SGLT2 inhibitors and cardiovascular and renal outcomes: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events and renal outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). This meta-analysis aimed to provide a thorough evaluation regarding the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors. Data search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases and ClinicalTrials.com from inception through November 26, 2020. We included randomized trials, SGLT2 inhibitors compared with placebo, patients with or without diabetes at recruitment, and reporting the incidence of cardiovascular or renal outcomes. Two authors extracted pertinent data into predefined data collection tables. Ten trials were included (71,553 patients). The mean age was 64.7 ± 8.4 years, with 65.1% male. Follow-up durations range 9-50 months. Inhibition of SGLT2 resulted in lower composite outcome of heart failure (HF) hospitalization or cardiovascular death (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.73-0.81, P < 0.01) and lower risk of renal outcomes (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.60-0.77, P < 0.01). Furthermore, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with lower major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and serious adverse events, compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses revealed lower MACE events also in patients with HF, and a lower HF hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in non-diabetic patients (P < 0.05). While the amputation risk was comparable between the two groups, the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis was higher in the SGLT2 inhibitor group. Inhibition of SGLT2 in patients with DM and prevalent ASCVD reduces the risk of HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, MACE, and renal outcomes without increasing the risk of serious adverse events or amputation.

Efficacy of remote physiological monitoring-guided care for chronic heart failure: an updated meta-analysis.

Previous studies have reported contradictory findings on the utility of remote physiological monitoring (RPM)-guided management of patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Multiple databases were searched for studies that evaluated the clinical efficacy of RPM-guided management versus standard of care (SOC) for HF patients. The primary outcome was HF-related hospitalization (HFH). The secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular-related (CV) mortality, and emergency department (ED) visits. Pooled relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and combined using a random-effects model. A total of 16 randomized controlled trials, including 8679 HF patients (4574 managed with RPM-guided therapy vs. 4105 managed with SOC), were included in the final analysis. The average follow-up period was 15.2 months. There was no significant difference in HFH rate between the two groups (RR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.84-1.07; P = 0.36). Similarly, there were no significant differences in CV mortality (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.73-1.02, P = 0.08) or in ED visits (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.59-1.08, P = 0.14). However, RPM-guided therapy was associated with a borderline statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality (RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.78-1.00; P = 0.05). Subgroup analysis based on the strategy of RPM showed that both hemodynamic and arrhythmia telemonitoring-guided management can reduce the risk of HFH (RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64-0.97; P = 0.02) and (RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67-0.94; P = 0.008) respectively. Our study demonstrated that RPM-guided diuretic therapy of HF patients did not reduce the risk of HFH but can improve survival. Hemodynamic and arrhythmia telemonitoring-guided management could reduce the risk of HF-related hospitalizations.

Efficacy of ICD/CRT-D Remote Monitoring in Patients With HFrEF: a Bayesian Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate remote monitoring using implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) devices as an adjunctive tool to the traditional care of patients with heart failure (HF). RECENT FINDINGS: We included 11 trials encompassing 5965 patients. Absolute risk difference (ARD) with 95% credible interval (CrI) was estimated. Pooled (posterior) risk difference was computed using Bayesian hierarchical methods. The ARD for mortality was centered at - 0.01 (95% CrI: - 0.03; 0.01, Tau: 0.02), with an 82% probability of ARD of ICD/CRT-D remote monitoring with respect to control being less than 0. The ARD for cardiovascular mortality was centered at - 0.03 (95% CrI: - 0.11; 0.05, Tau: 0.10), with an 84% probability of ARD of ICD/CRT-D remote monitoring with respect to control being less than 0. ICD/CRT-D remote monitoring in patients with HF is associated with a higher probability of reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with standard care alone.

Artificial intelligence (AI) real-time detection vs. routine colonoscopy for colorectal neoplasia: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

GOALS AND BACKGROUND: Studies analyzing artificial intelligence (AI) in colonoscopies have reported improvements in detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) lesions, however its utility in the realworld remains limited. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluate the efficacy of AI-assisted colonoscopies against routine colonoscopy (RC). STUDY: We performed an extensive search of major databases (through January 2021) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting adenoma and polyp detection rates. Odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Additionally, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to guard against errors. RESULTS: Six RCTs were included (4996 participants). The mean age (SD) was 51.99 (4.43) years, and 49% were females. Detection rates favored AI over RC for adenomas (OR 1.77; 95% CI: 1.570-2.08) and polyps (OR 1.91; 95% CI: 1.68-2.16). Secondary outcomes including mean number of adenomas (SMD 0.23; 95% CI: 0.18-0.29) and polyps (SMD 0.23; 95% CI: 0.17-0.29) detected per procedure favored AI. However, RC outperformed AI in detecting pedunculated polyps. Withdrawal times (WTs) favored AI when biopsies were included, while WTs without biopsies, cecal intubation times, and bowel preparation adequacy were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopies equipped with AI detection algorithms could significantly detect previously missed adenomas and polyps while retaining the ability to self-assess and improve periodically. More effective clearance of diminutive adenomas may allow lengthening in surveillance intervals, reducing the burden of surveillance colonoscopies, and increasing its accessibility to those at higher risk. TSA ruled out the risk for false-positive results and confirmed a sufficient sample size to detect the observed effect. Currently, these findings suggest that AI-assisted colonoscopy can serve as a useful proxy to address critical gaps in CRC identification.

Meta-analysis of optimal timing of coronary intervention in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy and safety of early versus delayed invasive management of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). BACKGROUND: Coronary angiography is recommended for patients with NSTE-ACS, however, the optimal timing for this remains controversial. METHODS: Literature search of Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase for all RCTs that compared early with delayed invasive approaches in treating NSTE-ACS was conducted by two independent authors. Primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), while the secondary outcomes included cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and bleeding events. The Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 14 RCTs (9,637 patients, mean age 65.4, 67% males). The early invasive strategy was associated with a lower incidence of MACE compared with the delayed invasive strategy (RR 0.65, 95%CI 0.49-0.87; p = .003). Subgroup analysis according to GRACE score showed a lower incidence of MACE with early invasive strategies in GRACE >140 patients (p for interaction = .002). Furthermore, recurrent ischemia was lower in patients with an early invasive strategy (RR 0.42, 95%CI 0.26-0.69; p < .0005). In contrast, there were no significant differences in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MI, or bleeding events between groups (all p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with NSTE-ACS, an early invasive strategy was associated with lower incidence of MACE and recurrent ischemia compared with delayed invasive strategy. There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MI, or bleeding events between groups.

Meta-analysis of bivalirudin versus heparin in transradial coronary interventions.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin versus heparin in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing transradial artery coronary intervention (TRI). BACKGROUND: Bivalirudin and radial artery access are independently associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. However, data supporting a strategy of combining both to achieve additive improvements in cardiovascular outcomes provide conflicting results. METHODS: A systematic search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of bivalirudin, in which vascular access sites were reported. The primary outcome was net adverse clinical events (NACE) at 30 days. Secondary outcomes were long-term NACE, short-, and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding. RESULTS: We identified 10 RCTs, including 16,328 patients who underwent TRI (mean age 64.6 ± 15.7 years, 72.5% male). Bivalirudin use was associated with decreased 30-day NACE compared with heparin (6.3 vs. 7.4%; risk ratio [RR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76-0.99; p = .04; number needed to treat = 91). No significant interactions were observed based on clinical presentation, administration of P2Y12 inhibitors, or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa-receptor inhibitors (GPI) use. There were no significant differences between groups in any prespecified secondary outcomes. There was, however, a significant reduction of major bleeding in the bivalirudin group compared with heparin when used in combination with routine GPI (RR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.19-0.90; p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing TRI, use of bivalirudin was associated with significantly reduced 30-day NACE compared with heparin. There was no significant difference in long term NACE, ischemic, or bleeding events compared with heparin.

Noninvasive Oxygenation Strategies in Immunocompromised Patients With Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure: A Pairwise and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) is a leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission among immunocompromised patients. Invasive mechanical ventilation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of various oxygenation strategies including noninvasive ventilation (NIV), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), and conventional oxygen therapy in immunocompromised patients with AHRF. METHODS: Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were reviewed from inception to December 2018. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different modalities of initial oxygenation strategies in immunocompromised patients with AHRF. Our primary outcome was the need for intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation while secondary outcomes were ICU acquired infections and short- and long-term mortality. Data were extracted separately and independently by 2 reviewers. We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to calculate odds ratio (OR) and Bayesian 95% credible intervals (CrIs). RESULTS: Nine RCTs were included (1570 patients, mean age 61.1 ± 13.8 years with 64% male). Noninvasive ventilation was associated with a significantly reduced intubation rate compared with standard oxygen therapy (OR: 0.53; 95% CrI: 0.26-0.91). There were no significant reductions of intubation between NIV versus HFNC (OR: 0.83; 95% CrI: 0.35-2.11) or HFNC versus standard oxygen therapy (OR: 0.65; 95% CrI: 0.26-1.24). There were no significant differences between all groups regarding short-term (28-day or ICU) mortality or long-term (90-day or hospital) mortality or ICU-acquired infections (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Among immunocompromised patients with AHRF, NIV was associated with a significant reduction of intubation compared with standard oxygen therapy. There were no significant differences among all oxygenation strategies regarding mortality and ICU-acquired infections.

Extended duration of thromboprophylaxis for medically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of extended-duration thromboprophylaxis in patients hospitalised for acute medical illness beyond hospital stay remains controversial. AIMS: To perform a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) in order to examine the efficacy and safety of extended-duration anticoagulation for venous-thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in this high-risk population. METHODS: An electronic database search was conducted to include all RCT comparing between extended-duration versus short-duration prophylactic anticoagulation in medically ill patients. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite events of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT), symptomatic VTE and death from VTE-related causes. RESULTS: Five RCT were included totalling 40 124 patients, with a mean age of 71 years and 51% were male. In comparison to standard-duration therapy, extended-duration thromboprophylaxis was associated with a significant reduction in the primary efficacy outcome (risk ratio (RR) 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.85; P < 0.01), symptomatic VTE (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.33-0.84; P < 0.01) and asymptomatic DVT (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.71-0.94; P < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences between both groups with regard to VTE-related death (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.60-1.10; P = 0.18) or all-cause death (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.88-1.08; P = 0.64). In contrast, extended-duration thromboprophylaxis was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (RR 2.04; 95% CI 1.42-2.91; P < 0.01) and non-major clinically relevant bleeding (RR 1.81; 95% CI 1.29-2.53; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Among hospitalised medically ill patients, prolonging venous thromboprophylaxis was associated with a decreased risk of composite events of the primary efficacy outcome and increased risk of bleeding with no significant difference in VTE-related death.

Personalized antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of genotype- and phenotype-guided intensified antiplatelet therapy compared with conventional therapy in patients undergoing stent implantation. BACKGROUND: Although potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitors are recommended for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-treated acute coronary syndrome, their usage is limited by a high bleeding risk. Therefore, personalized antiplatelet therapy could provide a valuable foundation for selection of antiplatelet therapy in this population. METHODS: We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis for all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated genotype- and/or phenotype-guided therapy in PCI-treated coronary artery disease. RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs were included with a total of 6,845 patients. The results showed no significant differences in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between the treatment options ((genotype guided vs. standard of care; OR 0.64; 95% CI: 0.38-1.05) and (phenotype vs. standard of care; OR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.54-1.37)). In addition, no significant differences were demonstrated in bleeding events ((genotype guided vs. standard of care; OR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.45-1.25) and (phenotype vs. standard of care; OR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.62-1.39)). CONCLUSIONS: In this mixed treatment meta-analysis of RCTs, neither genotype- nor phenotype-guided antiplatelet therapy in patients with PCI-treated coronary artery disease was superior to conventional therapy.

Association between changes in the intrathoracic impedance and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are independently related to mortality risk in patients with heart failure (HF). The wide availability of implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices now offers an opportunity to clinically correlate the two disease processes. We hypothesized that there is an association between changes in the intrathoracic impedance and episodes of VA. METHODS: Nonconcurrent prospective study of adults (age >20 years) with known HF with reduced ejection fraction (<35%). The OptiVol threshold was categorized as follows: 0-30 Ω-days, 31-60 Ω-days, 61-90 Ω-days, 91-120 Ω-days, and >120 Ω-days. Patients with OptiVol values at 0-30 Ω-days were used as the reference group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to estimate the sensitivity and specificity at each threshold. RESULTS: Of the 87 eligible patients, 65.5% were males. The mean age of the sample was 73.3 years (±12.7). Compared to patients in the 0-30 Ω-days category, those in the 31-60, 61-90, 91-120, and >120 Ω-days groups had, on average, 1.48, 1.64, 2.24, and 1.6 more VAs, respectively (P = 0.002, 0.009, 0.010 and 0.009, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of each threshold were as follows: 82.6% and 61.7% at 31-60 Ω-days, 43.5% and 78.3% at 61-90 Ω-days, 30.4% and 85.0% at 91-120 Ω-days, and 21.7% and 88.3% at >121 Ω-days. CONCLUSION: Our study found a significant positive relationship between changes in intrathoracic impedance and episodes of VAs in patients with HF.

Ticagrelor versus clopidogrel after fibrinolytic therapy in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel are recommended as adjuncts to fibrinolytic-treated patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the role of switching to ticagrelor within 24 h of fibrinolytics compared with clopidogrel continuation in this setting is uncertain. Hence, we conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases for all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the safety and efficacy of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel after fibrinolytic therapy in patients with STEMI. A random-effects model was used to calculate the risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 5 RCTs that evaluated the efficacy of ticagrelor post-fibrinolysis were identified. We included 3 RCTs with 3999 total patients for our meta-analysis. The results showed similar short-term clinical outcomes between ticagrelor and clopidogrel with regard to rates of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type ≥ 2 bleeding (RR 0.94; 95% CI 0.56-1.60; P = 0.83), major adverse cardiovascular events (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.49-1.52; P = 0.62), mortality (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.53-1.59; P = 0.77), myocardial infarction (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.43-1.36; P = 0.36), and stroke (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.50-1.73; P = 0.82). Our results demonstrate that in STEMI patients treated with fibrinolytic therapy, switching to ticagrelor was associated with similar bleeding and ischemic outcomes compared with clopidogrel continuation.

Direct oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in adults with durable left ventricular assist devices: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The management of anticoagulation in patients with durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is challenging. Traditionally, warfarin has been used, but its limitations have prompted interest in direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DOACs compared to warfarin in LVAD patients. METHODS: We searched databases for studies comparing DOACs and warfarin in LVAD patients. Primary outcomes were thromboembolic events and major bleeding events. Secondary outcomes were the individual components of the thromboembolic events, minor bleeding events, and all-cause mortality. Random-effects model was used to calculate log risk-ratios (RR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Nine studies with a total of 316 LVAD patients (153 on DOACs, 163 on warfarin) were included. Thromboembolic events were similar between the groups (Log RR -0.42, 95 % CI:1.29 to 0.45, P = 0.34). Major bleeding events were significantly fewer in the DOAC group (Log RR -1.05, 95 % CI:1.73 to -0.36, P < 0.01). Minor bleeding events were also less common with DOACs (Log RR -0.77, 95 % CI:1.46 to -0.07, P = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in pump thrombosis, ischemic cerebrovascular accident events, or all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: DOACs appear to be a safe and effective alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in LVAD patients, associated with fewer major and minor bleeding events. These findings support the consideration of DOACs in this patient population, though further research is needed to confirm these results and guide clinical practice.

Intravenous iron therapy for patients with iron deficiency and heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) presents a significant health challenge, with intravenous (IV) iron therapy considered a potential treatment avenue. Method: We assessed IV iron therapy's efficacy in HF patients with concurrent iron deficiency versus standard of care. Primary outcomes included the composite of HF hospitalizations or cardiovascular-related mortality, HF hospitalizations, and all-cause, HF, and cardiovascular mortality rates. Secondary measures encompassed improvements in New York Heart Association functional classification, quality of life, 6-minute walk test, left ventricular ejection fraction, and adverse events. We used a random-effects model to compute relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Based on an analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials involving 6614 patients, IV iron therapy significantly reduced composite outcome (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.96; P = 0.01) and HF hospitalizations (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.89; P = 0.002) compared to standard of care. Mortality rates showed no significant difference. IV iron therapy improved New York Heart Association functional classification, quality of life, and 6-minute walk test, with no major impact on left ventricular ejection fraction. Adverse events remained stable. Conclusions: IV iron therapy holds promise for diminishing HF hospitalizations and enhancing quality of life and 6-minute walk test in HF patients. Yet, its effect on all-cause or cardiovascular mortalities appears limited.

An Anomalous Left Main Coronary Artery Arising From the Right Sinus of Valsalva With Anginal Chest Pain.

An anomalous coronary artery (ACA) is a congenital malformation or variation where one or both coronary arteries have an abnormal origin. This condition has been associated with a high risk of adverse cardiac events, including sudden cardiac death. Our patient initially presented nine years before the diagnosis of the ACA with anginal chest pain on exertion. The patient had positive nuclear stress with both ST depressions and ST elevations, as well as transient ischemic dilatation of 1.36. A coronary artery angiogram revealed an anomalous left coronary artery originating from the right coronary sinus. The distal anatomy was determined with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), which showed an interarterial course. The patient underwent coronary artery bypass surgery following CCTA.

Traditional versus distal radial access for coronary angiography: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is a well known complication that occurs after traditional radial artery (TRA) intervention and limits the radial artery as a future access site, as well as an arterial conduit. Distal radial artery (DRA) access has emerged recently as an alternative approach with a potential lower incidence of RAO. Database search of Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE was conducted by two authors from inception through 1 October 2022. Randomized trials that compared TRA with the DRA approach to perform coronary angiography were included. Two authors extracted pertinent data into predefined data collection tables. The risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Eleven trials were included (5700 patients) in the study. The mean age was 62.0 ±â€…10.9 years. Compared with DRA, vascular access through the TRA was associated with a higher incidence of RAO (risk ratio 3.05, 95% CI, 1.74-5.35, P < 0.01); however, arterial access by using the TRA was associated with a lower incidence of access failure leading to a crossover compared with the DRA approach (risk ratio 0.35; 95% CI, 0.21-0.57, P < 0.01). The incidence of radial artery spasm and access site-associated hematoma was not significant in the group treated with TRA compared with the DRA approach (P > 0.05). The DRA approach was associated with a lower incidence of RAO compared with the TRA approach but this was at the expense of a higher crossover rate.

Hypothermia as an Adjunctive Therapy to Percutaneous Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

INTRODUCTION: In the setting of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), several randomized control trials (RCTs) suggested a potential benefit with the use of therapeutic hypothermia (TH). However, results from previous studies are contradictory. METHOD: We performed a comprehensive literature search for studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of adjunctive TH compared to the standard percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in awake patients with STEMI. The primary outcomes were the infarct size (IS) and microvascular obstruction (MVO) assessed by cardiac imaging at the end of follow-up. The secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), procedure-related complications, and door-to-balloon time. Relative risk (RR) or the mean difference (MD) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 10 RCTs, including 706 patients were included. As compared to standard PCI, TH was not associated with a statistically significant improvement in the IS (MD: -0.87 %, 95%CI: -2.97, 1.23; P = 0.42) or in the MVO (MD: 0.11 %, 95%CI: -0.06, 0.27; P = 0.21). MACE and its components were comparable between the two groups. However, the TH approach was associated with an increased risk of infection and prolonged door-to-balloon time. Furthermore, there was a trend in the TH group toward an increased incidence of stent thrombosis and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: According to our meta-analysis of published RCTs, TH is not beneficial in awake patients with STEMI and has a marginal safety profile with potential for care delays. Larger-scale RCTs are needed to further clarify our results.

Post Total Thyroidectomy Deglutition Syncope.

Deglutition syncope is a form of situational syncope where patients develop presyncope or syncope during swallowing. This condition has been observed to occur most commonly in patients with prior gastroesophageal conditions. Our patient developed deglutition syncope that started to occur a few weeks after undergoing a total thyroidectomy. The patient was found to have paroxysmal atrioventricular (AV) block, with up to 5.1 seconds of asystole during swallowing, manifested with episodes of dizziness and lightheadedness. A barium swallow test revealed normal peristalsis and no evidence of dysmotility. The patient underwent placement of a dual chamber pacemaker, and the syncopal episodes resolved. Interrogation of the pacemaker showed no recorded abnormal events.