Association between baseline high-sensitive C-reactive protein, homocysteine levels, and post-stroke depression among stroke patients: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric sequelae following stroke, often associated with diminished functional recovery and heightened mortality risk. Emerging evidence suggests neuroinflammation, triggered in response to stroke events, may be instrumental in precipitating PSD. AIM: This study aims to assess the significance of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) in post-stroke individuals with PSD. METHODS: We systematically searched all electronic databases from inception until May 30, 2023. Outcomes were reported as standard mean difference (SMD), and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: A total of 12 studies with 3,230 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the overall cohort was 65.7 years, and patients with PSD were observed to be older than patients without PSD (68.3 years versus 63.1 years). We observed a higher female prevalence in the PSD group (44.4% versus 40.7%). PSD patients were more likely to be widowed (19.4% versus 8.4%) and more likely to have a family history of psychiatric disorder (11.3% versus 4.9%) compared to non-PSD patients. We also observed that patients with PSD had higher levels of baseline Hs-CRP [SMD 0.16, (95% CI 0.08 to 0.25), p<0.001], and Hcy [SMD 0.14, (95% CI 0.05 to 0.22), p<0.001] than patients without PSD. Meta-regression analysis did not reveal any effect modifier for higher Hs-CRP in the study group, however, history of widowhood was a significant effect modifier when assessing Hcy levels between the two groups (coefficient 1.998, p=0.038). CONCLUSION: Baseline levels of Hs-CRP and Hcy were significantly higher in patients with PSD, highlighting the role of recognizing demographic and biochemical markers in understanding the complexities of post-stroke depression.

COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis: Analysis of the suspected cases reported to the EudraVigilance and a systematic review of the published literature.

Background: Myocarditis secondary to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination has been reported in the literature. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the reported cases of myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination based on age, gender, doses, and vaccine type from published literature and the EudraVigilance database. Methods: We performed an analysis in the EudraVigilance database (until December 18, 2021) and a systematic review of published literature for reported cases of suspected myocarditis and pericarditis (until 30th June 2022) after the COVID-19 vaccination. Results: EudraVigilance database analysis revealed 16,514 reported cases of myocarditis or pericarditis due to the vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines. The cases of myo- or pericarditis were reported predominantly in the age group of 18-64 (n = 12,214), and in males with a male-to-female (M: F) ratio of 1.7:1. The mortality among myocarditis patients was low, with 128 deaths (2 cases per 10.000.000 administered doses) being reported. For the systematic review, 72 studies with 1026 cases of myocarditis due to the vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines were included. The analysis of published cases has revealed that the male gender was primarily affected with myocarditis post-COVID-vaccination. The median (IQR) age of the myocarditis cases was 24.6 [19.5-34.6] years, according to the systematic review of the literature. Myocarditis cases were most frequently published after the vaccination with m-RNA vaccines and after the second vaccination dose. The overall mortality of published cases was low (n = 5). Conclusion: Myocarditis is a rare serious adverse event associated with a COVID-19 vaccination. With early recognition and management, the prognosis of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis is favorable.

Examining Risk Factors for Suicidality in Adolescents and Adults Experiencing Their First Episode of Psychosis.

This narrative review aimed to identify the risk factors associated with suicidality in adolescents and adults with first-episode psychosis. The review included studies that examined various factors such as psychiatric, familial, and social factors, as well as previous self-harm, suicidal ideation, and comorbid mental health disorders. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three publicly available databases (Embase, American Psychological Association PsycINFO, and PubMed) using specific search terms related to first-episode psychosis, suicide, self-harm, and children/adolescents and adults. The inclusion criteria included original articles focusing on prospective and retrospective cohort trials, with substantial data on first-episode psychosis and self-harm, measuring both suicidal intent and outcome. Non-original studies, case reports, case series, non-English-language publications, and studies examining violence and self-harm related to substance-induced psychosis were excluded. After manual screening and removing duplicate articles, 13 articles met the established criteria for inclusion in this review. Included studies adhered to similar inclusion and exclusion criteria, had long-term follow-up, and assessed outcomes at least twice. The findings suggest that depressive symptoms, substance use disorders, previous self-harm or suicidal ideation, and longer duration of untreated psychosis are associated with an increased risk of suicidality. However, insights into psychosis and premorbid intellectual functioning did not show a direct association with suicidality.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of post-myocardial infarction depression: a narrative review.

Myocardial infarction (MI) can have significant physical and mental consequences. Depression is a prevalent psychiatric condition after MI which can reduce the quality of life and increase the mortality rates of patients. However, the connection between MI and depression has remained under-appreciated. This review examines the potential connection between depression and MI by overviewing the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms including dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system, coagulation system dysfunction, inflammation, environmental factors, as well as, genetic factors. Furthermore, depression can be an adverse event of medications used for MI treatment including beta-blockers, statins, or anti-platelet agents. The need for early detection and management of depression in patients with MI is, therefore, crucial for improving their overall prognosis. Adherence to treatments and regular follow-up visits can ensure the best response to treatment.

Electroconvulsive therapy in individuals with dementia/major NCD presenting with behavioral symptoms: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically review the literature on using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with dementia/major NCD (Neuro cognitive disorder) presenting with behavioral symptoms. DESIGN: We conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review of the literature. We searched five major databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and registry (ClinicalTrials.gov), collaborating with "ECT" and "dementia/major NCD" as our search terms. MEASUREMENTS: Out of 445 published papers and four clinical trials, only 43 papers and three clinical trials met the criteria. There were 22 case reports, 14 case series, 4 retrospective chart reviews, 1 retrospective case-control study, 1 randomized controlled trial, and 2 ongoing trials. We evaluated existing evidence for using ECT in dementia/major NCD patients with depressive symptoms, agitation and aggression, psychotic symptoms, catatonia, Lewy body dementia/major NCD, manic symptoms, and a combination of these symptoms. SETTINGS: The studies were conducted in the in-patient setting. PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred and ninety total patients over the age of 60 years were added. RESULTS: All reviewed studies reported symptomatic benefits in treating behavioral symptoms in individuals with dementia/major NCD. While transient confusion, short-term memory loss, and cognitive impairment were common side effects, most studies found no serious side effects from ECT use. CONCLUSION: Current evidence from a systematic review of 46 studies indicates that ECT benefits specific individuals with dementia/major NCD and behavioral symptoms, but sometimes adverse events may limit its use in these vulnerable individuals.

Role of Psychosomatic Symptoms in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is one of the highly effective preventative strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 infection. The rapid approval of COVID-19 vaccination due to the raging pandemic, media coverage, anti-vaccination groups, and concerns about adverse effects associated with vaccination has given rise to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Current evidence suggests that psychosomatic and nocebo-related adverse effects account for a significant proportion of common adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination. The most common adverse effects are headache, fatigue, and myalgia, which are highly prone to nocebo effects. In our review article, we discuss the role of psychosomatic and nocebo effects in COVID-19 vaccination-related hesitancy, predictors of such effects, and strategies to reduce vaccine hesitancy. General education regarding psychosomatic and nocebo effects and specialized education for at-risk populations may reduce psychosomatic and nocebo-related adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination, ultimately reducing hesitancy.

Reamed Exchange Nailing in Nonunion of Tibial Shaft Fractures: A Review of the Current Evidence.

One of the most dreaded complications of fracture management is a nonunion. Nonunions are usually difficult to manage and can be a source of significant mental, physical, and financial distress to the patient. The incidence of nonunion is dependent on multiple factors including degree of comminution, open versus closed, concomitant infection, and vascular status, and therefore the management of such nonunions continues to be an often debated topic. Currently, there is no clear consensus on the role of reamed exchange nailing for tibial shaft nonunions. While reamed exchange nailing for aseptic tibial shaft nonunions has shown promising results, with very high union rates, many surgeons prefer newer novel techniques such as plating along with osteoperiosteal decortication or the use of more conventional compressive plating with bone grafts. The aim of this article is to critically review and understand the available evidence base on reamed exchange nailing in nonunion of tibial shaft fractures and to explore the other options available and their indications.

Extrapulmonary Gastrointestinal Presentation of Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently the causative agent for a global health emergency and is predominantly associated with respiratory symptoms. In this case, a patient presented to the emergency department with gastrointestinal symptomatology without associated respiratory findings and was subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19 based on incidental findings from an abdominal computed tomography (CT) study. Given the patient's lack of respiratory symptoms, diagnosis and treatment were ultimately delayed. During this global health crisis, an improved understanding of the various presentations of COVID-19 is paramount in an effort to initiate immediate treatment and prevent further transmission.

Early Diagnosis of COVID-19 on Non-Chest CT Studies in the Emergency Setting: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel strain of coronavirus that has spread throughout the globe causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As the number of cases rises in the United States (US), it has become more imperative to detect COVID-19 at its earliest radiologic stage to decrease community transmission. In this case series, we discuss five patients who presented with non-respiratory-related symptoms and underwent non-chest CT imaging, such as abdominal and neck CT, with a portion of the lungs visualized in each respective study. Imaging findings of COVID-19 include basilar and peripherally predominant pulmonary parenchymal ground-glass opacities. All five of our patients had findings suggestive of COVID-19 that prompted the radiologist to suggest testing for the disease. Subsequently, four of the five patients tested positive for COVID-19, and one of them was presumed to have the diagnosis based on clinical and imaging findings.