Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist and new-onset diabetes in overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) is incretin-based therapy that possessed significant glucose lowering and weight loss properties. The present study aims to analyze the efficacy of GLP-1RA in the management of overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes. METHODS: A thorough search was carried out on the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, and Medline databases until April 3rd, 2024, using a mix of pertinent keywords. This review incorporates randomized clinical trials (RCTs) concerning the efficacy of GLP-1RA for prediabetes. The primary outcome was regression to normoglycemia and/or progression to type 2 diabetes (T2D). We used random-effect models to examine the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD). RESULTS: A total of eight RCTs were incorporated. The results of our meta-analysis indicated that GLP-1RA therapy was associated with higher odds of regression to normoglycemia (OR 4.80; 95%CI: 3.40-6.77, p < 0.00001, I2 = 67 %) and lower risk of progression into T2D (OR 0.27; 95%CI: 0.18-0.42, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0 %) in overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes. Administration of GLP-1RA was also associated with higher reduction in HbA1c (MD -0.28 %; p < 0.00001), fasting glucose (MD -0.45 mmol/L; p < 0.00001), and BMI (MD -1.71 kg/m2; p < 0.00001) in comparison to placebo. However, the administration of GLP-1RA was associated with higher incidence of total adverse events (TAEs), treatment discontinuation due to AEs, hypoglycemia, and gastrointestinal AEs. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that while GLP-1RA is a potent therapeutic agent for prediabetes, its adverse effects are concerning, thereby precluding its recommendation as a prediabetes therapy.

Efficacy and Safety of Fluvoxamine as Outpatient Treatment for Patients With Covid-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Fluvoxamine may be beneficial for the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) because of its effect on the sigma-1 receptor. Available evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has shown conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to analyze the efficacy and safety of fluvoxamine as an outpatient treatment for Covid-19. METHODS: Using specific keywords, we comprehensively go through the potential articles on PubMed, Scopus, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov sources until February 1, 2023. We collected all published clinical trials on fluvoxamine and Covid-19. We were using Review Manager 5.4 to conduct statistical analysis. RESULTS: We include a total of 6 trials. Our pooled analysis revealed that fluvoxamine did not offer any significant benefit when compared with placebo in reducing the risk of clinical deterioration (risk ratio [RR] = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.65-1.06, P = 0.14, I2 = 29%), and hospitalization (RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.62-1.04, P = 0.09, I2 = 0%) of Covid-19 outpatients. The serious adverse events did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study indicates that although safe, fluvoxamine was not effective for outpatient treatment of Covid-19. Until more evidence can be obtained from larger RCTs, our study did not encourage the use of fluvoxamine as routine management for patients with Covid-19.

Extensive drug resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii parappendicular-related infection in a hydrocephalus patient with ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a case report.

Ventricular infection due to XDR-Acinetobacter baumanii (A. baumanii) is the most severe complication after neurosurgery which associated with high morbidity and mortality. Managing A. baumanii ventriculitis/shunt infection and multiple brain abscesses is challenging since its nature that tends to be pandrug resistant to all antibiotics used. Thus, we present the first such case with problems in administration based on the available data.