Current medical research and opinion
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In March 2020, COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been declared to be a global pandemic, where its complications, severity and mortality are reported to be due to the released inflammatory cytokines or the so-called cytokine storm. This is quite similar to that observed in the autoimmune and chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ Also, many researchers are currently working to explore therapeutic agents that could aid in the eradication of COVID-19 infection. Due to the similarity between the inflammation status in COVID-19 and RA, many anti-rheumatic drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, baricitinib and anakinra were proposed to be therapeutic modalities for COVID-19 infection.
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Fast dissemination of research is important for improving treatments and thus benefitting patients, caregivers, and researchers. However, getting scientific papers published may take a long time. The editorial handling time can be delayed by several processes both before and after acceptance of the paper. The aim of this study was to systematically review the editorial handling time of biomedical peer-reviewed literature (i.e. time from submission to publication). ⋯ Editorial handling times of journals varied widely from a few months to almost two years, which delays the availability of new evidence. The editorial handling time did not differ between submission-to-acceptance-time and acceptance-to-publication-time. Examining differences in editorial processes between journals with long and short editorial handling times may help uncover, which processes are frequent causes of delay and thereby where to improve.
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Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication following surgery, and may be one of the most distressing parts of the surgical journey. With combination pharmacological therapy recommended for PONV prophylaxis, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates whether perioperative palonosetron and dexamethasone is more efficacious than palonosetron administered alone. ⋯ Combination prophylaxis with palonosetron and dexamethasone reduces post-operative anti-emetic requirement, although is not associated with a significant difference in PONV. There was considerable heterogeneity in the studies, and trial sequential analysis indicates that further studies are needed to strengthen the clinical evidence.
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To develop algorithms to identify metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) patients and castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients, using health claims data and laboratory test results. ⋯ Comprehensive algorithms based on claims and laboratory data were developed to identify and distinguish patients with mCSPC and mCRPC. This will facilitate appropriate identification of mCSPC and mCRPC patients based on health claims data and better understanding of patient unmet needs in real-world settings.
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The management recommendations for patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in cryptogenic stroke are rapidly evolving. The data has expanded recently with four major trials demonstrating superiority of percutaneous device closure over medical management in preventing cryptogenic stroke recurrence. This paper aims to review the current literature for referring physicians who may encounter patients with patent foramen ovale before referring these patients to stroke specialists and/or interventional cardiologists. ⋯ Data from 4 major trials (RESPECT, CLOSE, DEFENSE-PFO, REDUCE) demonstrates the superiority of PFO closure over medical management alone in preventing cryptogenic stroke recurrence. Trials investigated mostly patients ≤60 years old, and therefore results may not be generalizable to the entire population. Further randomized trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of PFO closure in patients older than 60 years are warranted.Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common "occult" causes of cryptogenic stroke and should be excluded by ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. It is important to also rule out other causes of stroke, including hypercoagulable states, atherosclerotic lesions, other cardioembolic sources, and arterial dissection.Complications of PFO procedure include new-onset AF, development of scar tissue, risk of aortic root dilation and subsequent erosions, and potential thrombi formation on the device.PFO closure with medical therapy is more cost-effective than medical therapy alone.Patients who underwent PFO closure had lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those who did undergo closure.Development of the RoPE score has helped clinicians identify patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO who might be a candidate for PFO closure. A score of 7, 8, and 9-10 corresponds to a causal risk of 72%, 84%, and 88%, respectively, and defines a subset of patients who may benefit from PFO closure.Current guidelines recommend determining the need for PFO closure on a case-by-case basis, depending on risk factors, in patients age 60 or less with recent cryptogenic stroke in the setting of PFO.