Smoking cessation for peripheral arterial disease: systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: peripheral arterial disease has smoking as its main avoidable vascular risk factor. However, most studies do not focus on smoking as the main exposure variable. OBJECTIVES: to assess the impact of smoking cessation interventions versus active comparator, placebo or no intervention, on peripheral arterial disease outcomes. METHODS: we will use the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions to guide whole this review process. We will consider parallel or cluster-randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cohort studies. We will search CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, LILACS and IBECS. We will also conduct a search of ClinicalTrials.gov and the ICTRP for ongoing or unpublished trials. Each research step will involve at least two independent reviewers. We will create a table, using GRADE pro GDT software, reporting the pooled effect estimates for the following outcomes: all-cause mortality, lower limb amputation, adverse events, walking distance, clinical severity, vessel or graft secondary patency, and QoL. CONCLUSIONS: we will assess these outcomes according to the five GRADE considerations to assess the certainty of the body of evidence for these outcomes, and to draw conclusions about the certainty of the evidence within the review.

Smoking cessation for peripheral arterial disease: systematic review protocol / Cessação do tabagismo para doença arterial periférica: protocolo de revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Background: peripheral arterial disease has smoking as its main avoidable vascular risk factor. However, most studies do not focus on smoking as the main exposure variable. Objectives: to assess the impact of smoking cessation interventions versus active comparator, placebo or no intervention, on peripheral arterial disease outcomes. Methods: we will use the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions to guide whole this review process. We will consider parallel or cluster-randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cohort studies. We will search CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, LILACS and IBECS. We will also conduct a search of ClinicalTrials.gov and the ICTRP for ongoing or unpublished trials. Each research step will involve at least two independent reviewers. We will create a table, using GRADE pro GDT software, reporting the pooled effect estimates for the following outcomes: all-cause mortality, lower limb amputation, adverse events, walking distance, clinical severity, vessel or graft secondary patency, and QoL. Conclusions: we will assess these outcomes according to the five GRADE considerations to assess the certainty of the body of evidence for these outcomes, and to draw conclusions about the certainty of the evidence within the review.

RESUMO Introdução: a doença arterial periférica tem o tabagismo como principal fator de risco vascular evitável. Entretanto, a maioria dos estudos não destaca o tabagismo como principal variável de exposição. Objetivos: avaliar o impacto das intervenções de cessação do tabagismo versus comparador ativo, placebo ou nenhuma intervenção, nos desfechos da doença arterial periférica. Métodos: usaremos o Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions para orientar todo este processo de revisão. Consideraremos ensaios controlados paralelos ou randomizados por cluster (ECRs), quase-ECRs e estudos de coorte. Buscaremos no CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, LILACS e IBECS. ClinicalTrials.gov e ICTRP serão consultados para ensaios em andamento ou não publicados. Criaremos uma tabela, usando o software GRADE pro GDT, relatando as estimativas de efeito agrupado para os seguintes desfechos: mortalidade por todas as causas, amputação de membro inferior, eventos adversos, distância percorrida, gravidade clínica, permeabilidade secundária do vaso ou enxerto e qualidade de vida. Avaliaremos esses resultados de acordo com as cinco considerações GRADE para avaliar a certeza do corpo de evidências para esses resultados e tirar conclusões sobre a certeza das evidências na revisão.

Vascular complications in 305 severely ill patients with COVID-19: a cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Although an association has been made between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and microvascular disease, data on vascular complications (other than venous thromboembolism) are sparse. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the vascular complications in severely ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and their association with all-cause mortality. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cohort study was conducted at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: All 305 consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary university hospital from April 2 to July 17, 2021, were included and followed up for 30 days. RESULTS: Of these, 193 (63.3%) were male, and the mean age was 59.9 years (standard deviation = 14.34). The mortality rate was 56.3% (172 patients), and 72 (23.6%) patients developed at least one vascular complication during the follow-up period. Vascular complications were more prevalent in the non-survivors (28.5%) than in the survivors (17.3%) group and included disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC, 10.8%), deep vein thrombosis (8.2%), acrocyanosis (7.5%), and necrosis of the extremities (2%). DIC (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-5.24, P = 0.046) and acrocyanosis (aOR 5.21, 95% CI 1.48-18.27, P = 0.009) were significantly more prevalent in the non-survivors than in the survivors group. CONCLUSION: Vascular complications in critically ill COVID-19 patients are common (23.6%) and can be closely related to the mortality rate (56.3%) until 30 days after ICU admission. Macrovascular complications have direct implications for mortality, which is the main outcome of the management of COVID-19. REGISTRATION: RBR-4qjzh7 (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4qjzh7).

Vascular complications in 305 severely ill patients with COVID-19: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although an association has been made between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and microvascular disease, data on vascular complications (other than venous thromboembolism) are sparse. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the vascular complications in severely ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and their association with all-cause mortality. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cohort study was conducted at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: All 305 consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary university hospital from April 2 to July 17, 2021, were included and followed up for 30 days. RESULTS: Of these, 193 (63.3%) were male, and the mean age was 59.9 years (standard deviation = 14.34). The mortality rate was 56.3% (172 patients), and 72 (23.6%) patients developed at least one vascular complication during the follow-up period. Vascular complications were more prevalent in the non-survivors (28.5%) than in the survivors (17.3%) group and included disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC, 10.8%), deep vein thrombosis (8.2%), acrocyanosis (7.5%), and necrosis of the extremities (2%). DIC (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-5.24, P = 0.046) and acrocyanosis (aOR 5.21, 95% CI 1.48-18.27, P = 0.009) were significantly more prevalent in the non-survivors than in the survivors group. CONCLUSION: Vascular complications in critically ill COVID-19 patients are common (23.6%) and can be closely related to the mortality rate (56.3%) until 30 days after ICU admission. Macrovascular complications have direct implications for mortality, which is the main outcome of the management of COVID-19. REGISTRATION: RBR-4qjzh7 (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4qjzh7).

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas? A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas (CVAH) such as infantile hemangiomas, port-wine stains and brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) impair patients' lives and may require treatment if complications occur. However, a great variety of treatments for those conditions exist and the best interventions remain under discussion. OBJECTIVE: To summarize Cochrane systematic review (SR) evidence on treatments for CVAH. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of SRs conducted in the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A broad search was conducted on March 9, 2021, in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to retrieve any Cochrane SRs that assessed treatments for CVAH. The key characteristics and results of all SRs included were summarized and discussed. RESULTS: A total of three SRs fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were presented as a qualitative synthesis. One SR reported a significant clinical reduction of skin redness by at least 20%, with more pain, among 103 participants with port-wine stains. One SR reported that propranolol improved the likelihood of clearance 13 to 16-fold among 312 children with hemangiomas. One SR reported that the relative risk of death or dependence was 2.53 times greater in the intervention arm than with conservative management, among 218 participants with brain AVMs. CONCLUSION: Cochrane reviews suggest that treatment of port-wine stains with pulsed-dye laser improves redness; propranolol remains the best option for infantile hemangiomas; and conservative management seems to be superior to surgical intervention for treating brain AVMs.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas? A narrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Congenital vascular anomalies and hemangiomas (CVAH) such as infantile hemangiomas, port-wine stains and brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) impair patients' lives and may require treatment if complications occur. However, a great variety of treatments for those conditions exist and the best interventions remain under discussion. OBJECTIVE: To summarize Cochrane systematic review (SR) evidence on treatments for CVAH. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of SRs conducted in the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A broad search was conducted on March 9, 2021, in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to retrieve any Cochrane SRs that assessed treatments for CVAH. The key characteristics and results of all SRs included were summarized and discussed. RESULTS: A total of three SRs fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were presented as a qualitative synthesis. One SR reported a significant clinical reduction of skin redness by at least 20%, with more pain, among 103 participants with port-wine stains. One SR reported that propranolol improved the likelihood of clearance 13 to 16-fold among 312 children with hemangiomas. One SR reported that the relative risk of death or dependence was 2.53 times greater in the intervention arm than with conservative management, among 218 participants with brain AVMs. CONCLUSION: Cochrane reviews suggest that treatment of port-wine stains with pulsed-dye laser improves redness; propranolol remains the best option for infantile hemangiomas; and conservative management seems to be superior to surgical intervention for treating brain AVMs.

Recommendations for use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in surgical procedures during the SARS-Cov pandemic.

Since the Coronavirus Disease 2019 was classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2019, many measures have been proposed to reduce the risks and the chances of contamination by the new coronavirus. In this context, wearing personal protective equipment is very important, especially in hospital environments and situations involving healthcare, since the degree of exposure is notably higher among the subgroup of healthcare professionals. The aim of this article is to propose a roadmap for the sequence of personal protective equipment use for surgical procedures during the coronavirus pandemic. The recommendations were based on Brazil's public health policy and World Health Organization guidelines. Five roadmaps for PPE sequences are presented for the most commonly performed procedures: fitting central venous catheters; fitting catheters requiring radioscopy; open surgeries; diagnostic and therapeutic angiography, and dressings.

Evidências de revisões sistemáticas Cochrane para o controle da disseminação da infecção pela COVID-19* / Evidence of revisions systematic Cochrane for the controlling the dissemination of COVID-19 infection

Introdução: A infecção pela COVID-19 tem alta transmissibilidade e várias medidas foram adotadas para controle da disseminação. Objetivo: Identificar e sumarizar as evidências das revisões sistemáticas (RS) Cochrane sobre medidas de controle da disseminação da infecção pela COVID-19. Desenho do estudo: Esta revisão das RS Cochrane foi realizada na Disciplina de Cirurgia Vascular e Endovascular e na Disciplina de Medicina de Urgência e Medicina Baseada em Evidências da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Uma busca ampla na Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews recuperou todas as RS Cochrane que avaliam as evidências diretamente relacionadas às medidas para controle da disseminação da COVID-19. As principais características e resultados de todas as análises incluídas foram sumarizadas e discutidas. Resultados: Três RS Cochrane foram incluídas na síntese qualitativa e versaram sobre medidas populacionais e medidas individuais para controle de disseminação da COVID-19. Conclusão: Evidências de certeza baixa mostram que quarentena de pessoas expostas a casos confirmados ou suspeitos evitou 44%-81% de casos incidentes e 31%-63% de mortes em comparação com nenhuma medida e quanto antes as medidas de quarentena são implementadas, maior a economia de custos. Evidências de confiança alta mostraram que uma comunicação clara sobre as diretrizes de controle e prevenção de infecção foi vital para sua implementação. Evidência de certeza baixa mostrou que as pessoas com um avental longo tiveram menos contaminação

Evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews for controlling the dissemination of COVID-19 infection. A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection has high transmissibility and several measures have been adopted for controlling its dissemination. OBJECTIVE: To identify and summarize the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews (SRs) regarding measures for controlling the dissemination of COVID-19 infection. DESIGN AND SETTING: This review of Cochrane SRs was carried out in the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and in the Division of Emergency Medicine and Evidence-Based Medicine of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A comprehensive search in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews retrieved all Cochrane SRs directly related to measures for controlling COVID-19 dissemination. The main characteristics and results of all the SRs included were summarized and discussed. RESULTS: Three Cochrane SRs were included in the qualitative synthesis. These evaluated population-based and individual measures for controlling the dissemination of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Low-certainty evidence shows that quarantine for people exposed to confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases prevented 44% to 81% of incident cases and 31% to 63% of deaths, compared with situations of no measures. Moreover, the sooner the quarantine measures were implemented, the greater the cost savings were. High-confidence evidence showed that clear communication about infection control and prevention guidelines was vital for successful implementation. Low-certainty evidence showed that healthcare professionals with long gowns were less exposed to contamination than were those using coveralls. In addition, coveralls were more difficult to doff. Further SRs on controlling the dissemination of COVID-19 infection are desirable.