus using fibrin glue and surgical sutures for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery. DESIGN: Systematic review with quantitative meta-analysis. METHODS: Four authentic databases have been searched using relevant keywords. Eligible studies were obtained, and their data were extracted into an online form. Analysis was done using Review Manager for windows. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as risk ratio, while continuous data were reported as mean difference. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the analysis. Most of the included studies were of moderate quality according to Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. There was no difference between the three techniques in recurrence rates (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% CI [0.45 to 1.44], p= 0.46). Graft retraction and displacement were more profound in the autologous blood group vs fibrin glue and suture groups (RR 3.22, 95% CI [1.48 to7.02], p= 0.003) and (RR 5.27, 95% CI [2.24 to 12.38], p> 0.001) respectively. In terms of operative time, fibrin glue took shorter while suturing took longer time compared to blood coagulum (Mean Difference (MD) =1.57, 95% CI [0.90, 2.25], p> 0.00001) and (MD -20.47, 95% CI [-38.05 to -2.88], p =0.02). CONCLUSION: Autologous blood for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery was associated with lower graft stability than fibrin glue or sutures. However, it did not account for higher recurrence rates than the fibrin glue or sutures. Patient satisfaction and postoperative symptoms are relatively better in the blood coagulum group than the other techniques. The overall quality of evidence is low. Further well designed randomized controlled trials are still needed.

Self-gripping versus sutured mesh fixation methods for open inguinal hernia repair: A systematic review of clinical trials and observational studies.

BACKGROUND: We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of Lichenstein hernia repair using either self-gripping mesh or techniques of sutured mesh fixation. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for all clinical trials and observational studies that compared self-gripping mesh versus sutured mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernia repair. Combined outcomes were pooled as odds ratios or mean differences in a fixed-effect model, using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software for Windows. RESULTS: Twelve randomized, controlled trials and 5 cohort studies (n = 3,722 patients) were included in the final analysis. The two groups, using self-gripping mesh or sutured mesh fixation, did not differ significantly in terms of recurrence rate (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.18-2.44; P = .54) or postoperative chronic groin pain (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.54-1.05; P = .09). The operative time was less in the self-gripping mesh group (mean difference = -7.85, 95% confidence interval -9.94 to -5.76; P < .0001). For safety analysis, there were comparable risks between self-gripping mesh and sutured mesh fixation groups in terms of postoperative infection (odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.53-1.23; P = .32), postoperative hematoma (odds ratio = 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.7-1.36; P = .9), and urinary retention (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.18-2.44; P = .54). CONCLUSION: Data from our analysis did not favor either of the two fixation techniques over the other in terms of recurrence or postoperative chronic groin pain. Decreased operative time in the self-gripping mesh group cannot justify a recommendation for its routine use. Longer follow-up studies are needed to compare the risk of long-term recurrence for both meshes.

Cardioprotective mechanisms of phytochemicals against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic, which is effectively used in the treatment of different malignancies, such as leukemias and lymphomas. Its most serious side effect is dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, which occurs through inducing oxidative stress apoptosis. Due to the myelosuppressive effect of dexrazoxane, a commonly-used drug to alleviate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, researchers investigated the potential of phytochemicals for prophylaxis and treatment of this condition. Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. Preclinical trials have shown antioxidant properties for several plant extracts, such as those of Aerva lanata, Aronia melanocarpa, Astragalus polysaccharide, and Bombyx mori plants. Other plant extracts showed an ability to inhibit apoptosis, such as those of Astragalus polysaccharide, Azadirachta indica, Bombyx mori, and Allium stavium plants. Unlike synthetic agents, phytochemicals do not impair the clinical activity of DOX and they are particularly safe for long-term use. In this review, we summarized the results of preclinical trials that investigated the cardioprotective effects of phytochemicals against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Future human trials are required to translate these cardioprotective mechanisms into practical clinical implications.

Regional versus local anesthesia for arteriovenous fistula creation in end-stage renal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is a consensus in the literature that regional anesthesia (RA) improves local hemodynamic parameters in comparison to local anesthesia (LA) during arteriovenous fistula (AVF) surgical construction. However, the effects of both techniques on fistula patency and failure rates are still controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis is to synthesize evidence from published randomized trials and observational studies regarding the safety and efficacy of RA versus LA in AVF surgical construction. A computer literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central retrieved six randomized trials (462 patients) and one retrospective study (408 patients). Pooling data using RevMan software (version 5.3) showed that RA was superior to LA in terms of primary fistula patency rate (RR = 1.22, 95% CI [1.08, 1.37], p = 0.0010); however, both types were comparable in terms of primary fistula failure rate (RR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.47, 1.40], p = 0.46). In comparison to LA, RA was associated with improved hemodynamic parameters including fistula blood flow (MD = 25.08, 95% CI [19.40, 30.76], p<0.00001), brachial artery diameter (SMD = 2.63, 95% CI [2.17, 3.08], p<0.00001), and outflow venous diameter (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI [0.30, 1.75], p = 0.004). Postoperative complications were comparable between both groups (OR = 0.23, 95% CI [0.05, 0.97], p = 0.05). In conclusion, RA was associated with higher primary patency rates of AVF and improved local blood flow in comparison to LA; however, both procedures were comparable in terms of primary failure rates and postoperative complications. Larger well-designed trials with longer follow-up periods should compare both techniques in terms of long-term patency rates and safety outcomes.