Investigation of plasma exchange and hemoperfusion effects and complications for the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) disease: A systematic scoping review.

Some previous studies suggested that the plasma exchange (PE) and hemoperfusion (HP) played a cardinal role in the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases by diminishing the cytokine storm. This study aimed to assess the effects of PE and HP on cytokine storms in patients with severe COVID-19 through a systematic scoping review. Four Electronic databases (Medline [accessed from PubMed], Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane library) were searched systematically on February 2, 2021, using MESH terms and related keywords in the English language. Considering the titles and abstracts, unrelated studies were excluded. The full texts of the remained studies were evaluated by authors, independently. Then, their findings were assessed and reported. A total of 755 articles were obtained within the first step of searching, and 518 remained after removing the duplications. Through the title and abstract screening, 438 were removed. Of the rest, 59 papers were excluded. Finally, after reading the full text of the remained articles, 21 were included in data extraction. Most of the previously reported evidence were case reports and case series. Findings were summarized in two categories. The first category encompassed nine studies regarding HP and continuous renal replacement therapy, and the second category included twelve studies about PE. The results revealed that HP and PE within the cytokine storm phase would be beneficial with a high probability in the treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients. Highlights Some studies showed that plasma exchange (PE) and hemoperfusion (HP) played an important role in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 disease. The results of this systematic scoping review revealed that HP and PE within the cytokine storm phase would be beneficial with a high probability in the treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients.

A complementary critical appraisal on systematic reviews regarding the most efficient therapeutic strategies for the current COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This critical appraisal aims to clarify which systematic reviews on COVID-19 treatment are based on high-value evidence. Hereby, the most profitable medicines can be suggested. METHODS: The mesh terms of "COVID-19 drug treatment" (Supplementary Concept) and "COVID-19 drug treatment" were sequentially utilized as search strategies in Medline and Science direct on October 18, 2020. Searches were confined to systematic reviews/meta-analyses. The Cochrane database was searched on November 1, 2020 with "COVID." With adding up four articles from other resources, 84 systematic reviews were considered for initial screening. Finally, 22 articles fulfilled the criteria and were assessed using PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Increasing number of clinical trials from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are not only profitable but also deleterious. Lopinavir/ritonavir failed to maintain their initial efficacy in improving clinical symptoms and mortality rate. Steroids and tocilizumab were suggested in patients with intensely severe symptoms. Steroids reduced mechanical ventilation and death in severely ill patients. Plasma or immunoglobulins effects are absolutely controversial. Favorable impressions of remdesivir have been relied on for the early onset of this drug. Hypotension and abnormal liver function tests were realized as its side effects. Favipiravir has resulted in a higher viral clearance than remdesivir. However, this claim needs to be proved with subsequent clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, remdesivir and favipiravir are advantageous drugs that should be administered in the early phases. Their side effects are not well known and need to be found in the following research projects. Steroids and tocilizumab have been considered beneficial in the cytokine storm phase.

Clinical courses of 24,563 hospitalized COVID-19 patients during the first 12 months of the pandemic in the Central City of Iran.

This study was designed and implemented to analyze and establish documents related to the above cases in the first to third COVID-19 epidemic waves for the use of researchers and doctors during and after the epidemic. The current case series study was conducted on 24,563 thousand hospitalized COVID-19 patients by examining their clinical characteristics within a one-year period from the beginning of the pandemic on 02.22.2020 to 02.14.2021, which included the first to the third waves, based on gender and severity of COVID-19. The mean age of the participants was 56 ± 20.71, and 51.8% were male. Out of a total of 24,563 thousand hospitalized COVID-19 patients until February 2021, there were 2185 mortalities (9.8%) and 2559 cases of severe COVID-19 (13.1%). The median length of hospitalization from the time of admission to discharge or death in the hospital (IQR: 13-41) was estimated to be 21 days. The rate of hospital mortality was higher in severe (37.8%) than in non-severe (4.8%) cases of COVID-19, While the risk of severe cases increased significantly in the third (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.46-1.87, P < 0.001) and early fourth waves (HR = 2.145, 95% CI: 1.7-2.71, P < 0.001). Also, the risk of contracting severe COVID-19 increased significantly in patients aged ≥ 65 years old (HR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.1.93-2.72, P < 0.001). As shown by the results, the rates of hospital mortality (9.3% vs. 8.5%) and severe cases of COVID-19 (13.6% vs. 12.5%) were higher among men than women (P < 0.01). In our study, the mortality rate and severity of COVID-19 were within the scope of global studies. Men experienced higher severity and mortality than women. The was a significantly higher prevalence of old age and underlying diseases in individuals with severe COVID-19. Our data also showed that patients with a previous history of COVID-19 had a more severe experience of COVID-19, while most of these patients were also significantly older and had an underlying disease.

Using Drain-Free Flap Fixation Techniques Versus Traditional Wound Closure With Drain Placement to Prevent Seroma Formation and Its Complications in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Mastectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

During the past decade, there has been some controversy related to using flap fixation techniques instead of conventional wound closure methods and drain placement during mastectomy procedures. The purpose of our study was to address this controversy using a systematic review and meta-analysis of current published literature. Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Our sample population consisted of 2,956 participants divided into two groups. The study group (SG) consisted of 1,418 individuals and the control group (CG) consisted of 1,538 participants. We found there was a significant reduction in the incidence of seroma formation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval, CI [0.3, 0.42]; p < .000) and surgical site infection (OR = 0.65; 95% CI [0.48, 0.88]; p = .006) in the SG compared with the CG. The length of hospital stay was also significantly reduced in the SG (0.59 days; 95% CI [0.73, 0.46]; χ 2 [6, N = 502] = 52.88; p < .000) compared with the CG. The results of our study show that using a flap fixation technique after mastectomy can decrease the patient's risk for seroma formation and surgical site infection while reducing their length of hospital stay. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are warranted to evaluate long-term complications associated with using a flap fixation technique compared with using conventional wound closure techniques and drain placement.

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and HIV among people who inject drugs in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Iran has an human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) epidemic that is concentrated among people who inject drugs (PWID), who have higher risks of progression from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to active disease. The aim of this study is to measure prevalence of LTBI, HIV infection and any risk behaviors among PWID in Iran. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2013 in six cities across Iran. A total of 420 PWID were recruited from drop-in centres using convenience sampling. Trained interviewers collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, drug use history and drug-related risk behaviors across the study sites. A tuberculin skin test (TST) was performed, and HIV infection was assessed by a rapid test. Multivariable modified Poisson regression and logistic regression were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of positive TST and HIV positivity was 35.7% and 8.6%, respectively. The prevalence of LTBI and HIV was significantly different across the cities of this study. Positive TST was independently associated with older age (APR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01, 1.05) and being HIV positive (APR 1.89, 95% CI 1.45, 2.47). HIV infection was associated with lifetime history of sharing syringes (AOR 3.28, 95% CI 1.44, 10.71) and lifetime number of imprisonment (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.14). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of LTBI infections among PWID is high and independently associated with HIV infection. Given that there are currently no TB services available within drop-in centres, programs which integrate TB case finding, TB preventive therapy, referral and care services for PWID are urgently needed.

Association of Obesity-Related Genetic Variants (FTO and MC4R) with Breast Cancer Risk: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Obesity defined by BMI is a known major risk factor for breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of obesity related-polymorphisms rs9939609 Fat Mass and Obesity-associated (FTO) and rs17782313 MC4R in breast cancer development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Matched peripheral blood serum was obtained from 64 breast cancer patients and 83 normal controls. Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI. All were genotyped for the SNPs rs9939609 and rs17782313 using a Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR method. For statistical analysis, the chi-square test and SPSS software were used. RESULTS: In subgroup analyses defined by BMI, FTO rs9939609 genotypes (TT/AA/AT) were significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer only in non-obese subjects (p < 0.005). TT genotypes of MC4R rs17782313 in non-obese and genotypes TT/CC in the overweight group were also statistically associated with breast cancer (p < 0.005). No significant associations between any variants and breast cancer risk were seen in obese subjects. CONCLUSION: Based on the absence of an association between obesity-related SNPs and breast cancer in obese subjects, it is proposed that weight gain in Iranian women will help prevent breast cancer risk. The result help for preparing and designing a safe and versatile recombinant drug in future.

Development of a National Roadmap for Electronic Prescribing Implementation.

BACKGROUND: In July 2015, Iran Food and Drug Administration convened a multi-stakeholder workgroup (workgroup) to help develop recommendations for electronic prescribing implementation in Iran. OBJECTIVES: In general, the consensus of the workgroup was to focus on solutions that incrementally reduce the burden on patients, providers, and payers, and require minimal rework by using national standards that have already been used for Health Information Interchange. We used a road mapping method which includes a number of systematic steps and is adapted from the standard scientific method. Medical Informatics Experts Developed protocols for Scoping Reviews, Systematic reviews and Health Technology Assessment study and then collected evidence from peer-reviewed scholarly journal publications and gray literature. Health Insurance companies representatives and Electronic Prescribing pilot studies executives were asked to report their experiences in the case of e-prescribing. RESULTS: After five meetings, by comparing and contrasting the national and international evidence, the recommendations were finalized in expert panels. In this paper, we report recommendations from this roadmap.

Design and Evaluation of a Smart Medication Recommendation System for the Electronic Prescription.

BACKGROUND: electronic prescription is shown to have many benefits in terms of reducing medication errors, improving patient safety, productivity, and resource management, but it may cause new errors and physician frustration if not designed and implemented properly. Improving usability and user-centered design is essential for physicians' adoption. OBJECTIVES: To enhance the efficiency of the e-prescribing system by reducing the risk of inappropriate selection of the medication and also to reduce the prescribing time and effort to reach the desired drug. METHODS: Important data fields for predicting medications were determined through interviews with pharmacists. Among those, fields which were available in a claims dataset of 16 million prescriptions were extracted and were used to develop a neural network model to be used by a recommender system that displays the most probable medications on top of the drop-down list in the e-prescription application. RESULTS: Offline and field evaluations both showed that this model could improve performance. CONCLUSION: smart recommenders systems can improve e-prescription usability, safety, and enhanced physicians' adoption.

Haematological indices as predictors of atrial fibrillation following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, valvular surgery, or combined procedures: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: New postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most critical and common complications after cardiovascular surgery precipitating early and late morbidities. Complete blood count (CBC) is an imperative blood test in clinical practice, routinely used in the examination of cardiovascular diseases. AIM: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of haematological indices in CBC tests with atrial fibrillation following isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), isolated valvular surgery, or a combination of these treatments. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies evaluating pre- and postoperative haematological indices in patients with POAF. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A literature search of all major databases retrieved 732 studies. After screening, 22 studies were analysed including a total of 6098 patients. Pooled analysis showed preoperative platelet count (PC) (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -7.07 × 10^9/L and p < 0.001), preoperative mean platelet volume (MPV) (WMD = 0.53 FL and p < 0.001), preoperative white blood cell count (WBC) (WMD = 0.130 × 10^9/L and p < 0.001), preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (WMD = 0.33 and p < 0.001), preoperative red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (WMD = 0.36% and p < 0.001), postoperative WBC (WMD = 1.36 × 10^9/L and p < 0.001), and postoperative NLR (WMD = 0.74 and p < 0.001) as associated factors with POAF. CONCLUSIONS: Haematological indices may predict the risk of POAF before surgery. These easily-performed tests should definitely be taken into account in patients undergoing isolated CABG, valvular surgery, or combined procedures.

Baseline and postoperative levels of C-reactive protein and interleukins as inflammatory predictors of atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a leading arrhythmia with high incidence and serious clinical implications after cardiac surgery. Cardiac surgery is associated with systemic inflammatory response including increase in cytokines and activation of endothelial and leukocyte responses. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukins (IL), with POAF following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), isolated valvular surgery, or a combination of these procedures. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies evaluating measured baseline (from one week before surgical procedures) and postoperative levels (until one week after surgical procedures) of inflammatory markers in patients with POAF. A compre-hensive search was performed in electronic medical databases (Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) from their inception through May 2017 to identify relevant studies. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A literature search of all major databases retrieved 1014 studies. After screening, 42 studies were analysed including a total of 8398 patients. Pooled analysis showed baseline levels of CRP (standard mean difference [SMD] 0.457 mg/L, p < 0.001), baseline levels of IL-6 (SMD 0.398 pg/mL, p < 0.001), postoperative levels of CRP (SMD 0.576 mg/L, p < 0.001), postoperative levels of IL-6 (SMD 1.66 pg/mL, p < 0.001), postoperative levels of IL-8 (SMD 0.839 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and postoperative levels of IL-10 (SMD 0.590 pg/mL, p < 0.001) to be relevant inflammatory parameters significantly associated with POAF. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative inflammation is proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of POAF. Therefore, perioperative assessment of CRP, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 can help clinicians in terms of predicting and monitoring for POAF.

Strategies Preventing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Coronary Angiography: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of 125 Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the strength of evidence for the effects of hydration (sodium bicarbonate [SB] and normal saline [NS]), supplementations ( N-acetylcysteine [NAC] and vitamin C), and some common drugs (adenosine antagonists [AAs], statins, loop diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs]) on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and requirement for hemodialysis after coronary angiography. After screening, a total of 125 trials that reported outcomes were identified. Pooled analysis indicated beneficial effects of SB versus NS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-0.94; P = .01), NAC (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70-0.88; P = .001), vitamin C (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.45-0.89; P = .01), statins (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.35-0.57; P = .001), AA (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.47; P = .001), loop diuretics (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.33-2.85; P = .9), and ACEI (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.69-1.61; P = .8). Overall, hydration with SB, use of supplements, such as NAC and vitamin C, and administration of statins and AA should always be considered for the prevention of CIN after coronary angiography.

Predictive Role of Coagulation, Fibrinolytic, and Endothelial Markers in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation, Stroke, and Thromboembolism: A Meta-Analysis, Meta-Regression, and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND The pathophysiological mechanism associated with the higher prothrombotic tendency in atrial fibrillation (AF) is complex and multifactorial. However, the role of prothrombotic markers in AF remains inconclusive. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating the association of coagulation activation, fibrinolytic, and endothelial function with occurrence of AF and clinical adverse events. A comprehensive subgroup analysis and meta-regression was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS A literature search of major databases retrieved 1703 studies. After screening, a total of 71 studies were identified. Pooled analysis showed the association of coagulation markers (D-dimer (weighted mean difference (WMD) =197.67 and p<0.001), fibrinogen (WMD=0.43 and p<0.001), prothrombin fragment 1-2 (WMD=0.53 and p<0.001), antithrombin III (WMD=23.90 and p=0.004), thrombin-antithrombin (WMD=5.47 and p=0.004));  fibrinolytic markers (tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) (WMD=2.13 and p<0.001), plasminogen activator inhibitor (WMD=11.44 and p<0.001), fibrinopeptide-A (WMD=4.13 and p=0.01)); and  endothelial markers (von Willebrand factor (WMD=27.01 and p<0.001) and soluble thrombomodulin (WMD=3.92 and p<0.001)) with AF. CONCLUSIONS The levels of coagulation, fibrinolytic, and endothelial markers have been reported to be significantly higher in AF patients than in SR patients.

Prediction of New-Onset and Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation by Complete Blood Count Tests: A Comprehensive Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most critical and frequent arrhythmias precipitating morbidities and mortalities. The complete blood count (CBC) test is an important blood test in clinical practice and is routinely used in the workup of cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of hematological parameters in the CBC test with new-onset and recurrent AF. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating hematologic parameters in patients with new-onset AF and recurrent AF. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS The literature search of all major databases retrieved 2150 studies. After screening, 70 studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis on new-onset AF and 23 studies on recurrent AF. Pooled analysis on new-onset AF showed platelet count (PC) (weighted mean difference (WMD)=WMD of -26.39×10^9/L and p<0.001), mean platelet volume (MPV) (WMD=0.42 FL and p<0.001), white blood cell (WBC) (WMD=-0.005×10^9/L and p=0.83), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (WMD=0.89 and p<0.001), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (WMD=0.61% and p<0.001) as associated factors. Pooled analysis on recurrent AF revealed PC (WMD=-2.71×109/L and p=0.59), WBC (WMD=0.20×10^9/L (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.32; p=0.002), NLR (WMD=0.37 and p<0.001), and RDW (WMD=0.28% and p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Hematological parameters have significant ability to predict occurrence and recurrence of AF. Therefore, emphasizing the potential predictive role of hematological parameters for new-onset and recurrent AF, we recommend adding the CBC test to the diagnostic modalities of AF in clinical practice.

Platelets Cellular and Functional Characteristics in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of platelet cellular and functional characteristics including platelet count (PC), MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet factor 4, beta thromboglobulin (BTG), and p-selectin with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and consequent stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating platelet characteristics in patients with paroxysmal, persistent and permanent atrial fibrillations. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Literature search of all major databases retrieved 1,676 studies. After screening, a total of 73 studies were identified. Pooled analysis showed significant differences in PC (weighted mean difference (WMD)=-26.93 and p<0.001), MPV (WMD=0.61 and p<0.001), PDW (WMD=-0.22 and p=0.002), BTG (WMD=24.69 and p<0.001), PF4 (WMD=4.59 and p<0.001), and p-selectin (WMD=4.90 and p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Platelets play a critical and precipitating role in the occurrence of AF. Whereas distribution width of platelets as well as factors of platelet activity was significantly greater in AF patients compared to SR patients, platelet count was significantly lower in AF patients.

Spatial Hotspot Analysis of Acute Myocardial Infarction Events in an Urban Population: A Correlation Study of Health Problems and Industrial Installation.

BACKGROUND: The current study's objectives were to find any possible spatial patterns and hotspot of cardiovascular events and to perform a correlation study to find any possible relevance between cardiovascular disease (CVE) and location of industrial installation said above. METHODS: We used the Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) hospital admission record in three main hospitals in Yazd, Yazd Province, Iran during 2013, because of CVDs and searched for possible correlation between industries as point-source pollutants and non-random distribution of AMI events. RESULTS: MI incidence rate in Yazd was obtained 531 per 100,000 person-year among men, 458 per 100,000 person-year among women and 783/100,000 person-yr totally. We applied a GIS Hotspot analysis to determine feasible clusters and two sets of clusters were observed. Mean age of 56 AMI events occurred in the cluster cells was calculated as 62.21±14.75 yr. Age and sex as main confounders of AMI were evaluated in the cluster areas in comparison to other areas. We observed no significant difference regarding sex (59% in cluster cells versus 55% in total for men) and age (62.21±14.7 in cluster cells versus 63.28±13.98 in total for men). CONCLUSION: We found proximity of AMI events cluster to industries installations, and a steel industry, specifically. There could be an association between road-related pollutants and the observed sets of cluster due to the proximity exist between rather crowded highways nearby the events cluster.

Cognitive failure and alexithymia and predicting high-risk behaviors of students with learning disabilities.

BACKGROUND: One of the threatening health issues is prevalence of high-risk behaviors in various groups. Because of rapid social changes, it has been considered as of the most important problems of society by health organizations, administrative laws, and social policymakers. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the role of cognitive failure and alexithymia in predicting high-risk behaviors of students with learning disabilities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a correlational research including all 14-16 years old students during 2012-2013 school year in Arak, IR Iran. Eighty students with learning disabilities were sampled by simply random sampling. The data were collected by cognitive failures questionnaire, Toronto alexithymia scale, and high-risk behavior questionnaire. RESULTS: The results showed that high-risk behaviors had significant positive correlations with difficulty identifying feelings (r = 0.321), difficulty describing feelings (r = 0.336), externally oriented thinking (r = 0.248), distractibility (0.292), memory distortion (r = 0.374), blunders (r = 0.335), and names amnesia (r = 0.275). Multiple regression analysis showed that cognitive failure and alexithymia predicted 32% of the total variance of high-risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated that cognitive failure and alexithymia had important roles in strengthening and appearance of high-risk behaviors in students with learning disabilities. Therefore, considering those problems, precautionary actions might be necessary.