Plos One
-
Meta Analysis
The effect of statins on mortality in septic patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Statins are among the most prescribed drugs worldwide and their recently discovered anti-inflammatory effect seems to have an important role in inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine production, chemokines expression and counteracting the harmful effects of sepsis on the coagulation system. We decided to perform a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials ever published on statin therapy in septic patients to evaluate their effect on survival and length of hospital stay. ⋯ Published data show that statin therapy has no effect on mortality in the overall population of adult septic patients. Scientific evidence on statins role in septic patients is still limited and larger randomized trials should be performed on this topic.
-
Interstitial lung disease associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS-ILD) shows several patterns such as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Although UIP is a well-recognized prognostic determinant in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, whether this is also the case in pSS-ILD is unclear. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prognostic effect of UIP, and to identify the prognostic factors in pSS-ILD. ⋯ UIP in pSS-ILD was not related to poorer prognosis than NSIP. Assessment of detailed clinical-radiologic-pathologic findings is more important than distinguishing UIP to evaluate prognosis in this disease.
-
Meta Analysis
Lack of an association between CYP11B2 C-344T gene polymorphism and ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis of 7,710 subjects.
The association between aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) C-344T gene polymorphism and ischemic stroke remains controversial and ambiguous. To better explain the association between CYP11B2 polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk, a meta-analysis was performed. ⋯ The present meta-analysis suggested that CYP11B2 C-344T polymorphism was unlikely contribute to ischemic stroke susceptibility.
-
Interleukin (IL)-5 is believed to be a key cytokine in eosinophil inflammatory infiltration in asthma. Previous clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody against IL-5, in patients with asthma. However, most of these studies were small, the conclusions were inconsistent, and the precise effects are therefore debatable. ⋯ Mepolizumab reduces the risk of exacerbations and improves quality of life in patients with eosinophilic asthma, but no significant improvement in lung function outcomes was observed. Further research is required to establish the possible role of anti-IL-5 as a therapy for asthma.
-
Meta Analysis
Obesity and risk of hip fracture in adults: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
Many observational studies assessed the association between obesity and risk of hip fracture in adults, but reported controversial results. Our goal was to evaluate the association between obesity and risk of hip fracture in adults by conducting a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. ⋯ This meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies suggests that obesity significantly decreases the risk of hip fracture in adults, and obesity is probably a protective factor of hip fracture in adults.