Clinical medicine (London, England)
-
Hypercalcaemia of malignancy (HCM) is a common metabolic complication of advanced malignancies with a prevalence varying from 2-30%, depending on cancer type and disease stage. HCM is associated with impaired quality of life, increased risk of hospitalisation and limited survival. Evidence-based guidelines for management of HCM have been lacking to date, despite its prevalence and detrimental impact. ⋯ A systematic review and meta-analysis was commissioned to support the guideline development process. Key suggestions include the use of denosumab in preference to intravenous bisphosphonates as first-line treatment for HCM and the use of denosumab in cases of recurrent or refractory HCM in patients previously treated with intravenous bisphosphonates. The guideline also identifies priority areas for future research.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Influence of seasonal and operator variations on diagnostic accuracy of lateral flow devices during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lateral flow tests (LFT) are point-of-care rapid antigen tests that allow isolation and control of disease outbreaks through convenient, practical testing. However, studies have shown significant variation in their diagnostic accuracy. We conducted a systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy of LFTs for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to identify potential factors affecting their performance. ⋯ LFTs display good sensitivity and extremely good specificity for SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection; they become more sensitive in patients with symptoms and when performed by trained professionals.
-
The value of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment or prevention of various conditions is often viewed with scepticism as a result of contradictory results of randomised trials. It is now becoming apparent that there is a pattern to these inconsistencies. A recent large trial has shown that high-dose intermittent bolus vitamin D therapy is ineffective at preventing rickets - the condition that is most unequivocally caused by vitamin D deficiency. ⋯ Meta-analyses of vitamin D supplementation in prevention of acute respiratory infection and trials in tuberculosis and other conditions also support efficacy of low dose daily maintenance rather than intermittent bolus dosing. This is particularly relevant during the current COVID-19 pandemic given the well-documented associations between COVID-19 risk and vitamin D deficiency. We would urge that clinicians take note of these findings and give strong support to widespread use of daily vitamin D supplementation.
-
Non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) has assumed an important role in the management of respiratory failure because it provides ventilatory support without the need for an invasive airway. However, its effectiveness remains unclear. ⋯ The usage of NPPV was associated with significantly decreased intubation (pooled OR=0.23, 95% CI 0.12-0.42, p<0.001) and ICU mortality rate (pooled OR=0.34, 95% CI 0.20-0.60, p<0.001), but did not influence the hospital mortality rate (pooled OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.32-1.81, p=0.543) and the length of ICU or hospital stay (ICU stay: difference in means=0.38, 95% CI -3.01 to 3.77, p=0.825; hospital stay: difference in means=2.76, 95% CI -1.74 to 7.27, p=0.229). In conclusion, usage of NPPV in patients with ARF is associated with lower intubation and in-ICU mortality rate.