Effect of denosumab, an anti-osteoporosis drug, on vascular calcification: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Denosumab is an effective drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate efficacy of denosumab on the treatment of vascular calcification (VC). METHODS: Databases including PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang database were searched from the inception to January 10th, 2024. Eligible studies comparing denosumab versus no denosumab treatment on VC were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Five studies were included in this meta-analysis. Three were RCTs and 2 were non-randomized studies. As a whole, 961 patients were included in denosumab group and 890 patients were included in no denosumab group. The follow-up period was from 6 to 36 months. Compared with the no denosumab group, the denosumab group demonstrated a decrease on VC score or area in all enrolled patients (SMD -0.85, 95% CI -1.72-0.02, P = .05). In the subgroup of patients with non-CKD, there was no statistical difference between the denosumab and no denosumab group concerning the change of VC score (SMD -0.00, 95% CI -0.12-0.12, P = .98). In the subgroup of patients with CKD 3b-4, there was no significant difference between the denosumab and no denosumab group concerning the change of VC score (SMD 0.14, 95% CI -0.72-1.00, P = .75). In the subgroup of CKD patients undergoing dialysis, the denosumab group demonstrated a significant decrease on VC score or area compared with the no denosumab group (SMD -2.30, 95% CI -3.78-0.82, P = .002). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis revealed that denosumab did not show a very definite inhibitory effect on VC. However, denosumab showed the effective effect on inhibiting VC in CKD patients undergoing dialysis. More large RCTs are needed to verify these results.

Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclophosphamide therapy for Henoch schonlein purpura nephritis in children: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety between glucocorticoids combined with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) for henoch schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) in children. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database were searched from the inception to April 5th, 2024. Eligible studies comparing glucocorticoids combined with MMF versus glucocorticoids combined with CTX for HSPN in children were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 non-randomized studies involving 675 patients were identified. Compared with CTX therapeutic schedule, MMF therapeutic schedule had a higher complete remission (CR) within the 6 months (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.16-2.22, P = .004) and CR within the 12 months (OR 1.73, 95%CI 1.00-2.97, P = .05). However, there was no significant difference between MMF and CTX therapeutic schedule concerning total remission (TR) within the 6 months (OR 1.54, 95%CI 0.82-2.92, P = .18) and TR within the 12 months (OR 2.08, 95%CI 0.86-5.01, P = .10). In addition, incidences of gastrointestinal discomfort (OR 0.33, 95%CI 0.19-0.56, P < .0001), liver function injury (OR 0.28, 95%CI 0.09-0.87, P = .03), myelosuppression (OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.06-0.41, P = .0001), alopecia (OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.07-0.91, P = .03) in MMF therapeutic schedule were all lower than CTX therapeutic schedule. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 therapeutic schedules concerning infection (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.50-1.61, P = .72), rash (OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.07-2.04, P = .26). CONCLUSION: Glucocorticoids combined with MMF had a higher CR and lower incidence of adverse effects compared with glucocorticoids combined with CTX in the treatment of HSPN in children.

Comparison of different anastomosis angles in radiocephalic fistula with modified functional end-to-side anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: Functional vein end to arterial side (ETS) anastomosis uses vein side to arterial side anastomosis with distal vein ligation, which is different from traditional ETS anastomosis. To date, there are no studies concerning different anastomotic angles of fistula with functional ETS anastomosis. The purpose of the study was to analyze the clinical outcomes concerning different anastomotic angles of functional ETS anastomosis in radiocephalic fistula. METHODS: Between January 2018 and December 2020, we performed a prospective cohort study concerning functional ETS anastomosis in radiocephalic fistula. According to vascular anatomy of patients, the anastomosis angles of fistula were designed at 30 ≤ angle ≤ 50°, 50 < angle ≤ 70°, and 135° smooth obtuse angle. The end points were the primary patency rate (PPR), the secondary patency rate (SPR) and the cumulative rate of reintervention (CRR) near anastomotic venous segment. RESULTS: 124 patients with functional ETS anastomosiss were enrolled in this study. Pearson χ2 test showed that the group of 135°anastomosis angle had the maximum distance between arteries and veins, and the group of 30-50°anastomosis angle had the minimum distance between arteries and veins (P < 0.01). 30-50°anastomosis angle had the highest PPR at 12 months (P = 0.03) and the lowest CRR near anastomotic venous segment at 3 months (P = 0.04) and 12 months (P = 0.01). There were no significant differences among different anastomosis angles concerning the SPR within 12 months (P > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis showed that 30-50°anastomosis had the highest PPR (P = 0.03) and the lowest CRR near anastomotic venous segment (P = 0.01). A multivariable Cox model showed anastomotic angle was an independent factor predictive of the PPR (P = 0.04) and the CRR near anastomotic venous segment (P = 0.03). 50-70°anastomosis angle was a risk factor of decreasing PPR (P = 0.03). 50-70° (P = 0.01) and 135° (P = 0.03) anastomosis angle were both obvious risk factors of increasing CRR near anastomotic venous segment. CONCLUSION: 30-50°were the best anastomotic angles for functional ETS anastomosis, which had the highest PPR and lowest CRR near anastomotic venous segment.

Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for patients with primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Thermal ablation, including microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), has been recommended for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MWA and RFA in patients with PHPT and refractory SHPT. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang were searched from inception to December 5, 2022. Eligible studies comparing MWA and RFA for PHPT and refractory SHPT were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager software, version 5.3. RESULTS: Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Two were retrospective cohort studies, and three were RCTs. Overall, 294 patients were included in the MWA group, and 194 patients were included in the RFA group. Compared with RFA for refractory SHPT, MWA had a shorter operation time for a single lesion (P < 0.01) and a higher complete ablation rate for a single lesion ≥ 15 mm (P < 0.01) but did not show a difference in the complete ablation rate for a single lesion < 15 mm (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between MWA and RFA for refractory SHPT concerning parathyroid hormone (P > 0.05), calcium (P > 0.05), and phosphorus levels (P > 0.05) within 12 months after ablation, except that calcium (P < 0.01) and phosphorus levels (P = 0.02) in the RFA group were lower than those in the MWA group at one month after ablation. There was no significant difference between MWA and RFA concerning the cure rate of PHPT (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between MWA and RFA for PHPT and refractory SHPT concerning the complications of hoarseness (P > 0.05) and hypocalcaemia (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: MWA had a shorter operation time for single lesions and a higher complete ablation rate for large lesions in patients with refractory SHPT. However, there was no significant difference in efficacy and safety between MWA and RFA in cases of both PHPT and refractory SHPT. Both MWA and RFA are effective treatment methods for PHPT and refractory SHPT.

Efficacy and safety of tolvaptan versus placebo in the treatment of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and drug safety of tolvaptan with placebo for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to September 10, 2021. Eligible studies comparing tolvaptan and placebo in the treatment of patients with ADPKD were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 3575 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, tolvaptan had a better effect on delaying eGFR decline (MD 1.27, 95% CI 1.24-1.29, P < 0.01) and TKV increase (MD - 3.01, 95% CI - 3.55 to - 2.47, P < 0.01) in ADPKD treatment. Additionally, tolvaptan reduced the incidence of complications such as renal pain (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.58-0.87, P < 0.01), urinary tract infection (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54-0.89, P < 0.01), haematuria (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51-0.89, P < 0.01), and hypertension (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.52-0.82, P < 0.01). However, tolvaptan was associated with a higher incidence rate of adverse events such as thirst (OR 8.48 95% CI 4.53-15.87, P < 0.01), polyuria (OR 4.71, 95% CI 2.17-10.24, P < 0.01), and hepatic injury (OR 4.56, 95% CI 2.51-8.29, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Tolvaptan can delay eGFR decline and TKV increase and reduce complications such as renal pain, urinary tract infection, haematuria, and hypertension in the treatment of ADPKD. However, tolvaptan increases the adverse effects of thirst, polyuria and hepatic injury.

Endoscopic parathyroidectomy versus open parathyroidectomy for patients with refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Endoscopic parathyroidectomy(EPTX) has been gradually introduced as a minimally invasive treatment for refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). However, it is uncertain about the efficacy and safety compared between EPTX and open parathyroidectomy (OPTX) for refractory SHPT. Aim: This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EPTX and OPTX for secondary hyperp arathyroidism (SHPT). Material and methods: Databases including PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang were searched. Eligible studies comparing EPTX and OPTX for refractory SHPT were included. Results: Compared with OPTX, EPTX has the shorter hospital stay (p < 0.01) and lower incidences of hoarseness or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between EPTX and OPTX concerning operation time (p = 0.49), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.24), postoperative parathyroid hormone levels (p = 0.22), postoperative calcium levels (p = 0.93), postoperative phosphorus levels (p = 0.37), and complications including neck ecchymosis (p = 0.87), subcutaneous haematoma (p = 0.18), and wound infection (p = 0.11). Conclusions: EPTX and OPTX are both effective methods for refractory SHPT. EPTX had the shorter hospital stay and lower incidences of hoarseness or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus corticosteroid as initial monotherapy in adult-onset minimal change disease: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy versus corticosteroid as initial monotherapy in adult-onset minimal change disease (MCD) patients. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database were searched from the inception to March 20, 2021. Eligible studies comparing TAC monotherapy and corticosteroid as initial monotherapy for adult-onset MCD patients were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 196 patients were included in the meta-analysis. For initial monotherapy for adult-onset MCD, TAC and corticosteroid had similar complete remission (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.47-2.41, P = 0.89), total remission (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.39-4.35, P = 0.67), relapse rate (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.28-1.42, P = 0.26). Main drug-related adverse effects of two therapeutic regimens had no difference concerning infection (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.23-1.27, P = 0.15), glucose intolerance (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.16-1.84, P = 0.33) and acute renal failure (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.36-7.31, P = 0.71). CONCLUSION: TAC monotherapy is comparable with corticosteroid monotherapy in initial therapy of MCD. To further confirm the conclusion, more large multicenter RCTs are necessary.

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus monotherapy versus tacrolimus-corticosteroid combination therapy for idiopathic membranous nephropathy: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy versus TAC-corticosteroid combination therapy in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database were searched from inception to January 10, 2021. Eligible studies comparing TAC monotherapy and TAC-corticosteroid combination therapy in IMN patients were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. One randomized controlled trial and six cohort studies involving 372 patients were identified. Compared with TAC monotherapy, TAC-corticosteroid had a higher total remission at the sixth month (odd ratio (OR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.78, P < .01). The two therapy regimens had similar complete remission rates (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.43-1.48, P = .47) at the sixth month and similar relapse rates (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.70-2.92, P = .32). TAC-corticosteroid combination therapy had a higher incidence of infection (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.81, P = .01). The two therapy regimens had similar incidences of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.34-2.70, P = .93), abnormal aminotransferase (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.34-2.38, P = .84), and glucose intolerance (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.32-1.07, P = .08). CONCLUSION: TAC-corticosteroid combination therapy had a higher total remission rate at the sixth month but had a higher incidence of infection than TAC monotherapy in the treatment of IMN. The two therapeutic regimens had similar relapse rates.

Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus monotherapy versus cyclophosphamide-corticosteroid combination therapy for idiopathic membranous nephropathy: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy versus cyclophosphamide (CTX)-corticosteroid combination therapy in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients. METHODS: Databases including the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to October 20, 2020. Eligible studies comparing TAC monotherapy and CTX-corticosteroid combination therapy in IMN patients were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. One randomized controlled trial and eight cohort studies involving 442 patients were identified. Compared with CTX-corticosteroid combination therapy for IMN, TAC monotherapy had higher complete remission (CR) at month 6 (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-3.50, P < .01). The 2 therapeutic regimens had similar partial remission (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.45-1.04, P = .08), total remission (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.85-2.23, P = 0.19) at month 6, and similar CR (OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.84-3.19, P = .15), partial remission (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.37-1.38, P = 0.31), and total remission (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.55-3.01, P = .56) after 1 year. The relapse rate of the TAC group was higher than that of the CTX group, but the difference was not statistically significant (OR 1.85, 95% CI 0.75-4.53, P = .18). There was no difference between the 2 therapeutic regimens concerning glucose intolerance (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.61-2.14, P = .67), acute renal failure (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.39-3.33, P = .81), or tremors (OR 4.39, 95% CI 0.75-25.67, P = .10). Incidences of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.79, P = .02), infection (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08-0.39, P < 0.01), leukopenia (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04-0.51, P < .01), and abnormal aminotransferase (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.77, P = .01) in the TAC group were all lower than those in the CTX group. Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the TAC group and the CTX combined with corticosteroid 0.8 to 1 mg/kg/day group concerning CR at month 6 (P > .05). There was no significant difference between the TAC group and the CTX combined with corticosteroid 0.5 mg/kg/day group concerning abnormal aminotransferase (P > .05). CONCLUSION: TAC monotherapy is comparable to CTX-corticosteroid combination therapy for renal remission in IMN patients. TAC monotherapy had a higher CR in the early stage and had fewer drug-related adverse effects. The relapse rate of TAC monotherapy was higher than that of CTX-corticosteroid combination therapy, but the difference was not significant.

Low-site versus traditional peritoneal dialysis catheterization: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the complications of low-site peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter placement and traditional open surgery in peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion. METHODS: The following databases were searched from inception to September 6, 2019: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang. Eligible studies comparing low-site PD catheter placement and traditional open surgery in peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion were included. The data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 504 patients were included in the low-site PD catheter placement group, and 325 patients were included in the traditional open surgery group. Compared with traditional open surgery, low-site PD catheter placement had a lower incidence rate of catheter displacement (odds ratios [OR] 0.11, 95% CI 0.05-0.22, P < .01) and noncatheter displacement dysfunction (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.31, P < .01). However, there was no difference between the 2 catheter insertion methods concerning bleeding (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.23-1.22, P = .13), PD fluid leakage (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.15-1.10, P = .07), hypogastralgia (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.32-2.80, P = .93), peritonitis (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.32-1.54, P = .38), or exit-site and tunnel infections (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.14-1.03, P = .06). CONCLUSION: Low-site PD catheter placement reduced the risk of catheter displacement and noncatheter displacement dysfunction and did not increase the risk of bleeding, PD fluid leakage, hypogastralgia, peritonitis, or exit site and tunnel infections. Additional large multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these conclusions.

Paricalcitol vs. cinacalcet for secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease: A meta-analysis.

Paricalcitol and cinacalcet have been recommended to reduce parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and they are able to reduce the risk of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. However, to date, it has remained uncertain which is the better drug. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects on PTH, calcium and phosphorus metabolism between the two drugs. The PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2019 and eligible studies comparing paricalcitol and cinacalcet for SHPT were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager version 5.3. A total of 7 trials from six articles, comprising 456 patients in the paricalcitol group and 412 patients in the cinacalcet group, were included in the meta-analysis. There were no differences in PTH levels [mean difference (MD): 71.82, 95% CI: -185.20-328.85, P=0.58] and phosphorus levels (standard MD: 0.59, 95% CI: -0.82-2.00, P=0.41). The calcium levels in the paricalcitol group were significantly higher than those in the cinacalcet group (MD: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.92-1.28, P<0.05). In conclusion, paricalcitol and cinacalcet exhibited no difference in their efficacy to control of PTH levels, as they were similarly effective in decreasing the PTH levels. They also had comparable efficacy in the management of phosphorus levels. However, cinacalcet produced a significantly greater reduction in serum calcium levels. More large multicentre randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the conclusions of the present analysis.

Thermal ablation versus parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Thermal ablation and parathyroidectomy (PTX) have been recommended for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). However, it is uncertain which is the better method. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and surgical complications of the two treatment methods. METHODS: The following databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2018: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang. Eligible studies comparing thermal ablation and PTX for SHPT were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Four cohort studies and two randomized controlled trials involving 326 patients with SHPT were identified. There was no difference concerning parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (MD 58.04, 95% CI -17.60-133.68, P = 0.13), calcium levels (MD -0.07, 95% CI -0.17-0.04, P = 0.21), phosphorus levels (MD 0.21, 95% CI -0.18-0.61, P = 0.29), or hoarseness (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.24-1.16, P = 0.11) between the two surgical methods. Compared with PTX, thermal ablation reduced the risk of hypocalcaemia (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.11-0.47, P < 0.01). However, thermal ablation increased the risk of SHPT persistence and/or recurrence compared with PTX (OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.44-15.76, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Thermal ablation and PTX were effective surgical approaches for SHTP. Thermal ablation reduced the risk of hypocalcaemia and increased the risk of SHPT persistence and recurrence. More large multicentre randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the conclusions.

Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion using a very-low-site approach: a 5-year experience.

PURPOSE: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter tip migration accounts for the majority of cases of PD catheter malfunction. In this case series, we described our experiences of using a modified PD catheter implantation approach through a site that is lower than the site that is conventionally used, to reduce catheter malfunction. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 76 patients who received PD catheter implantation at the Affiliated Wujin Hospital of Jiangsu University, among whom 39 received the traditional approach of low-site insertion and 37 received a modified approach of very-low-site insertion. All participants were followed up for at least 2 years after PD catheter implantation, and the development of catheter dysfunction or death during this period was monitored. RESULTS: We found that the survival rate of the initially inserted catheter was 75.68% among the very-low-site group. This survival rate was significantly better than that observed among the low-site group (48.72%; p = 0.029). Kaplan-Meier curves of the initial catheter survival also showed that the catheter survival was significantly higher in the patients in the very-low-site group than those in the low-site group (log rank p = 0.012). Complications, such as catheter tip migration, were not observed in the very-low-site group, while tip migration occurred in 15.38% of the patients in the low-site group (very-low-site group vs low-site group: p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: A safe and simple PD catheter implantation can be performed either through the low-site approach or the very-low-site approach.