European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Review Meta AnalysisImmunoglobulin, nucleos(t)ide analogs and hbv recurrence after liver transplant: a meta-analysis.
Prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) represents an efficient strategy for reducing the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). Unfortunately, the long-term use of HBIG presents high costs. Therefore, the use of prophylaxis based only on nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUC) has been recently postulated. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of HBIG ± NUC vs HBIG alone or NUC alone in post-LT HBV recurrence prophylaxis. ⋯ Prophylaxis with HBIG is relevant in preventing post-LT HBV recurrence. Its combination with NUC gives the best results in terms of protection. The present results should be considered in light of the fact that also old studies based on lamivudine use were included. Studies exploring in detail high genetic barrier-to-recurrence NUC and protocols with definite use of HBIG are needed.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Serum alkaline phosphatase is associated with arterial stiffness and 10-year cardiovascular disease risk in a Chinese population.
Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has been recognized as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, recently. This study aimed to explore the association of ALP with arterial stiffness and 10-year CVD risk. ⋯ Serum ALP is independently associated with arterial stiffness and 10-year CVD risk. Our results imply that serum ALP may be a promising marker to identify an increased risk for subclinical atherosclerosis in women needing further evaluation.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Review Meta AnalysisA systematic review of the correlation between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine, carotid atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke.
To investigate the correlation between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and the risk of ischaemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis in adults. ⋯ The serum ADMA may be related to ischaemic stroke, and it is a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Review Meta AnalysisClinical assessment of endothelial function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A meta-analysis with meta-regressions.
Endothelial dysfunction is a key mechanism in the development of cardiac remodelling and diastolic dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Flow-mediated (FMD) and nitrate-mediated dilation (NMD) are noninvasive methods to assess endothelial function. We performed a meta-analysis evaluating the impact of HFpEF on FMD and NMD. ⋯ Impaired endothelial function can be documented in HFpEF, with the possibility of a direct association between the severity of diastolic and endothelial dysfunction. Targeting endothelial dysfunction through pharmacological and rehabilitation strategies may represent an attractive therapeutic option.