Video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy in achieving successful emergency endotracheal intubations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Intubating a patient in an emergent setting presents significant challenges compared to planned intubation in an operating room. This study aims to compare video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy in achieving successful endotracheal intubation on the first attempt in emergency intubations, irrespective of the clinical setting.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception until 27 February 2023. We included only randomized controlled trials that included patients who had undergone emergent endotracheal intubation for any indication, regardless of the clinical setting. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool 2 (ROB2) to assess the included studies. We used the mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR), with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), to pool the continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included with a total of 2470 patients. The overall analysis favored video laryngoscopy over direct laryngoscopy in first-attempt success rate (RR = 1.09, 95% CI [1.02, 1.18], P = 0.02), first-attempt intubation time (MD =  - 6.92, 95% CI [- 12.86, - 0.99], P = 0.02), intubation difficulty score (MD =  - 0.62, 95% CI [- 0.86, - 0.37], P < 0.001), peri-intubation percentage of glottis opening (MD = 24.91, 95% CI [11.18, 38.64], P < 0.001), upper airway injuries (RR = 0.15, 95% CI [0.04, 0.56], P = 0.005), and esophageal intubation (RR = 0.37, 95% CI [0.15, 0.94], P = 0.04). However, no difference between the two groups was found regarding the overall intubation success rate (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In emergency intubations, video laryngoscopy is preferred to direct laryngoscopy in achieving successful intubation on the first attempt and was associated with a lower incidence of complications.

Does baricitinib reduce disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Baricitinib is a selective Janus kinase inhibitor that has recently been approved for treating certain autoimmune disorders. This meta-analysis pooled the conflicting results from all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We systemically searched four electronic databases. RCTs comparing baricitinib versus placebo were included. Our outcomes were pooled as the risk ratio (RR) in the random effects model. Our primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved a SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4) response. A total of three RCTs, comprising 1849 patients, were included. Baricitinib 4 mg was associated with a significantly higher proportion of patients who attained SRI-4 response at week 24 (RR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.05, 1.35], P < 0.01). However, this did not reach statistical significance with baricitinib 4 mg at week 52 and baricitinib 2 mg at both week 24 and week 52 (RR = 1.13, 95% CI [0.96, 1.34], P = 0.15; RR = 1.09, 95% CI [0.96, 1.24], P = 0.20; RR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.92, 1.19], P = 0.50, respectively). The risk for serious infections was higher in the baricitinib 4 mg group (RR = 2.23, 95% CI [1.13, 4.37], P = 0.02). Baricitinib 2 mg did not show any clinical benefit. In contrast, baricitinib 4 mg might have the potential to reduce SLE disease activity; however, further research is required to evaluate its long-term efficacy. Until higher-quality evidence is developed, the benefits and risks of baricitinib should be considered before initiating its therapy. Key Points • Baricitinib is a selective Janus kinase inhibitor that has recently been approved for treating certain autoimmune disorders; however, its efficacy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still inconclusive. • In our meta-analysis, baricitinib 2 mg did not show any clinical benefit. In contrast, baricitinib 4 mg significantly reduced SLE activity in terms of SRI-4 response at week 24. However, this did not reach statistical significance at week 52. • Further studies are required to investigate the long-term efficacy of baricitinib 4 mg in patients with SLE.

Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a challenging disease in its presentation and management as it may cause life-threatening hemorrhaging in vital organs and may resist several lines of treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in treating patients with ITP.

METHODS

We systematically searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception until 10 October 2022. We included all clinical trials, either controlled or single arm, and prospective and retrospective observational studies that evaluate the efficacy and safety of MMF in patients with ITP. We assessed the risk of bias using three tools (ROBINS-I, Cochrane ROB-2, and NIH), each for eligible study design.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 411 patients with ITP. We found that MMF demonstrated an overall response rate of (62.09%; 95% CI = [43.29 to 77.84]) and the complete response rate was (46.75%; 95% CI = [24.84 to 69.99]). The overall proportion of adverse events was (12%; 95% CI = [6 to 24]). After the sensitivity analysis, the overall response rate became 50%; 95% CI = [38 to 63]) and the complete response rate became (32%; 95% CI = [24 to 42]). However, MMF did not appear to affect white blood cell counts or hemoglobin levels significantly.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that MMF appears to be an effective and relatively safe treatment option for patients with ITP when combined with steroids and even in those who have not responded to standard therapies (steroid-resistant cases). Further research with well-designed studies is warranted to better understand the factors influencing treatment response and to refine the use of MMF in the management of ITP. An interactive version of our analysis can be accessed from here: https://databoard.shinyapps.io/mycophenolate_meta/.

Efficacy of different routes of vitamin B12 supplementation for the treatment of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the three different administration routes of vitamin B12: oral, intramuscular (IM), and sublingual (SL) routes.

METHODS

We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials). We included only comparative studies. We performed a frequentist network meta-analysis to measure network estimates for the relative outcomes. Moreover, we conducted a pairwise meta-analysis using a random effect model to obtain direct estimates for outcomes. All outcomes were continuous, and the relative treatment effects were pooled as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 4275 patients. Regarding increasing vitamin B12 levels, the IM route ranked first, followed by the SL route (MD = 94.09 and 43.31 pg/mL, respectively) compared to the oral route. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance owing to the limited number of studies. Regarding the hemoglobin level, the pooled effect sizes showed no difference between all routes of administration that could reach statistical significance. However, the top two ranked administration routes were the oral route (78.3) and the IM route (49.6).

CONCLUSION

All IM, oral, and SL routes of administration of vitamin B12 can effectively increase the level of vitamin B12 without significant differences between them, as thought previously. However, the IM route was the top-ranked statistically but without clinical significance. We found no significant difference among studied administrated routes in all other CBC parameters and homocysteine levels.

Efficacy and safety of isotonic versus hypotonic intravenous maintenance fluids in hospitalized children: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic hyponatremia is a common complication following intravenous maintenance fluid therapy (IV-MFT) in hospitalized children. Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2018 recommendations, IV-MFT prescribing practices still vary considerably.

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of isotonic versus hypotonic IV-MFT in hospitalized children.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central from inception to October 1, 2022.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing isotonic versus hypotonic IV-MFT in hospitalized children, either with medical or surgical conditions. Our primary outcome was hyponatremia following IV-MFT. Secondary outcomes included hypernatremia, serum sodium, serum potassium, serum osmolarity, blood pH, blood sugar, serum creatinine, serum chloride, urinary sodium, length of hospital stay, and adverse outcomes.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Random-effects models were used to pool the extracted data. We performed our analysis based on the duration of fluid administration (i.e., ≤ 24 and > 24 h). The Grades of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale was used to evaluate the strength and level of evidence for recommendations.

RESULTS

A total of 33 RCTs, comprising 5049 patients were included. Isotonic IV-MFT significantly reduced the risk of mild hyponatremia at both ≤ 24 h (RR = 0.38, 95% CI [0.30, 0.48], P < 0.00001; high quality of evidence) and > 24 h (RR = 0.47, 95% CI [0.37, 0.62], P < 0.00001; high quality of evidence). This protective effect of isotonic fluid was maintained in most examined subgroups. Isotonic IV-MFT significantly increased the risk of hypernatremia in neonates (RR = 3.74, 95% CI [1.42, 9.85], P = 0.008). In addition, it significantly increased serum creatinine at ≤ 24 h (MD = 0.89, 95% CI [0.84, 0.94], P < 0.00001) and decreased blood pH (MD = -0.05, 95% CI [-0.08 to -0.02], P = 0.0006). Mean serum sodium, serum osmolarity, and serum chloride were lower in the hypotonic group at ≤ 24 h. The two fluids were comparable in terms of serum potassium, length of hospital stay, blood sugar, and the risk of adverse outcomes.

LIMITATIONS

The main limitation of our study was the heterogeneity of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

Isotonic IV-MFT was superior to the hypotonic one in reducing the risk of iatrogenic hyponatremia in hospitalized children. However, it increases the risk of hypernatremia in neonates and may lead to renal dysfunction. Given that the risk of hypernatremia is not important even in the neonates, we propose to use balanced isotonic IV-MFT in hospitalized children as it is better tolerated by the kidneys than 0.9% saline.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022372359. Graphical abstract A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Environmental detection and spreading of mpox in healthcare settings: a narrative review

Monkeypox virus (MPXV), which causes Monkeypox (Mpox), has recently been found outside its usual geographic distribution and has spread to 117 different nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the epidemic a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Humans are at risk from MPXV's spread, which has raised concerns, particularly in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. The risk of virus transmission may rise due to the persistence of MPXV on surfaces or in wastewater. The risk of infection may also increase due to insufficient wastewater treatment allowing the virus to survive in the environment. To manage the infection cycle, it is essential to investigate the viral shedding from various lesions, the persistence of MPXV on multiple surfaces, and the length of surface contamination. Environmental contamination may contribute to virus persistence and future infection transmission. The best possible infection control and disinfection techniques depend on this knowledge. It is thought to spread mainly through intimate contact. However, the idea of virus transmission by environmental contamination creates great concern and discussion. There are more cases of environmental surfaces and wastewater contamination. We will talk about wastewater contamination, methods of disinfection, and the present wastewater treatment in this review as well as the persistence of MPXV on various environmental surfaces.

Association of serum leptin and ghrelin levels with smoking status on body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims

Smoking cigarettes is a major global health problem that affects appetite and weight. The aim of this systematic review was to determine how smoking affected plasma leptin and ghrelin levels.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Ovid was conducted using a well-established methodology to gather all related publications.

Results

A total of 40 studies were included in the analysis of 11,336 patients. The overall effect showed a with a mean difference (MD) of -1.92[95%CI; -2.63: -1.20] and p = 0.00001. Subgroup analysis by study design revealed significant differences as well, but with high heterogeneity within the subgroups (I2 of 82.3%). Subgroup by sex showed that there was a significant difference in mean difference between the smoking and non-smoking groups for males (MD = -5.75[95% CI; -8.73: -2.77], p = 0.0002) but not for females (MD = -3.04[95% CI; -6.6:0.54], p = 0.10). Healthy, pregnant, diabetic and CVD subgroups found significant differences in the healthy (MD = -1.74[95% CI; -03.13: -0.35], p = 0.01) and diabetic (MD = -7.69[95% CI, -1.64: -0.73], p = 0.03). subgroups, but not in the pregnant or cardiovascular disease subgroups. On the other hand, the meta-analysis found no statistically significant difference in Ghrelin serum concentration between smokers and non-smokers (MD = 0.52[95% CI, -0.60:1.63], p = 0.36) and observed heterogeneity in the studies (I2 = 68%).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a correlation between smoking and serum leptin/ghrelin levels, which explains smoking's effect on body weight.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/ prospero/display_record.php, identifier (Record ID=326680).

Characteristics of sudden hearing loss after different COVID-19 vaccinations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 vaccines are essential to prevent complications and reduce the burden of SARS-CoV-2. However, these vaccines showed side effects such as fatigue, pain, fever, and rarely hearing loss. In this review, we aim to summarize studies investigating hearing loss following COVID-19 vaccination and try to find the possible association and risk factors for this hazardous complication.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, google scholar, Cochrane) from inception until 9 October 2022. We finally included 16 studies after the first and second scans. We used SPSS to analyze the extracted data.

RESULTS

A total of 630 patients were identified, with a mean age of 57.3. Of the patients, 328 out of 609 vaccinated patients took the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine, while 242 (40%) took the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The mean time from vaccination to hearing impairment was 6.2, ranging from a few hours to one month after the last dose. The results found a significant difference between vaccine types in terms of incidence and prognosis of the condition, while they showed that the number of doses prior to the onset had no significance.

CONCLUSION

SNHL has been reported in a small number of people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, but it is unclear at this time whether the vaccine is directly causing this condition. However, the COVID-19 vaccine has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in preventing illness, and the benefits of vaccination are significant compared to any potential risks.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

The protocol of this study was registered on Prospero CRD42022367180.

Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18,649 patients

BACKGROUND

In this meta-analysis, we aimed to update the clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of TXA in the prevention of PPH.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library from inception until December 2022 was conducted. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TXA with a placebo among pregnant women. All relevant outcomes, such as total blood loss, the occurrence of nausea and/or vomiting, and changes in hemoglobin, were combined as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) in the meta-analysis models using STATA 17 MP.

RESULTS

We included 59 RCTs (18,649 patients) in this meta-analysis. For cesarean birth, TXA was favored over the placebo in reducing total blood loss (MD= -2.11 mL, 95%CI [-3.09 to -1.14], P < 0.001), and occurrence of nausea or/and vomiting (OR = 1.36, 95%CI [1.07 to 1.74], P = 0.01). For vaginal birth, the prophylactic use of TXA was associated with lower total blood loss, and higher occurrence of nausea and/or vomiting (MD= -0.89 mL, 95%CI [-1.47 to -0.31], OR = 2.36, 95%CI [1.32 to 4.21], P = 0.02), respectively. However, there were no differences between the groups in changes in hemoglobin during vaginal birth (MD = 0.20 g/dl, 95%CI [-0.07 to 0.48], P = 0.15). The overall risk of bias among the included studies varies from low to high risk of bias using ROB-II tool for RCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggested that TXA administration is effective among women undergoing cesarean birth or vaginal birth in lowering total blood loss and limiting the occurrence of PPH. Further clinical trials are recommended to test its efficacy on high-risk populations.

Safety and efficacy of oxybutynin in patients with hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Sweating is a physiologic mechanism of human thermoregulation. Hyperhidrosis is defined as a somatic disorder where the sweating is exaggerated in an exact area because the sweat glands are hyperfunctioning. It negatively affects the quality of life of the patients. We aim to investigate patient satisfaction and the effectiveness of oxybutynin in treating hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

We prospectively registered the protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis on PROSPERO (CRD 42022342667). This systematic review and meta-analysis were reported according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. We searched three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) from inception until June 2, 2022, using MeSH terms. We include studies comparing patients with hyperhidrosis who received oxybutynin or a placebo. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (ROB2) for randomized controlled trials. The risk ratio was calculated for categorical variables, and the mean difference was calculated for continuous variables using the random effect model with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Six studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 293 patients. In all studies, patients were assigned to receive either Oxybutynin or Placebo. Oxybutynin represented an HDSS improvement (RR = 1.68 95% CI [1.21, 2.33], p = 0.002). It also can improve the quality of life. There is no difference between oxybutynin and placebo regarding dry mouth (RR = 1.68 95% CI [1.21, 2.33], p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that using oxybutynin as a treatment for hyperhidrosis is significant and needs to be highlighted for clinicians. However, more clinical trials are needed to grasp the optimum benefit.

Gaming behavior disorder and its association with social phobia during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study among the young Arabs

Background

Gaming addiction is a compulsive mental health condition that can have severe negative consequences on a person's life. As online gaming has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown a heightened risk of mental health issues. This study aims to assess the prevalence of severe phobia and addiction to online gaming among Arab adolescents and identify risk factors associated with these disorders.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted across 11 Arab nations. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling through an online survey distributed on social media platforms in 11 Arab countries. The survey included demographic questions, the Nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS-SF9) to measure participants' online gaming addiction, the Social Phobia Scale (SPS), and questions assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of internet gaming addiction. The data were analyzed using SPSS win statistical package version 26.

Results

Out of 2,458 participants, 2,237 were included in the sample due to non-response and missing data. The average age of the participants was 19.9 ± 4.8 years, and the majority were Egyptian and unmarried. 69% of the participants reported playing more than usual since the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were confined to their homes. Higher social phobia scores were associated with being single, male, and Egyptian. Participants from Egypt and those who felt that the pandemic significantly increased their gaming time had higher scores for online gaming addiction. Several major criteria, such as playing hours per day and beginning gaming at an early age, were associated with a higher level of online gaming addiction with social phobia.

Conclusion

The study's findings suggest that there is a high prevalence of internet gaming addiction among Arab adolescents and young adults who play online games. The results also indicate a significant association between social phobia and several sociodemographic factors, which may inform future interventions and treatments for individuals with gaming addiction and social phobia.

Efficacy and safety of calcium channel blockers in preventing cardiac siderosis in thalassemia patients: An updated meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

OBJECTIVES

Iron overload in patients with thalassemia represents a serious complication by affecting numerous organ systems. This meta-analysis aims to establish an evidence regarding the effect of amlodipine on cardiac iron overload in thalassemia patients.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and EMBASE for all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes were cardiac T2* and myocardial iron concentration (MIC). Secondary outcomes were liver iron concentration (LIC), risk of Gastrointestinal (G.I.) upset and risk of lower limb edema. We used Hedges' g to pool continuous outcomes, while odds ratio was used for dichotomous outcomes.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs were eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis, comprising of 233 patients included in the analysis. Amlodipine had a statistically significant lower MIC (Hedges' g = -0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.40, -0.24], p < .001) and higher cardiac T2* (Hedges' g = 0.36, 95% CI [0.10, 0.62], p = .03). Amlodipine was comparable to standard chelation therapy in terms of the risk of lower limb edema and GI upset.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis found that amlodipine significantly increases cardiac T2* and decreases MIC, hence decreasing the incidence of cardiomyopathy-related iron overload in thalassemia patients.

Efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with severe COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the existing evidence and to quantitatively synthesise evidence on the impact of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on severe COVID-19 patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022316331). We systemically searched six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, clinicaltrial.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception until 1 June 2022. We included studies comparing patients who received TPE versus those who received the standard treatment. For risk of bias assessment, we used the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, the ROBINS1 tool, and the Newcastle Ottawa scale for RCTs, non-RCTs, and observational studies, respectively. Continuous data were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD), and dichotomous data were pooled as risk ratio in the random effect model with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Thirteen studies (one randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 12 non-RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 829 patients. There is a moderate-quality evidence from one RCT that TPE reduces the lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (SMD -1.09, 95% CI [-1.59 to -0.60]), D-dimer (SMD -0.86, 95% CI [-1.34 to -0.37]), and ferritin (SMD -0.70, 95% CI [-1.18 to -0.23]), and increases the absolute lymphocyte count (SMD 0.54, 95% CI [0.07-1.01]), There is low-quality evidence from mixed-design studies that TPE was associated with lower mortality (relative risk 0.51, 95% CI [0.35-0.74]), lower IL-6 (SMD -0.91, 95% CI [-1.19 to -0.63]), and lower ferritin (SMD -0.51, 95% CI [-0.80 to -0.22]) compared to the standard control. Among severely affected COVID-19 patients, TPE might provide benefits such as decreasing the mortality rate, LDH, D-dimer, IL-6, and ferritin, in addition to increasing the higher absolute lymphocyte count. Further well-designed RCTs are needed.

Hearing Loss After COVID-19 Vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT. Background: Hearing loss is generally classified as conductive hearing loss (CHL) and sensory-neural hearing loss (SNHL). It has been reported that COVID-19 infection may affect the vestibular-hearing system causing dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing impairment. However, other studies reported that COVID-19 did not lead to significant hearing impairment. Many studies in the literature have reported hearing loss as a complication of COVID-19 vaccines. However, no systematic review or meta-analysis summarizes the literature on this topic.   Method: We performed a comprehensive search for the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane (Medline), Web of Science, and Scopus. All studies published in English till October 2022 were included. These include case reports, case series, prospective and retrospective observational studies, and clinical trials reporting hearing loss following COVID-19 vaccines. Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias for observational studies. NIH tools were used for non-controlled before and after clinical trials and case reports and case series. A third author solved any disagreements. We analyzed the data using SPSS Software version 26.   Results: A total of 630 patients were identified, with a mean age of 57.3 that ranged from 15 to 93 years old. The majority of the patients were females, 339 (53.8%). In addition, 328 out of 609 vaccinated patients took the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine, while 242 (40%) took the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The mean time from vaccination to hearing impairment was 6.2, ranging from a few hours to one month after the last dose. Most patients reported unilateral sensorineural hearing loss post-vaccination 593 (94.1%). In order to report the fate of cases, a follow-up was initiated with a mean of 15.6 and a range of 2 to 63 days after the initiation of the treatment. A total of 20 patients were fully recovered, and 11 reported no response. Three out of 328 patients who took the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine fully recovered, while five reported partial recovery. According to the chi-squared test, there is a statistically significant difference between patients in terms of fate and the type of COVID-19 vaccination (P-value = 0.001) while reporting no significant difference in dose number prior to the onset of the symptoms (P-value = 0.65) and gender (P-value = 0.4). The ANOVA test was conducted to compare vaccine types and the number of doses in terms of mean time from vaccination to hearing impairment onset. The results found a significant difference between vaccine types (P-value < 0.000) while showing no significance in terms of the number of doses prior to the onset (P-value = 0.6).   Conclusion: There is a statistically significant difference between patients in terms of fate and the type of COVID-19 vaccination while reporting no significant difference in dose number prior to the onset of the symptoms and gender. Further, we concluded that there is a significant difference between vaccine types while showing no significance in terms of the number of doses prior to the onset.

The potential role of vitamin E in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

As an antioxidant, vitamin E (VitE) may benefit the erythrocytes by protecting glutathione from oxidation by free radicals and peroxide-generating processes.

METHODS

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines when reporting this systematic review. We searched 6 electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) until May 8, 2022. We included all relevant studies. According to the study design, the Cochrane assessment tool (Risk of Bias 2), Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions checklists, and National Institutes of Health tools were used to assess the risk of bias.Continuous data were pooled as a mean difference (MD) with a relative 95% confidence interval. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022333848).

RESULTS

Six studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 181 patients. Compared with the control group, VitE significantly improved the hemoglobin level for chronic hemolysis (MD = 2.72 g/dL, P < .0001) and for acute hemolysis (MD = 1.18 g/dL, P < .0001). It also decreased the reticulocyte level for chronic hemolysis (MD = -1.39 P < .0001) and for acute hemolysis (MD = -1.42%, P < .0001). For before and after studies, the use of VitE significantly improved the level of packed cell volume (MD = 0.56%, P < .00001), red blood cell half-life (MD = 2.19 days, P < .0001), and decreased the reticulocytes level (MD = -1.41%, P < .00001).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, VitE might provide benefits such as increasing the hemoglobin, packed cell volume levels, red blood cell half-life, and decreasing the reticulocyte level, so reducing hemolysis. Further high-quality, well-designed randomized controlled trials are recommended.

Up-to-Date Review of Meningococcal Meningitis: Global Challenges and Recommendations

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is warning about a new outbreak of meningococcal meningitis among gay, bisexual, and other men that have sex with men (MSM) due to multiple cases reported in Florida. Meningococcal meningitis (MM) is a bacterial infection often spread by direct contact or through respiratory droplet dissemination from an infected person to a host. Meningitis can cause a wide range of complications, from thrombosis to cerebral edema or even septic shocks as the bacteria thrive on colonizing the submucosa of blood vessels adjacent to inflamed meninges. The CDC urged MSM to immediately take the MenACWY vaccine. 200 years ago, several outbreaks have been recorded of the disease throughout history, the first being in Africa in the 1840s. The world cannot afford more outbreaks and serious measures should be taken to contend with and contain such potential threats. In this review, we aim to provide an updated investigation of the bacterial infection relevant to the current global health status and a revision on what governments, policymakers, health providers, and individuals should do to prevent the further spread of this fatal disease.

Percutaneous catheter drainage versus needle aspiration for liver abscess management: an updated systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

Background

Liver abscess is a life-threatening condition. Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) and percutaneous needle aspiration (PNA) are both minimally invasive techniques used to manage liver abscess. We aim to compare both techniques' efficacy and safety.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis involving randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, WOS, Cochrane, and Google scholar until July 22^nd, 2022. We pooled dichotomous outcomes using risk ratio (RR) presented with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and continuous outcomes using mean difference (MD) with 95% CI. We registered our protocol with ID: CRD42022348755.

Results

We included 15 RCTs with 1,626 patients. Pooled RR favored PCD (RR: 1.21 with 95% CI: 1.11, 1.31, P<0.00001) in success rate and recurrence after six months (RR: 0.41 with 95% CI: 0.22, 0.79, P=0.007). We found no difference in adverse events (RR: 2.2 with 95% CI: 0.51, 9.54, P=0.29). Pooled MD favored PCD in time to clinical improvement (MD: -1.78 with 95% CI: -2.50, -1.06, P<0.00001), time to achieve 50% reduction (MD: -2.83 with 95% CI: -3.36, -2.30], P<0.00001) and duration of antibiotic needed (MD: -2.13 with 95% CI: -3.84, -0.42, P=0.01). We found no difference in the duration of hospitalization (MD: -0.72 with 95% CI: -1.48, 0.03, P=0.06). The results were heterogeneous for all the continuous outcomes which were all measured in days.

Conclusions

Our updated meta-analysis concluded that PCD is more effective than PNA in liver abscess drainage. However, evidence is still uncertain, and more high-quality trials are still required to confirm our results.

Could the New BA.2.75 Sub-Variant Cause the Emergence of a Global Epidemic of COVID-19? A Scoping Review

With over 58 million cases and 6 million deaths by August 2022, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), causing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2), has had an insurmountable impact on the world’s population. This is one of the worst health crises since 1918’s influenza pandemic. There are four subvariants of Omicron; BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2 and BA.3. As a result of new mutations in its spike protein, most of which occur in its receptor binding site, the Omicron variant appears to be more transmissible and less resistant to vaccination and antibody response. Understanding Omicron’s virology and mutations is essential to developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods. A thorough assessment of control measures, as well as timely adjustment of control measures, requires addressing such issues as re-infection risk, vaccine response, booster vaccine doses, and the increased rate of Omicron infections. This review article aims to look at the current information about the different types of SARs-CoV-2, focusing on the new subtype BA.2.75.