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Comparative effectiveness of biologics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis stratified by body mass index: a cohort study in a Swiss registry

Objectives

Obesity is associated with lower treatment response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In patients with obesity, abatacept was suggested as a preferable option to tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors. We aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of etanercept, infliximab and abatacept, compared with adalimumab, in patients with RA with obesity. Secondarily, we also investigated this in patients with overweight and normal weight for completeness.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatic Diseases (SCQM) registry (1997–2019).

Participants

Adult patients with RA from the SCQM registry who received etanercept, infliximab, abatacept or adalimumab as their first biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug were classified based on their body mass index (BMI) at the start of that treatment in three cohorts: obese, overweight, normal weight. They were followed for a maximum of 1 year.

Exposure

The study exposure of interest was the patients’ first biological, particularly: etanercept, infliximab and abatacept, compared with adalimumab.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary study outcome was remission within 12 months, defined as 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28)

Results

The study included 443 obese, 829 overweight and 1243 normal weight patients with RA. There were no statistically significant differences in the odds of DAS28-remission at ≤12 months for etanercept, infliximab and abatacept, compared with adalimumab, in any of the BMI cohorts.

Conclusions

No differences in DAS28-remission were found between the study drugs and adalimumab as first biologic in patients with RA, independently of the BMI cohort. We did not find evidence that treatment with abatacept increased the likelihood of remission compared with adalimumab among obese patients with RA.

Research on the barriers to accessing sexual healthcare for sexually diverse Muslim men: protocol for a scoping review

Por: Noor · M. N. · Shaw · S. Y. · Linton · J. · Lorway · R.
Introduction

Sexually diverse Muslim men are seen to be at a higher risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections due to their limited access to sexual healthcare services. We outline a protocol to conduct a scoping review of research on the barriers that may impede these men’s access to sexual healthcare.

Methods and analysis

To conduct this scoping review, we will follow the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses’ extension for scoping reviews. To classify the barriers to sexual healthcare, we will employ Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model as a conceptual framework. We will conduct a literature search via Medline, Embase and Global Health (OVID); Scopus; CINAHL on EBSCOhost along with several other EBSCOhost databases (Academic Search Complete, Canadian Reference Centre, Alternative Press Index, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, Social Work Abstracts) and Google Scholar, published until November 2023. Journal articles, published in the English language, describing quantitative and qualitative research on sexual healthcare access barriers for sexually diverse Muslim men will be included in the review. Commentaries and correspondences, along with grey literature including research reports and conference abstracts, as well as studies that do not include men with the Muslim faith, will be considered ineligible. Following screening of titles and abstracts, we will conduct a full-text screening to determine the final number of studies to be included in the review. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet will be used to extract study characteristics, and information on sexual healthcare access barriers will be classified according to the socioecological model’s core concepts.

Ethics and dissemination

Our review does not require ethics approval. We will disseminate the review findings through peer-reviewed academic journals, seminars and conference presentations.

Association between tuberculosis and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study of women in Cape Town, South Africa

Por: Meehan · S.-A. · Hesseling · A. C. · von Delft · A. · Marx · F. M. · Hughes · J. A. · Bock · P. · Banke-Thomas · A. · Dunbar · R. · Phelanyane · F. · Smith · M. · Osman · M.
Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of mortality among women of childbearing age and a significant contributor to maternal mortality. Pregnant women with TB are at high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine risk factors for an adverse pregnancy outcome among pregnant women diagnosed with TB.

Methods

Using TB programmatic data, this retrospective cohort analysis included all women who were routinely diagnosed with TB in the public sector between October 2018 and March 2020 in two health subdistricts of Cape Town, and who were documented to be pregnant during their TB episode. Adverse pregnancy outcome was defined as either a live birth of an infant weighing

Results

Of 248 pregnant women, half (52%) were living with HIV; all were on antiretroviral therapy at the time of their TB diagnosis. Pregnancy outcomes were documented in 215 (87%) women, of whom 74 (34%) had an adverse pregnancy outcome. Being older (35–44 years vs 25–34 years (adjusted OR (aOR): 3.99; 95% CI: 1.37 to 11.57), living with HIV (aOR: 2.72; 95% CI: 0.99 to 4.63), having an unfavourable TB outcome (aOR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.03 to 5.08) and having presented to antenatal services ≤1 month prior to delivery (aOR: 10.57; 95% CI: 4.01 to 27.89) were associated with higher odds of an adverse pregnancy outcome.

Conclusions

Pregnancy outcomes among women with TB were poor, irrespective of HIV status. Pregnant women with TB are a complex population who need additional support prior to, during and after TB treatment to improve TB treatment and pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy status should be considered for inclusion in TB registries.

Assessing the heterogeneity of the impact of COVID-19 incidence on all-cause excess mortality among healthcare districts in Lombardy, Italy, to evaluate the local response to the pandemic: an ecological study

Por: Paganuzzi · M. · Nattino · G. · Ghilardi · G. I. · Costantino · G. · Rossi · C. · Cortellaro · F. · Cosentini · R. · Paglia · S. · Migliori · M. · Mira · A. · Bertolini · G. · On behalf of the Fenice network
Objectives

The fragmentation of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic at national, regional and local levels is a possible source of variability in the impact of the pandemic on society. This study aims to assess how much of this variability affected the burden of COVID-19, measured in terms of all-cause 2020 excess mortality.

Design

Ecological retrospective study.

Setting

Lombardy region of Italy, 2015–2020.

Outcome measures

We evaluated the relationship between the intensity of the epidemics and excess mortality, assessing the heterogeneity of this relationship across the 91 districts after adjusting for relevant confounders.

Results

The epidemic intensity was quantified as the COVID-19 hospitalisations per 1000 inhabitants. Five confounders were identified through a directed acyclic graph: age distribution, population density, pro-capita gross domestic product, restriction policy and population mobility.

Analyses were based on a negative binomial regression model with district-specific random effects. We found a strong, positive association between COVID-19 hospitalisations and 2020 excess mortality (p

Conclusions

The homogeneous effect of the COVID-19 spread on the excess mortality in the Lombardy districts suggests that, despite the unprecedented conditions, the pandemic reactions did not result in health disparities in the region.

Is reduced heart rate variability associated with functional somatic disorders? A cross-sectional population-based study; DanFunD

Por: Jorgensen · T. · Dantoft · T. M. · Petersen · M. W. · Gormsen · L. · Winter-Jensen · M. · Fink · P. · Linneberg · A. · Benros · M. E. · Eplov · L. F. · Bjerregaard · A. A. · Schovsbo · S. U. · Brinth · L. S.
Objectives

It has been hypothesised that functional somatic disorders (FSD) could be initiated by sympathetic predominance in the autonomic nervous system as measured by low heart rate variability (HRV). Earlier studies on the association between HRV and FSD are small case–control studies hampered by selection bias and do not consider the great overlap between the various FSDs. The aim of the present study is to assess any associations between HRV and various FSDs and whether chronic stress confounds such an association.

Design

A cross-sectional general population-based study.

Setting

The Danish Study of Functional Somatic Disorders conducted 2013–2015 in 10 municipalities in the western part of Greater Copenhagen, Denmark.

Participants

A total of 6891 men and women aged 18–72 years were included in the analyses after exclusion of 602 persons with missing HRV data. Various delimitations of FSD (chronic fatigue, chronic widespread pain, irritable bowel and bodily distress syndrome) were identified by validated questionnaires and diagnostic interviews. HRV parameters in time and frequency domains were calculated from successive beat-to-beat heart rate (HR) data using the ‘E-motion’ HR monitor device during 7 min of supine rest. Chronic stress was assessed by Cohen’s self-perceived stress scale.

Outcome measures

Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate possible associations between the various delimitations of FSD and HRV adjusting for chronic stress.

Results

Persons with FSD had a slightly higher mean HR and lower HRV as measured by time domain parameters, whereas associations with frequency domain parameters were not consistent. Adjusting for chronic stress attenuated associations slightly.

Conclusion

The study supports a sympathetic predominance in persons with FSD, which could not be entirely explained by chronic stress. However, it is not possible to conclude whether the association is a causal factor to or a consequence of FSD.

Empowering Ontarios long-term care residents to shape the place they call home: a codesign protocol

Por: Lee · C. · Tripp · D. · McVie · M. · Fineczko · J. · Ramsden · G. · Hothi · S. · Langston · J. · Gilhuly · J. · Collingwood · B. · McAiney · C. · McGilton · K. S. · Bethell · J.
Background

Canada’s long-term care (LTC) homes were founded on an institutional model that viewed residents as passive recipients of care. Many homes continue to follow this model leaving residents removed from operational decision-making within their homes. However, involving residents in the design of their LTC home’s environment, programmes and operations can improve the residents’ quality of life and other outcomes. This codesign project creates a toolkit/resource for LTC homes to facilitate meaningful resident engagement in their home’s organisational design and governance.

Method

This three-part project consists of a scoping review, qualitative interviews, toolkit/resource development and prototyping. In part 1, we conduct a scoping review to synthesise existing knowledge on approaches to engaging LTC home residents in organisational design and governance of their LTC homes, as well as explore barriers, challenges and facilitators of engagement, considerations for diversity and cognitive change, and approaches to evaluation. In part 2, we will have interviews and focus groups with residents, team members (staff) and administrators to assess community capacity to implement and sustain a programme to engage LTC residents in organisational design and governance of their LTC homes. The third part of our project uses these findings to help codesign toolkit(s)/resource(s) to enable the engagement of LTC residents in the organisational design and governance of their LTC homes.

Ethics and dissemination

The project is conducted in partnership with the Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils. We will leverage their communication to disseminate findings and support the use of the codesigned toolkit(s)/resource(S) with knowledge users. We will also publish the study results in an academic journal and present at conferences, webinars and workshops. These results can influence practices within LTC homes by inspiring an organisational culture where residents help shape the place they call home. The interviews and focus groups, conducted in part 2, have been submitted to the University Health Network Research Ethics Board.

Balloon dilation for the treatment of male urethral strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Li · X. · Xu · C. · Ji · X. · Zhu · Z. · Cai · T. · Guo · Z. · Lin · J.
Objective

The use of minimally invasive endoluminal treatment for urethral strictures has been a subject for debate for several decades. The aim of this study was to review and discuss the safety, efficacy and factors influencing the clinical application of balloon dilation for the treatment of male urethral strictures.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched for publications published before 17 July 2022.

Study selection

Two independent researchers screened and assessed the results, and all clinical studies on balloon dilation for the treatment of urethral strictures in men were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

The success rate, rate of adverse events, International Prostate Symptom Scores, maximum uroflow (Qmax) and postvoid residual urine volume were the main outcomes. Stata V.14.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Fifteen studies with 715 patients were ultimately included in this systematic review. The pooled results of eight studies showed that the reported success rate of simple balloon dilation for male urethral strictures was 67.07% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55.92% to 77.36%). The maximum urinary flow rate at 3 months (risk ratio [RR]= 2.6510, 95% CI: 1.0681 to 4.2338, p

Conclusion

Balloon dilation may be an intermediate step before urethroplasty and is a promising alternative therapy to simple dilation and DVIU. The balloon is a promising drug delivery tool, and paclitaxel drug-coated balloon dilation is effective in reducing retreatment rates in patients with recurrent anterior urethral strictures. The aetiology, location, length, previous treatment of urethral stricture may be associated with the efficacy of balloon dilation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022334403.

Efficacy and safety of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation versus alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab or cladribine in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (StarMS): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Brittain · G. · Petrie · J. · Duffy · K. E. M. · Glover · R. · Hullock · K. · Papaioannou · D. · Roldan · E. · Beecher · C. · Bursnall · M. · Ciccarelli · O. · Coles · A. J. · Cooper · C. · Giovannoni · G. · Gabriel · I. · Kazmi · M. · Kyriakou · C. · Nicholas · R. · Paling · D. · Peniket
Introduction

Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is increasingly used as treatment for patients with active multiple sclerosis (MS), typically after failure of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). A recent phase III trial, ‘Multiple Sclerosis International Stem Cell Transplant, MIST’, showed that aHSCT resulted in prolonged time to disability progression compared with DMTs in patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS). However, the MIST trial did not include many of the current high-efficacy DMTs (alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab or cladribine) in use in the UK within the control arm, which are now offered to patients with rapidly evolving severe MS (RES-MS) who are treatment naïve. There remain, therefore, unanswered questions about the relative efficacy and safety of aHSCT over these high-efficacy DMTs in these patient groups. The StarMS trial (Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation versus Alemtuzumab, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab or Cladribine in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis) will assess the efficacy, safety and long-term impact of aHSCT compared with high-efficacy DMTs in patients with highly active RRMS despite the use of standard DMTs or in patients with treatment naïve RES-MS.

Methods and analysis

StarMS is a multicentre parallel-group rater-blinded randomised controlled trial with two arms. A total of 198 participants will be recruited from 19 regional neurology secondary care centres in the UK. Participants will be randomly allocated to the aHSCT arm or DMT arm in a 1:1 ratio. Participants will remain in the study for 2 years with follow-up visits at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months postrandomisation. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients who achieve ‘no evidence of disease activity’ during the 2-year postrandomisation follow-up period in an intention to treat analysis. Secondary outcomes include efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness and immune reconstitution of aHSCT and the four high-efficacy DMTs.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Yorkshire and Humber—Leeds West Research Ethics Committee (20/YH/0061). Participants will provide written informed consent prior to any study specific procedures. The study results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and abstracts will be submitted to relevant national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN88667898.

Beating the empty pelvis syndrome: the PelvEx Collaborative core outcome set study protocol

Por: PelvEx Collaborative · West · West · Drami · Denys · Glyn · Sutton · Tiernan · Behrenbruch · Guerra · Waters · Woodward · Applin · Charles · Rose · Pape · van Ramshorst · Mirnezami · Aalbers · Abdul Aziz · Abecasis · Abraham-Nordling · Akiyoshi · Alahmadi · Alberda · Albert · And
Introduction

The empty pelvis syndrome is a significant source of morbidity following pelvic exenteration surgery. It remains poorly defined with research in this field being heterogeneous and of low quality. Furthermore, there has been minimal engagement with patient representatives following pelvic exenteration with respect to the empty pelvic syndrome. ‘PelvEx—Beating the empty pelvis syndrome’ aims to engage both patient representatives and healthcare professionals to achieve an international consensus on a core outcome set, pathophysiology and mitigation of the empty pelvis syndrome.

Methods and analysis

A modified-Delphi approach will be followed with a three-stage study design. First, statements will be longlisted using a recent systematic review, healthcare professional event, patient and public engagement, and Delphi piloting. Second, statements will be shortlisted using up to three rounds of online modified Delphi. Third, statements will be confirmed and instruments for measurable statements selected using a virtual patient-representative consensus meeting, and finally a face-to-face healthcare professional consensus meeting.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine ethics committee has approved this protocol, which is registered as a study with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative. Publication of this study will increase the potential for comparative research to further understanding and prevent the empty pelvis syndrome.

Trial registration number

NCT05683795.

Best practices for managing malodorous and infected wounds in advanced cervical cancer

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the most effective strategies for managing malodorous and infected wounds in patients who have been diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. The research was conducted in Liupanshui, China. The study specifically examined demographic profiles, wound characteristics and effectiveness of wound management approaches. The study incorporated the heterogeneous sample of 289 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted via structured questionnaires and medical record evaluations. Descriptive statistics and statistical analyses, such as regression analysis, were utilized to evaluate demographic attributes, wound profiles and effects of different approaches to wound management. The findings unveiled the heterogeneous demographic composition of patients, encompassing differences in socioeconomic standing, educational attainment and age. A wide range of wound characteristics were observed, as 65.7% of lesions during the acute phase with diameter between 2 and 5 centimetres, while 41.5% of lesions had this range. The most prevalent types of infections were those caused by fungi (48.4%), followed by bacterial infections lacking resistance (38.1%). A moderate degree of odour intensity was prevalent, affecting 45.0% of the cases. With maximal odour reduction of 80%, a mean healing time of 25 days and patient satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy demonstrated itself to be the most efficacious treatment method. Additional approaches, such as photodynamic therapy and topical antibiotic therapy, demonstrated significant effectiveness, as evidenced by odour reductions of 70% and 75%, respectively, and patient satisfaction ratings of 4.3 and 4.2. Thus, the study determined challenges associated with management of malodorous and infected lesions among patients with advanced cervical cancer. The results underscored the significance of individualized care approaches, drew attention to efficacious wound management techniques and identified critical determinants that impacted patient recuperation. The findings of this study hold potential for advancing palliative care for individuals diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer.

Studying the effects of stress, mental health and psychological well‐being on wound healing rates after oesophageal varices ligation in liver cirrhosis patients

Abstract

It is of utmost importance to comprehend the impact that psychological factors have on physical rehabilitation, specifically in regards to wound healing following ligation of oesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. The present study investigated the correlation between wound recovery rates and psychological well-being, stress and mental health. From January 2022 to September 2023, 148 patients from were evaluated as part of this cross-sectional observational study. The psychological well-being of participants was evaluated utilizing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). The rates of wound recovery were assessed following ligation. The mean duration for wound recovery was 28.37 ± 9.65 days. The mean wounds healing time of patients who obtained higher PSS scores (18.55) was marginally longer. On the contrary, there was a moderate reduction in healing time associated with higher HADS scores (mean 14.10). On average (68.88), PGWBI scores indicated a negligible effect on wound healing. The variance in healing durations between Child-Pugh classifications A, B and C (mean values of 28.65, 26.90 and 29.57 days respectively) suggested that the severity of liver disease has an impact. As a result of ligation of oesophageal varices, the study demonstrated that psychological factors and wound recovery in patients with liver cirrhosis are intricately intertwined. There seems to be the substantial and intricate relationship between stress, mental health and wound recovery. The results of this study supported the notion that psychological evaluation and support should be incorporated into the management of patients with liver cirrhosis.

Effects of rapid rehabilitation nursing on surgical‐site wound infection and postoperative complications of patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis systematically evaluates the impact of rapid rehabilitation nursing interventions on wound infections and postoperative complications in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, from database inception to November 2023, using databases including PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that focused on the application of rapid rehabilitation nursing in the perioperative period of thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the quality based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. A total of 22 RCTs involving 2319 patients were included in the analysis. The results indicated that the application of rapid rehabilitation nursing in thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery significantly reduced the incidence of wound infections (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.20–0.54, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.18–0.31, p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that implementing rapid rehabilitation nursing interventions during the perioperative period for patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery can significantly decrease the occurrence of wound infections and complications, thereby facilitating rapid patient recovery.

Sepsis policy, guidelines and standards in Canada: a jurisdictional scoping review protocol

Por: Sheikh · F. · Chechulina · V. · Daneman · N. · Garber · G. E. · Hendrick · K. · Kissoon · N. · Loubani · O. · Russell · K. · Fox-Robichaud · A. · Schwartz · L. · Barrett · K.
Introduction

To our knowledge, this study is the first to identify and describe current sepsis policies, clinical practice guidelines, and health professional training standards in Canada to inform evidence-based policy recommendations.

Methods and analysis

This study will be designed and reported according to the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, Turning Research Into Practice and Policy Commons will be searched for policies, clinical practice guidelines and health professional training standards published or updated in 2010 onwards, and related to the identification, management or reporting of sepsis in Canada. Additional sources of evidence will be identified by searching the websites of Canadian organisations responsible for regulating the training of healthcare professionals and reporting health outcomes. All potentially eligible sources of evidence will be reviewed for inclusion, followed by data extraction, independently and in duplicate. The included policies will be collated and summarised to inform future evidence-based sepsis policy recommendations.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed study does not require ethics approval. The results of the study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at local, national and international forums.

Effectiveness of dexmedetomidine during surgery under general anaesthesia on patient-centred outcomes: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis protocol

Por: Verret · M. · Le · J. B. P. · Lalu · M. M. · McIsaac · D. I. · Nicholls · S. · Turgeon · A. F. · Hutton · B. · Zivkovic · F. · Graham · M. · Le · M. · Geist · A. · Berube · M. · Gilron · I. · Poulin · P. · Daudt · H. · Martel · G. · McVicar · J. · Moloo · H. · Fergusson · D. A.
Introduction

Dexmedetomidine is a promising pharmaceutical strategy to minimise opioid use during surgery. Despite its growing use, it is uncertain whether dexmedetomidine can improve patient-centred outcomes such as quality of recovery and pain.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis following the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science and CINAHL approximately in October 2023. We will include randomised controlled trials evaluating the impact of systemic intraoperative dexmedetomidine on patient-centred outcomes. Patient-centred outcome definition will be based on the consensus definition established by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine initiative (StEP-COMPAC). Our primary outcome will be the quality of recovery after surgery. Our secondary outcomes will be patient well-being, function, health-related quality of life, life impact, multidimensional assessment of postoperative acute pain, chronic pain, persistent postoperative opioid use, opioid-related adverse events, hospital length of stay and adverse events. Two reviewers will independently screen and identify trials and extract data. We will evaluate the risk of bias of trials using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0). We will synthesise data using a random effects Bayesian model framework, estimating the probability of achieving a benefit and its clinical significance. We will assess statistical heterogeneity with the tau-squared and explore sources of heterogeneity with meta-regression. We have involved patient partners, clinicians, methodologists, and key partner organisations in the development of this protocol, and we plan to continue this collaboration throughout all phases of this systematic review.

Ethics and dissemination

Our systematic review does not require research ethics approval. It will help inform current clinical practice guidelines and guide development of future randomised controlled trials. The results will be disseminated in open-access peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and shared among collaborators and networks.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023439896.

Validation of a web-based self-administered test for cognitive assessment in a Swedish geriatric setting

by Einar Rystedt, Jakob Morén, Johan Lindbäck, Vitor Tedim Cruz, Martin Ingelsson, Lena Kilander, Nuno Lunet, Joana Pais, Luis Ruano, Gabriel Westman

Computerized cognitive tests have the potential to cost-effectively detect and monitor cognitive impairments and thereby facilitate treatment for these conditions. However, relatively few of these tests have been validated in a variety of populations. Brain on Track, a self-administered web-based test, has previously been shown to have a good ability to differentiate between healthy individuals and patients with cognitive impairment in Portuguese populations. The objective of this study was to validate the differential ability and evaluate the usability of Brain on Track in a Swedish memory clinic setting. Brain on Track was administered to 30 patients with mild cognitive impairment/mild dementia and 30 healthy controls, all scheduled to perform the test from home after one week and after three months. To evaluate the usability, the patient group was interviewed after completion of the testing phase. Patients scored lower than healthy controls at both the first (median score 42.4 vs 54.1, p

Effects of different dressings in the prevention of facial skin pressure injury related to non‐invasive ventilation: Systematic review and network meta‐analysis

Abstract

To investigate the preventive effect of different dressings on pressure injuries related to non-invasive ventilation equipment and to screen the efficacy of dressings. Systematic review and network meta-analysis. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) and Weipu Database (VIP) were used for the search from the date of inception of each database to 15 October 2023. The quality of the data was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Stata 16.0 Software was used to analysis and ranking of different types of dressings. A total of 23 randomized controlled trials on 7 interventions were included in the final analysis. The effectiveness of these in preventing the overall incidence of pressure injuries is ranked from best to worst as follows: hydrogel dressing > foam dressing > petroleum jelly gauze dressing > hydrocolloid dressing > film dressing > clean gauze dressing > sterile gauze. Sixteen studies reported the incidence of Stage I pressure injuries, the effectiveness in preventing the incidence of Stage I pressure injuries was ranked from best to least effective: foam dressing > hydrogel dressing > petroleum jelly gauze dressing > hydrocolloid dressing > film dressing > clean gauze dressing > sterile gauze dressing. Fourteen studies reported the incidence of Stages I/II pressure injuries, the effective in preventing the incidence of Stages I and II pressure injuries was ranked from best to least effective: foam dressing > hydrogel dressing > petroleum jelly gauze dressing > hydrocolloid dressing > clean gauze dressing > sterile gauze dressing. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of different dressings, both hydrogel and foam dressings are effective in preventing pressure injuries related to non-invasive ventilation equipment.

A meta‐analysis of clinical studies of moxibustion for pressure ulcer healing

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of moxibustion on pressure ulcers. A thorough search was performed for articles published from database inception up to 14 December 2023. Randomized controlled trials, which evaluated the effects of moxibustion were included. Finally, 11 relevant trails that enrolled a total of 795 participants met inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analysis suggested beneficial effects of moxibustion for pressure ulcer compared with control on the response rate (RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13–1.29; p = 0.82; I 2 = 0%), healing time (MD: −5.69; 95% CI: −9.58 to −1.80; p<0.05; I 2 = 97%) and pressure ulcer scale for healing scores (MD: −1.13; 95% CI: −1.36 to −0.89; p = 0.79; I 2 = 0%). The evidence suggests that moxibustion possesses satisfactory efficacy in promoting healing of pressure ulcers. However, due to the small number of trials included in this study, as well as the small sample size and high risk of bias, we were unable to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of moxibustion for pressure ulcers.

Etiological characteristics of wound infection in severe trauma patients and logistic regression analysis of influencing factors of infection

Abstract

To investigate the etiological characteristics of wound infection in severe trauma patients and logistic regression analysis of the influencing factors of infection. The 116 patients with severe trauma who were intervened in our hospital from 22 October 2017 to 9 September 2019 were selected as the subjects of this retrospective study and divided into a control group and an observation group according to whether they were infected or not, 58 cases each. Observe and compare the pathogenic characteristics (pathogen distribution and drug resistance) of the two groups of patients and logistic regression analysis of the influencing factors of infection. The gram-positive bacteria in the observation group were mainly Staphylococcus aureus, accounting for 17.20%; the fungi were mainly Candida tropicalis, accounting for 17.20%; and the gram-negative bacteria were mainly Acinetobacter baumannii, accounting for 20.39%; the control group was gram-positive. The main bacteria are S. aureus, accounting for 8.60%; the fungi are mainly Candida albicans, accounting for 4.3%; and the gram-negative bacteria, which are mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, accounting for 14.56%. Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecium, S. aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis. The highest drug resistance of other gram-positive bacteria is penicillin and erythromycin at 85.00% and above. Fungi C. tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, C. albicans, fluconazole and amphotericin B have the highest resistance to 80.00% and above. Gram-negative bacteria A. baumannii, Ps. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae and other gram-negative bacteria are the most resistant to ampicillin, and Piperacillin was 70.00% and above. The combined primary diseases of the two groups of patients, ventilator use ≧3 days, long-term use of glucocorticoids, catheter use days ≧5 days, fever days ≧3 days and long-term use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs, the difference is statistically significant academic significance (p < 0.05). Logistic analysis showed that combined with underlying diseases, fever days ≥3 days, long-term use of glucocorticoids and catheter use days ≥5 days are the influencing factors for the occurrence of wound infections in patients with severe trauma. Trauma patients are prone to wound infections, and there are many influencing factors. Close observation of patients should be strengthened. Effective prevention and control measures should be taken for related influencing factors to reduce the incidence of infection.

Enhanced wound recovery after surgery care in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

This study primarily focussed on the impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) care on wound healing and pain management in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). TKA is the critical surgical intervention aimed at improving the quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. While this procedure has been effective in enhancing mobility and life quality, postoperative phase, particularly wound healing, remains significant concern. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ERAS care protocols in promoting wound healing and reducing postoperative wound pain. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify studies focusing on wound healing and pain management in TKA patients under ERAS care. The systematic search employed various terms related to TKA, wound healing and ERAS. During the screening process, data relevant to wound healing outcomes were prioritized for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Using the R package ‘meta’, meta-analysis was performed on a sample of 664 patients, divided into 349 in the intervention group (ERAS care) and 315 in the control. The results indicated significant enhancement in wound healing and reduction in postoperative wound pain among patients receiving ERAS care (risk ratio [RR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9152; 1.3929, p < 0.01). Additionally, pain score analysis across the studies revealed that the ERAS group consistently experienced less wound pain postoperatively compared with the control, with average of 0.1 point difference in pain scores indicating significantly less pain. Conclusively, our findings underscored the importance of implementing structured ERAS care protocols in TKA procedures. These protocols not only alleviated postoperative wound pain but also promoted effective wound healing, thereby potentially enhancing overall recovery and surgical outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA.

Effect of bone grafting on postoperative wound infection and marginal necrosis in patients with calcane fractures

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of bone-transplantation over nonbone transplantation in treating intra-articular fractures of the heel bone on postsurgical complications. Our results were retrieved from the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The data of the injury of the patient and the wound infection were collected. Study were carried out with Revman 5.3 software. Eight operative trials associated with the implant of the heel were selected from a large number of publications. Among the 804 cases that needed operation on the heel, 410 cases were treated with bone grafting while 394 cases were not treated with the operation. Seven trials showed that there was no difference in the risk of post operative wound infection among patients who had received a bone-grafting operation on the heel or had not (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.51, 1.49 p = 0.62). There was no difference in the risk for post-operation marginal necrosis among patients who had received a bone-grafting operation on the heel or had not (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.42, 1.36 p = 0.34). The results of this show that there are no statistically significant differences in the incidence of post-operative necrosis and infection in the case of endarticular surgery of the heel.

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